TTE720 Turbocharger Upgrade Impressions / Issues / Updates

[ninjamanRS5]

So I've had a decent number of days driving the car with the new TTE720's and I wanted to share my experience. I think I will keep this thread as kind of a live update thread as things change and evolve. Please feel free to add your thoughts and questions as well! They are totally welcome.

First and foremost, 034's support was helpful when it was needed the most. Their response times are not super fast and there's no way to call them for help but they will take care of you if you are patient. I understand the RS is a daily for many so having to wait a day or several long hours for help can create moments of frustration.

Secondly, Achtuning out of Redmond (Seattle Area) was outstanding. Kelly and his team are outstanding professionals and they have good attention to detail with their work. If you are local to them, do not hesitate to shop with them or use their tech services for installations. I do some of my own work but a turbo swap was just too time consuming for a busy person like myself and Achtuning offered a great price.

Impressions (The Good):

1. The car is quieter at startup than it was with the Stage 1/2 upgrade. Much quieter, actually. I'm sure my neighbors notice.

2. Turbo whistle is very prominent and entertaining.

3. Power delivery down low offers great streetability. The torque does not hit as strong at the onset like the S1/S2 tune, which helps with the commuter car experience.

4. Power delivery at WOT is a wild experience. I've owned several very high horsepower cars ranging from 800 to 1200+ and I'm very impressed with launching and highway pulls. You will surprise (and beat) many faster cars at the track.

5. With the proper supporting modifications, pulls are consistent and heat recovery comes quickly.

Impressions (The Bad):

1. The previous 3 mornings, I noticed an intake air leak code in bank 1 shortly after initial startup. I checked all connections and nothing seems to be out of place. I used my scanner to delete the code and it does not come back after the car warms up. This also happened with the S1/S2 tunes but nowhere near as often. SOLVED: Ended up being my custom catch can setup. The Mishimoto PCV connectors were leaking. Removed and went to the stock PCV and problem solved.

2. Yesterday, the car started to develop some sort of hesitation at WOT closer to redline. It seems to happen off and on and randomly repeats itself. No CEL is ever triggered either and the scanner reads nothing. Perhaps there is a tune issue? SOLVED: Slightly under torqued fuel line at the HPFP. Torqued and fixed. Problem is G-O-N-E

3. 034's tuning options are a little weird. There's a tune that uses E60-E70 that makes more power than straight E85 due to a volume issue. Consequently, I am keeping it simple by just using the E85 "Pump" tune so I don't have to visit 2 gas pumps and manage the E60-70 ratios. Unfortunately, the E85 pump tune produces 30 less horsepower and a dozen or so less ft/lbs of torque. They have told me that a fueling solution is in its experimental phases without any ETA for consumer use at this time. Bummer.

4. There is no dyno tune option with 034's software where a local tuner can modify parameters as needed. There is also no datalogging ability with their software (unless I'm missing something). If you go the TTE720 route, like everything else with this platform, you are stuck with a canned tune and the limitations that come with them.

[Andy_FL]

4. There is no dyno tune option with 034's software where a local tuner can modify parameters as needed. There is also no datalogging ability with their software (unless I'm missing something). If you go the TTE720 route, like everything else with this platform, you are stuck with a canned tune and the limitations that come with them.

Yeah I don't know of ANY off the shelf tuner who would allow a local tuner to tweak their file / modify parameters. That's just not a thing. If you want a custom tune, then you'd just have that local tuner build your file from the ground up. There is logging available via 034 though - email them and ask for the instructions for downloading and using their logging tool. They're much more receptive to customer logging than they were in the past.

[oohnoo]

Going to have to follow this as one day I plan on adding these turbo's if they're proven reliable as my RS5 is my daily also. Have all the supporting mods so it's just a matter of time. Strange that it's' quieter on startup, does it not open the rear valves anymore? Interesting to see what the issues you're having are. Guessing you emailed 034 about this. Hopefully you can get some logs somehow.

[Enzoba]

My car does not have support (IE/034). I'm taking a different route. I bought the autotuner tool. some guys from Europe will work remotely on my car.

