Looking at getting an EPL Tune on C7 S6

[Team Freddy]

Those that have it or have been in a car that has an EPL tune what are your thoughts. I have heard of the Big names GIAC and APR being from the VW world and having GIAC on my S4 but I am thinking of going EPL on this one. What are your thoughts?

[OlyS6]

I've been a big fan of EPL and the ability to flash from home. Their customer service has been excellent as well. I currently have EPL Stage 2. Don't know what your eventual plans are, but EPL does not currently sell a Stage 3 tune. As there are some members here looking to go Stage 3, you may be able to find a deal on a used cable, tablet, and tune by keeping an eye on the classifieds here. I plan on making the switch to APR for this reason as well, but it may not be for a few more months. In addition, be advised that EPL does not code out the downstream O2 sensors, so if you decide to go Stage 2 with new downpipes, you can save yourself some headaches by using AMS downpipes.

[Ze_Nardo6]

As Oly pointed out, I am one of those who is leaving EPL only because they do not yet have a stage 3 file. I have not listed my tunes (ECU and TCU) for sale yet. Sent you a PM if you want first dibs.

[Team Freddy]

You said 02s are not coded out or they are? Meaning i can run a uncatted downpipes?

[Ze_Nardo6]

They are not coded out, which allows one to pass inspection with AMS catted downpipes. APR software codes them out

[OlyS6]

On the stage 2 they are not coded out, unlike the APR tune. So you will need to run O2 spacers if you use APR downpipes to avoid a CEL for cat inefficiency. Or you can use AMS downpipes which have cats in the stock position, and avoid the CEL altogether.
The APR Stage 2 tune codes out the downstream sensors, so you could go catless, but not sure what you'd do regarding emissions testing.

[Team Freddy]

Just confirmed with them i will throw a code with catless downpipes. Kinda debating if I go with them or not. I don't plan to go stage 3 the cost to get their tune\tcm is very appealing tho. It could be a while before i go stage 2 and maybe never happen who knows.

[Ze_Nardo6]

Spacers will remedy the issue, as Oly said. You can run catless downpipes with their tune as far as I know.

[OlyS6]

While spacers will fix the code for folks using the EPL Stage 2 tune and APR downpipes, I am not aware of anyone successfully using the EPL tune with catless downpipes and not throwing a CEL, even with spacers. Doesn't mean there aren't folks out there doing it....

[Team Freddy]

On the stage 2 they are not coded out, unlike the APR tune. So you will need to run O2 spacers if you use APR downpipes to avoid a CEL for cat inefficiency. Or you can use AMS downpipes which have cats in the stock position, and avoid the CEL altogether.
The APR Stage 2 tune codes out the downstream sensors, so you could go catless, but not sure what you'd do regarding emissions testing.

Emission Testing in AZ just checks for OBD2 Readiness. So as long as the cats aren't throwing a code your good.

[Chris@EPL]

While spacers will fix the code for folks using the EPL Stage 2 tune and APR downpipes, I am not aware of anyone successfully using the EPL tune with catless downpipes and not throwing a CEL, even with spacers. Doesn't mean there aren't folks out there doing it....

We do have customers running catless with just the spacers just fine.


Emission Testing in AZ just checks for OBD2 Readiness. So as long as the cats aren't throwing a code your good.

If the sensors are turned off and the readiness does not also reset it can be an instant fail for emissions.

[Team Freddy]

We do have customers running catless with just the spacers just fine.



If the sensors are turned off and the readiness does not also reset it can be an instant fail for emissions.

Thanks for the reply Chris. Now I am debating on buying a previous customers install and paying you guys to transfer or go new and get the deal. I sent a buddy the info he may be reaching out to you for his B8 S4.

[Ze_Nardo6]

While spacers will fix the code for folks using the EPL Stage 2 tune and APR downpipes, I am not aware of anyone successfully using the EPL tune with catless downpipes and not throwing a CEL, even with spacers. Doesn't mean there aren't folks out there doing it....

mihneagabriel is currently doing so successfully

[Chris@EPL]

While spacers will fix the code for folks using the EPL Stage 2 tune and APR downpipes, I am not aware of anyone successfully using the EPL tune with catless downpipes and not throwing a CEL, even with spacers. Doesn't mean there aren't folks out there doing it....


Thanks for the reply Chris. Now I am debating on buying a previous customers install and paying you guys to transfer or go new and get the deal. I sent a buddy the info he may be reaching out to you for his B8 S4.

ok lmk. Only the original owner can sell a tune. With a used tune you can not resell the tune.

[Team Freddy]

We do have customers running catless with just the spacers just fine.



If the sensors are turned off and the readiness does not also reset it can be an instant fail for emissions.

While this is true In Arizona its only an instant fail if tested with more than two emissions systems reporting “not ready”

Either way I am sold and will be going through EPL. Being able to re-sell the tune if I don't keep the car is a huge plus as I tend to flip cars ever 12-18 Months.

So my last question... does the exhaust note change at all after a tune? (This one doesn't matter more curious than anything. I just removed the mid muffler thinking i would get a little more sound. I got a little but not too noticeable i guess removing resonators would be next but i think that would be to loud for my liking and not really wanting to do a cat back. My last FI cars typically were software, downpipe, water meth not sure i will go water meth on this one

[OlyS6]

You will definitely get an improvement in exhaust sound with downpipes, but likely not from just the tune itself


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Team Freddy]

You will definitely get an improvement in exhaust sound with downpipes, but likely not from just the tune itself


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yup I figured downpipes will get me that happy medium I’m after. I was just telling a buddy this yesterday about his Golf R. Told him how mine sounded great with just a downpipes and he should do the same.

[Horti Kris]

EPL doesn't remove the 155 MPH speed limiter. Lame AF.

[Team Freddy]

EPL doesn't remove the 155 MPH speed limiter. Lame AF.

Ehh thats only if you need to go past 155 my top speed on record was 155 when he clocked me. Don't need to go that fast anymore. I like to keep it under 85.

I ended up ordering through EPL. Not driving into a dealer for a tune is different but I would say so far the experience is good. Chris has been great about communication I look forward to receiving the cable and flashing. This car is already a monster so with a little more HP and the TCM tune i bet it will be insane.