APR ECU Upgrade** - 1.8T EA888 Gen 3 IS12 (Transverse) for Audi 8V A3, VW Golf TSI/Alltrack & Sportwagen --Sale 10% Off--

APR

$337.43 - $1,012.43
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ECU-18T-EA888-3-T-IS12
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Overview

APR's ECU Upgrades are the best dollar-per-horsepower modification one can make to improve engine performance. 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 ECU Upgrades are available with various features and supported octane levels and each stage is compatible with most typical bolt-on modifications. The software is installed to the vehicle's 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!
 

Fits 2015-2019 Audi A3, Volkswagen Golf, Golf Alltrack, Golf SportWagen

Features:

  • Horsepower - More horsepower throughout the whole rpm band
  • Torque - More torque throughout the whole rpm band
  • Warranty - APR Plus is available, providing a factory term limit matching limited powertrain warranty
  • Fuel Grades - Multiple octanes from which to choose
  • Acceleration - Accelerate faster with more power and reduced throttle lag
  • Brake Boosting - Left foot braking or brake boosting added
  • Speed Limiter - Go as fast as you want with the speed limiter out of the way
  • Economy - While cruising, or driving normally, your fuel economy may benefit from our optimized calibration
  • Flash Counter - Flash counter does not increase with each flash
  • Direct Port Programming - Clean and easy install through the OBD II port without removing the ECU
  • Free Updates - Get free updates for life
  • Guarantee - 30 day money back guarantee

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 FWD Race DP or AWD Race DP, factory GTI IS20 turbo upgrade, and factory Golf R IS38 turbo upgrade. Each stage is fully compatible compatible with an upgraded intake, intercooler, catback exhaust, or other minor bolt on modifications.

APR Stage I ECU Upgrade

The APR Stage I ECU Upgrade is the first step towards making more power! This simple upgrade requires no engine hardware modifications, and produces 234-245 HP with 273-301 FT-LBS of torque. Gains as high as 65-80 HP and 78-107 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 change interval (Ex: 10,000-15,000 mi or 16,000-24,000 km).

APR IS20 Turbo Upgrade

This ECU Upgrade requires the factory IS20 turbocharger, found on the MK7 GTI, and seperate ECU Upgrades are available for use with the factory DP exhaust system or a FWD Race DP or AWD Race DP.

With the factory exhaust DP it produces 274-306 HP with 308-326 FT-LBS of torque. Gains as high as 104-136 HP and 113-138 FT-LBS of torque are available throughout the power band.

With a FWD Race DP or AWD Race DP it produces 284-319 HP with 311-330 FT-LBS of torque. Gains as high as 114-149 HP and 117-145 FT-LBS of torque are available throughout the power band.

APR highly recommends the vehicle be outfitted with an upgraded intake and intercooler. 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. APR's TCU Upgrade may be required to prevent transmission slip on DQ250 DSG/S Tronic models, 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 change interval (Ex: 10,000-15,000 mi or 16,000-24,000 km).

 

APR IS38 Turbo Upgrade

This ECU Upgrade requires the factory IS38 turbocharger, found on the MK7 Golf R. It requires FWD Race DP or AWD Race DP, upgraded intake and intercooler. It produces 351-357 HP with 335-341 FT-LBS of torque. Gains as high as 146-188 HP and 160-169 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. APR's TCU Upgrade may be required to prevent transmission slip on DQ250 DSG/S Tronic models, and is required to achieve a higher redline. APR recommends using colder heat-range spark plugs (Ex: NGK-R7437-9), properly gapped 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 change interval (Ex: 10,000-15,000 mi or 16,000-24,000 km).

APR World Class Calibration Expertise

engine

Tuning 101:

The 1.8T engine uses a Continental Simos 12 and 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.

 

rabbitAcceleration 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.

 

 

 

 

vmaxSpeed 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 BrakingLeft 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.

 

 

 

 

vmaxMotorsport 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.

 

 

 

 

ecoIncreased 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.

 

 

 

 

APR ECU Upgrade Stages 

Our ECU Upgrades are available in multiple configurations. Installation of additional performance hardware, such as an intercooler or intake systems, may provide further performance improvements.

APR Stage 1

The APR Stage 1 ECU Upgrade is the first step towards tuning your engine. It produces up to:

  • 234-245 HP and 234-245 FT-LBS of torque (MQB Platform)
  • 244-252 HP and 287-288 FT-LBS of torque (PQ35 Platform)

APR Stage 1 is available for 87 AKI, 91 AKI, and 93 AKI in North America, and 95 RON, and 98 RON in the Rest of the World.

