would like your thoughts about APR tune

[paul-g]

First off I have a 2016 A6 c7.5, as i'm ready to buy my tune looking for thoughts about if I should just buy stage 2 or just run stage 1?

I drive 30 miles each way to work so fuel mileage is a thought, I like to have all the power but if it interferes with that...I know if I have a heavy foot deal but talking normal driving.

Thanks in advance!

[SlickMachine]

I had stage 1 on my 2012 A7- not all that impressed. There was more power for sure, but it wasn't 'significant'. I drove it stage 1 for 2 weeks or so, then took it in and went stage 2 and it came alive at that point. They key is the torque map and the pulley brings all that torque to the lower RPM range where it makes a difference. I always say just go stage 2, its only a few hundred more.

[doughboy17]

Stage 2 ... if the A6 version of the S/C engine suffers from potential crank pulley delamination, don't bother with the s/c pulley and just go Stage 2 via an oversized solid crank pulley.

[charrigan]

Stage 2 ... if the A6 version of the S/C engine suffers from potential crank pulley delamination, don't bother with the s/c pulley and just go Stage 2 via an oversized solid crank pulley.

I could be wrong but I don't believe this is an issue on the 2016+ engines

[joserod92]

I could be wrong but I don't believe this is an issue on the 2016+ engines

I believe the crank pulley is the same even to the part number, maybe in more time they might fail.

[paul-g]

if the issue with crank pulley no matter what you do this would be an issue right?

how about every day driving, fuel mileage issues?

[christianb5s4]

Problems with the crank pulley are all over the place. Some fail in 20,000 miles on bone stock cars, others have never been replaced despite mileage being well over 100,000 miles. Total crapshoot.

[joserod92]

if the issue with crank pulley no matter what you do this would be an issue right?

how about every day driving, fuel mileage issues?

It could be yes, I would suggest what was said here earlier and upgrade the crank pulley to a non dampened version, I have it and haven't noticed any difference.

[Speedooooo]

I have a few questions on the Stage 2 tune with single pulley. Is that the supercharger or crank pulley that is replaced? Are there any other upgrades necessary with the single pulley? I've read that you need to do a cooler and downpipe upgrade with dual pulleys.

[paul-g]

I have a few questions on the Stage 2 tune with single pulley. Is that the supercharger or crank pulley that is replaced? Are there any other upgrades necessary with the single pulley? I've read that you need to do a cooler and downpipe upgrade with dual pulleys.

you can do stage 2 with either 1 or both. i'd only do super charger one for myself.

[Speedooooo]

you can do stage 2 with either 1 or both. i'd only do super charger one for myself.

Did you upgrade the cooler and/or downpipe?

[gdawg'05a4]

While not a C7.5, our 4M Q7 has the same CREC 3.0T with the clutched supercharger and I recently debated doing stage 1 vs 2. My hesitation against stage 2 was prematurely wearing out the magnetic clutch. There have been a couple of noted failures on stage 2 on CREC over the pond. The theory is the additional power/force from engaging the clutch wears it out quicker. While not a astronomically expensive part (I believe around $500) if it did fail and fairly easy DIY, it's something to consider. I asked APR about their management of the SC clutch and whether they keep it engaged full time or using the same OEM management strategy (load based) and they said they retain the OEM strategy. I did read that when in Dynamic (stock or tuned), the clutch is engaged full time. I still need to confirm this by looking at the advanced logging with my OBDEleven or vag-com.

I ended up going stage 1 for now and am doing some more research on stage 2 and the clutch.

[christianb5s4]

That is definitely something to consider and a limitation at this point on the CREC motor, the magnetic clutch assembly starts to slip or can fail at higher power levels. But as you mentioned it's a very easy replacement and not painfully expensive so might be worth throwing a new one in if a failure occurs.

[BobbyWatts]

[QUOTE=paul-g;14297009
I drive 30 miles each way to work so fuel mileage is a thought, I like to have all the power but if it interferes with that...I know if I have a heavy foot deal but talking normal driving.[/QUOTE]

I’m stage II dual pulley, limited issues overall, great performance, and still get over 25mpg easily on highway. I’d say if you have concerns for maintenance/costs German cars are not the way to go... stick to a single pulley upgrade - really easy on our engine because it’s a bolt-on. Plus you can flash back to stock if you have any issues.

