Thoughts on A3 2.0T Quattro performance upgrades

[kga1978]

I'm getting a little tired of our 2018 A3 because it's rather dull and have been considering getting a Golf R when it comes out later in the year. However, I thought that I should maybe do a few performance tweaks to the A3 to make it more fun to drive, so I started looking into that and found a few good options as far as I can tell.

I have previously used the Eurodyne ECU / TCU combo, and while the ECU tune is pretty good, the TCU/DSG tune is completely trash, so I have been driving stock for the last couple of years. Instead of that combo, here's what I'm considering:

Almost certainly will get

• APR ECU/TCU tune (I also considered Unitronic since I like the at-home convenience, but we have an APR shop nearby (San Diego), so I thought probably stick to that).
• APR cold-air intake - mostly just for a bit more sound since I'm sure it won't do all that much for performance...
• 034 Rear sway bar

Will probably get

• APR Coil packs + a new set of spark plugs (20k miles only on the car though)
• APR Turbo inlet

Unsure

• 034 Rear sway bar end links
• APR Charge pipe set
• APR/034 Dogbone mount
• APR/034 Pendulum mount
• APR/034 Turbo muffler delete
• 034 Resonator Delete

Okay, so that's a lot, but hey, I might as well do most of it in one go. As for the car, it's still our daily driver and while we definitely want it to be more sporty, it still has to be easy to drive, quiet while cruising, etc.

Any thoughts on the above? Things I definitely should / definitely should not get on the list above? Things like the dogbone and/or(?) pendulum mounts could move up to the "definitely get" list, but I can't get a good read on whether it might make the car too rough for a daily. Turbo muffler delete seems like almost certainly no and I can't get a good sense of whether the resonator delete might make the car drone / too loud.

Any advice would be much appreciated.

[Sv2k]

If you want the car feel more sporty definitely get ECU/TCU tune. Then maybe think about getting suspension upgrades? Especially if the car does not have sport suspension, getting springs or coil overs will change how the car feels and handles and give it more sporty looks too. I’d definitely consider that before getting things like charge pipes, turbo muffler delete, intake, or resonator delete.


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[kga1978]

Ah, yes, suspension. I forgot to mention that, but the car actually has the sport suspension already and I'm pretty happy with that. Only, it would be great if it'd corner better, hence I was considering the upgraded (rear) sway bar. Would that do the trick? Should I consider a front one?

And yeah, charge pipes, turbo muffler delete, or resonator delete I'm not so sure about - but happy to consider if others think it's worth it. Cost isn't too much of a consideration here - just want to get it right.

[X1CONROE]

Consider Cobb for tune.

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[kga1978]

Consider Cobb for tune.

I have seen Cobb come up a number of times in discussions - is it specifically better, or just different? From my reading, it seems like the 'canned' tunes may not be all that great, but the custom ones are?

Love the idea of the Accessport with the ability to change from a dedicated device.

[Badger Audi]

if you already know you're going to get rid of it, i'd save the $$ and put it into your next project IMO

[spacecase]

The new Golf R coming out are really nice but I can imagine them being hard to find and have some ridiculous mark ups. If you intend on maybe selling your car but want some short term fun just get an Accessport and get a flash tune from EQT or Stratified. At least when you sell the car you can sell the accessport to recoup some of your costs and it allows you the luxury to add and remove tunes at your home.

[Sv2k]

The new Golf R coming out are really nice but I can imagine them being hard to find and have some ridiculous mark ups. If you intend on maybe selling your car but want some short term fun just get an Accessport and get a flash tune from EQT or Stratified. At least when you sell the car you can sell the accessport to recoup some of your costs and it allows you the luxury to add and remove tunes at your home.

Can’t you use that same access port for another Audi or Golf?


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[Chaoscreature]

Only, it would be great if it'd corner better,

Upgrading your tires is transformative. You would be surprised how fast a stock car can go around corners with better tires. If all you have ever driven on are All-Season tires, give some decent summer tires a chance, but get a second set of wheels so you can have some winter tires as well.

[kga1978]

Upgrading your tires is transformative. You would be surprised how fast a stock car can go around corners with better tires. If all you have ever driven on are All-Season tires, give some decent summer tires a chance, but get a second set of wheels so you can have some winter tires as well.