[TJUNER_RS4]

@ninjamanRS5 Thank you very much for your write up and review. Appreciate your efforts. Enjoy your TTE720 and it would be great if you could keep this thread as update. Some numbers draggy etc.) would be also nice.

Did you modified your cooling ?

[ninjamanRS5]

Yeah I don't know of ANY off the shelf tuner who would allow a local tuner to tweak their file / modify parameters. That's just not a thing. If you want a custom tune, then you'd just have that local tuner build your file from the ground up. There is logging available via 034 though - email them and ask for the instructions for downloading and using their logging tool. They're much more receptive to customer logging than they were in the past.

As far as the tuning goes, I come from the muscle car world (Mustangs, Vettes, etc.) and I'm really surprised at the lack of tuning options for some of the euros out there.

The logging option is great to know! I'll email 034 today.

[ninjamanRS5]

Going to have to follow this as one day I plan on adding these turbo's if they're proven reliable as my RS5 is my daily also. Have all the supporting mods so it's just a matter of time. Strange that it's' quieter on startup, does it not open the rear valves anymore? Interesting to see what the issues you're having are. Guessing you emailed 034 about this. Hopefully you can get some logs somehow.

My car is equipped with an AWE exhaust so no valves. It seems the problems I am having are relatively minor but we'll see what 034 says after they see some logs (if they let me use their software to make some).

[ninjamanRS5]

Thanks @tjuner_RS4! I'm definitely planning to maintain this thread.

The car is equipped with the Wagner Competition Radiator/Intercooler combo. There were concerns about it fitting on my B9.5 but the installation went super smooth with zero problems. If the log catches IAT, I will make sure to share my results after a couple of back to back pulls.

[ZacCT]

Hey Im interested more in your fuel it blue tooth sensor setup. Did you find an actual direct fit for our car on their website or did you just go buy the parts that 034 listed in their youtube video? Kinda looking for a 1 shot install package....on youtube they showed a Gm flexfuel sensor with some doorman fittings and then the actual sensor hookup from fuel-it to adapt to the gm sensor.

[highPSI-S4]

Hey Im interested more in your fuel it blue tooth sensor setup. Did you find an actual direct fit for our car on their website or did you just go buy the parts that 034 listed in their youtube video? Kinda looking for a 1 shot install package....on youtube they showed a Gm flexfuel sensor with some doorman fittings and then the actual sensor hookup from fuel-it to adapt to the gm sensor.

There’s no direct fit fuel-it kit for our cars. But having installed it on 2 B9’s (SQ5, RS5) once you know what is needed you might be able to source them cheaper than what fuel-it offers since all you need is their Bluetooth sensor. Lots of B9 S4 guys run Fuel-It and have YouTube vids on install and parts needed.

[ninjamanRS5]

Fuel-it has a kit for the car. It’s really easy to install but I advise that you also upgrade your HPFP since you’ll already be in there.

- - - Updated - - -

Side note, no response from 034 today. Hope they reach out tomorrow.

[TJUNER_RS4]

@ninjamanRS5 any recommendation for a good quality HPFP (APR, 034 Motorsport etc.).

Something else regarding cooling on your car, did you upgrade the electric waterpump as well ? I prepared harness and CWA100-3 to replace the CWA50 pump on my RS4. Hope to see some benefits in the logs.

I will also work towards the TTE720 turbos, but want first to upgrade everything else before doing the last step with the turbos. Unfortunately, I will not run them on E85 or E60.

[ninjamanRS5]

@ninjamanRS5 any recommendation for a good quality HPFP (APR, 034 Motorsport etc.).

Something else regarding cooling on your car, did you upgrade the electric waterpump as well ? I prepared harness and CWA100-3 to replace the CWA50 pump on my RS4. Hope to see some benefits in the logs.

I will also work towards the TTE720 turbos, but want first to upgrade everything else before doing the last step with the turbos. Unfortunately, I will not run them on E85 or E60.

The APR, 034, and ORT seem to be the most popular HPFPs on the market. I did not swap pumps because I didn't see much benefit in doing so. However, I'll be open to it if you see a substantial improvement in cooling.