[WatchMeSpend]

I have a 2016. I got Stage 1 APR 91 octane. The power is not in the lower rage but mid to upper. People don't seem to be able to find it. When the weather was crisp and you floored it, It would pull hard and then break the tires free in the top of first gear before it shifted. I now run Stage 2 Dual pulley 93 octane. The power is down low and the car is capable of spinning tires almost anywhere in the RPM range in first gear.

In both cases the TCU causes the transmission to shift early. This doesn't help as the car is making more power in the the top end of the rev range than stock. Percentage wise, I would say that running a car with no TCU tune, I would rather have Stage 2 dual pulley because I can access more of hte power as it is lower in the range. Stage 1 would benefit more from a TCU tune as you could wind it out.

As far as the clutch goes. Put it in sport or manual before you beat on it so that it locks up under less load. If I have to replace a clutch on a modified A6 or A7, that is my fault for modifying the car. I can confirm that it is cheaper to own a modified A6 and break parts than have three cars to cover daily driver, luxury and sport needs. Three cars on insurance, three sets of tires, three oil changes, three car washes, three air filters, three brake jobs three....

[paul-g]

I’m stage II dual pulley, limited issues overall, great performance, and still get over 25mpg easily on highway. I’d say if you have concerns for maintenance/costs German cars are not the way to go... stick to a single pulley upgrade - really easy on our engine because it’s a bolt-on. Plus you can flash back to stock if you have any issues.

driving normal i'm getting 31-32 on highway (stock of course) doing 75 for an average to/from work. as long as i'm driving normal and getting roughly same mileage wastage 2 i'd do it. buddy has stage 1 in his q7 and says mileage is the same maybe a tad better

[academytim]

driving normal i'm getting 31-32 on highway (stock of course) doing 75 for an average to/from work. as long as i'm driving normal and getting roughly same mileage wastage 2 i'd do it. buddy has stage 1 in his q7 and says mileage is the same maybe a tad better

I’m stage 2 dual pulley APR. My mileage is unchanged when I have the required will power to keep my foot out of it. If I drive normally I still get 30+ on the highway driving 75-80. The only time I get less is when I get a little spirited with my “around town” driving.

[WatchMeSpend]

I’m stage 2 dual pulley APR. My mileage is unchanged when I have the required will power to keep my foot out of it. If I drive normally I still get 30+ on the highway driving 75-80. The only time I get less is when I get a little spirited with my “around town” driving.

Same. I get better gas mileage when I zone out a bit on long distances.

Wicked time BTW. I don't have an HX yet but I thought because it really isn't going to get warm up here in Canada until May, I'd see more advantage with a Melen TCU tune and then go HX in March. If my car runs the same or near, I'm happy. So great to drive, I drive it to nowhere and back just for fun.

[paul-g]

I’m stage 2 dual pulley APR. My mileage is unchanged when I have the required will power to keep my foot out of it. If I drive normally I still get 30+ on the highway driving 75-80. The only time I get less is when I get a little spirited with my “around town” driving.

really kinda nice these cars have great mileage on a long trip do the math fill up to fill up I can 32pmg @ 75-80 100% highway (800 mile trips down south) no traffic hate to lose that. my normal average is 27 mixed and she get's her beatings lol

[christianb5s4]

These C7.5s get significantly better gas mileage than the C6/7 gen1 3.0T that's for sure, glad the mpg is still retained even at stage 2.

[Speedooooo]

Idk how you get that good mpg. I've had my C7.5 A6 for about 1.5 years and I average around 20 mpg with a mix of highway and city.

[xanmato]

Short trips, city driving, and slow traffic on the freeway really kill the mpg average on this car. My 25 mile commute pre-covid was right about 20mpg. Now I am at about 32mpg on the same route but no traffic. A very steady speed on the freeway is where the gains are made, as the supercharge clutch will be disengaged for long periods of time. My '13 got a best of 31mpg average on a 300 mile trip, my '16 can bang out 39mpg. A little less now that the everyone now drives 85mph, a bit less efficient at that speed.