The sport package comes with summer tires, so that's what we're on - time to upgrade though. Any good options? I'm in San Diego so suffice to say, no need for winter tires... ;).

if you already know you're going to get rid of it, i'd save the $$ and put it into your next project IMO

Sorry, should have clarified - I'm planning on doing all of this so I don't have to buy a different car - I'd keep it. I have had no issues so far, so if it could be a little more fun to drive, I'd keep it for several years.

[kga1978]

Oh, and San Diego = California, so seems like e.g., EQT is out :(.

[EthanS]

Ah, yes, suspension. I forgot to mention that, but the car actually has the sport suspension already and I'm pretty happy with that. Only, it would be great if it'd corner better, hence I was considering the upgraded (rear) sway bar. Would that do the trick? Should I consider a front one?

And yeah, charge pipes, turbo muffler delete, or resonator delete I'm not so sure about - but happy to consider if others think it's worth it. Cost isn't too much of a consideration here - just want to get it right.

I can speak to the rear sway bar. I've got a sport suspension A3 too and have been using the 034 rear sway bar for a few months now. It is a no brainer in my opinion. It has changed the car's handling characteristics from a tendency to understeer towards a tendency to oversteer in corners (lift-off oversteer).

Front sway bar should add a quicker, more direct turn-in feel, but 034 designed the RSB to work in conjunction with the stock front sway bar.

Also since nobody touched on it, I would also recommend the 034 dog bone inserts, unless ofcourse you're highly sensitive to added vibrations through the seat and steering wheel. You can definitely tell the transmission has a lot less slop in it and shifts feel ever so slightly more crisp.

[aaronc7]

APR ECU/TCU tune
APR cold-air intake
034 Rear sway bar
APR Coil packs + a new set of spark plugs
APR Turbo inlet
034 Rear sway bar end links
APR Charge pipe set
APR/034 Dogbone mount
APR/034 Pendulum mount
APR/034 Turbo muffler delete
034 Resonator Delete

- Cobb AP + tune of choice is a no brainer in this day and age. And it has significant resale value, or you can even buy one used and save $$.
- Intake is fine, mostly noise maker. If you want a good value, get a drop in AFE air filter, remove the snow grate and get turbo inlet of choice
- Have not ran a RSB on this car, but been thinking about it myself. Personally I will stay far away from 034 though.
- Coil packs a waste of money, new spark plugs is never a bad idea. Look at the new NGK ruthenium or "RS7" aka NGK 91006 if you're going to get tuned
- Motor mounts are good for ultimate grip and response, but consider the downside of additional vibrations and noise and harshness. I've went too far before and regretted it. I'm still on stock mounts, not enough issues to make it worth taking away comfort-- IMO.
- Turbo muffler delete is a huge waste of money

[Chaoscreature]

kga1978,
I didn't know any of the A3's came with summer tires. I would have asked them to swap my tires out!

I'm in San Diego too, Vista to be precise.
I did some chassis and suspension mods on my car that I love, you can check them out and drive my car if you want. Personally I find power mods a bit over-rated. You can go recklessly fast on any of our back roads without ever flooring the gas pedal if you can carry some momentum around the corners. I used to lead back roads Porsche tours in my MK6 Jetta TDI when my 993 transmission blew a gear, and never had a problem keeping the group entertained.

[EthanS]

kga1978,
I didn't know any of the A3's came with summer tires. I would have asked them to swap my tires out!

I'm in San Diego too, Vista to be precise.
I did some chassis and suspension mods on my car that I love, you can check them out and drive my car if you want. Personally I find power mods a bit over-rated. You can go recklessly fast on any of our back roads without ever flooring the gas pedal if you can carry some momentum around the corners. I used to lead back roads Porsche tours in my MK6 Jetta TDI when my 993 transmission blew a gear, and never had a problem keeping the group entertained.

Summer tires came with the 19" wheels option. All the A3s equipped with 17" and 18" wheels got all seasons.

[Chaoscreature]

Summer tires came with the 19" wheels option. All the A3s equipped with 17" and 18" wheels got all seasons.

Haha, I didn't even know A3's came with 19's! Pretty much all of the A3's at my local dealer had the same 18" wheels as my car. Thanks!

[Sv2k]

I can speak to the rear sway bar. I've got a sport suspension A3 too and have been using the 034 rear sway bar for a few months now. It is a no brainer in my opinion. It has changed the car's handling characteristics from a tendency to understeer towards a tendency to oversteer in corners (lift-off oversteer).

Front sway bar should add a quicker, more direct turn-in feel, but 034 designed the RSB to work in conjunction with the stock front sway bar.

Also since nobody touched on it, I would also recommend the 034 dog bone inserts, unless ofcourse you're highly sensitive to added vibrations through the seat and steering wheel. You can definitely tell the transmission has a lot less slop in it and shifts feel ever so slightly more crisp.

Which setting do you have your 034 RSB on? Softer or harder one?

Was thinking of adding one to my a3 also.


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[Sv2k]

- Cobb AP + tune of choice is a no brainer in this day and age. And it has significant resale value, or you can even buy one used and save $$.
- Intake is fine, mostly noise maker. If you want a good value, get a drop in AFE air filter, remove the snow grate and get turbo inlet of choice
- Have not ran a RSB on this car, but been thinking about it myself. Personally I will stay far away from 034 though.
- Coil packs a waste of money, new spark plugs is never a bad idea. Look at the new NGK ruthenium or "RS7" aka NGK 91006 if you're going to get tuned
- Motor mounts are good for ultimate grip and response, but consider the downside of additional vibrations and noise and harshness. I've went too far before and regretted it. I'm still on stock mounts, not enough issues to make it worth taking away comfort-- IMO.
- Turbo muffler delete is a huge waste of money

What’s the issue with 034 RSB? Or you just don’t like their products in general?

I like 034 RSB because it’s solid and thinner than most other competing products. I’ve seen somewhere that thicker hollow bars are harder to install.


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[Spinnetti]

I'd 2nd the notion that if you are going to trade it in, don't mod it. Will likely have to remove the mods unless they are unnoticeable. I'd say drive it as is until you get the R. OR, mod the crap out of it and keep it. To your list, coil packs are a waste unless yours are bad, no need for plugs, and the APR intake didn't have any noticeable sound change for me (I'm running the enclosed one, not the open "hot air intake". You can't feel any difference with the charge pipes or turbo inlet either. The various bushing inserts really improve the car though - I have every one that 034 makes including the engine mounts and trailing arms. Biggest bang for the buck if you are going to mod is a stage 1 tune, rear sway bar and bushing inserts - and one you didn't mention which is front camber plates. Value falls off sharply after that....

PS, SV2k, the whole purpose in replacing the rear bar is to make it stiffer, not thinner! Hollow or solid has no impact on installation - the center of the bar doesn't do anything for stiffness so hollow is technically better since its lighter. The 034 rear bar (and endlinks) are great - I've run them on my MKv Fahrenheit, Beetle and the S3, but on the S3 it was just too soft even on the stiffer setting so I replaced it with the APR rear bar which is stiffer. Kinda hard to make it too stiff on the rear of the S3.

[Sv2k]

Brakes? Upgraded brakes can improve the feel of the car a bit. Especially if you are in CA and have to worry about emissions.


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[Sv2k]

I'd 2nd the notion that if you are going to trade it in, don't mod it. Will likely have to remove the mods unless they are unnoticeable. I'd say drive it as is until you get the R. OR, mod the crap out of it and keep it. To your list, coil packs are a waste unless yours are bad, no need for plugs, and the APR intake didn't have any noticeable sound change for me (I'm running the enclosed one, not the open "hot air intake". You can't feel any difference with the charge pipes or turbo inlet either. The various bushing inserts really improve the car though - I have every one that 034 makes including the engine mounts and trailing arms. Biggest bang for the buck if you are going to mod is a stage 1 tune, rear sway bar and bushing inserts - and one you didn't mention which is front camber plates. Value falls off sharply after that....

PS, SV2k, the whole purpose in replacing the rear bar is to make it stiffer, not thinner! Hollow or solid has no impact on installation - the center of the bar doesn't do anything for stiffness so hollow is technically better since its lighter. The 034 rear bar (and endlinks) are great - I've run them on my MKv Fahrenheit, Beetle and the S3, but on the S3 it was just too soft even on the stiffer setting so I replaced it with the APR rear bar which is stiffer. Kinda hard to make it too stiff on the rear of the S3.

