DSG Tune

**S4NJ** · 12-09-2015 06:46 PM

Need everyone's opinion: is the DSG tune alone worth getting? For those that have had it, does it make the stock S4 a more enjoyable ride when smashing the gas pedal? I've had my ride for 2 months and I'm already bored.

I need honest opinions because I am on the fence about buying the TCU tune. I don't want Stage 1 just yet...

Thanks for the replies.

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**Pilfer** · 12-09-2015 06:51 PM

The DSG tune from APR is fantastic, the car shifts much more aggressively and the extra rpm's you can reach feel and sound phenomenal with an exhaust an intake. Ultimately though if you're already bored nothing will help you lol. I was starting to get bored with my car from about the same time of ownership you are. Did lots of modifications and still didn't keep it for much more than two years. You should get stage 2 or at least stage 1 with the TCU tune though.

**justr0** · 12-09-2015 06:54 PM

Yea it is if u value....higher rev limit, swifter shifts, optimized shift maps, ability to disable auto shifts in manual mode, displaying actual gear in D/S mode, raised Launch control limit and overall smoother shifts.

However what makes it fun is at least a stage 1 tune...so I'd wanna get that.

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**S4NJ** · 12-09-2015 07:06 PM

Thanks for replies so far. I was thinking about squeezing the power out of Stage 0 as much as possible before going Stage 1 maybe in the Spring after the snow melted. I just feel that the dual clutch programming can be better somehow...

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**14S4GWM** · 12-09-2015 07:22 PM

Originally Posted by jimblkmazda

Thanks for replies so far. I was thinking about squeezing the power out of Stage 0 as much as possible before going Stage 1 maybe in the Spring after the snow melted. I just feel that the dual clutch programming can be better somehow...

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You're only going to squeeze about 10 horses out of stage 0 with an exhaust and intake. Time to take the leap.

**S4NJ** · 12-09-2015 07:24 PM

Originally Posted by 14S4GWM

You're only going to squeeze about 10 horses out of stage 0 with an exhaust and intake. Time to take the leap.

That's true, but I meant I want to FEEL the power that's already there. I want better lateral g's :)
I think I'll take the leap next year; soon.

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**14S4GWM** · 12-09-2015 07:27 PM

^suspension mods

**pdqgp** · 12-09-2015 07:53 PM

Originally Posted by Pilfer

The DSG tune from APR is fantastic, the car shifts much more aggressively and the extra rpm's you can reach feel and sound phenomenal with an exhaust an intake. Ultimately though if you're already bored nothing will help you lol. I was starting to get bored with my car from about the same time of ownership you are. Did lots of modifications and still didn't keep it for much more than two years. You should get stage 2 or at least stage 1 with the TCU tune though.

^^ This. Just go all-in. You'll thank us later. Completely different car.

**S4NJ** · 12-09-2015 08:01 PM

Originally Posted by pdqgp

^^ This. Just go all-in. You'll thank us later. Completely different car.

Starts to get pricey. I need to pay off almost sixty thousand dollars man. So you're sayin' the TCU tune is worth the one thousand dollars?

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**14S4GWM** · 12-09-2015 08:03 PM

Originally Posted by jimblkmazda

Starts to get pricey. I need to pay off almost sixty thousand dollars man. So you're sayin' the TCU tune is worth the one thousand dollars?

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Pay to play, expensive car=expensive mods.

**johnstah** · 12-09-2015 08:08 PM

Originally Posted by jimblkmazda

Need everyone's opinion: is the DSG tune alone worth getting? For those that have had it, does it make the stock S4 a more enjoyable ride when smashing the gas pedal? I've had my ride for 2 months and I'm already bored.

I need honest opinions because I am on the fence about buying the TCU tune. I don't want Stage 1 just yet...

Thanks for the replies.

Sent from my iPad using Tap,Tap,Tapatalk

haven't had the dsg tune yet... but after 3 months of ownership, i went directly into APR stage 2 + suspension goodies. Its a completely different car.

**S4NJ** · 12-09-2015 08:12 PM

Originally Posted by 14S4GWM

^suspension mods

Which ones you recommend like?

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**onlyaudis** · 12-09-2015 08:22 PM

pretty sure you can not just get a DSG tune without at least a stage 1 ECU tune. they are tied together. I know GIAC is for sure. so is EPL's.

**S4NJ** · 12-09-2015 08:23 PM

Originally Posted by onlyaudis

pretty sure you can not just get a DSG tune without at least a stage 1 ECU tune. they are tied together. I know GIAC is for sure. so is EPL's.

