APR 1.8 TSI/TFSI EA888 Gen 3 ECU Upgrade
APR is pleased to present the ultimate engine control unit (ECU) upgrade for the 1.8T EA888 Gen 3 engine!
APR’s ECU Upgrades are the best value modification one can make to the 1.8T engine. The upgrades dramatically increase horsepower and torque, making for an exceptionally quicker and more exciting vehicle. This is made possible through APR’s optimization of the factory engine management system to take full advantage of the engine’s capabilities, without needing any end user adjustment. The software loads to the factory ECU through the OBD-II port, resulting in a clean and headache-free install. Furthermore, for those looking for tuning with a limited powertrain warranty, APR Plus has you covered!
APR ECU Upgrade Stages
APR’s ECU Upgrades are available in multiple stages supporting various octanes both with or without any hardware or transmission modifications. Specific software is available for use with a race DP, and GTI IS20 turbo upgrade. Each stage is fully compatible compatible with an upgraded intake, intercooler, catback exhaust, or other minor bolt on modifications.
APR Stage 1 ECU Upgrade
The APR Stage 1 ECU Upgrade is the first step towards making more power! This simple upgrade requires no engine hardware modifications, and produces 244-252 HP with 287-288 FT-LBS of torque. Gains as high as 57-65 HP and 53 FT-LBS of torque are available throughout the power band.
To get more power, the vehicle can be outfitted with an upgraded intake, intercooler, catback exhaust and other small modifications without requiring any new modification to the ECU. APR recommends properly gapping the factory spark plugs to a tighter gap (Ex: 0.024" ±0.002" or 0.6mm ±0.05mm), properly installed and torqued (Ex: Per the manufacturer's specifications), and maintained with a shorter changer interval (Ex: 10,000-15,000 mi or 16,000-24,000 km).
APR Stage 3 IS20 Turbo Upgrade
The APR Stage 3 IS20 ECU is the next step towards making more power! This upgrade requires the factory IS20 turbocharger found on the MK7 GTI and similar vehicles, a race dp, intake and intercooler and produces 302-318 HP with 325-330 FT-LBS of torque. Gains as high as 124-130 HP and 109-118 FT-LBS of torque are available throughout the power band.
To get more power the vehicle can be outfitted with a catback exhaust and other small modifications without requiring any new modification to the ECU. A TCU upgrade and or transmission upgrades may be required to prevent transmission slip, and is required to achieve a higher redline. APR recommends properly gapping the factory spark plugs to a tighter gap (Ex: 0.024" ±0.002" or 0.6mm ±0.05mm), properly installed and torqued (Ex: Per the manufacturer's specifications), and maintained with a shorter changer interval (Ex: 10,000-15,000 mi or 16,000-24,000 km), or NGK heat range 9 (NGK-R7437-9) spark plugs.
| Stage | Fuel grade | Max HP | Max TQ | Max HP Gain Over Stock | Max TQ Gain Over Stock |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| - APR recommends and tuned with Sunoco GT 260 for 100 AKI mode and Sunoco GT 260 Plus for 104 AKI mode. Never use lower octane than specified by the mode. | |||||
| - Reported wheel figures measured on various dynos and vehicles, using SAEJ1349 correction and an average of multiple runs. Crank figures are estimated based on the measured wheel figures. Results may vary depending upon environmental conditions, vehicle, transmission, vehicle health, operating conditions, temperatures, fuel grade, dyno type, dyno setup, other variables and other modifications. | |||||
| Stock As Reported by VAG | 95 RON | 192 HP | 185-236 FT-LBS | ||
| Stock As Measured by APR | 98 RON | 199 HP | 238 FT-LBS | ||
| APR Stage 1 | 95 RON | 244 HP | 287 FT-LBS | +57 HP | +53 FT-LBS |
| APR Stage 1 | 98 RON | 252 HP | 288 FT-LBS | +65 HP | +53 FT-LBS |
| APR Stage 3 IS20 | 95 RON | 302 HP | 325 FT-LBS | +115 HP | +101 FT-LBS |
| APR Stage 3 IS20 | 98 RON | 311 HP | 329 FT-LBS | +124 HP | +109 FT-LBS |
| APR Stage 3 IS20 | 104 RON | 318 HP | 330 FT-LBS | +130 HP | +118 FT-LBS |
APR ECU Upgrade Included Features
- World Class Calibration Expertise
- Acceleration Enhancements
- Speed Limiter
- Left Foot Braking
- Motorsport Rev Limiter
- Fuel Economy
APR World Class Calibration Expertise
Tuning 101:
The 1.8T engine uses a Continental Simos 18 ECU for engine management. Basically, it’s a computer that tells the engine how to operate. Tuning software, like the APR ECU Upgrade, tells the engine how to make more power. It does this by running more boost pressure, optimizing the cam shaft positions, valve lift actuation, adjusting the air/fuel ratio, advancing ignition timing, and more.
