Newbie Tune Advice (EQT, 034, Uni)

[AudiGeo]

Hi everyone -

I'm new to the Audi platform. Have been a BMW guy most of my life, specifically F30 N55 335... I had my car tuned with BM3, xHP Trans tune and FBO. Did most of the work myself on that car but it was time to move on. I recently picked up a 2018 S3 and I'm looking to tune Stage 1 for now. I've been doing my research on tunes specifically for this platform and I'm leaning toward three vendors at the moment (034 Motorsports, EQT, and Unitronics). I'm looking to do both ECU and TCU Stage 1 for now as the car is my DD. Can anyone shed some light on the specific tunes and why you would choose a specific platform? Any real world experience?

[CavEsk1337]

This has been covered hundreds of times. That being said, I would go EQT Via AccessPort for the multiple tuning options, and resale value of the AP when you sell. I had IE Stage 2 ECU/DSG and it was rock solid and quick, but at the time, once you hit stage 2 there was no room for growth which cost me to learn the hard way. I went EQT and haven't had a single complaint other then wait time occasionally, because they're always busy.

[AudiGeo]

This has been covered hundreds of times. That being said, I would go EQT Via AccessPort for the multiple tuning options, and resale value of the AP when you sell. I had IE Stage 2 ECU/DSG and it was rock solid and quick, but at the time, once you hit stage 2 there was no room for growth which cost me to learn the hard way. I went EQT and haven't had a single complaint other then wait time occasionally, because they're always busy.

Totally get it bud, I know it's been covered hundreds of times and trust me when I tell you that I've been researching all of the various companies ad nauseam for the past 3 days. I just wanted some real word user experiences without all the "fluff" from vendors. I appreciate it though.

[AudiGeo]

I'm also a bit confused with EQT. When you purchase the AP, does it come preloaded with COBB maps as well? Is COBB and EQT the same company, or is EQT just using the AP to flash their own maps?

[EthanS]

In a nutshell, COBB manufactures a device called the Accessport. Think of it simply as the bridge between a file/tune, and your car's ECU.

While COBB themselves have created maps for our vehicles that come preloaded on the device, from other's experiences, those maps aren't very good (people have had issues with knock and timing).

From there, individual tuning companies come and pick up the slack and create files that they can send you via email and you can load onto the Accessport, which then can flash the file directly to your car.

Some of the big tuners on this platform that work within the boundaries of COBB AP are EQT, Stratified, Sneekytuned, 5150. From what I've seen, EQT is by far and away the most popular choice. Go ahead and follow EQT's Facebook group if you're looking for more information.

Any of the above mentioned tunes will have to be purchased separate from the COBB AP and emailed to you. Bundled deals (AP + tunes) can be had around holiday season if you're patient.

Hope this helps.

[AudiGeo]

In a nutshell, COBB manufactures a device called the Accessport. Think of it simply as the bridge between a file/tune, and your car's ECU.

While COBB themselves have created maps for our vehicles that come preloaded on the device, from other's experiences, those maps aren't very good (people have had issues with knock and timing).

From there, individual tuning companies come and pick up the slack and create files that they can send you via email and you can load onto the Accessport, which then can flash the file directly to your car.

Some of the big tuners on this platform that work within the boundaries of COBB AP are EQT, Stratified, Sneekytuned, 5150. From what I've seen, EQT is by far and away the most popular choice. Go ahead and follow EQT's Facebook group if you're looking for more information.

Any of the above mentioned tunes will have to be purchased separate from the COBB AP and emailed to you. Bundled deals (AP + tunes) can be had around holiday season if you're patient.

Hope this helps.

Makes perfect sense, thank you for that!


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[AudiGeo]

Does EQT also offer a staged tune for the S3 DSG? I only see GTI and Golf R as an option when choosing DSG tune.

[EthanS]

Does EQT also offer a staged tune for the S3 DSG? I only see GTI and Golf R as an option when choosing DSG tune.

Yes they do offer the matching TCU (transmission) tune, and you're definitely going to want to buy it.

Keep in mind EQT has been tuning Golf GTI and R for years, and only recently offered solutions for the A3/S3. Therefore, they use VW terminology, but it's the same difference.

When you see IS20 GTI, and IS38 R, it is referring to which turbocharger you have.

You are going to select the IS38 option. Both the Golf R and S3 share the same turbo - IHI IS38. Similarly, the GTI and A3 also share the same turbo - IHI IS20.

[AudiGeo]

Thanks for the clarification. Now I just have to choose between all of these vendors and which one gives me the best bang for buck and OEM like drivability. I really like the Access port, just need to do a bit more comparison. I really appreciate the help man.

[EthanS]

Thanks for the clarification. Now I just have to choose between all of these vendors and which one gives me the best bang for buck and OEM like drivability. I really like the Access port, just need to do a bit more comparison. I really appreciate the help man.

No problem - this is a platform to help eachother learn after all...

Take your time, do your research and choose whatever best fits your needs!

[CavEsk1337]

Thanks for the clarification. Now I just have to choose between all of these vendors and which one gives me the best bang for buck and OEM like drivability. I really like the Access port, just need to do a bit more comparison. I really appreciate the help man.

EthanS couldn't have explained it any better.
Hop on the www.facebook.com/EQTVAG and read up about people switching from other tunes. That's what did it for me, and I agree their drivability is top notch along with linear power. I thought it was smoother then my IE stage 2 tune, but I'm well past stage 2 now. Great service and products with a very active community to help answer any questions you may have.

[EthanS]

If you do decide to go with an EQT tune via COBB AP, there's one sitting in the classifieds right now for $950 with the correct DSG/TCU files for your S3. Could save yourself $300.

https://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=907786

[AudiGeo]

If you do decide to go with an EQT tune via COBB AP, there's actually a new one sitting in the classifieds right now for $950 with the correct DSG/TCU files for your S3. Could save yourself $300.

https://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=907786

Thanks for this. I PN’ed the seller.