APR Stage 2

The APR Stage 2 ECU Upgrade is the next step towards tuning your engine. It produces up to:

  • 246-247 HP and 3275-301 FT-LBS of torque (MQB Platform)
  • 260-262 HP and 314-316 FT-LBS of torque (PQ35 Platform)

APR Stage 2 is available for 87 AKI, 91 AKI, and 93 AKI in North America, and 95 RON, and 98 RON in the Rest of the World.

APR Stage 3 IS20

The APR Stage 3 ECU Upgrade is the next step towards tuning your engine. It produces up to:

  • 274-306 HP and 308-326 FT-LBS of torque (MQB Platform).
  • 308-326 HP and 311-330 FT-LBS of torque (PQ35 Platform).
  • 302-318 HP and 325-330 FT-LBS of torque (MQB Platform).

Use this tune with the IS20 turbocharger.

The APR Stage 3 FBO ECU Upgrade is the next step towards tuning your engine. It produces up to:

  • 302-318 HP and 325-330 FT-LBS of torque (MQB Platform).

Use this tune with the IS20 turbocharger.

APR Stage 3 IS20 is available for 87 AKI, 91 AKI, 93 AKI, and 100 AKI in North America, and 95 RON, 98 RON, and 102 RON in the Rest of the World.

APR Stage 3 IS38

The APR Stage 3 ECU Upgrade is the next step towards tuning your engine. It produces up to 351-357 HP and 335-341 FT-LBS of torque. Use this tune with the IS38 turbocharger.

APR Stage 3 IS38 is available for 91 AKI, 93 AKI, and 100 AKI in North America. This stage is only available on MQB platform vehicles in North America.

APR Calibrations Report

 

STAGEHPTQMAX GAINMAX GAIN
Stock As Reported by VAG  170 HP 184 FT-LBS    
Stock As Measured by APR 170 HP 198 FT-LBS    
APR PLUS    
87 AKI 234 HP 273 FT-LBS +65 HP +78 FT-LBS
STAGE 1    
87 AKI 234 HP 273 FT-LBS +65 HP +78 FT-LBS
91 AKI / 95 RON 240 HP 285 FT-LBS +72 HP +90 FT-LBS
93 AKI / 98 RON 245 HP 301 FT-LBS +80 HP +107 FT-LBS
STAGE 2    
87 AKI 246 HP 275 FT-LBS +75 HP  +80 FT-LBS 
91 AKI / 95 RON 246 HP 288 FT-LBS +75 HP +93 FT-LBS
93 AKI / 98 RON 247 HP 301 FT-LBS +80 HP +107 FT-LBS
STAGE 3 IS20    
87 AKI 274 HP 308 FT-LBS +104 HP  +113 FT-LBS 
91 AKI / 95 RON 292 HP 315 FT-LBS +123 HP  +120 FT-LBS 
93 AKI / 98 RON 297 HP 319 FT-LBS +127 HP +129 FT-LBS
100 AKI / 104 RON 306 HP 326 FT-LBS +136 HP  +138 FT-LBS
STAGE 3 IS20 (FBO)    
87 AKI 284 HP 311 FT-LBS +114 HP +117 FT-LBS
91 AKI / 95 RON 302 HP 325 FT-LBS +133 HP +131 FT-LBS
93 AKI / 98 RON 312 HP 329 FT-LBS +143 HP +138 FT-LBS
100 AKI / 104 RON 319 HP 330 FT-LBS +149 HP  +145 FT-LBS
STAGE 3 IS38 (FBO)    
91 AKI / 95 RON 351 HP 335 FT-LBS +182 HP +160 FT-LBS
93 AKI / 98 RON 356 HP 337 FT-LBS +187 HP +166 FT-LBS
100 AKI / 104 RON 357 HP 341 FT-LBS +188 HP +169 FT-LBS

Acceleration Testing

 

 The APR Difference

Who we are - We’re a global automotive engineering firm nestled in Opelika, Alabama. Our 80,000ft² state-of-the-art facility is home to some of the best engineers in the industry, who have mastered hundreds of engine management systems. We have multiple engine and chassis dynos, and the resources necessary to create our ECU Upgrades in-house, from the ground up! We're not a new company either. We've been around since the 90's and we have a strong financial backing to ensure we'll be here to support you for decades to come!

What we do - We optimize everything to make your engine more powerful. We adjust air-fuel ratios, advance ignition, increase boost pressure, alter cam positions and lift profiles, and more, all depending on the type of engine and management system, of course! We don’t take shortcuts, and we don’t take risks. We do it the right way.

How we differ - With our proprietary calibration and direct ram access data logging tools and operating system code changes, we’re able to make some of the strongest and fastest ECU upgrades, without needing costly end user adjustments. We work with the ECUs intelligent modeling and closed-loop systems, and beta test in multiple environments to create upgrades that work no matter where you drive!

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