New 8V A3 owner here looking for mod advise

[Darknessxyz]

Hi all, I'm new to the Audi VW platform. I'm going to pick up a 2015 A3 2.0T Quattro Premium Plus with 70k miles on it next week. I'd like to have some advise on modding the A3.

My final goal for this car is around 350 whp. My plan is to swap in a IS38 turbo, Unitronic turbo back exhaust, ECS Tuning intercooler kit, IE intake kit (CA legal). I'll either tune the car myself with HPTuners (I've tuning experience on GM and Dodge) or get the Unitonic tune to save myself time and trouble. I've a few questions hoping you guys can give some advise:

1) with the stock IS20 turbo, is it possible (and safe) to push 350 whp, with 70k miles on the clock?
2) Did the stock fuel system capable to handle that kind of power?
3) Any advise or other route to achieve the similar whp goal?

The suspension upgrade already on my mod list. I rarely go to the track day now (getting old lol) maybe once a month. My driving style is usually around max torque rpm. So instead of spoofing the IS20 turbo to 7200rpm, I want more usable torque around 4-5500rpm. Any advise will be much appreciated.

PS: I tried the search button. Most of the result are for S3 but not A3.

[duffdbub]

You're going to kill that A3. Buy an S3

[texasboy21]

You're going to kill that A3. Buy an S3

THIS! If you want an A3 and then mod it to 350hp the answer is to get an S3. Then aim for 400!

[CXSnail]

Since you live in California, just buy the APR DTR6054 turbo. You'll make more than 350 through the stock downpipe and it comes with a tune that's all CARB legal. Make sure you buy the DSG tune at the same time.

https://www.goapr.com/products/engin...t_ea888_gen_3/


Also the big thread we have on it here
https://www.audizine.com/forum/showt...acement-System


Guys are running well into the 11s with this turbo on pump gas.

[Darknessxyz]

I totally understand those of you suggest buying a S3. However, even buying a used one, it's over 10-12k more here in the bay area. With that money I can get pretty much every mod I need.

[Darknessxyz]

Since you live in California, just buy the APR DTR6054 turbo. You'll make more than 350 through the stock downpipe and it comes with a tune that's all CARB legal. Make sure you buy the DSG tune at the same time.

https://www.goapr.com/products/engin...t_ea888_gen_3/


Also the big thread we have on it here
https://www.audizine.com/forum/showt...acement-System


Guys are running well into the 11s with this turbo on pump gas.

I'm having my eyes on this turbo. The Unitronic complete IS38 turbo upgrade kit is another option.

Yeah, live in CA sucks. Lucky I got a friend owns a smog station. As long as I pass visual and tail pipe test, I'm good.

[993140]

FYI, I have a 228 HP 2020 A3 quattro and recently did a 91-octane low torque APR tune + APR TCU tune. APR rates this tune at 323 HP. The car was transformed completely from sluggish to extremely responsive. Especially with the TCU tune which makes intelligent shifts at logical points. And, t's all CARB approved.

APR_A3_Tune.png

[Darknessxyz]

FYI, I have a 228 HP 2020 A3 quattro and recently did a 91-octane low torque APR tune + APR TCU tune. APR rates this tune at 323 HP. The car was transformed completely from sluggish to extremely responsive. Especially with the TCU tune which makes intelligent shifts at logical points. And, t's all CARB approved.

APR_A3_Tune.png

Care to share your mod for your A3? That's impressive.

[993140]

Care to share your mod for your A3? That's impressive.

That's it. As mentioned above, the 91 octane ECU tune highlighted and the TCU tune both from APR. I don't have any other mods relevant to the drivetrain. At least not yet.

[duffdbub]

FYI, I have a 228 HP 2020 A3 quattro and recently did a 91-octane low torque APR tune + APR TCU tune. APR rates this tune at 323 HP. The car was transformed completely from sluggish to extremely responsive. Especially with the TCU tune which makes intelligent shifts at logical points. And, t's all CARB approved.

APR_A3_Tune.png

That's a little bit more horsepower than the 93 Octane IE stage 1 tune I'm running but not nearly as torque-y. IE's claim is 389 FT-LBS.

[KJ2833C]

If you insist on doing this at that mileage.
I would at least check on carbon buildup and change the fuel injectors. they tend to clog up with carbon.
Buy a new seat and send the old ones off for cleaning to have spares.
I personally would even consider a timing job.
Its all your mod money gone first but a reliable car may be more important.

Then my opinion go stage one tune with intercooler and aim for 300hp. Those cars do well at that base power level without having issues.

[Darknessxyz]

Most definitely I'll get the engine ready before I start modding. According to Carfax the car replaced water pump at 60k miles. Not sure about the timing tho. Do I really need a carbon cleaning service on a 8V car? I do research and only 8P car needs carbon cleaning service. As for injectors, I'll see with kinda option APR offer.

At this point, I'll either go with full APR car or full Unitronic car. Seems like full out APR car will be couple hundred cheaper and CA smog legal.

[KJ2833C]

By the time you get to the injectors you are staring at intake ports. even if its not bad its right there.
none of it is needed but running a 2.0 hard at 70K do it if you can afford to or can do yourself I would.
These would be the two things that could kill the fun lol.

[Darknessxyz]

Finally picked up my 2015 A3 2.0T Quattro with 77k on the clock. Overall the condition from inside and outside are great. The engine and transmission feels strong. It comes with all 4 brand new tires and brake and battery.

I'll drive it for a few hundred miles. Next thing will be a full maintenance, replace all liquid in the car

[kga1978]

I'd suggest going with EQTuning - get an AccessPort and use their tunes. I have their IS38 upgrade and coilovers as well as their DSG tune and a custom IS38 tune (since I don't have a downpipe - in CA as well). Their tunes are CARB approved and very very good. I'd also add a rear sway bar and engine/transmission mounts - they make a huge difference in feel.

I'm rocking ~325whp in my 2018 Quattro A3 and I can't say I'm lacking in power... It's a hoot!