Taking the S4 to the track...

[A4SlineWA]

Hi Audizine,

I'm planning on taking my B8 S4 to the track this Friday (first time) and would like your advice/opinion. So I'm running a stage 2 tune on 93 octane from Solomotorsports; APR pulley.

I'm undecided if I should run it with the current set up OR:

1. Get a TCU tune? Solomotorsports doesn't currently offer one so possibly from EPL? I've read others running the stock TCU just fine on the B8's. I personally feel the shifts can be quicker, more consistent and closer to readline. Will a tune help in the 1/4?

2. Get a Race Gas Tune? Solomotorsports does offer one and I have their cable already. My question is if I'm running race gas (93 octane and torco race fuel blend) can I simply switch from my Race gas tune to my 93 tune and see what I can achieve with the respective tune? Or will my 93 tune numbers be off/better because I'm running race gas? What's the best way to try each tune?

3. Rune it with my current set up and just go back to the track each time when I buy the above mentioned products?

Any other tips for getting a good 1/4 time would also be appreciated.

Thanks.

[amz]

If you're taking it to the track...
1) get your brakes inspected. Change the fluid if you haven't done so in the past year. If you're on stock pads change 'em out for something better (Hawk HPS, StopTech Street.) Trust me, it's goddamn scary when you start reaching way into your brake pedal at 160km/h going "huh, shouldn't something be happening about now?".
2) Run the TCU stock for this event, and then decide. 99% of the on here will tell you to spend more money. We're good at that. Arguably, it's why we even come here lol
3) Don't worry about race gas yet. Get the highest octane pump gas you can find, and start running it today. The ECU's in our cars adapt to the gas we put in it, but it takes about half a tank to a full tank for the ECU to fully adapt; even with tune. If the highest octane pump has lots of ethanol on it then that's fine for prepping for, and on track or HPDE days (you'll get some extra timing out of it) but our cars can't make proper use of the ethanol content, so for daily stuff run the highest non-ethanol pump fuel you can find. I run PetroCan 93 for the tank leading up to, and on AutoX or HPDE days, and then switch back to Shell 91 for normal driving. I'm not sure if it's doing anything or not, but it makes me feel better lol.

QQ. Are you going to a track or drag strip? You're asking about going to the track, so I've given some track advice, but it sounds like you're actually heading for a drag strip.

[A4SlineWA]

Thanks AMZ. I'll be going to the drag strip. Trying for a best 1/4.

[BlownOne]

Just run it as is and go from there...experience is the best driver mod to be both consistent and quick. Don't expect miracle times either if it's your first time out because there are so many little factors that all add up to a perfect run. Good luck!

Will

[mrmomo313]

Run it as is. I'm very curious to see what the SMS tune will put up. My advice is to really focus on shallow staging, you'll read about it in the thread I linked. Then also focus on your launch with the two foot method.

Hold off on the TCU tune for now. What year is your car? If b8.5 I'd consider getting it done at some point because you're leaving a bit on the table with the stock rev limiter. With the b8 it's really not that necessary to run a fast time but if you're trying to set records etc and run dual pulley, it's needed.

I think APR has the best dsg tune out there IMO with the AMAX shifting but GIAC has proven that their stuff works quite well too.


Read this thread, all the good tips and tricks are covered in it:
http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...4-mile-runners!

If you want some more info, head over to another forum AR(Audi revolution).. Go to the 1/4 mile section and read the thread on tips and tricks (it's stickied, first thread). Good stuff in there.

[A4SlineWA]

Run it as is. I'm very curious to see what the SMS tune will put up. My advice is to really focus on shallow staging, you'll read about it in the thread I linked. Then also focus on your launch with the two foot method.

Hold off on the TCU tune for now. What year is your car? If b8.5 I'd consider getting it done at some point because you're leaving a bit on the table with the stock rev limiter. With the b8 it's really not that necessary to run a fast time but if you're trying to set records etc and run dual pulley, it's needed.

I think APR has the best dsg tune out there IMO with the AMAX shifting but GIAC has proven that their stuff works quite well too.


Read this thread, all the good tips and tricks are covered in it:
http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...4-mile-runners!

If you want some more info, head over to another forum AR(Audi revolution).. Go to the 1/4 mile section and read the thread on tips and tricks (it's stickied, first thread). Good stuff in there.

Thanks for the reply. I knew you has some good times from reading other threads. Looks like I'll just run what I got. Even day to day driving l feel that a TCU would help. I have a B8, 2011. Stay tuned to see my times. Hopefully I'll get in the mid to low 12's with my set up.

[TexasDfwS4]

I plan to visit the track as well weather permitting Friday. I found that the above is true, that there are so many things to take in at the moment that you"ll forget something. My first was three weeks ago and I found myself on the second pass with the A/C on (a big no no), so this week weather permitting I will get to run with the pack. FYI do the tune it's fun!!!

[mrmomo313]

Thanks for the reply. I knew you has some good times from reading other threads. Looks like I'll just run what I got. Even day to day driving l feel that a TCU would help. I have a B8, 2011. Stay tuned to see my times. Hopefully I'll get in the mid to low 12's with my set up.

Looking forward to it, do share your results. Good luck and enjoy it, love being able to legally open up the car at the strip. Take note of the ambient temp and DA at the time of your runs.

Don't expect the first time to be spectacular. First time I went to the track with drob23 and we both ran high 12's lol. Now we both have 11 second passes.