2006 Audi A3 - Proven

2006 Audi A3 - Proven*Not all dynamometers are created equal. Sometimes it's easy to manipulate and alter numbers to suit someone's needs (or ego). For example, this 2006 Audi A3 (with about 4,000 miles on the odometer) was taken to a few different dynos and, in stock form, produced 164 hp on dyno A and 197 on dyno B, both in third gear. During another test, in fourth gear, it netted a little over 200 hp. Ultimately, the best thing when testing is to use the same dyno for all tests, the same gear, at the same temperature and with the same fuel quality. It's also important to make sure that the dyno's settings are always the same, since it's easy to make a few simple setting changes and show large gains without even altering the vehicle.Vehicle data2006 Audi A3Transmission: six-speed S tronicMileage: 29,642Testing octane: 91Dyno dataDyno type: Mustang dynamometerOutside temperature: 68 degrees FHumidity: 30 percentTest gear: thirdBaselinePeak wheel-hp: 167 @ 6323 rpmPeak wheel-torque: 181 lb-ft @ 2802 rpmNotesThe vehicle was in perfect running condition with no issues and had an oil change not long before the test. The intake system was fully pressure-tested and there were no leaks in the PCV or intercooler system. The engine also had full compression and fuel system tests, passing both with flying colors.AWE turbo-back exhaustWith 200-cell metallic catalytic converterPeak wheel-hp: 183 @ 6054 rpmPeak wheel-torque: 194 lb-ft @ 3106 rpmFeatures* 2.5-inch-diameter mandrel-bent T304 stainless steel tubing* HJS 200-cell metal catalytic converter* Full stainless steel construction* Three-inch insulated and beveled exhaust tips with AWE Tuning logoPros* 200-cell catalytic converter offers maximum flow without triggering a 'check engine' light* High-quality stainless steel construction for maximum durability* Downpipe flange to exhaust pipe transition optimized for zero turbulence as exhaust gases exit the turbo* Downpipe's fully lined stainless steel flex joint ensures zero breakageCons* Slip joint construction makes installation tricky* Lack of sealing compound for slip joints make elimination of small exhaust leaks difficult, requiring several attemptsPartsDownpipe with gasket, catalytic converter, front pipe with muffler, center section with muffler, rear pipe, 90-degree pipe with hanger, three-inch dual exhaust tip, stainless steel clampsTools13, 10, 16 and 17mm sockets, extension, ratchet, WD-40, oxygen sensor socketPrice$1,339.90Installation time1.5 hoursOverviewSometimes it's easy to forget how cool a good exhaust can sound, as most systems are on the quiet side. The S tronic system performs throttle blips on downshifts, which makes this exhaust sound even better. But there are downsides. For example, freeway trips of longer than 45 minutes can become irritating.AWE K04Turbo upgrade kitPeak wheel-hp: 233 @ 6340 rpmPeak wheel-torque: 243 lb-ft @ 3590 rpmFeatures* Direct-replacement turbo* Electronic diverter valve relocation kit* Silicone hose* Custom high-flow turbo discharge* GIAC softwarePros* Direct replacement turbo uses all factory gaskets, water and oil lines-no risk of leaking when properly installed* Kit can be used with the stock airbox. It's nearly impossible to tell the car has been modified, making trips to the dealer less worrisome* OEM exhaust housing compatible with any exhaust designed for the stock K03* Exhaust housing designed to maintain low-end torque with only a 500-rpm shift (approx.) in the curve* Externally mounted diverter valve helps reduce common failures associated with the factory valve. By relocating the factory valve out of the turbo housing, extreme heat and stress on the diaphragm is reduced* Good basis for big power. With the addition of larger injectors and a new fuel pump, there is potential for even moreCons* DV relocation kit is a little close to the factory A/C lines. If not properly installed, or as the motor mounts wear, this could become an issue* Not a 100-percent reversible install, since the stock discharge pipe must be modified to install the high-flow turbo discharge and DV setup, but the stock pipe is only about $80 to replacePartsTurbocharger assembly with studs, billet DV relocation housing with bolts, high-flow turbo discharge silicone hoses, T-bolt and regular hose clamps, gaskets, exhaust manifold and downpipe lock nutsTools10, 13 and 16mm box wrenches, 5, 6 and 8mm Allen head sockets and 10, 12, 13, 16 and 18mm sockets (all on 3/8-inch drive), 5 and 8mm triple square sockets, 3/8-inch drive ratchet, T25 Torx, hose and diagonal cut-off pliers, flat screwdriver, spray lubricant, hacksaw or cut-off wheel, extension and ratchet, coolant clampsPrice$3,795Installation time6 to 8 hoursRecommendationsThe turbo can be changed without losing any oil or coolant. If the car has low mileage, there's no need to be worried about the coolant. But changing the oil and filter is highly recommended, since running used oil in a new turbo is not a good idea.If planning on a home installation, ask for assistance from a second person-four hands will make it much simpler.OverviewA K04 upgrade is our favorite type of upgrade, for so many reasons-the most important being reliability. The K04 isn't the biggest or the baddest turbo, but it does have these advantages: millions of dollars in R&D, hundreds of thousands of miles of testing by VW/Audi personnel in extreme conditions all over the world, and it was designed specifically for the 2.0T FSI engine.AWE/S3 Intercooler upgradePeak wheel-hp: 237 @ 6407 rpmPeak wheel-torque: 245 lb-ft @ 3551 rpmProsBeing a factory part, it fits perfectly with no modifications, and with factory VW/Audi logos and part numbers, it will fool most dealer techs, making it the ultimate stealth upgrade All-aluminum core and end tanks are welded together, making an airtight seal-a huge improvement over the factory aluminum-and-plastic combo that is prone to leaking Cooling capacity is increased by 30 percentConsLike the factory intercooler, it's still sandwiched between the radiator and A/C condenser (which blocks almost the entire front of the intercooler)PartsIntercooler assembly, factory hoses, hardwareToolsT20, T25, T30 Torx, flat screwdriver, spray lubricant, 10, 13 and 16mm sockets, extension and ratchetPrice$700Installation time2.5 to 3 hoursRecommendationsUse Loctite Blue threadlocker to help secure intercooler bolts. Once installed, they're difficult to access if they vibrate loose.NotesWe saw no noticeable shift in the boost curve but a nice decrease in intake manifold temperatures.ConclusionThe K04 kit performed better than expected. Having seen K04 upgrades on many 1.8T engines, we expected a good bump in performance. This went well beyond a bump-more like a leap. Coupled with the S tronic's inherent nature of dropping engine revs right on top of the power curve acceleration builds at a breakneck pace, the car seems to keep going and going.It's evident there's still more power to be squeezed from the K04 with future upgrades such as a fuel pump, larger injectors and some that haven't been developed yet. This kit is a good, solid base.To ensure accuracy, we used the same dyno for our entire test, the same tank of gas and tried to hold variables as constant as possible. A few days after the upgrade, we took the A3 with the AWE K04 kit, turbo-back exhaust and intercooler back to dyno B (where the vehicle had made 197 hp stock). It produced 288 hp at 6350 rpm on 91-octane. This shows how the same setup can produce extreme horsepower variations. Photo Gallery: 2006 Audi A3 - Dyno - European Car MagazineRead More | Digg It | Add to del.icio.us