APR tune information
 

Hi everyone!

First of all I am looking at doing an APR stage I or II tune. Is it true that the stage II only deletes the CEL from the testpipe? If so, whats the difference between that and doing a stage I with an antifouler system on the second o2 sensor?

Secondly, on APR's website they do not list a stage II+ for the 2000 Audi A4 1.8TQ. Does this mean there is no such thing? If there is what would it include?

Thirdly, whats the difference between 1 program and 4 program tunes? Where I live I can only get 91 octane at most. Also, once I have done the tune I do not plan on going back to stock. In this case how many programs would that be?

Lastly, I plan on doing some supporting hardware modifications which you may have seen in my other posts. (exhaust, carbonio intake, DV, SS, etc.) Would it be best to do a timing belt and full service before or after these upgrades and tunes?

Thanks again all for your ultimate wisdom ;)
Gareth

Re: APR tune information
 

I can only answer the third

One program will be only one mode (91 or 94)

The 4 program (wait for a sale as it will be the same cost as just one program) lets you switch to stock, 91, 94 and valet
I the samei never use 94 but stock and valet come in handy once and a while

Re: APR tune information
 

Totally missed this post and most likely late but maybe this will help others. To answer your questions.
1. Stage II for APR software only deletes the rear O2 sensor. There is no other difference. You will see an increase in power when you install the test pipe. The turbo will breath alot better in the higher RPMs and spool around 400rpm sooner. I highly recommend the test pipe upgrade for performance. You can get away with an antifouler spacer but it doesn't guarantee that you will not get a CEL due to no cat. I had mine come on every 4-5 month once in a while. I just checked with Vag Com to make sure it was the same code, then cleared it. If you get a fully loaded chip, you can also clear the code with the APR software. Handy.

2. Unfortunately there is no APR stage II software for the B5 platform. You would have to choose another brand for that. I am currently running custom Motoza software tailored to the upgrades you see in my signature and I couldn't be happier!!! Motoza is also upgrade proof so if you get an upgraded turbo, they can change their tune to suit your upgrade. Should have gone this route instead of the off the shelf tune like APR. Oh well I was able to sell my ECU for $350 and upgrade to Motoza for $395 and I got 3 years out of the APR software. Not too bad at all.

3. To add to rogert88's post, having had a fully loaded chip with all the bells and whistles, I'd have to say it is really a novelty more than anything. I didn't switch between programs and just kept it at 91 octane. Only once did I put 93 in and couldn't tell the difference. I don't valet my car and I only used stock a couple of times over the 3 years of the software to see if I could feel the difference.

4. You definitely want to take care of maintenance before any upgrades. What the use of having upgrades if your timing belt snaps? If it is due for one, then you want to take care of that first. Below is the order of what I did with my car.

-K&N Air Filter
-Timing Belt
-APR R1 Diverter Valve used for $50
-Boost Gauge
-APR Software
-PBR Deluxe Brake Pads (almost no dust compared to OEM which are just horrible for that)
-eBay short shifter kit
-ATP Test Pipe
-Motoza Stage 1+ with Bosch EV14 550cc injectors

Possible future upgrades
-Frankenturbo
-Treadstone FMIC or upgraded SMIC

If you are still around, good luck with your car and have fun.

Doug

Re: APR tune information
 

Great! Thanks for the info.

Re: APR tune information
 

I was looking at getting a Stage 1 flash for my B6 1.8TQ but didn't quite like what I'd read on some forums about APR's tune. That and the fact the local APR distributor wanted over CAD$640 for just the single tune. That made me look around and found two Canadian tuners for VW/Audi; Unitronics in Laval, QC and Eurodyne in Ottawa. I chose Chris Tapp's Eurodyne tune done by Euro Sport in Scarborough about a month ago and haven't looked back. It's just as easy on gas if not better than stock.

The car's much more drivable and wishing I had done it a lot sooner.

Re: APR tune information
 

Thinking of doing a Unitronic Stage 1 Or APR Stage 1+ on my 2014 S4.
Which is better?
Which one is less likely to be discovered by the dealer after stock re-flush?

Re: APR tune information
 

"Discovered" by the dealer both . From what I understand the only way not to get the re-flush noticed it's by having the ecu shipped to Apr...or that the dealership won't search for it...but chances are pretty high they will do a full diagnose even for the most minor issue since it's under warranty. I did mentioned the same think to mine and I been advised to do it after warranty expires :D if I don't want to loose the warranty , I am still debating at this point. Now , I personally prefer Apr vs Unitronic , for many reasons : Apr have better numbers in regards with hp and tq gained for similar stages, (especially for my application for the 4.0T S6) and for your 3.0t s4 as well, I now that since I was very close to pull the trigger for upgrade my old a7 with the 3.0t engine . Just with a simply tune you get 452hp that is a HUGE increase in power and tq as well! Will make the s4 run maybe even faster than a stock s6! Also , I can give good feedback on apr after driving on many occasion for over a year a 2007 VW GTI with the apr tunned ,very good upgrade,felt pretty strong and smooth in the same time! I also have some experience with Unitronic, I have it done on my wife's 3.2 2008 tt but I have to admit I did't really like it much (I also understand that you can't ask too much for the 3.2v6 on that car ) but the way that car jumped at first when hitting gas was pretty annoying. As for issues in regards Apr or Unitronic , I haven't experienced any with either one! There is maybe around 300cad price difference more expensive for Apr (at least for my s6) but this is not enough reason for me to choose Unitronic . Apr brings whey more experience than Unitronic . I would't pay more than 500cad for a Unitronic software (that's how much I paid for the tt :) )

Re: APR tune information
 

Personally on an A4 B6, I had nothing but problems with the APR tune. Multiple check engine lights and chasing gremlins for a few months. It ever did get completely fixed but switched over to unitronic and have never looked back. I also find from when the APR tune actually worked it was a really harsh acceleration. The unitronic is a much more controlled smooth acceleration throughout the power band.