I guess the though is that solid bar would be more stiff or just as stiff but thinner which may or may not be true.

Thanks for the feedback. I’ve been looking at 034, whiteline, and neuspeed.


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[EthanS]

Which setting do you have your 034 RSB on? Softer or harder one?

Was thinking of adding one to my a3 also.


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I'm running my RSB on the stiffer setting. Never bothered trying the soft setting.

One interesting point to note is when I first installed it, the car still felt like it had a tendency to understeer - more so than I expected because this isn't the first RSB I've added to a car so I knew what to expect.

Up until that point I was running 41 psi on all 4 tires, so I tried deflating down to 36 psi front and 33 psi rear. The difference in feel around corners was massive - I can't overstate that enough. If I had never adjusted tire Pressures I likely would've been disappointed.

All in all, 034 RSB was a very worthy upgrade. Don't hesitate

[Sv2k]

I'm running my RSB on the stiffer setting. Never bothered trying the soft setting.

One interesting point to note is when I first installed it, the car still felt like it had a tendency to understeer - more so than I expected because this isn't the first RSB I've added to a car so I knew what to expect.

Up until that point I was running 41 psi on all 4 tires, so I tried deflating down to 36 psi front and 33 psi rear. The difference in feel around corners was massive - I can't overstate that enough. If I had never adjusted tire Pressures I likely would've been disappointed.

All in all, 034 RSB was a very worthy upgrade. Don't hesitate

Interesting. What tire size and which tires?

I have 19 wheels and I assume OE all season tires, but I’m not sure.


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[Quartz05]

I've had my Unitronic tune for about 3 weeks now and have decided that the next thing I do will NOT be intake / exhaust, it's going to be suspension.

Pro Tip: If you're running a tuned A3 on the stock suspension you absolutely WILL encounter situations that make you think "oh shit, I gotta make it not do that."

[kga1978]

Thanks folks for all the feedback - much appreciated. So, a few things I locked into based on the feedback:

• Cobb Accessport - hopefully, as I had a hard time finding a shop that would ship to here. We'll see if it actually gets shipped... I'll probably go with Stratified mapping (or should I go EQT?)
• MST Performance Cold Air Intake - I was initially planning on doing the factory intake mod and dump in an aE dry filter, but I got a good deal on a used MST (also comes with turbo inlet)
• 034 rear sway bar + end links
• APR coil packs and NGK Racing Plugs - Heat Range: 9

The coil packs are a bit of an experiment (and the plugs overkill..) but I have heard people say either "they're super great" or "don't waste your money". Well, let's see what it's going to be .

May also go with 034 upper + lower dogbone mounts, but I'm a little unsure about added NVH?

Oh, and tires - I was wrong - I'm actually on all-seasons on the 18". I'll probably pick up a set of Michelin Pilot Sport 4S since the current tires are getting loud and I have never loved them. I mean, my other car is a Jeep Grand Cherokee running Nitto Ridge Grapplers (E load rating) and they're about as quiet as my Continental ProContact TX ones...

Anything else I should consider? Since I'm essentially doing this instead of replacing the car I have a bit of money left still in my budget. I'm going to stay at Stage I(+) - no plans on going higher.

[X1CONROE]

Thanks folks for all the feedback - much appreciated. So, a few things I locked into based on the feedback:

• Cobb Accessport - hopefully, as I had a hard time finding a shop that would ship to here. We'll see if it actually gets shipped... I'll probably go with Stratified mapping (or should I go EQT?)
• MST Performance Cold Air Intake - I was initially planning on doing the factory intake mod and dump in an aE dry filter, but I got a good deal on a used MST (also comes with turbo inlet)
• 034 rear sway bar + end links
• APR coil packs and NGK Racing Plugs - Heat Range: 9

The coil packs are a bit of an experiment (and the plugs overkill..) but I have heard people say either "they're super great" or "don't waste your money". Well, let's see what it's going to be .

May also go with 034 upper + lower dogbone mounts, but I'm a little unsure about added NVH?

Oh, and tires - I was wrong - I'm actually on all-seasons on the 18". I'll probably pick up a set of Michelin Pilot Sport 4S since the current tires are getting loud and I have never loved them. I mean, my other car is a Jeep Grand Cherokee running Nitto Ridge Grapplers (E load rating) and they're about as quiet as my Continental ProContact TX ones...