[ZacCT]

Fuel-it has a kit for the car. It’s really easy to install but I advise that you also upgrade your HPFP since you’ll already be in there.

- - - Updated - - -

Side note, no response from 034 today. Hope they reach out tomorrow.

Do you have a link?/ or part number?

[ninjamanRS5]

Do you have a link?/ or part number?

Check this thread out:

https://www.audizine.com/forum/showt...allation-Guide

[ZacCT]

Thank you!!
I've seen that vid. Do you have the exact part # of the gm sensor you used?

[ninjamanRS5]

Sorry man, I don't remember the sensor number.

[ninjamanRS5]

UPDATE:

So one frustration that I have right now is 034 is communicating via email 1 time per day. I find that a little concerning when you consider I've spent thousands on some turbochargers and tuning from them.

That aside, the P2279 intake air system leak bank 1 code that usually only pops up during cold startups is still a mystery. I've checked all PCV connections and everything is good. 034 mentioned that maybe a throttle body adaptation will help, which I have no idea what that is since I'm not a native of the Euro/Audi world. 034 mentioned that one of their test mules' PCV faults caused their oil cap to eventually come loose and pop off, which ended up in a fire that totaled their vehicle. Glad to report my oil fill cap is still tight... Even the dipstick plug.

As far as the hesitation up top is concerned, it doesn't trigger any codes and still occurs infrequently. My gut is telling me that maybe there's some sort of tune related issue because my vehicle is equipped with all of the important upgrades required to properly run the TTE720s (it's likely not mechanical).

Maybe I'll get the green light today to datalog the car with 034's software?

[ATL_RS5]

UPDATE:

So one frustration that I have right now is 034 is communicating via email 1 time per day. I find that a little concerning when you consider I've spent thousands on some turbochargers and tuning from them.

That aside, the P2279 intake air system leak bank 1 code that usually only pops up during cold startups is still a mystery. I've checked all PCV connections and everything is good. 034 mentioned that maybe a throttle body adaptation will help, which I have no idea what that is since I'm not a native of the Euro/Audi world. 034 mentioned that one of their test mules' PCV faults caused their oil cap to eventually come loose and pop off, which ended up in a fire that totaled their vehicle. Glad to report my oil fill cap is still tight... Even the dipstick plug.

As far as the hesitation up top is concerned, it doesn't trigger any codes and still occurs infrequently. My gut is telling me that maybe there's some sort of tune related issue because my vehicle is equipped with all of the important upgrades required to properly run the TTE720s (it's likely not mechanical).

Maybe I'll get the green light today to datalog the car with 034's software?

One email a day for support is fantastic I think, you need to make the most out of that email. Your situation does sound frustrating, but not sure your frustration should be pointed at their response frequency. I think anytime you mod the car, there should be the assumption it will not have OEM reliability and you will need to exercise patience if you need help. Vendors always state that these parts are for off road use only. So that means if this car is your daily for street use, you're making yourself very vulnerable to...potential frustrations. You need to go into modding a car with your eyes wide open about this stuff. Hate to sound preachy, and either way you're valid in how you feel whether I agree or not. Your experience and insight as you navigate and solve this issue is helpful but just wanted to share my 2 cents. Wish you the best as you solve this I really do brother.

[ninjamanRS5]

One email a day for support is fantastic I think, you need to make the most out of that email. Your situation does sound frustrating, but not sure your frustration should be pointed at their response frequency. I think anytime you mod the car, there should be the assumption it will not have OEM reliability and you will need to exercise patience if you need help. Vendors always state that these parts are for off road use only. So that means if this car is your daily for street use, you're making yourself very vulnerable to...potential frustrations. You need to go into modding a car with your eyes wide open about this stuff. Hate to sound preachy, and either way you're valid in how you feel whether I agree or not. Your experience and insight as you navigate and solve this issue is helpful but just wanted to share my 2 cents. Wish you the best as you solve this I really do brother.

I have no idea why you feel like you need to preach to me. I've modified many cars and I was fully aware what I was getting myself into. One email a day is not fantastic any way you look at it. Phone support is optimal, which is the norm for many other organizations (to include my own).

