Traded my A4 1.8t in for an Avant recently. the 1.8t had several upgrades from ABT that made it close to 285 bhp. Great little car it was!! When the need arose for a wagon, well.... Over the past week we assembled/installed a supercharger unit from PES Tuning. WHAT A HUGE LETDOWN!! My wife's 4dr auto M3 has way more punch and is ultimately more driveable. Let me tell you from first hand experience, the 1.8t with decent upgrades is a far, far better platform to tune. The PES unit is horrible, the car idles like 78 diesel rabbit. I am currently trying to determine whether or not I can get a refund.

I have had nothing but success with the PES unit. I can tell you firsthand that it is a marvell of technology. Consider contacting the manufacturer prior to returning your unit and they can help you troubleshoot the idle problem. I have had them on the other end of the telephone several times, and they've always been helpful

postings about idle issues. Noise is the other one. I would hope that John does purse working with the supplier to see if they can address those issues. I would also be interested in hearing more of who did the install and any issue that occurred there.

Reggie

98.5 30vQMS

I just came from a chipped 99 M3 into a PES 2.8. The 2.8 definitely faster.....DEFINITELY. The supercharger is louder, but the power delivery is smoother and significantly more linear than the M3....especially a stock M3 which has a definite flat spot around 5k. The exhaust and engine in the M3 are much, much louder and make the total volume of the cars under WOT about the same, IMHO. The idle does waver a bit at times...not sure what the cause of this is.
I really think you've got something wrong with your install. Give Tony a call....he's great to talk to and is very serious about every customer being completely satisfied.<ul><li><a href="http://vu.union.edu/~allenw">Will's A4 and M3 page</a></li></ul>

As far as I know, the 1.8 Supercharger kit from PES is not available yet.
If it is, maybe you should call Tony for some guidance to diagnose the problem before you call the kit horrible.

I don't work for PES but would like to see them treated fairly...

Dave
'97 1.8TQMS Wett

'

You only mention that you switched to an Avant and 1.8T is repeated several times in the post.

My point is that your post only bashes PES as being horrible. You didn't mention fi you sought their help in ensuring that the unit was properly installed. Maybe, there is a minor problem with the installation.

Another approach may be to provide some detail about the problem and maybe some knowledgable A4.orger's can provide some helpful mechanical advice.

Please stop the name calling as it just makes you look bad.

Dave

I posted just a few days ago on this topic, "PES" is in the title. Tony has been great to work with and has been very patient. (See that posting for specific details).

I don't know about this idle issue, wavering? Mine does not, the idle speed is rock-solid. It sometimes takes the ECU a few driving cycles to get it smooth after plugging it in. I drove Tony's car and it too was rock-solid at idle.

Hi John,
You did not buy your system from PES directly. Which distributor did you purchase the system from?
We have not been contacted by you or any of our distributors regarding a problem. We are 100% dedicated to correcting ANY problem with the install or the system. Please call us toll free at 877-697-1688, or supply us with your e-mail address, or we can call you if you e-mail us your phone number.

Thank You,
Tony Ricci

Runs like a bat outta hell. NO problems with it whatsoever. Car idles fine (a TOUCH higher than stock, about 50rpm or so) but doesn't fluctuate at idle or anything.
Sounds like someone goofed your install up or maybe you have something wrong with your exhaust such as clogged catalytic convertor.

I spoke to PES about the idle speed some time ago. The higher than stock idle speed is normal and necessary due to the added load the supercharger has on the car until it comes into boost. Think of it as 1/2 of an A/C compressor "loading" the car also. But when the power comes on... time to peg the smile-meter!