A Better Engine Management System:
The 1.8T’s ECU is incredible. Without the driver knowing otherwise, the ECU makes intelligent adjustments to the engine’s operations to keep it running smoothly. Unlike ECUs found in many other makes and models, when properly tuned, the ECU eliminates the need for custom tuning to maximize output, even when weather conditions change dramatically.
How APR Differs from the Competition:
The ECU is powerful, but extremely difficult to master. Without mastery, the ECU must be simplified, removing what makes it so desirable. The result is an incomplete product that often requires end user adjustment to maximize output in limited scenarios. On the contrary, APR’s Engineers spent years mastering the ECU to unlock its full potential. With complete access to the thousands of maps, tables and variables within, as well as a high-level understanding of how it works, APR’s Engineers were able to take advantage of everything the ECU has to offer. Power is maximized in nearly all scenarios, eliminating the need for end user adjustments. High performance operational modes are enabled and calibrated to deliver smooth daily driving, with a snappy and responsive throttle during moments of spirited driving. Mastery of the boost control system makes for an impressively predictable driving experience as the turbo spools quickly, delivering instant power, while torque-by-gear helps with traction control and protects the engine from being lugged out in tall gears. Lastly advanced high-output protection routines are enabled, allowing the ECU to make constant adjustments to airflow and fuel to cool and protect the engine, all without the driver knowing otherwise.
Acceleration Enhancements:
Beyond horsepower and torque enhancements, APR’s Calibration Engineers were able to increase the acceleration rate of the vehicle through other calibrations changes. Ignition delay is reduced resulting in a more responsive pedal without altering overall throttle sensitivity. Furthermore, throttle lag commonly noticed at slow speeds and while reapplying throttle has been reduced.
Speed Limiter:
APR’s ECU upgrade increases the vehicle's top speed limiter for blistering sprints around the track or across the Autobahn without the speed limiter shutting down the fun.
Left Foot Braking:
APR's Left Foot Braking feature allows more control over the vehicle’s throttle. The factory equipped vehicle's throttle input is disabled while pressing the accelerator and brake at the same time. Left Foot Braking, a common motorsport driving technique, allows the driver complete control over the vehicle’s throttle and braking system, which may give the vehicle the edge it needs at the track. Please note, this feature may not be available for all ECUs.
Motorsport Rev Limiter:
APR’s Motorsport Rev Limiter allows the engine to reach max RPM without the ECU slowing down acceleration nearly 150 RPM earlier. The result is more power to redline and a definable redline feeling as seen on Audi Quattro GMBH vehicles such as the RS4, RS5 and R8.
Increased Fuel Economy:
APR’s Calibration Engineers paid close attention to several parameters directly related to fuel economy, especially while cruising at highway speeds. Depending on driving style and fuel quality, better miles per gallon may be achieved.
