Hello everyone. I have a 2013 Audi A4, prestige, 6 speed manual, with s-line package. My manufacture warranty ends in October 2016 or in about 3,000 miles. I am looking to upgrade my stock ECU to an APR ECU. I was just wondering if this is a task I can do myself, or if I should have someone else do it? Also with this improvement if I should add any other aftermarket parts to help it perform better with the ECU. Any thought, comments, or info would be greatly appreciated. Thanks Elliot.

 

First of all you didn't mention what kind of engine you have. Do you have a turbo or NA engine? Big difference in aftermarket parts you can get. I'm assuming for now that you have the 2.0t since your location indicates your from the states.

In regards to your main questions Chip tuning: This is something you have to drive to a shop for. APR does not really allow you to do it yourself, at least I haven't seen them release a dongle for that yet. Look up the dealer network on their page to locate the closest, pay their standard fee and get it chipped. It's really that simple - requires no extra hardware (nor pulling the ECU) if you only go to stage 1.

If you would rather do the tuning yourself and play around, look for Eurodyne | Go Faster. - they have a cable you can purchase from their website that allows you to switch from stock to stage 1 to stage 2 and some settings in between. You can also modify the settings and tweak it beyond the defaults provided (if you know how to tune).

As for aftermarket parts there are tons. From Blow off valves, to new exhaust, bigger inter-coolers, Cold air intakes, bigger turbos, etc. It's literally endless.
For starters I would look at a cold air intake, upgraded DV or BOV, fresh plugs and coils packs. That's plenty for stage 1.
After that you are looking at down-pipe and inter-cooler. From there you can go exhaust and if you still have not spend enough money look at the big brake kit and a big turbo kit. By the time you reach stage 3 you should be broke but have a really fast/fun car

 

My apologies. Yes it is a 2.0T. I am strictly just trying to get it to stage 1 currently. When it comes to vehicle lingo, I am not very knowledgeable, so I am not when you use acronyms like "DV" and "BOV", I am not sure what you are talking about.

I'll give you a scenario such as mine. 2013 A4 Prestige 6 Manual 2.0T. You want it stage 1. I am trying to stick to everything that is on the goapr.com website. The only aftermarket accessory I have is the APR B8/B8.5 Carbon Fiber Intake System. If you were in my position, and money was not an issue, what exactly would you add, and in what order would you add it.

Also with the carbon fiber intake system I mentioned above, how often should I change that filter?

As I previously mentioned, I am a newbie when it comes to all of this, so I am trying to learn as much as I can. I have a reliable mechanic, but the more I know, the more confident I will feel pulling the trigger on certain things.

Thanks again my friend, you've already been such a huge help.

 

No Worries - that's why we are here on this forum. Only if you ask the right questions can you get the right information

I'm not a mechanic myself but I've learned over the years to help myself to avoid having to rely on expensive mechanics. First of all that saves a ton of labor costs and second of all I can make sure it is done right.

Now on to your questions:

1. DV stands for Diverter valve. That is a device that regulates pressurized air from your turbo to inject it back into the intake as needed. Unfortunately because of the design the diaphragm can rip and cause all kinds of performance issues. So either replace it with the latest revision (meaning updated/improved version) or get a ...

2. BOV stands for Blow off valve. I'm sure you have heard some turbo cars release air as they shift gears. It sounds like this: Personally I love that sound and I did get the Forge for my 2.0t - great stuff
Advantage of the BOV over DV: it will not rip the diaphragm as it doesn't exist. Instead of recirculating the air it releases it (which is the sound you hear). In the past this caused Check engine lights but Forge and some others have made sure that it won't do that anymore.

3. The air intake upgrade is a must for stage 1 - I agree. I got one of these: https://www.ecstuning.com/Audi-B8_A4...ake/ES3098729/
However the APR Carbonio will do just fine as well. Price wise they are probably the same so pick whichever you like best. There are cheaper ones if you don't want the looks, performance wise I doubt there is a huge difference.

4. The filter on the new intake system doesn't need to be replaced. Instead you get a kit that cleans it. This way (depending on how dusty/dirty your environment is) you take it out every 20k or so and wash it out with that kit (for example: https://www.amazon.com/99-5050-Filte.../dp/B00029WYVW). I would recommend getting some MAF (Mass Air Flow) sensor cleaning solution as well. Clean it while you are washing the filter.

5. APR only requires the Downpipe when you go Stage 2. Otherwise there isn't any requirement for additional hardware. I just checked their webpage and they don't even require the intake anymore, so really there is no need for anything on Stage 1. However I do recommend the Air intake and DV/BOV. Also as mentioned in my post if you haven't touched the spark plugs/coil packs yet, it would be a good time to replace those to help with the tune-up