SQ5 tuning opinions, thoughts, feedback

[turrifik]

Who's tried tuning their SQ5? APR, GIAC, Unitronic... stage 1 or stage 2? Any feedback would be great. Good or not.

This is a hot topic with the S4 folks, but I haven't found many tuned SQ's. Considering that we have a bit more power/torque to start with vs. stock Q5's and S4's, I wonder if Stage 1 is worthwhile/noticeable vs. going to Stage 2 right away. I've seen that sliu6122 didn't notice gains with APR's stage 1, but their current stage 1 93 octane tune claims decent dyno numbers (+ 98hp/75ft-lbs!!). Not sure what that actually correlates to at the strip or seat of the pants, but I'd love to find out from those who've tried it!

I'm shopping for a good tuning option in Toronto. I'm aware of TD1 risks so I'm hoping this doesn't turn into a TD1able offenses thread.
Simply might not have the patience to wait for the warranty to expire on my '14... :D

Here are links to some of the available tunes for the SQ5:
https://www.goapr.com/products/ecu_u...0tfsi_sq5.html
https://www.unitronic-chipped.com/ec...TFSI-2014-2015 > claimed gains seems relatively low for stage 1, especially torque
http://www.giacusa.com/products/soft...[emoji768] &submodel=Q5_&chassis=Q5_. > this tune seems to be the preferred option right now with the S4


EDIT: here's the who's who of q5 tuning based on the helpful feedback in this thread. No guarantees on accuracy or completeness.

SQive. SQ5 APR Stg 2+ ODP
Candybloucogti Q5 APR Stg 2+
Q5Dave Q5 GIAC Stg 1
Brad281 Q5 APR Stg 2+
BobSF ? GIAC stg 1 --> 2
SSyzma SQ5 Unitronic Stg 1+
S-Fore SQ5 APR Stg 2+
Scottish Q5? APR Stg 2+
Rgvsq5 SQ5 APR Stg 2+
JayCar. SQ5 APR Stg 2+
Gary Simpson SQ5 APR Stg 2+
Sliu6122 SQ5 APR Stg 1 --> 2
Jdias. SQ5 APR Stg 1
Riceboy22 SQ5 APR Stg 2
PurdainaM3 SQ5 GIAC Stg 2
TurboJayc SQ5 CW

[candyblancogti]

I have a Q5 3.0T that is APR stage 2+ with the pulley. It puts down the same power as the SQ5 would with the pulley and tune. Huge improvement. Even stage one is very noticeable vs. stock... Not sure why that other dude didn't notice any improvements.

I think it's totally worth it for the power increase. Just wish they would come out with a TCU tune as well.


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[SQive]

What?? There are a ton of tuned SQ's.
I'm APR Stage 2 with the JHM overdrive pulley.
Gnarly power!

[turrifik]

Very nice. I forgot that you tuned the new pano'd SQ.
What made you go with APR? You skipped stage 1 right? Any quirks?


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[EYE4SPEED]

What?? There are a ton of tuned SQ's.
I'm APR Stage 2 with the JHM overdrive pulley.
Gnarly power!

With the OD pulley - do you still need software upgrade?

[q5 dave]

I have a Q5 3.0T that is APR stage 2+ with the pulley. It puts down the same power as the SQ5 would with the pulley and tune. Huge improvement. Even stage one is very noticeable vs. stock... Not sure why that other dude didn't notice any improvements.

I think it's totally worth it for the power increase. Just wish they would come out with a TCU tune as well.

Our Q5 3.0T engines are severely de-tuned from the factory compared to SQ5 3.0T engines. My stg1 tune added about 110 AWHP... insane!

I think Sliu didn't notice much of a gain because SQ's have the highest factory output for a 3.0T engine. Only so much power can be made before you need a pulley.


that said... i'm thinking of making the jump to stg2

[turrifik]

I think Sliu didn't notice much of a gain because SQ's have the highest factory output for a 3.0T engine. Only so much power can be made before you need a pulley.


that said... i'm thinking of making the jump to stg2

I'm thinking the same, but APR's current stage 1 numbers are awfully close to stage 2. A pulley would help make low end gains... more noticeable however.

