Audi sells an exceptionally wide range of vehicles. There’s something for everyone from the little entry-level A1 that’s perfect for young urban commuters to the impressive R8 V10, which borders supercar territory. An Audi car offers a sleek look, high-end engineering, and good build quality, so it’s not surprising that this is a popular car for tuning. Audi enthusiasts generally focus on certain types of modifications when tuning their vehicles. Here are some great ideas for your Audi tuning project.
Increase engine power
The first and possibly the most important aspect of Audi tuning is increasing engine power. There are many ways to achieve this.
Remapping the ECU (or installing a performance chip in older cars) is a sure way to get more horsepower and torque from the Audi engine. This is one of the most profitable mods and it should be near the top of your to-do list. A professional remap can deliver more horsepower and torque, better fuel economy, and superior throttle response. Turbo engines, especially diesels, get the biggest power gains with a remap.
Another highly rewarding project is tuning the intake and exhaust system to ensure a more free flow of air through the engine. Improving the breathing of the car is an important part of increasing the engine power. Popular upgrades in this area include a cold air intake, a sports exhaust with a high-flow manifold, or a full induction kit.
Some tuners from Audi like to install a fast road camshaft to get more RPM at full power. This modification of the vehicle involves a small compensation. It usually causes some low power loss, which is, after all, where you do most of your driving. It can also result in uneven engine idling. If you choose to install a fast road camera, a good gas flow head and larger valves are recommended to go along with it.
Remember that an engine tuned for more power may require some modifications to the fuel system to cope with the additional demands. A new fuel pressure regulator and fuel injectors are suggested for sharper throttle response. While doing this, update the fuel pump as well because the engine will need more fuel.
The standard clutch in an Audi has its limitations, so you should probably replace it with an improved or performance-oriented clutch if you expect more than 30% power gain from other tuning activities.
Improve suspension
When it comes to Audi tuning, improving the way the car is handled is often a priority. In fact, a common complaint about many stock Audi vehicles is the soft handling. This is what happens when a relatively heavy car is equipped with too soft a suspension. But the steering and control of the vehicle can be improved by dropping the car slightly and putting in stiffer performance shocks and shock absorbers. You may also want to replace the rubber bushings with aftermarket versions that don’t flex as much during cornering.
Change wheels
The installation of alloy wheels is a good modification of the vehicle that is practical and visually appealing. Alloy wheels will help cool the brakes and are generally lighter than standard factory wheels.
Some tuners suggest installing larger diameter wheels and wider, lower profile tires to improve the appearance and performance of the vehicle. Other enthusiasts urge a bit of caution in this area, saying that oversized wheels will compromise the vehicle’s handling. If you want to be sure, keep the overall rolling diameter of new wheels the same as the original factory specifications.
Upgrade the brakes
Don’t forget about the brakes, especially on larger vehicles. If you are tuning your Audi for more engine power and faster throttle response, you will also need fast and reliable deceleration. Upgrade the brakes with a performance-oriented brake set that includes high-friction pads in addition to larger calipers and rotors.
Beautify the interior
Many tuners like to ditch Audi’s rather heavy stock seats and replace them with lighter, sportier bucket seats. This modification reduces the weight of the vehicle and provides you with greater comfort and driving control. The new alloy shift knobs and pedals are a good way to give the interior a more luxurious appearance. For the perfect finishing touch, you can attach a MOMO steering wheel.
Customize with exterior modifications
Most enthusiasts already like the look of Audi cars, so they are not inclined to do a lot of exterior modifications. But if you want to do something, you might consider installing a more assertive front air deflector or aftermarket turn signals and taillights with smoked lenses. These updates will personalize the car without spoiling the distinctive Audi aesthetic.
There is no doubt that Audi has a reputation for making cars that are reliable and stylish. But any car in the Audi lineup can benefit from a little tweak. With most models, you just can’t go wrong with reassigning the ECU, upgrading the intake and exhaust system, and fitting new suspension components. Audi cars tend to retain their value over time, making Audi tuning a great investment in driving pleasure.
