ECU and DSG programmer/tuner - can't decide

[Garyn06]

I've hopped on here to search for information from time to time as I've been updating/upgrading my 2018 Audi S7 4.0TT. My Audi Care coverage is about to expire, so I'm ready to purchase a programmer/tuner, but with all the information I've found here, I still can't decide.

For a long time I've been leaning towards Integrated Engineering, but I know there's a HEAVY following of individuals that prefer and use DS1. The information dates back quite a while, so it's hard to say what's the more current consensus on which might be best. I don't plan on doing wild upgrades to the vehicle as I still have a family I have to provide for...ha. I have a CTS Turbo intake, an AWE Tuning Track Edition Exhaust and of course VCDS.

I have thought about getting a set of downpipes for the car to let the turbos breathe a little better, but between the increased audible levels and being frowned upon in the neighborhood, along with the ridiculous cost of the downpipes/smell that comes with them, I am not certain if I will make that leap.

With the minor modifications that I've done, can anyone provide some guidance on which they think is better these days for a car like mine and what's available on the market? Is Integrated Engineering a solid option for me to go or should I be moving in a DS1 direction?

[TexasDfwS4]

I have IE and no problems. I need to inspect my car this month and not sure if stage one need to flash back to stack to pass or not. If it passes then I’m good to go with IE.

[Mazen1209]

I also have IE, and the thing I like is that I can remove the tune on my laptop before I go to the dealership so they can't say a thing. And I have the stage 2 ECU and TCU tune.

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[Mark.in.tulsa]

I have an A6 tune by IE with their ECU and TCU tune and I have been very happy. Great customer service and support.

[Mazen1209]

I have an A6 tune by IE with their ECU and TCU tune and I have been very happy. Great customer service and support.

Completely agree, customer service is great

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[sepheroth86]

I would think that DS1 offers a lot more flexibility on the 4.0t engine.

So depending on what you want to do, it may be beneficial long term.

[Audibellybutton]

DS1 is def the best bet for 4.0t, by a long shot

you will need to find a company for the tcu tune though

[sepheroth86]

DS1 is def the best bet for 4.0t, by a long shot

you will need to find a company for the tcu tune though

I wonder how well the IE DSG software for the S6/7 works with DS1?

[Audibellybutton]

I wonder how well the IE DSG software for the S6/7 works with DS1?

They should pair up nicely. My boostedeuro tcu works well with my APR tune. I do wish i chose another company that gives you adjustable launch control, but aside from that its been great even though the ecu and tcu are tuned by different companies

[HolyHell]

I have a DS1 and the SRM DSG tune. I am very happy with both, very easy to use and excellent performance. I was stage 2 then flashed back to stock when I dropped the car off for the oil screen campaign with no issues, flashed back to stage 2 right there in the parking lot

[Garyn06]

I have a DS1 and the SRM DSG tune. I am very happy with both, very easy to use and excellent performance. I was stage 2 then flashed back to stock when I dropped the car off for the oil screen campaign with no issues, flashed back to stage 2 right there in the parking lot

Holy Hell, what kind of horsepower and torque increases did you get after that combo? I only have aftermarket intake, aftermarket exhaust, so can I do stage 2?


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[qcrazy]

To me this decision comes down to ethanol availability...

The two main advantages of DS1 are:
1) DS1 can run true flex fuel. If you find E85, put it in. If not, don't worry about it. That is awesome! I was not originally planning on doing that when I started, but I am glad I did.
2) DS1 can literally switch between tunes while driving. IE requires the car to be off, a laptop, and wi-fi to switch tunes. Kind of a pain if you want to switch to E85 on IE.

If you have access to E85, DS1 makes a lot of sense. If no E85, probably a coin flip. I will say that the 4.0T really runs strong on E85 so if you can find it, run it.

DS1 also gives you access to the tune, so you can play with it or find someone to do custom tuning. It is nice, but in reality I don't think that many people use that portion, so maybe just a perk for most.

Both give you logging capabilities. DS1's logs are a bit more complete, but both are good. Again, probably not a big deal to many.

My C7 S6 is Stage 4. I run DS1 ECU with IE TCU. The two pair great together.

I also have a B9 S4 and the runs IE ECU and TCU. Runs great, but there are times I really miss the flex fuel.

[HolyHell]

Holy Hell, what kind of horsepower and torque increases did you get after that combo? I only have aftermarket intake, aftermarket exhaust, so can I do stage 2?


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I don't know what kind of numbers I gained, I have SRM long inlets on the stage 2 map with COD activated. To be honest I wouldn't be too concerned with horsepower and torque numbers, those numbers are peak figures that were measured at a specific load in a unique environment. As long as the maps are safe and drivability is maintained they are all going to have very similar outcomes, it just will come down to your end goal and features preference.

[Quimicax]

IE For My

DSG And ECU Combo

DS1 Is Very Good But You Need TCU Tune Front Different Costumer

IE:
Pro:
Very Easy And User Friendly
Crackcles Tune And GhostCam
Ethanol Tune E60 - E70
Massive Gains With Stage 1 + Intake

Cons:
Stage 2 Is Only To Used DP No Gains Over Stage 1 + Intake
Dont Have Stage 3 For Turbo Upgrade
Map Switch

DS1:
Pro:
FlexFuel Tune
Stage 3+ For V8 TT
Map Switch
Custom Tuners Front Differents User

Cons:
Dont Have TCU Tune
For Basic Users It Can Be A Bit Complicated.