SQFive - why'd you go with the crank OD pulley rather than a smaller supercharger pulley? No drawbacks from overdriving other accessories?


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[q5 dave]

Yeah the pulley helps explain my 4.5 second 0-60mph verse Gary and Brad's 3.XX second 0-60 times


I'm trying to hit a 1/4mile soon for better times.

[SQ5LIFE]

Yeah the pulley helps explain my 4.5 second 0-60mph verse Gary and Brad's 3.XX second 0-60 times

Wait what??? You can get into the 3 second range with a SQ5????????!!!!!! How!!??!?!?!

[q5 dave]

Wait what??? You can get into the 3 second range with a SQ5????????!!!!!! How!!??!?!?!

here, read up

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...le-Times/page3

Brad ripped a 0-60mph in 3.87 seconds. stg2 Q5!

[SQ5LIFE]

Huh ok read up. not bad they are running the APR tunes. I wonder how much faster the GIAC stage two would be. From what i heard they are faster.

[q5 dave]

S-fore is GIAC stage 2

[SQive]

Very nice. I forgot that you tuned the new pano'd SQ.
What made you go with APR? You skipped stage 1 right? Any quirks?

Not at all. I chose APR for two reasons: It's what my buddy over at Blair Automotive sells (with free flash-backs), and APR had just released their V2 that was getting great reviews over their previous version. I installed the JHM over-drive pulley first, and then got the Stage 2 tune a couple of months later. I still have the APR SC pulley, but I won't be putting it on unless APR completes their dual-pulley tune, which I should get for free as an APR customer.

With the OD pulley - do you still need software upgrade?

Yes, on either pulley change. Otherwise, the ECU just bypasses the additional boost.

SQFive - why'd you go with the crank OD pulley rather than a smaller supercharger pulley? No drawbacks from overdriving other accessories?

Look at your crank pulley. The SC has its own belt, right? The OD crank pulley's accessory pulley is the same stock size. Only the SC side is bigger. Obviously, I had to buy both pulleys, but the reason I went with the crank pulley is simple mechanics; more belt contact with the pulleys, rather than less. The SC pulleys require a smaller belt and the crank pulleys require a longer one. The neat thing about a dual-pulley setup is that is uses the stock belt size.

Wait what??? You can get into the 3 second range with a SQ5????????!!!!!! How!!??!?!?!

No, silly. Those were clocked by the P3 gage, which has been shown on several occasions to be inaccurate. The only way you'll get this 4,400 pound SUV to 60 MPH in under 4 seconds is to somehow cram a 4.0T in there. Perhaps you could do it with a dual-pulley tune and nitrous, but that might be too much for the 3.0T.

[SQ5LIFE]

Yea i figured something was fishy lol. I was about to shit a brick though haha. Being in the 4.5 second range is impressive as is. But yea i don't think the 3's are a possibility without some serious mods......which has me wondering... Can you turbocharge a SQ5? As in remove a supercharger and turbo it? Im not that knowledgeable about these things so if its a dumb question I'm sorry in advance.

[turrifik]

Look at your crank pulley. The SC has its own belt, right? The OD crank pulley's accessory pulley is the same stock size. Only the SC side is bigger. Obviously, I had to buy both pulleys, but the reason I went with the crank pulley is simple mechanics; more belt contact with the pulleys, rather than less. The SC pulleys require a smaller belt and the crank pulleys require a longer one. The neat thing about a dual-pulley setup is that is uses the stock belt size.

Ah, of course they're separate. I see why you first went that route. The smaller SC pulley would have a bit less traction and more belt bending, heat etc... I'll keep that in mind if I must choose only 1 pulley.
Without the isolator, might the JHM OD pulley have some sort of NVH long term? I see that they did that partially in response to OEM crank pulleys separating at the isolator. That would suck.

here, read up

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...le-Times/page3

Brad ripped a 0-60mph in 3.87 seconds. stg2 Q5!

