APR Stage 2 + Pulley

**Scalco23** · 12-15-2015 10:18 PM

So, I know I have mentioned this before in other threads about how I am not totally happy and impressed with the stage 1 tune on the 3.0. Don't get me wrong, it definitely changes things, but I guess I had higher expectations and, therefore, I am a bit disappointed. I find myself having to drive in S mode now to feel that quick acceleration and I don't necessarily want to have to do that. With that being said, I am seriously considering going the stage 2 with pulley route. I have yet to pull the trigger and the biggest reason being I do not want to spend another $1,000 and come away disappointed yet again. Therefore, I'm asking for some first hand, honest feedback regarding the DIFFERENCE between a stage 1 and stage 2 +pulley upgrade. I've been on the APR site, I've heard all of the numbers, etc. I won't be racing the car, but I definitely feel like I want more low end torque and power. Without getting into numbers, if anyone that has some first hand feedback on the stage 1 to stage 2 pulley upgrade please share your experiences and let me know if the difference is significant enough to where I will notice as soon as I drive away after install. I am by no means a car guru or expert, I'm just obsessed with Audi's and I really like my A6. Will the pulley make me fall in love with it?

**yeuchau** · 12-15-2015 10:41 PM

If you are not impressed with stage 1, I highly doubt you will when upgrade from stage 1 to 2.
One of the reason I went stage 2 directly.

**Sean@APR** · 12-16-2015 03:40 AM

Originally Posted by Scalco23

I want more low end torque and power.

I don't know if it will scratch your itch, but the pulley is definitely the best way to improve low end torque.

**tonymission** · 12-16-2015 01:18 PM

Sounds like you need an S6

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

**MikeDwerks** · 12-16-2015 04:17 PM

Just had stage 2 and pulley done. Certainly makes the car significantly faster and more fun to drive, but still not in the category of what I would call "fast" these days in terms of street cars. But in the end its like anything, you get used to it after a while and want more, that is regardless if its 300hp or 700hp. But APR did a good job with the tune, significant HP increase and you give nothing up, drives exactly like stock. When you get into the "fast" realm you start to have to give some things up.

**Scalco23** · 12-16-2015 06:51 PM

Originally Posted by tonymission

Sounds like you need an S6

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I wish! One day.

**Scalco23** · 12-16-2015 06:52 PM

Originally Posted by MikeDwerks

Just had stage 2 and pulley done. Certainly makes the car significantly faster and more fun to drive, but still not in the category of what I would call "fast" these days in terms of street cars. But in the end its like anything, you get used to it after a while and want more, that is regardless if its 300hp or 700hp. But APR did a good job with the tune, significant HP increase and you give nothing up, drives exactly like stock. When you get into the "fast" realm you start to have to give some things up.

Makes sense. Did you upgrade to stage 2 from stage 1 or right from stock?

**zcd2.7t** · 12-17-2015 05:58 AM

Originally Posted by Scalco23

...I find myself having to drive in S mode now to feel that quick acceleration and I don't necessarily want to have to do that...

You mean you feel like you have to do that NOW, after the tune, but you didn't before the tune? If so, that's really odd. There's a big difference in torque and power even with just the basic tune, so unless there's something wrong with your car, I don't understand why you'd feel that way...

Maybe you haven't given the car enough time to adapt to the tune? Many report that it took several hundred miles of driving before the ECU figures out the appropriate mix...

**Jimingle10** · 12-17-2015 06:26 AM

When did you get your stage 1 done?

I got stage 1 first, way more responsive and significantly stronger pull but power still fell off at higher rpm. Stage 2 pulls like a banshee all the way to redline I couldn't be happier.

BUT IT GETS BETTER

I looked at APR site today and they show the Stage 2 tune having a claimed 452HP on 93....I think when I got mine done they claimed 385ish? I called APR and confirmed there has been an update, I have an appointment tomorrow to get the new version. Stay tuned.

**Jimingle10** · 12-17-2015 06:28 AM

452HP would make the 3.0T ahead of the S6 by 32HP

**gk1** · 12-17-2015 07:34 AM

Originally Posted by Jimingle10

452HP would make the 3.0T ahead of the S6 by 32HP

On the APR dyno they managed 480HP on a stock S6.

Still...getting close.

**MikeDwerks** · 12-17-2015 08:41 AM

Originally Posted by Scalco23

Makes sense. Did you upgrade to stage 2 from stage 1 or right from stock?

straight to stage 2

**AudiA6A5** · 12-17-2015 01:53 PM

Originally Posted by Jimingle10

When did you get your stage 1 done?

I got stage 1 first, way more responsive and significantly stronger pull but power still fell off at higher rpm. Stage 2 pulls like a banshee all the way to redline I couldn't be happier.

