Tuning options - realistic max HP without breaking the bank?

[dhodory]

I realize the " breaking the bank" means something different for everyone, but for me it means $4-$6k, preferably do-able in phases. That said, so far I've seen: chip re-flashes, pullies, exhausts and intake (may also have seen an intercollegiate if memory serves). I don't even have my car yet, but will shortly (late June) - and with recent road test reviews of the yet to be released S6, I'm suffering from HP envy. Looking for a way to get to (or near) 400 HP. Has anyone here significantly tinkered with their car yet? If so, how did you find drive ability, mileage and reliability to be post-modifications?

[Metallic-Force]

Originally Posted by dhodory

I realize the " breaking the bank" means something different for everyone, but for me it means $4-$6k, preferably do-able in phases. That said, so far I've seen: chip re-flashes, pullies, exhausts and intake (may also have seen an intercollegiate if memory serves). I don't even have my car yet, but will shortly (late June) - and with recent road test reviews of the yet to be released S6, I'm suffering from HP envy. Looking for a way to get to (or near) 400 HP.

Has anyone here significantly tinkered with their car yet? If so, how did you find drive ability, mileage and reliability to be post-modifications?

I've spoken with a very experienced technician and he told me an ECM flash is not really recommended. They may void your warranty on quite a few different parts on the car and it will pop up on their systems if tinkered with. He also said funnily that when you step on it with this car you don't really ask "Well where's the power?" which I think is very true.

At the beginning I had that envy as well. But seeing that I can pull a 0-60 in 4.7 As fast as the 550 and the E500, Camaro SS, Mustang GT. I'm not really complaining. I can safely say for now I'm ok without it. And you will be too once you receive it. No DOUBT

[M3Armand]

Looking into APR, they don't seem to have a chip for the C7 A6 yet. This is weird since I thought this was the same exact engine as the 2010 model for which they have a chip for. I assume they have it in the works.

[at1183]

Originally Posted by M3Armand

Looking into APR, they don't seem to have a chip for the C7 A6 yet. This is weird since I thought this was the same exact engine as the 2010 model for which they have a chip for. I assume they have it in the works.

While it may be just about the same engine in every Audi these days (3.0T), there are many, many different components integrated into the ECU...

I would imagine they will eventually make one. Stasis is probably closest to it, but I'm just guessing, by lurking through their websites.

ABT claims to already have one, but those are EU cars... Should be the same

[tenspeed]

Originally Posted by dhodory

I'm suffering from HP envy. Looking for a way to get to (or near) 400 HP.

400 HP is a tall order. With a intake, smaller pulley, re-flashed ECU and a free flowing exhaust, you should be somewhere around 360 - 375 HP.

Looks like nitrous is in your future.

[jetinder]

I don't know if you can get them in the US, but MTM do removable boxes.

http://www.mtm-online.de/en/Audi/A6-...?FZID=a6c7220q

I use there normal remap on my A8 - and yes - the factory can tell there is something different when they run something called SVM (Software Version Management). It's not been an issue so far, but something removable is lot more flexible.

Anyhow, they said I'd get 410hp from my 4.2 diesel and I do (tested at a different companies rolling road for verification).

They do suggest waiting 10,000 miles in order to get the best out of the change.

jet

[sgroer]

Originally Posted by dhodory

I realize the " breaking the bank" means something different for everyone, but for me it means $4-$6k, preferably do-able in phases. That said, so far I've seen: chip re-flashes, pullies, exhausts and intake (may also have seen an intercollegiate if memory serves). I don't even have my car yet, but will shortly (late June) - and with recent road test reviews of the yet to be released S6, I'm suffering from HP envy. Looking for a way to get to (or near) 400 HP.

Has anyone here significantly tinkered with their car yet? If so, how did you find drive ability, mileage and reliability to be post-modifications?

A chip will get you over 400 at the crank. I ran a dyno on my stock vehicle a d it put down 295 to wheels, which is roughly 370 up at the crank. It's safe to bet on 50 hp gain from the chip which will put you at 420.

[sgroer]

As I am about to start doing some power mods I wanted to get a baseline dyno to measure improvement. I don't have the graph yet from the dyno shop, but my stock engine put down 295 to the wheels. With 20 pct drivetrain loss, that puts it right at 370 at the crank!!

Obviously the engine is under rated from the factory. We will be at 420 to 430 with a chip. Amazing numbers for a 3 liter v6!!

[dhodory]

Originally Posted by tenspeed

400 HP is a tall order. With a intake, smaller pulley, re-flashed ECU and a free flowing exhaust, you should be somewhere around 360 - 375 HP.

Looks like nitrous is in your future.

Hmm, I don't think I'll be going the nitrous route . . .

But if I could get near 400 HP I'd be satisfied. Really like the off the line responsiveness of this car, just want MORE! :-)

Apparently there's someone out there that offers a larger supercharger for $14k, but it's supposed to be good for 500+ HP. That price probably puts it out of my league. Will likely go the modular route: exhaust, intake, and then chip + pulley and see where that puts me.

Am curious as to why Stasis and APR haven't released chip + pulley solutions for this power train yet. Ah well, just have to be patient, I suppose.

[dhodory]

Originally Posted by Metallic-Force

I've spoken with a very experienced technician and he told me an ECM flash is not really recommended. They may void your warranty on quite a few different parts on the car and it will pop up on their systems if tinkered with. He also said funnily that when you step on it with this car you don't really ask "Well where's the power?" which I think is very true.

At the beginning I had that envy as well. But seeing that I can pull a 0-60 in 4.7 As fast as the 550 and the E500, Camaro SS, Mustang GT. I'm not really complaining. I can safely say for now I'm ok without it. And you will be too once you receive it. No DOUBT

That's pretty much a given these days: chip = voided warranty. But it's a hit I'm willing to take - provided the chip company has a good reputation and a few other "guinea pigs" have done the beta testing before I jump in.

I don't have my A6 yet (on order) but you're right, in test-driving it, I didn't feel like it was deficient . . . I just want more of a good thing, I suppose (plus I like having a car that looks bone-stock on the outside but has a little "extra" under the hood). Most publications have its 0-60 time at 5.3, and my "butt dyno" would agree. What leads you to believe an A6 will pull a 4.7 0-60 time? Have you professionally timed it yourself? Or is that just an informal assessment?