Bryan was referred to us by another Audi enthusiast whose S3 8V we had previously installed a LITTCO L500 turbo onto and custom tuned. He was having issues with his stock IS38, and was concerned about the reliability of the turbo and engine setup. Specs as follows:
Model: Audi 8V S3
Engine: 2.0 4-Cylinder TFSI (Turbo charged, direct injection)
Transmission: S-Tronic Transmission (DQ250) - Quattro
ECU: SIMOS12
Location: THANAS CPT
The vehicle was equipped with the following modifications:
- Downpipe (Yes a whole list for a single item, lol)
As it was a relatively early revision IS38, we advised that he take it easy, as the IS38s, especially the early revisions, are exceptionally prone to shaft failure. We recommended our L380X/STG1 package, which consist of the following:
- LITTCO L380X Supercore + Installation & Service
- Custom THANAS ECU Tune
- Custom THANAS TCU Tune
This package is aimed at the Golf 7R and Audi S3 as it re-uses the stock exhaust housing, as well as the stock actuator. This reduces the cost of the replacement, and allows for a decent power gain above the stock IS38 with no additional supporting hardware needed above Stage 1 level (IE no additional hardware needed at all).
The L380X is not a conventional 'hybrid' as it utilises a stock size exhaust wheel and (very) slighly larger compressor wheel, with a higher flowing design, as opposed to a conventional hybrid that utilises substantially larger compressor and turbine wheels, with machined housings. The benefit of it is that it spools like stock, and can withstand much higher boost and flow than a stock IS38, and it re-uses the exhaust housing on IS38 equipped cars.
It is also far more capable than a stock IS38, making well over 325 kw with higher octane fuel and supporting mods.
The turbo was ordered and we got to work. Once it arrived, the vehicle was booked into our cape town dealer, J2 Performance, for the Littco L380X Install.
The vehicle was also serviced at the same time, and it was found that despite the owner having paid for a DSG service, no DSG service was done. The oil was in terrible condition, as was the haldex oil. A full DSG and haldex service was done.
(Side Rant: When people are selling 'cheap' OEM DSG/S-Tronic oil on whatsapp groups, that oil has been stolen from the customer by the service technician, and taken home to be sold)
The plugs were inspected and were also found to be in poor shape and were replaced by NGK-Rs:
With all of the maintenance taken care of, we got down to the fun part:
We did not get any before figures, as when the car was briefly datalogged by J2 Performance before we got to work, it was experiencing major throttle closure as well as up to 10 degs of ignition retard on the existing, unknown tune. For the safety of the car, we decided not to run it further, and instead loaded the following:
- THANAS/L380X-STG1 Custom ECU tune
- THANAS/STG2 Custom DSG/S-Tronic Tune
Now if you're wondering why it's called a STG1 ECU tune when it has an upgraded turbo. The answer is fairly simple, the 'Stage' of the car is determined by the supporting mods. The supporting mods in this case are:
- A downpipe (yep another list for a single item :>)
Hence the tune being at Stage 1 or L380X-STG1 level. The L380X turbo is a reinforced IS38 and although it allows for higher power to be made without compromising turbo integrity (like a stock IS38) it is not a supporting mod itself.
We then went through a number of revisions, getting the boost control in check, as well as dialing in the ignition timing, VVTi, VVLi, fuelling as well as many of the other parameters we adjust for a custom ECU tune. We also made sure that the ECU and DSG were aligned in terms of torque limits, and torque communication over CAN.
The results were fantastic:
Before:
L380X - Downpipe - Stock ECU/DSG
Power: 216 kW
Torque: 356 Nm
After:
L380X - Downpipe - THANAS/L380X-STG1 ECU / THANAS/STG2 TCU
Power: 274 kW
Torque: 454 Nm
A gain of 58 kW and 98 Nm (on a very torque conservative dyno) with Stage 1 hardware, is awesome.
We expect that it would have tipped 280 kw, however we were happy with where the car was at considering the minimal modifications. The power is smooth and holds all the way out. With more supporting mods like an upgraded intercooler, intake, exhaust etc, this setup is capable of well over 300 kw.
Bonus launch video:
