ABT piggyback detail pics-gauging interest

[Tommy@Nemesis]

What's up all!
I wanted to post this so ABT can get honest feedback from true RS3 owners, and hopefully we can help them make a decision with the US market.
We just wrapped up logging 1K miles on an RS3 with the ABT AEC power upgrade on 93 octane fuel. It ran perfectly with no faults, misfires, etc. Unfortunately scheduling conflicts prevented us from getting on the dyno, but this was rated for 460HP and 390 lb ft based on 98 RON fuel.
The challenge currently is that ABT's price is substantial versus other offerings, but their prices included a 4 yr/50K type warranty on the motor. Their still seems to be some residual effect from the STaSIS days and Audi USA, so I suggested ABT sell these in the US without the warranty like other companies do.

As you can see from the pictures, this is an OEM quality upgrade and uses a true stand alone ecu.

So...how many of you would be interested in this without the warranty if the price was fair? Would you pay more for a setup like this with the harness, etc and do you see the value in it?

Would someone have an interest in this exact setup for a special price if ABT were to offer it to you before sending it back to Germany?

Thanks for taking the time to read this and share your opinions.

My email: [email protected]

[shivaswrath]

If they are selling a piggy back that is easier than a JB4 to install (judging from the quality of connections looks like 4 plugs and two screws?), I would be interested.

As long as the Cat is kept ON it's all good. More than $999 I'd probably pass...

[saxon]

for the price of the current tunes on the market im not sure why someone would want to go with a piggyback.

both tunes currently on the market allow end user flashes and are priced competitively

[Tommy@Nemesis]

for the price of the current tunes on the market im not sure why someone would want to go with a piggyback.

both tunes currently on the market allow end user flashes and are priced competitively

Good feedback and no TD1 issues correct? I'm a little out of the loop, so my apologies!

[Akediord]

What’s the total install time like and do you have to pull the neg battery cable every time you put it on and take it off? Most important to me, does the current tune dial out the 2500K dip? I’d be interested in a PB because I certainly don’t want to TD1 a car I might not have in two years.

[shivaswrath]

Good feedback and no TD1 issues correct? I'm a little out of the loop, so my apologies!

Well that's why anyone would consider a piggy back, it gets an auto flag via AoA.

[Tommy@Nemesis]

What’s the total install time like and do you have to pull the neg battery cable every time you put it on and take it off? Most important to me, does the current tune dial out the 2500K dip? I’d be interested in a PB because I certainly don’t want to TD1 a car I might not have in two years.

Goes in and out in less than 30 minutes and we didn't disconnect the cable. No TD1 after Guided Fault Finding scans with it

will find out formally about the 2500K

[cam0719]

If they are selling a piggy back that is easier than a JB4 to install (judging from the quality of connections looks like 4 plugs and two screws?), I would be interested.

As long as the Cat is kept ON it's all good. More than $999 I'd probably pass...

I believe it retails over 4000 EUR ($5000 USD) across the pond so maybe they'll meet you halfway?

[cam0719]

Well that's why anyone would consider a piggy back, it gets an auto flag via AoA.

You mean does NOT get an auto flag? Assuming you take it off.

[iceman302]

Would ABT make one for those of us that only have access to crappy 91 octane?

I’d be inclined to go the piggyback route and this looks like a quality piece from a very reputable shop. Price would certainly be a factor. The additional warranty coverage would be a big plus, as long as it doesn’t add to the price substantially.

[shivaswrath]

You mean does NOT get an auto flag? Assuming you take it off.

Yes does NOT.

Would have to be like max $999 to be competitive...it's $5k in Europe with a warranty backing.

[Zephyr007]

It’s going to need a direct back to back dyno comparison with/without the ecu to move the needle for most of us. Especially considering the price point of ABT products. There are likely to be some limitations with the piggyback when compared to a full factory ECU retune but depending on the amount of data being monitored and adjusted by the piggyback it could get reasonably close and become a very attractive option for those wanting to avoid various warranty and TD1 concerns from their dealer.

It does look like the factory intercooler may be the weak link so maintaining that factory warranty safety net while still gaining substantial power via the ABT ECU may be a difficult target to hit.

