I recently purchased a 2020 model B9 SQ5 and knew I was going to tune it before I even bought the car. The car was not slow as such in stock form, but you could feel it was held back and had more to give, especially above 4,000rpm it just felt flat.
I did some research on the 034 Motorsport and Integrated Engineering tune offerings for the B9 3.0T platform, and although IE has a stronger tune (more peak torque and more mid range power) it was nearly $1,000 more than the comparable tune from 034, and just wasn't worth paying the extra money for in my opinion. The 034 tune runs less boost and timing than the IE tune, so a bit less power, but its a safer tune for the engine.
Now onto the 034 Stage 1 tune (plus free stage 1 ZF patch tune) feedback. The tuning process is pretty easy using the 034SPI phone app with a battery charger giving power to the car during the process and the car was tuned within 20-25 minutes in my driveway, and the driving experience has improved in the following ways:
1) Throttle response which was previously doughy and slow is now much faster.
2) Power and torque have increased quite noticeably, but the car is still just as smooth to drive as before. Where the car previously felt quite flat/restricted above 4000rpm, with the tune it now pulls strong all the way to 6000rpm. The car is without a doubt faster now.
3) Turbo sound. I have an intake and intake pipe, and now with some additional turbo boost pressure, the intake sound is fantastic.
I did several 0-100kph tests before and after the tune, on the same day, on the same stretch of road, using my Carsita OBD tool which has a 0-100kph recording function. Process for 0-100kph times was gearbox in manual mode, brake boost and go. I changed gears myself at approx 6000rpm. Ambient temperature 21 degrees.
Stock times = 5.3, 5.5, and 5.5 seconds (brake boost approx 2,000rpm stock)
Stage 1 times = 4.6, 4.6 and 4.7 seconds (brake boost approx 2,500rpm with the tune)
Some of this 0-100kph time improvement comes purely from the launch, because with the stage 1 tune it allows you to brake boost with highter rpm and this builds more boost, which in turn sends the car off the line more aggressively with a chirp from the front tyres, but the additional torque and power results in the car building speed more rapidly than when stock.
Definitely a worthwhile investment for an SQ5 for $1,250.00. I will be getting the stage 2 gearbox tune soon but just wanted to try the free gearbox tune first.
Short answer. Do It.
From the CNC D bush couplers with grease nipples. Almost triple the size of the original OEM ones. Installation is easy.
I was to impatient to wait for the rear end links to install at the same time. I am currently waiting for the rear end links 4-6 weeks lead time. As the original links failed within a couple of days of installing the rear sway bar.
The sway bar instantly makes the vehicle feel more squat and adds a lot more confidence carrying speed into a corner.
I know that when the rear links come. This combination will be the best bang for buck upgrade for the B7.
Second to this would be the 034 HFDP
034 Motorsport - Adjustable Solid Rear Sway Bar, Audi B6/B7 A4/S4/RS4 - 034-402-1000
Mark Collyer
VPA 034Motorsport Stage 1 ECU and DSG tune
Already having a stage 1 tune from another tuner, and after hearing so many good things about 034Motorsport and buying previously from VPA I changed over to their stage 1 tune package. Super fast service and now I have the ability to flash myself from home.
The tune itself is worlds better. So much more enjoyable and driveability is much better, its just more predictable and fun. Highly recommend VPA and 034Motorsport, its a great pairing!
Firstly I have had 3 different tunes and they are as follows:
1. Revo
2. Integrated Engineering including TCU Tune
3. 034 ECU tune and TCU patch (which is a part of this package)
My current car is a 2018 Audi S5 B9 and this tune has made the car come alive. The biggest difference between the closest competitor IE is that the shift points are at a lower RPM and maximum torque is produced at a lower rev range while still having a smooth power delivery. I want to highlight that the TCU patch will enable the higher torque to be utilised and makes the shifts faster. 034 are currently working on a proper TCU tune that will add additional features.
The tune allows for RS5 type start up and while in Sports Mode enables a lot of crazy pops and bangs (Stage 1) which brings a smile to my face every time I upshift or downshift. Added benefit is that in Dynamic Mode exhaust valves are always open instead of opening during a certain rev range, the auto stop start feature now has a memory so if you disable it, it will always be disabled until you enable it again (Thank you 034 for that). Tune is very easy to flash but ensure to have a battery charger connected before flashing as the 1st flash usually takes 15 - 25 minutes after that you will need shut down the application, start the car, switch off the car, close and restart the flashing application and flash the TCU file. 034 also have the fastest "stock" B9 s4 and hold records for many of the Audi and VW applications, the amount of time that they spend trouble shooting and calibrating their products shows because of the end result.
I can't praise the tune enough having experienced several popular tunes. Power delivery is very strong and shifts are faster, turbo spools faster and peak torque is produce at a lower rev range, car throttle is noticeable more responsive and lag is reduced, put the car back into Comfort and car is once again is tame. Critical thing that I must mention is that all factory safety settings with the ECU and TCU is maintained with 034 tune, they do not disable any of the factory features. I'm currently on 93 file which is 98 RON in Australia and could not be happier.