This thread is about the good, the bad, and the ugly. It's my intent to be as transparent as possible so less than experienced individuals, or those who want to know as much as possible will have the information they need to make an educated decision.

[kfxjc]

Didn't you mention you had the air leak code before going stage 3? That prob shows its not tune related. Intake air system leak doesn't have to be the intake or vacuum lines, it can be many of things such as pcv, front/rear main seal ect. Anywhere air can leak under vacuum or pressure. pcv is a simple replacement, i would start there. Simple and cheap thing to rule out.

P2279 is also somewhat common on the 3.0T engine for the check valves in the intake manifold breather lines going bad. While the RS5 has different part numbers the concept of how it all works are the same. You may want to test those check valves as well.

[ninjamanRS5]

Didn't you mention you had the air leak code before going stage 3? That prob shows its not tune related. Intake air system leak doesn't have to be the intake or vacuum lines, it can be many of things such as pcv, front/rear main seal ect. Anywhere air can leak under vacuum or pressure. pcv is a simple replacement, i would start there. Simple and cheap thing to rule out.

P2279 is also somewhat common on the 3.0T engine for the check valves in the intake manifold breather lines going bad. While the RS5 has different part numbers the concept of how it all works are the same. You may want to test those check valves as well.

Yeah it all started after I installed their tune a while back. I've checked everything and even replaced hardware as well. Funny how it only arises at cold startup and even that is sporadic. Welcome to the Euro world, right? LoL!

[kfxjc]

ok well keep us posted on what you find out, it will be good to know.

[ninjamanRS5]

Hey y'all, I will be getting some datalogging in tomorrow and plan on sending it over to 034 the same day. Been busy on the day job front!

That aside, I poked around the engine bay and I think I fixed my hesitation issue. One of the fuel lines for the HPFP needed to be torqued a little more, which fixed an extremely small leak. When I mean small, I did not catch it when listening and checking for leaks after initially installing the HPFP. I found it when I noticed a small stain appear at a connection point. Cleaned it up, torqued it, and it has been clean ever since. The car also runs very strong with no hesitation unless I have traction control on, which makes the car act funny at WOT.

The only other issue I have and I've checked all over the place for this, is the P2279 code. I checked my PCV check valves and all is well. No disconnected fittings, etc. Very strange! Especially since the code doesn't come back once the car is warmed up.

Anyway, I'll report back when 034 informs me of their findings. Appreciate the support from the community!

[ninjamanRS5]

Happy Holidays, Audizine Fam! Hope you are all well.

I just wanted to provide a quick update regarding the PCV issue. I ended up going back to my stock PCV which completely fixed the P2279 code. The fittings from my Mishimoto catch can setup were leaking, thus creating the code condition. I determined that by putting a slightly viscous soap over the fittings and voila, 2 fittings sprayed soap all over the place when I fired up the car and gave it a couple of revs.

Good thing is the car is making the power I think it should be as well. Although it was already fast, it didn't feel 100% right and I'm assuming the leaky PCV was the primary culprit (even when the code was not thrown).

All that said, the Mishi setup was something I put together on my own. It captured oil but it was never in vast amounts between oil changes which leads me to believe that at least my car does not have a huge oil consumption issue. Instead of fixing the setup, I'm going to wait for a true RS5 specific option and enjoy a code-free driving experience! (Waiting on you, 034)

To those who are considering the TTE720 route, I'd say it's a fun path to take! It's always entertaining when you shock the people who have cars that are stock-for-stock much faster.

[Dr. Jekyll]

Thanks for documenting your journey! I've been slowly working my way towards a stage 3 (I have everything except for the turbos now) so your posts have been really helpful. Reliability and drivability are my two primary concerns, but it doesn't seem like you've had issues with either (aside from the catch can).

[ninjamanRS5]

Thanks for documenting your journey! I've been slowly working my way towards a stage 3 (I have everything except for the turbos now) so your posts have been really helpful. Reliability and drivability are my two primary concerns, but it doesn't seem like you've had issues with either (aside from the catch can).

Thank you! The issues were definitely caused by me, not anything on 034's end. The RS definitely drives like a dream now. I look forward to your installation & impressions post!