I'm still blown away by some of those 1/4 times in an SUV.
Looks like most people have gone the APR route. Any GIAC or Unitronic experiences? I recall BobSF had GIAC.

[sszyma]

I run a Unitronic Stage 1+(93 octane vs 91). Numbers are a littel different from APR but, without dynoing before and after on the same car I can't make a direct comparison. I can say the tune made a very nice difference in drivability. Not that the SQ5 is underpowered by any means, it just needed a little more...... With sport mode it is a absolute beast on the highway and pulls like a train. I went with unitronic since I trust the shop and that is what they offered. I don't think you can go wrong with either GIAC, APR or Uni. I also installed the 034 inlet hose with Afe dry filter. Removed the snow screen and slighty modified the inlet duct inside of the airbox. The stock airbox is is well designed and if you look at it the inlet to the surpercharger is actually quite small compared the the throttle body inlet.

[drumnjuny]

lol those 0-60 times are garbage... just like the p3 gauge. its an OBD-II scanner attached to a 90's alarm clock screen... all it does is read values. it is literally the same as taking logs, and taking the time difference between when your car reads 0 and 60. and if you know anything about cars, speedometers are never correct. its a calculation based on circumference and # rotations of the wheel over time


About the JHM overdrive pulley... is there enough space to install it without removing the front clip? I actually like the sound of that way more than the smaller supercharger pulley, haha.

[spijun]

Yeah the pulley helps explain my 4.5 second 0-60mph verse Gary and Brad's 3.XX second 0-60 times


I'm trying to hit a 1/4mile soon for better times.

For 3.XX second 0-60 need minimal 600HP or more

[drumnjuny]

i would be honestly shocked if the p3cars gauge is ANYWHERE close to being able to distinguish between hundredths of a second.

if they are refreshing 100 times / second, someone tell me. Even when logging in VCDS the resolution isn't that high... not even in turbo mode, i don't think.

[S-Fore]

I run GIAC Stg2 and am very happy. I also have an AWE Coldfront which shines in the warmer months. I also have been running the 100oct file with a 38% E85/93 mix with no issues, for months. Great linear power through the revs. I am lucky enough to have 3 stations that sell E85 within 5mi of my house.

[BlackSVT]

I dunno if I agree that a Stage 2 S/Q5 can't hit 3.xx 0-60. With the really low 1st & 2nd gear, the benefit of a loaded torque converter launch (i.e. even more torque multiplication) and AWD, these things launch like a Mo-Fo on regular street tires. 1.8x Second 60 foot times at the strip is a strong launch for any street car.

FWIW, I've used this guys Excel spreadsheet for a while to check numbers and estimate 0-60 off of 1/4 mile time slips, and it lines up perfectly with scottisha's measured times in the link above, and it definitely shows gary simpson's 1/4 mile runs lining up with a solid sub-4 second 0-60.
Link

The calculated 1/8 mile speed is the best checkpoint of how accurate it is. I've run anything from 9 seconds RWD Hellcats on slicks to FWD, 17 second slugs through, and it's always really close.

[SQive]

Yea i figured something was fishy lol. I was about to shit a brick though haha. Being in the 4.5 second range is impressive as is. But yea i don't think the 3's are a possibility without some serious mods......which has me wondering... Can you turbocharge a SQ5? As in remove a supercharger and turbo it? Im not that knowledgeable about these things so if its a dumb question I'm sorry in advance.

IMO, the gains versus the cost wouldn't be worth it. . .like that stage 3 SC upgrade. On the other hand, I've read that the next SQ5 might be something like a 3.0TT. Guess we'll have to wait and see as things always change. I like the 2.5T, but seriously, this thing is A LOT heavier than a TTRS or an RSQ3.