[shivaswrath]

Post install pictures please.

[WAF]

Yes does NOT.

Would have to be like max $999 to be competitive...it's $5k in Europe with a warranty backing.

I agree with the TD1 comment and that will probably dictate if people are going to buy it or not, 5K are you serious??? I've had Stasis before and have no interest personally dealing with that ordeal again concerning warranties. I'd pay a lil more for a piggy back if it was proven not to raise a flag. Personally if the TD1 issue is still present with this unit, and will be called on it I'd spend money that on a flash. My dealership has no problem with an IC swap so that will probably be my first mod other than the exhaust stuff.

[lalalaprise]

If it doesn't cause TD1, if it's easy to install and if there's no warranty I can see this being viable... as long as price is no more than 2K

Most tunes are 1k and will cause TD1... I'm sure most would pay 2k for something comparable that won't...as long as it's easy to install and swap in and out the OEM ecu

[saxon]

If it doesn't cause TD1, if it's easy to install and if there's no warranty I can see this being viable... as long as price is no more than 2K

Most tunes are 1k and will cause TD1... I'm sure most would pay 2k for something comparable that won't...as long as it's easy to install and swap in and out the OEM ecu

i havent seen anyone get a td1 with Unitronic and flashing the car back to stock before going in for service?

what tunes are you speaking of that have caused td1?

[FuzzyHat]

I would also be interested in this as a possibility if it were at the right price point and wouldn't cause TD1 codes.

[lalalaprise]

i havent seen anyone get a td1 with Unitronic and flashing the car back to stock before going in for service?

what tunes are you speaking of that have caused td1?

They all cause it... dealers can see how many times your ecu has been flashed and at what mileage

[speeddemon69]

i havent seen anyone get a td1 with Unitronic and flashing the car back to stock before going in for service?

what tunes are you speaking of that have caused td1?

I went to two Audi dealers and in one of them i dealt with a little prick that was like “yeah even if you try to put it in stock mode we can tell because of the flash counter” I felt like telling him ever heard of JB tunes MOFO! But i didn’t because there is also an RS3 on the way there and you never know if it gets there before mine lol. Little prick thinks he owns the place. He’s not even a service advisor or even a sales advisor lol.

Moral of the story is AUDI sucks compared to my VW dealer when it comes to tuned ECU. So wait for piggybacks I guess. Unless APR has some tricks up its sleeve.



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[weepingwillow]

Does anyone know if juicebox will come in stages?

I'm doing turbo back exhaust and intercooler soon.

[Tommy@Nemesis]

Thanks for all the input everyone! I'm going to try and get Bjoern from ABT in here to discuss some of the specifics

[FuzzyHat]

Where does this actually mount as well? In some of the videos I am seeing on YouTube, it looks like it goes on top of the stock Intake air box. I'm wondering if you have an aftermarket intake, would it still work out there?

[Bjoern_ABT]

Thanks for all the input everyone! I'm going to try and get Bjoern from ABT in here to discuss some of the specifics

Hey Tommy,

thanks for starting this thread. I am more than welcome to answer as many questions as I can. Just in advance: There is no final decision yet if we will offer the power upgrades in the US or not. But these thoughts should hopefully be finalized within the next few weeks. Also: Of course we are planning to adjust our pricing to the North American market if we are not able to offer the same warranty than in most European countries.

To add some technical basic info:

Special features of power increases with ABT Engine Control

• Hardware protection
The separate ABT Engine Control is mounted non-destructively and has a range of safety features. This means the original ECU or the wiring are not affected. In addition, problems are avoided through CAN-bus integration, a splash-proof housing with GoreTex® membrane for ventilation, a defined installation position and the sturdy stainless steel mounting system. Furthermore, ABT also carries out testing for electromagnetic compatibility and the resistance against thermal shock and salt spray.

• 3D optimization
ABT uses a three-dimensional characteristics grid over engine load and speed rather than the often used two-dimensional characteristic curve only over speed. The change in sensor values is only active on full load and in areas near full load which ensures there is less strain on engine and components and the turbocharger is not constantly working at its pump limit in the lower load range.

