1.8t SEVERE pinging...

[jlos_a4]

Vehicle: 05 Audi a4 avant
Engine: 1.8t
Mileage: 185000
Fuel: 93
Turbo: K03
Mods: 2.0 coils, big injectors (size unknown), Catless exhaust, A/M intercooler mounted behind lower grille, Unknown diverter valve, **Unknown tune**, 6 speed swap.
Problem: Severe pinging under 50-100% throttle anywhere past about 5-10 PSI gears 2-6 primarily. Problem worsens as ambient air temp increases. Problem (obviously) worse with 91 octane fuel, gets slightly better but still unacceptable with 93 octane fuel. Octane booster makes no difference.
Further details: Purchased vehicle early April in the MN/ WI area during 30-40 degree F average temps. Noticed zero pinging or drivability issues. When temps began to warm up towards mid may the pinging issue began. Pinging presents itself as stated above. The vehicle went in to limp mode presumably one day after an episode of severe pinging at WOT and would not give me any boost at all. Shut the car off for 5 mins and restarted it to find that my boost was back and the car was driving as normal. No modifications/ repairs made to correct the issue yet. Purchased from a friend who purchased from the individual who did the majority of the mods and had the car tuned. Between the two of us, we are unable to figure out who did the tune/ what tune it has. Had a friend scan and run data logs with VCDS and found no codes related to knock sensors. The car does have a continuous CEL and scan revealed it was related to the coils. Assuming it doesn't like them because they are not factory 1.8 coils. No misfires.
Has anyone dealt with this? The tune variable is huge and I'm afraid the timing has been set too aggressive. Downloaded VCDS lite and waiting for a cable in the mail so I can look into things further.
Additional details: Notification screen is showing an oil pressure sensor fault. Oil level is normal and operating temp is normal according to the gauge. No noticeable knocking or valve noise at startup or idle. Unknown whether or not knock sensors have been replaced.
Does anyone know where I should start in trying to correct this issue? Thanks in advance!

[B5carl]

Check age of o2 sensors and MAF sensor. Also check condition of plugs and make sure of no boost leaks. I would also check condition of pistons at this point as well as a compression test.

I would first try an ECU reset by disconnecting both terminals from the battery and touch both positive and negative wires together for 5 seconds or so then plug them back on.

If your claiming that it's pinging/knocking the next thing would do is take the cylinder head off an check it's condition..

You should post in the topics section of the forum if you want more views and feedback. Not many people check out this section too often even though it's the correct place to post.

[jlos_a4]

Check age of o2 sensors and MAF sensor. Also check condition of plugs and make sure of no boost leaks. I would also check condition of pistons at this point as well as a compression test.

I would first try an ECU reset by disconnecting both terminals from the battery and touch both positive and negative wires together for 5 seconds or so then plug them back on.

If your claiming that it's pinging/knocking the next thing would do is take the cylinder head off an check it's condition..

You should post in the topics section of the forum if you want more views and feedback. Not many people check out this section too often even though it's the correct place to post.

Thanks! will give the ecu reset a shot. I believe the O2s are new-ish and I don't think the MAF sensor has been touched. If the top end is no longer up to snuff I guess its a good excuse to build the motor :) bye bye money!