Ah, of course they're separate. I see why you first went that route. The smaller SC pulley would have a bit less traction and more belt bending, heat etc... I'll keep that in mind if I must choose only 1 pulley.
Without the isolator, might the JHM OD pulley have some sort of NVH long term? I see that they did that partially in response to OEM crank pulleys separating at the isolator. That would suck.

There was a third reason I went this way; the crank pulley is much easier to replace than the SC pulley. The SC pulley requires heating, pulling, pressing, and more room in the front to work. The crank pulley is considerably lighter. I haven't noticed any vibrations.

About the JHM overdrive pulley... is there enough space to install it without removing the front clip? I actually like the sound of that way more than the smaller supercharger pulley, haha.

No. You might be able to get your fingers in there, but it will be a PITA and you'll never get to those bolts with a torque wrench.

For 3.XX second 0-60 need minimal 600HP or more

That is correct. I estimated around 580HP, but close enough. It's a simple matter of physics.

[colby7]

The Macan does 0-60 in 4.2 with 406 hp, and a comparable curb weight.

[drumnjuny]

comparing 1/4m and 0-60 times to other cars with entirely different powertrains

[SQive]

Tru dat^^^

[BlackSVT]

comparing 1/4m and 0-60 times to other cars with entirely different powertrains

Oh, but it does work that way if you have enough numbers to fill in the blanks and interpolate to find the intermediate points. A 1/4 mile time slip has a whole lot of useful info for the first 1/8th mile that accurately describes the acceleration curve. You won't be able to determine subtleties like "jerk' caused by shift points, shift speed, etc, but you can get damn close using fairly basic calculus.

In no way am I saying take a 0-60 number and extrapolate to 1/8th or 1/4 mile times/speeds/hp. That'll never happen with any accuracy, but give me the 60', 330', and 660' times and you can calculate the in between points accurately.

[colby7]

comparing 1/4m and 0-60 times to other cars with entirely different powertrains

NT

[jomama229]

fwiw, scottisha pulled off a vbox verified 4.1s 0-60 time on APR stg 2 and whatever bolt-ons he had. i forget what weather conditions were, but i do know that the runs were done in florida.

**edit: had wrong 0-60 time

[colby7]

fwiw, scottisha pulled off a vbox verified 4.4s 0-60 time on APR stg 2 and whatever bolt-ons he had. i forget what weather conditions were, but i do know that the runs were done in florida.

Scottisha's best vbox 0-60 was 4.1

See post #59: http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...6#post10820296

Scott's best 1/4 mile was 12.6

Gary's best 1/4 mile is 11.9. If he's .7 faster in the 1/4, he's at least .2 faster in the 0-60.

Edit: When Scott ran a 4.1 0-60, his 330 ft was 5.268, Gary's was 5.015. 2.5 tenths faster.

[jomama229]

Scottisha's best vbox 0-60 was 4.1

See post #59: http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...6#post10820296

Scott's best 1/4 mile was 12.6

Gary's best 1/4 mile is 11.9. If he's .7 faster in the 1/4, he's at least .2 faster in the 0-60.

Edit: When Scott ran a 4.1 0-60, his 330 ft was 5.268, Gary's was 5.015. 2.5 tenths faster.

i stand corrected, and previous post has been edited. i think the first sub 5 time scottisha posted was a 4.4, but you're right.

my post was simply to show that a vbox verified time exists. i'm not getting into this debate of what the Q5 can or can't do. tha being said, 11.9 is ridic for this car. and please correct me if i'm wrong - i believe scottisha ran his 12.x on 93oct and gary ran 93 with a couple gallons of 100oct mixed in.

[drumnjuny]

I bet you don't think these cars can go sub 12 in the 1/4 mile either.

and i bet you make drastic assumptions based on relatively unrelated comments and state them for dramatic effect.

my assertion pertaining to the number of variables faulting the tool's calculation of perceived speed & faulting comparison's legitimacy has nothing to do with sub-any seconds in any section of a mile for any car.

thanks for your input on what i think, though. i was going to process it and think about it... but then i figured it would be easier if you just told me what i think about your input on what i think.