[heyt13]

I am curious as to the same ? the original topic.

i know apr used to put out discount codes for stage 1 tunes.

maybe if we get enough people on here to commit deposit or whatever is needed, APR will take notice and offer us all a discount code, power in numbers? if we can get 10 people maybe its 750 each. 20 people its 599 each?

or we could leverage and ask MTM the same thing?

I think i would rather make the mistake of taking steps than jumping unless i was upgrading alot of components at once, but thats my ignorance.

[Spitfire007]

I am curious as to the same ? the original topic.

i know apr used to put out discount codes for stage 1 tunes.

maybe if we get enough people on here to commit deposit or whatever is needed, APR will take notice and offer us all a discount code, power in numbers? if we can get 10 people maybe its 750 each. 20 people its 599 each?

or we could leverage and ask MTM the same thing?

I think i would rather make the mistake of taking steps than jumping unless i was upgrading alot of components at once, but thats my ignorance.

I'm in for stage 1. That's all I need


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=87676)

[smckay37]

I'm in for stage 1. That's all I need


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=87676)

I’m in for stage 1 as well.

[R8A6Audis]

I’m in for a stage 1

[JWebb_C7_Comp]

I’m in for a stage 1

Stage 1 provides a good bump in the upper rpm range. I’d suggest thinking about TCU tune to maximize the benefit of the power at higher RPM and higher redline..

Then, as the need hits you, you can go stage 2. Then, dual pulley stage 2. Then, of course, jump to RS7!!


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=87676)

[R8A6Audis]

Stage 1 provides a good bump in the upper rpm range. I’d suggest thinking about TCU tune to maximize the benefit of the power at higher RPM and higher redline..

Then, as the need hits you, you can go stage 2. Then, dual pulley stage 2. Then, of course, jump to RS7!!


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=87676)
Mine is a 2014 3.0T which I believe there is no TCU tune.

[WatchMeSpend]

Mine is a 2014 3.0T which I believe there is no TCU tune.

Not if you are looking to APR. Others have TCU tunes available.

[JWebb_C7_Comp]

Not if you are looking to APR. Others have TCU tunes available.

Correct; you’d have to do something like HP Tuner separately if you go with APR ECU tune. I still haven’t done my TCU, but will do it at some point.




Sent from my iPhone using Audizine (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=87676)

[prestige.phantom]

I am curious as to the same ? the original topic.

i know apr used to put out discount codes for stage 1 tunes.

maybe if we get enough people on here to commit deposit or whatever is needed, APR will take notice and offer us all a discount code, power in numbers? if we can get 10 people maybe its 750 each. 20 people its 599 each?

or we could leverage and ask MTM the same thing?

I think i would rather make the mistake of taking steps than jumping unless i was upgrading alot of components at once, but thats my ignorance.

Im in for Stage 1 as well! Been waiting for a while for a discount opportunity, and this could be the event that gets me to pull the trigger.

[prestige.phantom]

I'll schedule an appointment today at $599 lol

[mwdelta]

Haha I love it. I'm a sales/numbers guy, and have always thought it would be smart for them to find a way to target folks like me who didn't actually spend a lot on their car (mine was $19k). It's software after all, so marginal cost is near zero.

Black Friday is coming up, hint hint? $600 is almost an impulse buy, whereas once we get to $1200 it has to compete with way more things on my wish list.

[paul-g]

Haha I love it. I'm a sales/numbers guy, and have always thought it would be smart for them to find a way to target folks like me who didn't actually spend a lot on their car (mine was $19k). It's software after all, so marginal cost is near zero.

Black Friday is coming up, hint hint? $600 is almost an impulse buy, whereas once we get to $1200 it has to compete with way more things on my wish list.

unfortunately I've been tuning cars while and know APR would never do such a thing. They are one of those companies that feel their products are in demand so no sales for them. Now if they did stage 2 for $1k all about it

[prestige.phantom]

They typically run a black Friday sale. Usually I think its something like 10-15% off. I think the best sale they've ever offered was 20% off software, but I could be wrong.