Anything else I should consider? Since I'm essentially doing this instead of replacing the car I have a bit of money left still in my budget. I'm going to stay at Stage I(+) - no plans on going higher.

Really glad you are considering COBB tube. I am very happy with the tune and accessport. I'll be getting the DSG tune very soon. Good luck with your build!

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[kga1978]

As feared, there's currently no way to get a new Accessport shipped to California and I don't see any used ones for sale on e.g., eBay. Guess I'll have to go back to APR for the tune, which is okay, but I really do like the openness of the Accessport. Bummer.

[Sv2k]

As feared, there's currently no way to get a new Accessport shipped to California and I don't see any used ones for sale on e.g., eBay. Guess I'll have to go back to APR for the tune, which is okay, but I really do like the openness of the Accessport. Bummer.

If you have ability and desire to tune yourself, I would highly recommend Uni tunes. I had 1+ ecu/tcu combo on my a3 and have no complaints or regrets. They have great support also.

I would swap out the plugs. They are not due for replacement yet, but it’s an easy and cheap thing to do to preempt any possible issues.

034 upper & lower insert, NVH was too much for me. The combo will eliminate the wheel hop, but in the end it was not worth it to me. Lower insert by itself is not that bad, but you run into risk of snapping or bending the dogbone. Upper insert adds a bunch of NVH. It’s a subjective thing and what’s a lot for me is acceptable or maybe even desirable to some. Fortunately, the inserts are cheap and easy to install. It’s worth a try. Even though I took mine out, I don’t regret it.


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[kga1978]

034 upper & lower insert, NVH was too much for me. The combo will eliminate the wheel hop, but in the end it was not worth it to me. Lower insert by itself is not that bad, but you run into risk of snapping or bending the dogbone. Upper insert adds a bunch of NVH. It’s a subjective thing and what’s a lot for me is acceptable or maybe even desirable to some. Fortunately, the inserts are cheap and easy to install. It’s worth a try. Even though I took mine out, I don’t regret it.

Thanks Sv2k - this is good to know. The car is my wife's daily and she's quite sensitive to this, so I might put this on the backburner for now. I have also considered trying out the pendulum from APR, which uses the stock dogbone (I think?), but I'm not quite sure if that's better or even does anything to improve the car?

[CavEsk1337]

Hands down go EQT on the tuning. They have a great customer base with every type of experience/question. Check out the Facebooks group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/EQTVAG and check out https://eqtuning.com/apps/help-center

[EthanS]

Hands down go EQT on the tuning. They have a great customer base with every type of experience/question. Check out the Facebooks group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/EQTVAG and check out https://eqtuning.com/apps/help-center

OP has already said there's no way for him to get an AP in California

[Elvir]

my personal opinion is that i thought i was gonna be happy with my A3. After tune, super good coilovers and wheels I was still bored with it.. It wasnt even just the performance its just the stock appearance. base seats, no special features. Moving to an S3 practically same car but just better in everyway made me feel better about owning same car.

Id say do not spend any more money if you feel bored with it, mods will not help you. Save money and get what you want.

[CavEsk1337]

OP has already said there's no way for him to get an AP in California

There is, you just have to have someone (friend, family memeber, etc) order it in their state then send it to you.

[kga1978]

There is, you just have to have someone (friend, family memeber, etc) order it in their state then send it to you.

I may or may not have gone this route....

[kga1978]

my personal opinion is that i thought i was gonna be happy with my A3. After tune, super good coilovers and wheels I was still bored with it.. It wasnt even just the performance its just the stock appearance. base seats, no special features. Moving to an S3 practically same car but just better in everyway made me feel better about owning same car.

Id say do not spend any more money if you feel bored with it, mods will not help you. Save money and get what you want.

Yeah, I'm totally with you, but I thought about this and I actually really like the car otherwise - it's simple and has the features I like. Having the sport package really helps here - the seats are much much better, and I like the contrast with the brown seats.

We'll see what I think after the mods. I just purchased it after my lease ended and have $5k in it, so not too bad if I end of wasting a couple of grand and then realizing I want something different.

The one main thing I DO miss is a manual. I'm just not a fan of DSGs / automatics - hence I had been thinking about going with the upcoming R.