[rusq5]

i stand corrected, and previous post has been edited. i think the first sub 5 time scottisha posted was a 4.4, but you're right.

my post was simply to show that a vbox verified time exists. i'm not getting into this debate of what the Q5 can or can't do. tha being said, 11.9 is ridic for this car. and please correct me if i'm wrong - i believe scottisha ran his 12.x on 93oct and gary ran 93 with a couple gallons of 100oct mixed in.

I think gary ran 93, but it was also in the low 60s. I think 11.9 is with optimal conditions. I do hope (think?) a tcu will help the car in the 1/4.

As for 0-60 times, due to 2nd being too short, I really doubt we'll get any true sub 4 sec times. That shift into 3rd kills the time.

[colby7]

and i bet you make drastic assumptions based on relatively unrelated comments and state them for dramatic effect.

my assertion pertaining to the number of variables faulting the tool's calculation of perceived speed & faulting comparison's legitimacy has nothing to do with sub-any seconds in any section of a mile for any car.

thanks for your input on what i think, though. i was going to process it and think about it... but then i figured it would be easier if you just told me what i think about your input on what i think.

NT

[drumnjuny]

and i bet you make drastic assumptions based on relatively unrelated comments and state them for dramatic effect.

Stick to what you know: Pretty lights and wheels.

Thank you for confirming my bet. What do I win? Tell me more about what I know...

You sound like you really know what you're talking about. Like you live at the track... you probably broke all HP and TQ records for your previous car, pulled the motor countless times, built many motors, installed countless bbks, built motorcycles, race cars and motorcycles... go to the track all the time... know people in the industry, are in the industry yourself --

no wait. that was me. the pretty lights and wheels guy... how did you not know about this? when you know all the things about what i think?

Yikes. sounds like you know a lot about what i think but nothing about me. how is that possible?

[SQ5LIFE]

Lol you tell him drumnjuny. haha damn kids being ignorant lol

[colby7]

Thank you for confirming my bet. What do I win? Tell me more about what I know...

You sound like you really know what you're talking about. Like you live at the track... you probably broke all HP and TQ records for your previous car, pulled the motor countless times, built many motors, installed countless bbks, built motorcycles, race cars and motorcycles... go to the track all the time... know people in the industry, are in the industry yourself --

no wait. that was me. the pretty lights and wheels guy... how did you not know about this? when you know all the things about what i think?

Yikes. sounds like you know a lot about what i think but nothing about me. how is that possible?

Based on the numbers in my previous post, it's pretty obvious a properly tuned Q5/SQ5 has the ability to run a sub 4 sec 0-60 in favorable conditions.

[drumnjuny]

Lol you tell him drumnjuny. haha damn kids being ignorant lol

lol can't tell if its funny or sad that i never once mentioned, ever, in any thread what 0-60 speed or 1/4m time my mom-van dog-hauler-wagon trackrat-tow-car would put down...

was just having lunch with TeamBrando talking about how this forum hadn't gone to shit yet. the golden age is over time to sell the SQ

[SQ5LIFE]

lol can't tell if its funny or sad that i never once mentioned, ever, in any thread what 0-60 speed or 1/4m time my mom-van dog-hauler-wagon trackrat-tow-car would put down...

was just having lunch with TeamBrando talking about how this forum hadn't gone to shit yet. the golden age is over time to sell the SQ

Nah its time to sell the SQ only when the RSQ5 comes out. Then maybe.

[rusq5]

[drumnjuny]

Nah its time to sell the SQ only when the RSQ5 comes out. Then maybe.

only if it comes with a 4.0TT!!! which i don't think will fit otherwise i'll just keep this one haha. RSQ5 probably costs as much as a low mileage 997.2 turbo when it comes out

[video=youtube;5DmYLrxR0Y8]