BUT IT GETS BETTER

I looked at APR site today and they show the Stage 2 tune having a claimed 452HP on 93....I think when I got mine done they claimed 385ish? I called APR and confirmed there has been an update, I have an appointment tomorrow to get the new version. Stay tuned.

you'll definitely feel the difference between v1.1 and v3.1

**AudiA6A5** · 12-17-2015 01:58 PM

Originally Posted by zcd2.7t

You mean you feel like you have to do that NOW, after the tune, but you didn't before the tune? If so, that's really odd. There's a big difference in torque and power even with just the basic tune, so unless there's something wrong with your car, I don't understand why you'd feel that way...

Maybe you haven't given the car enough time to adapt to the tune? Many report that it took several hundred miles of driving before the ECU figures out the appropriate mix...

^this....

also keep in mind if your driving in the lower RPM band, you may not feel a big difference from stock however you should feel a noticeable difference when in the higher band to redline......I actually like that fact

**Arin@APR** · 12-18-2015 08:45 AM

Originally Posted by Scalco23

I am not totally happy and impressed with the stage 1 tune on the 3.0.

We updated our software a little while back and added quite a big punch over what we previously offered. When did you get flashed? Do you have the latest file? If you PM me today, I can check before I leave for the holidays.

**Scalco23** · 01-07-2016 03:52 PM

Taking the plunge. Scheduled appointment tomorrow for stage 2 and pulley install. Can't wait! Don't talk me out of it!!!

**pez81** · 01-07-2016 05:42 PM

Is it not just down to the linear nature of a supercharged motor that makes it feel less fast. Look at the Speedo when you're giving it the beans. I raced a carrera 4s and he gave up trying.

**SunDevil** · 01-08-2016 08:19 AM

Originally Posted by Scalco23

Taking the plunge. Scheduled appointment tomorrow for stage 2 and pulley install. Can't wait! Don't talk me out of it!!!

Good for you. My friend has a 2012 A7 and he is going straight to the pulley, stage 2. He said they have to heat the pulley to remove it or place it? Anyone know the process?

**mjfloyd1** · 01-08-2016 08:38 AM

Heat new pulley to place it. Also helpful to put bag of ice on SC shaft to shrink it a bit (or use computer keyboard air spray aerosol can turned upside down to freeze SC shaft)

**squarefoot** · 01-14-2016 08:40 PM

Originally Posted by SunDevil

He said they have to heat the pulley to remove it or place it? Anyone know the process?

There is a video from ECS Tuning that shows the process https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aaPnqkyo0yQ

Looking forward to hearing the results from the stage 2 and pulley install - Scalco

**yeuchau** · 01-14-2016 10:15 PM

Originally Posted by squarefoot

There is a video from ECS Tuning that shows the process https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aaPnqkyo0yQ

Looking forward to hearing the results from the stage 2 and pulley install - Scalco

I think he is having too much fun with it.

**hodrosS42001** · 01-15-2016 10:51 AM

A big difference is the red line is so much lower with the 8 Speed v.s the DSG in the S4. You're losing out on a lot of top end.

**mobile** · 01-16-2016 11:55 AM

I just bought a A7.

I also own a Maserati Granturismo with some mods on it. It's unreal and I love it.

These are two very different cars. The A7 doesn't pick up as fast (even if the HP numbers say otherwise) nor is it very exciting to drive. It could use some help turning and braking at high speeds. I imagine that even with these APR mods, it will have the same "feel". I think the problem here is that this model is meant as a daily driver. If you want a racecar or sports car, you should buy one.

**4wheelpilot** · 01-16-2016 02:12 PM

Originally Posted by hodrosS42001

A big difference is the red line is so much lower with the 8 Speed v.s the DSG in the S4. You're losing out on a lot of top end.

Can the 8 speed Tiptronic be tuned to raise the redline?
If yes, how much of a difference/improvement does it make?

**yeuchau** · 01-16-2016 02:54 PM

Originally Posted by 4wheelpilot

Can the 8 speed Tiptronic be tuned to raise the redline?
If yes, how much of a difference/improvement does it make?

I wish, but no tune on the 8speed top, wonder if any company is working on one?

**Carl Weathers** · 01-17-2016 02:36 PM

Originally Posted by Arin@APR

We updated our software a little while back and added quite a big punch over what we previously offered. When did you get flashed? Do you have the latest file? If you PM me today, I can check before I leave for the holidays.

When was this update? Had my A6 tuned back in June.

**LINDW4LL** · 01-17-2016 02:45 PM

Originally Posted by yeuchau

I wish, but no tune on the 8speed top, wonder if any company is working on one?

APR's SQ5 ECU tune raised it's redline to 6,900 while in manual mode (requires auto upshift in manual mode to be disabled with VCDS).

The SQ has the ZF8 too, so I think it would be possible for APR to incorporate it into other files...