I read goapar.com website. Looks like they can take your money with just the DSG tune.

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**GRUMPY-S4** · 12-10-2015 04:22 AM

I would advise going all in if you get bored quick like me. In my Previous car I went Stage 2+ at a month of ownership and had to go full on build with bigger turbo after a year because of needing more. So this time I am waiting it out as long as possible. May jump on the EPL group buy though if it gets to the sweet spot

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**S4NJ** · 12-10-2015 05:42 AM

Yes, Turbos are insanely addicting making you want more and more power :)

**GRUMPY-S4** · 12-10-2015 05:43 AM

Well voiding all warranty on a car so quick was the biggest mistake ever! I lost so much money on repairs and rental cars that I want to puke every time I think about it!

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**pdqgp** · 12-10-2015 05:46 AM

Originally Posted by jimblkmazda

Starts to get pricey. I need to pay off almost sixty thousand dollars man. So you're sayin' the TCU tune is worth the one thousand dollars?

I wouldn't get it stand alone. Not sure you'll see the most benefit there. I can't say that for sure as I went Stage 1 & DSG at the same time. One month later moved to Stage II.

I will tell you that while it's pricey for all of it, it transforms the car performance wise. Again, completely different car. With just a few grand you're leaping a 4,000lb car into the low 12's which even by today's standards is great considering it's not a stripped down car.

**pdqgp** · 12-10-2015 05:50 AM

Originally Posted by 14S4GWM

Pay to play, expensive car=expensive mods.

The reality is though the bang for the buck here isn't that much really. Especially when you compare it to what it would cost to modify other cars to get to the same performance levels or to buy a car that can run low 12's and have all that the S4 offers.

**OnEaNgRyBuNnY** · 12-10-2015 05:59 AM

I can't say I got a lot out of the TCU tune from features that will be usable without an ECU tune. Shifts were not super improved, marginally better I'd say, but coming from the A3, this DSG felt like it was already tuned. Selectable launch control isn't going to be a factor without more power. The shifts aren't noticeably quicker. The main reason I got it was for the extra rpm up top but I'm not sure you can rev that high on stock program, anyway. That would be worth checking into or I'd go straight stage 2 and then TCU tune, if not all at once. The pulley doesn't give a whole lot over the stage 1 and for avoiding the price of reflashing, it makes more sense, to me anyway.

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**14S4GWM** · 12-10-2015 09:14 AM

Originally Posted by pdqgp

The reality is though the bang for the buck here isn't that much really. Especially when you compare it to what it would cost to modify other cars to get to the same performance levels or to buy a car that can run low 12's and have all that the S4 offers.

I agree totally. It doesn't make me happy either. I came from a very nice tuned Subaru that didn't cost no where near as much.

**XLR8 Craig** · 12-10-2015 10:24 AM

Originally Posted by onlyaudis

pretty sure you can not just get a DSG tune without at least a stage 1 ECU tune. they are tied together. I know GIAC is for sure. so is EPL's.

APR will make a DSG file to work hand in hand with the stock ECU. This way you see the benefits of the DSG tune without adding power to the engine. Definitely recommend it if you're not quite ready to tune the ECU and want to spend some money. But, if you end up doing the ECU the DSG is a must in my opinion. Without a doubt worth the money.

For suspension, A Eurocode Alu Kreuz and front/rear sway bars with end links are a fantastic upgrade if you aren't looking to change the factory shocks and springs. A good set of coilvoers are going to be the most noticable difference, but also the most expensive.

If you have any questions feel free to reach out to me via PM or e-mail

Greg : [email protected]

**S4NJ** · 12-10-2015 11:09 AM

Thank you all for the candid feedback on this topic. Much appreciated.

**Jv218** · 12-10-2015 11:39 AM

Originally Posted by GRUMPY-S4

Well voiding all warranty on a car so quick was the biggest mistake ever! I lost so much money on repairs and rental cars that I want to puke every time I think about it!

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if i may so ask what was some of the issues that you had?

**scottycs** · 12-10-2015 11:41 AM

Jump on the EPL Group Buy, Stage 2 + DSG tune will be under $1500 if we get 6 more people!

**S4NJ** · 12-10-2015 02:57 PM

Originally Posted by scottycs

Jump on the EPL Group Buy, Stage 2 + DSG tune will be under $1500 if we get 6 more people!

If it drops to $750 if we have 15 or 20 people, I might seriously consider buying it and holding on until 50,000 miles 3 years later to install it :) :)

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