The APR Difference
APR ECU Explorer
APR’s proprietary ECU Explorer gives APR’s Calibration Engineers unparalleled access to the vehicle’s entire engine management system. Typical commercially available data logging tools, used by most tuners, only allow logging up to 12 engine-operating variables at extremely low data rates. These tools are also limited to a small, specific list of variables. APR’s ECU Explorer is capable of logging every variable found within the ECU with far more variables logged at once, at very high data rates.
APR ECU Composer
APR’s proprietary ECU Composer is used for altering the engine management system. With full access to every table, map and variable within the ECU, APR’s Calibration Engineers are not limited to a handful of maps as is common for most tuning companies.
APR ECU Assembly
APR’s Electrical Engineers have the ability to alter the code structure of the ECU. Through code levels changes, APR's Engineers are able to add features to the ECU. Other changes allow higher torque limits than those achievable through only modifying calibration data or using piggyback devices as is the case for many tuners. On the highly modified end, this often allows APR to make turbo upgrades operate without the need for external manual controllers.
APR Direct Port Programming
APR’s DirectPort Programming is now available! Any APR Dealer in the world, connected to the Internet, has direct access to APR’s latest ECU upgrades for loading directly over the vehicle's OBD-II port. This completely eliminates the need to remove and open the ECU for currently available files and can be uninstalled at any time!
| Vehicle | Engine | Transmission |
|---|---|---|
| Audi A1 (Typ 8X) | 1.8 TFSI Gen 3 | Manual |
| Seat Ibiza (MK4 / Typ 6J) | 1.8 TSI Gen 3 | Manual |
| Volkswagen Polo GTI (MK5 / 6R) | 1.8 TSI Gen 3 | Manual |
| Stage | Price Exc. VAT | Price Inc. VAT | |
|---|---|---|---|
| IMPORTANT PRICING AND AVAILABILITY DETAILS: | |||
| - Availability and ECU Compatibility: Stages, programs, and features may not be available for all ECUs. | |||
| - ECU Revision Notice: Multiple ECU revisions exist for each platform. APR software may be temporarily unavailable when factory updates are applied. An APR dealer can check availability in person, or over the phone if the ECU boxcode/revision is known. | |||
| APR Stage I ECU Upgrade | £483.33 | £580.00 | |
| APR IS20 Turbo ECU Upgrade - Existing APR ECU Upgrade Customer | £0.00 | Please Call | |
| APR IS20 Turbo ECU Upgrade - New Customer | £725.00 | £870.00 | |
Turbocharger Loyalty Program
We’re pleased to announce the turbocharger upgrade path just got a little easier for our loyal APR customers. If you’ve purchased an APR ECU Upgrade and want to upgrade to one of our turbocharger systems, you can take advantage of fantastic savings! It’s our way of saying “thank you” for enjoying our ECU Upgrades before stepping up to the big leagues! To see the savings, head on over to our product pages and take a look at the new pricing tiers.
How to Purchase
Please use the APR Dealer Locater Tool to locate an APR Dealer, confirm availability and schedule an appointment.
Please note vehicle manufacturers issue many ECU part numbers and revisions throughout their vehicle lineup. As such, some ECUs may be temporarily unavailable as new parts and/or revisions are released. If the vehicle’s ECU part number and revision is known, availability can be checked at any APR Dealer.
30 Day Money Back Guarantee
All APR ECU Upgrades include a 30-day money back guarantee with no questions asked. If for any reason the owner is dissatisfied with the APR ECU Upgrade, they may return to the place of purchase for a full refund, provided they are within the 30 day period from the time of the initial purchase. Labor or shipping charges are not included in the guarantee and are at the discretion of the place of install. APR Plus is included in this guarantee only if a warranty claim has not been submitted.
Limited Lifetime Warranty
All APR ECU Upgrades include a limited lifetime warranty against defects in the software, and to provide free updates and reflashes as they become available. Labor or shipping charges are not included in the warranty and are at the discretion of the place of install.