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[kretrop]

I've been happy with my EQT stage 1 93 tune paired with the DSG tune. I don't drive my car hard, so it's plenty for me. I also don't do the pops and bangs nonsense. I like the flexibility of the access port. I have no previous experience with it, and no experience with other tunes to compare on my 18 S3. I bought my stuff in a discounted bundle this past black Friday.

After the initial install and making sure all is good, I don't even keep the access port in the car.

I've had experience on various platforms and various companies over the years; EQT seems to be a solid company, and Ed seems to be a good guy who backs his product. The Facebook group can be a good resource, but can also be a bit harsh at times. There's one individual that works for EQT that knows his stuff, but I don't know that customer service should be his realm. Doesn't make the product bad, though. Just be aware that newbie questions can sometimes get piled up on in that group, and that can include from an EQT employee.

Good luck with your decision! Remember that at stage 1, there's not going to be a whole lot of difference between tuners in a canned off the shelf tune; they all offer great bang for your buck. If you have any thoughts of going bigger down the road, though, make sure you look at something flexible enough to accommodate you.

[JonDHansen]

I just went 034 stage 1 last week, I have no experience with the others mentioned. I chose them because I already had the flash cable and they also only charge $100 to go from stage 1 to stage 2, so when I get there it’s a cheap upgrade. I can also flash at home and not pay a shop. Something else I like about them is they are track guys so their tunes keep that in mind and are generally catered to continuous aggressive driving vs being good for just a 0-60 or 1/4 time.

For stage 1 cars all the vendors you mentioned are all pretty much going to be the same in hp and reliability. Stage 2 cars it seems EQT and UM are a pinch faster but you are really splitting hairs I think.

One thing to mention and someone can correct me if I’m wrong, I think with the Cobb access port you have to leave it plugged in all the time so it needs to be mounted somewhere in the car. I’m not a fan of that vs just flashing the car and being done.


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[AudiGeo]

OK so I went ahead and purchased the EQT AP with ECU and DSG tune from a member on this forum. I have a question though. Recently, my Google Earth view stopped working. I called the dealer and they scheduled an appointment for me for this coming Saturday. The SA said that there might be an update to the MMI that will enable it to work again. That, and some other work I have scheduled for a trim piece that needs to be replaced. My question is, if there IS an MMI update that will resolve this Google Earth issue, do they also update the ECU as well? My concern is that they update the MMI AND the ECU and then my tune becomes unusable because of it. In my F30 335 there were different modules that can be updated that left the others in tact. I'm not too familiar with this platform yet and was worried that they do things differently when updates are performed.

[AraS3]

One thing to mention and someone can correct me if I’m wrong, I think with the Cobb access port you have to leave it plugged in all the time so it needs to be mounted somewhere in the car. I’m not a fan of that vs just flashing the car and being done.


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No. once you flashed, you can hide it in your glove box. One advantage of AP is it acts as another gauge.. you can monitor up to 6 sensors from Knock, transmission oil temp to IAT... if you add all the costs, they are all pretty much the same.. the real value is with Cobb. You recoup 70% of the price on resale, and not to mention you save $$ for gauges...

[AraS3]

OK so I went ahead and purchased the EQT AP with ECU and DSG tune from a member on this forum. I have a question though. Recently, my Google Earth view stopped working. I called the dealer and they scheduled an appointment for me for this coming Saturday. The SA said that there might be an update to the MMI that will enable it to work again. That, and some other work I have scheduled for a trim piece that needs to be replaced. My question is, if there IS an MMI update that will resolve this Google Earth issue, do they also update the ECU as well? My concern is that they update the MMI AND the ECU and then my tune becomes unusable because of it. In my F30 335 there were different modules that can be updated that left the others in tact. I'm not too familiar with this platform yet and was worried that they do things differently when updates are performed.

Just unmarry the AP before bringing it to the dealer. This will revert back to the original ecu map. Then flash it agian when they are done.

[AudiGeo]

Definitely not going to flash the car before I bring it. My concern is they change the ECU or DSG software versions. Wouldn't that affect the tune or make it unflashable or inoperable?

[AraS3]

It won't matter because Cobb will overwrite them... Not all, only part of the ECU map that affects engine performance.

[AudiGeo]

It won't matter because Cobb will overwrite them... Not all, only part of the ECU map that affects engine performance.

That's great to hear. Thank you very much for the info.

[kingbrd1]

OK so I went ahead and purchased the EQT AP with ECU and DSG tune from a member on this forum. I have a question though. Recently, my Google Earth view stopped working. I called the dealer and they scheduled an appointment for me for this coming Saturday. The SA said that there might be an update to the MMI that will enable it to work again. That, and some other work I have scheduled for a trim piece that needs to be replaced. My question is, if there IS an MMI update that will resolve this Google Earth issue, do they also update the ECU as well? My concern is that they update the MMI AND the ECU and then my tune becomes unusable because of it. In my F30 335 there were different modules that can be updated that left the others in tact. I'm not too familiar with this platform yet and was worried that they do things differently when updates are performed.

I’m pretty sure google earth and audi models up to a certain MY stopped due to software or hardware change.


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[AudiGeo]

I’m pretty sure google earth and audi models up to a certain MY stopped due to software or hardware change.


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Exactly right, but I believe some MY cars can be updated at the dealer to make them work again.


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[kingbrd1]

Exactly right, but I believe some MY cars can be updated at the dealer to make them work again.


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Fair enough, I learn something every day.


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[AudiGeo]

Fair enough, I learn something every day.


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LoL… You and me both bud. I’m new to Audi so I’m learning something new every hour it seems


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