Request: Remap Options and Experiences

[spr0cket]

Hi, I've just returned to Audi and have picked up an S4 Avant.

I'm looking to remove some of the drop off at the top end with a remap, however there are not many options available (APR, Revo, MRC are all up for consideration). I wondered if any of the forum users have already had their's remapped and if so by whom with what experience thus far?

I've used emaps etc in past but they cannot cover this cars ecu so I'm looking at the 3 tuners listed. All appear to have proven expeirence, though I'd welcome any feedback owners can provide first hand.

Thanks

[Nickyboy]

Not looking good for you here. Doesn't look like anyone on here has tuned their B8.

[mgoliveruk]

Nickyboy, what would your choice be? Based on what I have read around, I would probably go with MRC...

[R1NGA]

Do a search and there's quite a bit of anecdotal experience about the place. I've driven an S5 Sportback with the MTM Cantronics box fitted (dyno's at about 430bhp I recall) and that was significantly faster than my S4 - real extra pull from 3500 to the redline and smooth with it. It sounded good too, although I'm not strictly comparing like with like (S4 v's S5 exhaust). Seeing as it comes from MTM, can be fitted (or removed) in 10 minutes and works as well as a remap, it sounds like a good option in my opinion. Possibly pricier than than some remaps, but there again MTM do work closer with Audi GmbH than most, so some of the 'expensive' might rub off I guess.....

[mgoliveruk]

R1NGA, like what you wrote about the MTM Cantronis, especially being able to remove it and have the car without any mods for servicing. Would the results be good enough to justify an MTM Camtronic without touching the exhaust?

[spr0cket]

Thanks R1NGA, I'd looked up the MTM option though to be honest the pricing seems excessive, though I've always found their applications to be the same on previous vechicles when they've had an offering that was suitable.

There is some sceptisism over the actual figures, however I'm not looking for bragging rights over a number - more real workd drivebaility benefit which sounds to be just what you observed.
Is your S4 stock - so I can understand your comparison.

[Nickyboy]

For me if I had the cash flow I would pay the extra and go with ABT as they offer a warranty if the remap causes something to fail. Cost is £4300 though!!!!!

Second choice would be the box from MTM.

Third MRC due to the awards they have won.

[R1NGA]

R1NGA, like what you wrote about the MTM Cantronis, especially being able to remove it and have the car without any mods for servicing. Would the results be good enough to justify an MTM Camtronic without touching the exhaust?

Certainly. There was an article in AudiDriver the other month about fitting both Milltek and MTM Cantronics boxes to an S4 Avant and the results were interesting. Milltek (RES I think, but can't quite remember) added a good few BHP and TORX to the standard car - say +15 or so of both - and this on it's own was a definite improvement. But add the Cantronics box and the same 430bhp was achieved on the Milltek car as is seen on every other standard S4 with the same plug-in gizmo. View at the time was that there's a natural limit for that engine of about 430bhp, regardless of how it gets there (within reason).

Talking to various folks about this during my Panda madness (my 2006 4x4 runs a Rotrex Supercharger and the Fiat Marelli ECU is almost uncrackable, but that's another story....) and this notional upper limit is starting to become more apparant on many vehicles I am told. The general view is that for installations that retain the OEM ECU and just Flash, Remap, Plug&Play - call it what you will - all retain the overall control of that OEM ECU and the suspicion is that some other environmental measurement limit, will be ultimately holding power back. Most likely Exhaust Gas Temps (EGT). The general view of the 3.0 TFSI engine is that it is a motor destined for more Audi development, as the +70bhp that nearly all the tuners/mappers/plug&play-ers quickly achieve was given up very easily. The approximate 430bhp limit is pretty much unversal on the OEM ECU and OEM everything else, suggesting a higher power at work somewhere.

Sorry for the ramble, but yes, if I were in the market for more power (and the drive in the S5 made a pretty convincing argument for it), then MTM Cantronics and standard exhaust would probably be where I'd go. I'd like a little more rasp to the exhaust, but I hope to fix that with a but of X-Pipe trickery somewhere...!

[R1NGA]

Thanks R1NGA, I'd looked up the MTM option though to be honest the pricing seems excessive, though I've always found their applications to be the same on previous vechicles when they've had an offering that was suitable.

There is some sceptisism over the actual figures, however I'm not looking for bragging rights over a number - more real workd drivebaility benefit which sounds to be just what you observed.
Is your S4 stock - so I can understand your comparison.

My S4 is indeed stock, apart from an APR Carbon Intake pipe between the OEM airbox and Throttle Body. Looks lovely and allows a little more of the s/c whine to come through, but doubt it makes much in the way of a power difference. APR do a full carbon airbox too (this is their Stage-1, with the carbon intake pipe as their Stage-2 addition), but that is mighty expensive and might upset the Warranty Gods. If I ever have an issue with anything engine-wise, I can't see that Audi could argue that an intake pipe replacement constitutes a warranty-busting modification....

[mgoliveruk]

My S4 is indeed stock, apart from an APR Carbon Intake pipe between the OEM airbox and Throttle Body. Looks lovely and allows a little more of the s/c whine to come through, but doubt it makes much in the way of a power difference. APR do a full carbon airbox too (this is their Stage-1, with the carbon intake pipe as their Stage-2 addition), but that is mighty expensive and might upset the Warranty Gods. If I ever have an issue with anything engine-wise, I can't see that Audi could argue that an intake pipe replacement constitutes a warranty-busting modification....

R1nga, looks great!!! Is your S4 pre face lift?

[R1NGA]

Yup, Pre-FL - registered July 2011.

[longdog]

Does look great, might have a look for one.