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Hi,
I'm a newbie to the site.I will be replacing my car with a audi s3 in the next month or so.Been reading previous posts with interest and doing a little research.Got a few questions for you;
1.)When was the vvt engine introduced (heard it was late 99)?Do we have a vin or engine no when the change was made?
2.)Are you sure the only differences between the 210bhp version and the 225bhp version is the ecu?Wasn't there any suspension/engine/turbo modifications?
3.)What is ESP?(heard someone mentioning Drive by Wire is this the same thing?)It was introduced in Dec 99??
4.)Tuning,there seems to be a real lack of info out there concerning tuning,what boost does the s3 run standard and what can it be safetly moved up to?Has anyone used a dastek unichip instead of these replacement ecu or soldered on boards(AMD etc)?
thanks in advance,best regards Ryan.

1) VVT was introduced late 1999 if a recall correctly, including DBW.

2)Yes the only differences were the 15bhp power hikes, the facelift model came out around mid 2001 x-reg iirc.

3)ESP is Electronic Stability Program iirc, its a safty circuit which detects loss of traction and corrects etc.

4)Not too sure on this boost thing, think a standard 225bhp S3 runs 2.1bar iirc.

Riz [img]images/graemlins/s3addict.gif[/img]

p.s. Welcome to RS246.com [img]images/graemlins/thumbs.gif[/img]

a standard S3 will run nearly 1 bar of boost only.

the Audi S3 run`s a maxium boost pressure of 2.1bar

I got this info from a press release for the new 225bhp S3.

Maybe thats the otherway of measuring it...... [img]images/graemlins/confused.gif[/img]

Riz [img]images/graemlins/s3addict.gif[/img]

Thankyou for the replies.So am i best getting at least a 2000 year car as the vvt is not clearly stated when it was introduced?What is "drive by wire" then.Do all s3's have this as standard?Is there a button labelled esp on the dash?What did audi do to acheive the 15bhp more,just wind up the boost and alter timing accordingly using the ecu?regards Ryan

2 bar is the a massive amount nearly 31psi,very very few cars ever run that sort of pressure(rally cars etc)maybe it runs 1.1 bar and the 210bhp version ran 1 bar that might explain the 15bhp?

Thankyou for the replies.So am i best getting at least a 2000 year car as the vvt is not clearly stated when it was introduced?What is "drive by wire" then.Do all s3's have this as standard?Is there a button labelled esp on the dash?What did audi do to acheive the 15bhp more,just wind up the boost and alter timing accordingly using the ecu?regards Ryan

I`m pretty sure all S3 from mid 1999 onwards had VVT and DBW.

Mid 2001 X-reg was the face life period iirc...... you can tell visually by the clear single piece front headlight and the new type rear lights, there was alot of suspension and interior modifications too.

I would personally got for a face lift model.

210 vs 225bhp isnt a big deal in my eyes..... they altered the ecu mapping and obviously upped the boost pressure.

If you are thinking about tuning then why pay for a 225bhp version when the power gains when tuned are the same.

DBW is basically a electronic throttle pedal.... no wire linkages to the engine which is smoother etc etc.

ESP button is found on the dash in the centre console which alloys you to disengage the ESP.

Riz [img]images/graemlins/s3addict.gif[/img]

2 bar is the a massive amount nearly 31psi,very very few cars ever run that sort of pressure(rally cars etc)maybe it runs 1.1 bar and the 210bhp version ran 1 bar that might explain the 15bhp?

Your probably right, maybe ive got wrong info.... here is where i got it from.... Audi World S3 225bhp Model

Riz [img]images/graemlins/s3addict.gif[/img]

Cheers riz,thanks for the info.I might get in touch with audi and ask them at which engine number they swapped to the vvt(they will have to know due to internal engine parts).Regards Ryan

Cheers riz,definetely a printing error,probably meant to say 1.1 bar.Does no-one on the list have a audi workshop manual this should state the turbo pressure perimeters for service staff for checking turbo problems??regards Ryan

They probably are measuring the pressure by adding atmospheric pressure (1 bar) onto 1.1 bar of turbo boost = 2.1 bar - thats the Yanks for ya

As you rightly said Ryan 2.1 bar of turbo boost would be insane! I think it is actually 0.8 bar in standard trim TBH - take a look at this link, some boost curves from a standard car:

http://forums.rs246.com/forums/showflat ... o=&fpart=1


Riz has a point about 210 and 225 if you are going to chip, but 225bhp will have better resale.

Oh and welcome to the site!

Dunc [img]images/graemlins/s3addict.gif[/img]

ALL S3's are DBW. Mine is one of the first and has no cable. Facelift models kicked in Sept 2000 onwards (late X's). My engine is an APY and is non VVT. BAM 225's are VVT and there is one model inbetween these - not sure whether VVT or not.
When tuned there is not a great deal between all engines. 260-265BHP is the norm accross the board.
Suspension changes were reported in '02. To be fair I doubt if a "normal" driver could tell, I'm sure I couldn't. Same for VVT.
ESP was std for MY2000 IIRC (Sept 99 on.). I don't have it and have not missed it to date.
Work out your ideal spec and search, there are loads around so you should have a choice.
May I recommend Black, silver Recaros, heated seats, BOSE, Revo SPS3 and RSTT's? [img]images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] I may know of one for a good price [img]images/graemlins/tongue.gif[/img].

Cheers

Ben

the 210bhp AMK engine was VVT as well. I think that is the one in between that Ben refers to.

ESP was std for MY2000 IIRC (Sept 99 on.). I don't have it and have not missed it to date.

Ben,

My S3 is a MY00 (V plate) it doesnt have ESP either, I agree with you about not missing it though.

My S3 is a MY00 (V plate) it doesnt have ESP either, I agree with you about not missing it though.

Paul mate, you're not driving hard enough - slam that foot down instead of driving like Riz [img]images/graemlins/grin.gif[/img] [img]images/graemlins/thumbs.gif[/img]

[img]images/graemlins/beerchug.gif[/img]