• Protection mechanisms
The AEC retains the protection measures of the standard control unit instead of cancelling them out and even introduces additional vehicle specific component measures. This means less load on the engine, so the additional power is only available if the engine is neither too cold nor too hot. The charge air temperature is monitored and the fuel rail pressure is limited to protect the injection components. Additionally, the power is reduced to protect the turbocharger above a vehicle specific level.

• Exhaust monitoring
ABT also monitors and controls the exhaust temperature. Controlling the exhaust temperature has a positive effect on the continuous performance. Otherwise it would not be constantly available due to the permitted temperature limits.

Best regards,

Bjoern
www.abt-america.com

[Bjoern_ABT]

Where does this actually mount as well? In some of the videos I am seeing on YouTube, it looks like it goes on top of the stock Intake air box. I'm wondering if you have an aftermarket intake, would it still work out there?

It normally is installed on top of the factory battery or underneath the cover where the windshield wiper motors are located.

Best regards,

Bjoern
www.ABT-America.com

[Bjoern_ABT]

They all cause it... dealers can see how many times your ecu has been flashed and at what mileage

So don't flash the original ECU. :-)

Best regards

Bjoern
www.abt-america.com

[lalalaprise]

So don't flash the original ECU. :-)

Best regards

Bjoern
www.abt-america.com

Exactly... which is why piggybacks are so popular :)

[0000 RS5]

It normally is installed on top of the factory battery or underneath the cover where the windshield wiper motors are located.

Best regards,

Bjoern
www.ABT-America.com

+1 Interested

[iceman302]

Bjoern, if ABT brings the product here, will you be offering a 91 octane version?

[Fdvigna]

+1 Interested

I know this is RS3 related.... but I am interested in the b9 S5 version of ABT's piggyback... Bring them to the US!!!!

[ZeGerman_A4]

I’m interested for the B9 A4 Allroad, please.


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[WAF]

@Bjoern so just to be clear. Will this piggyback be detectable from Audi once they scan the car? Product would be removed at the time of scan and back to OEM settings.

[zxsuxr]

beside TD1, i am sure the car stores boost values. I am sure a dealer can pull data that shows previous boost history. If it is hitting limits higher than stock, then its pretty obvious there was a tune.
There is no point of trying to beat TD1.

[Micronaught]

beside TD1, i am sure the car stores boost values. I am sure a dealer can pull data that shows previous boost history. If it is hitting limits higher than stock, then its pretty obvious there was a tune.
There is no point of trying to beat TD1.

My b8.5 S4 would log “underboost” faults when I used a piggyback and experienced ... ahem.... extended periods of WOT. The dealer never mentioned my “underpowered “ condition to me .

[cam0719]

My b8.5 S4 would log “underboost” faults when I used a piggyback and experienced ... ahem.... extended periods of WOT. The dealer never mentioned my “underpowered “ condition to me .

Yeah ironically most piggybacks make the ECU read less boost than stock (so that it will artificially increase boost over stock).

[shivaswrath]

I'm down thanks for answering questions Bjorn!

[FuzzyHat]

I'm also super interested in this as well, does this also work with other brands of upgrades (i.e. Intercooler, etc)? Different maps with the AEC? Would love to know what type of price point we would be looking at.

[WAF]

Yeah ironically most piggybacks make the ECU read less boost than stock (so that it will artificially increase boost over stock).

This is what i was referring to.

[ZeGerman_A4]

It normally is installed on top of the factory battery or underneath the cover where the windshield wiper motors are located.

Best regards,

Bjoern
www.ABT-America.com

Björn,

Are you working on bringing over your entire AEC portfolio or just for selected models?

I’d really like to see it for the B9 A4 Allroad.



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[Bjoern_ABT]

Bjoern, if ABT brings the product here, will you be offering a 91 octane version?

We could provide a version for 91 Octane, we would just have to find out how much HP we would lose adjusting to the lower fuel quality.

[Bjoern_ABT]

I know this is RS3 related.... but I am interested in the b9 S5 version of ABT's piggyback... Bring them to the US!!!!

I’m interested for the B9 A4 Allroad, please.

We have to find out which models would be possible regarding the engine codes, but it would mostly be S and RS models and maybe the current SQ5 and Q7 in the beginning.