BDT Stage 2 ECU Tune
2015–2021 Audi A3 (8V • EA888 Gen 3 • 1.8T IS12)
Stage 2 is where the A3 1.8T turns into a different car. With the right bolt-ons (especially a high-flow downpipe), BDT Stage 2 delivers a harder hit of torque, stronger pull through the midrange, and cleaner, more confident top-end — without sacrificing daily drivability.
Fitment & Compatibility
Confirm your exact engine and hardware before purchase.
Vehicle: 2015–2021 Audi A3 (8V) 1.8T
Engine: EA888 Gen 3 • IS12 turbo
- FWD supported
- DSG supported
- Remote OBDII flashing compatible
Stage 2 Driving Feel
- Torque: heavier hit + stronger gear-to-gear pull
- Midrange: more “shove” where you actually drive
- Consistency: intercooler keeps pulls repeatable
- Daily: smooth when cruising, violent when you want it
93 OCTANE recommended for maximum output (maps may vary).
Unlock the Full Potential of Your Audi A3 (8V) 1.8T
Exclusively Tuned by Boost Dynamic Tuning — Built by Enthusiasts, for Enthusiasts
BDT Stage 2 is calibrated for bolt-on airflow and exhaust changes — especially a high-flow downpipe — with torque modeling, boost control, and safety logic refined for repeatable, real-world performance.
With 11+ years of hands-on tuning experience and ongoing development on the EA888 platform, BDT Stage 2 delivers the power you want, the smoothness you expect, and the reliability your daily needs (when you follow the maintenance guide below).
Why Choose BDT?
- Audi/VAG-Specific Expertise: Purpose-built for EA888 Gen 3 1.8T (IS12) with Stage 2 bolt-on logic.
- Authenticity Over Hype: Every map written in-house — no resellers, no copy/paste files.
- Remote Flashing: Install via OBDII from home. No ECU shipping. No shop schedule.
- Dyno-Tested & Street-Proven: Safe, repeatable gains validated in real conditions.
Stage 2 Highlights
- Multi-Map Switching (5 maps) — on-the-fly via cruise controls
- Rolling Anti-Lag (RAL) — build boost while moving (track/off-road)
- 2-Step (Manual only) • Boosted Launch (DSG) with BDT TCU logic
- Downpipe-Optimized Boost Control for stronger, cleaner pulls
- Intake Air Temp Safeties + EGT Safety Logic
- Speed Limiter Removed • Neutral/Park Rev Limit Raised
- Auto Start/Stop Defaults Off (feature remains functional)
- Torque Limiters Raised • Fuel/Torque Request Optimized
- Boost Gauge Re-Scaled • VVT Optimization
- Overrun / Crackle Pops (optional) • Low-Medium-Intense/Flame
- OBDII Port Flashing
Crackle Pops — Controlled Overrun
Stage 2 hardware makes overrun even more noticeable. Selectable Low / Medium / Intense-Flame levels in Dynamic mode. Subtle on stock exhaust, aggressive with free-flowing setups.
⚙️ Boost Control Recalibrated
With Stage 2 airflow, boost control matters more than ever. BDT rewrites the logic to deliver:
- Smoother, more linear boost ramp
- Harder midrange hit without “spike-y” behavior
- Repeatable pulls with smarter safety interventions
Power Gains
Expected Stage 2 output on 93 octane: up to 315 HP / 355 TQ (crank estimate).
Estimated wheel output (for comparison only): ~268 WHP / 302 WTQ (based on typical ~15% drivetrain loss).
| Stage | Horsepower | Torque |
|---|---|---|
| Stock Audi advertised numbers | 170 HP | 184 TQ |
| Stage 2 (crank estimate) | 268 HP | 355 TQ |
Results vary by dyno type, fuel quality, altitude, and supporting hardware. Stage 2 requires proper bolt-ons (see below).
Stage 2 Hardware Requirements
Stage 2 Hardware Requirements (quick view):
- Required: High-flow downpipe (catted or catless) + no exhaust leaks
- Strongly recommended: Upgraded intercooler (for consistent pulls / IAT control)
- Recommended: Intake, colder plugs, drivetrain inserts
- Highly recommended: BDT TCU tune (especially DSG)
Upgrade matrix:
| Part / Upgrade | Required | Recommended |
|---|---|---|
| High-Flow Downpipe / Exhaust Flow | YES | — |
| Upgraded Intercooler | — | STRONGLY |
| TCU Tune | — | Highly Recommended |
| Air Intake | — | X |
| Colder Spark Plugs | — | X |
Multi-Map Layout
- Map 1: Daily (low boost), RAL ON, 2-Step ON, Pops OFF
- Map 2: Daily (standard), RAL ON, 2-Step ON, Pops OFF
- Map 3: Race — NORMAL TIMING, RAL ON, 2-Step ON, Pops ON
- Map 4: Race — HIGH BOOST, HIGH TIMING, RAL ON, 2-Step ON, Pops ON, 100 OCTANE REQUIRED
- Map 5: Valet — RAL OFF, 2-Step OFF, Pops OFF
Software Install Requirements
WINDOWS LAPTOP REQUIRED (NO APPLE)
50 Mbps+ INTERNET RECOMMENDED
8GB RAM MINIMUM RECOMMENDED
Maintenance (Read This)
IF YOU WANT YOUR CAR TO SURVIVE, THESE MUST BE DONE!
I WANT YOUR CAR TO SURVIVE MULTIPLE YEARS TO COME WITH MY TUNE. I DON'T JUST RECOMMEND THESE FOR FUN. I HAVE TUNED COUNTLESS AUDI 8V CARS AND THIS IS WHAT I'VE EXPERIENCED THROUGH THE YEARS. IF YOU CAN'T AFFORD THE PARTS, PLEASE DON'T TUNE YOUR CAR. NOT BEING HARSH, BEING STRAIGHTFORWARD SO YOU DON'T BLAME MY TUNE THAT ARE ON COUNTLESS CARS WITHOUT ISSUES BECAUSE THEY FOLLOW MY MAINTENANCE GUIDE.
| Maintenance Schedule | Miles |
|---|---|
| SPARK PLUGS NGK Racing Plugs https://www.ngk.com/ngk-4905-r7438-8-racing-plug |
15–20K |
| OIL CHANGE 5W-40 Liqui Moly • OEM filter only |
5K |
| REAR HALDEX FLUID (Quattro) | 30K |
| TRANSMISSION FLUSH / FILTER OEM only |
30K |
| MAP SENSORS OEM only • Intake / before throttle body |
50K |
| PCV ASSEMBLY | 50K |
| INJECTORS + CARBON CLEANING | 65K |
Late Policy: If you book an in-person flash and arrive late without notice, a $50 fee applies. Reschedules must be made at least 1 hour prior.
EMISSIONS COMPLIANCE NOTICE & LEGAL DISCLAIMER
FOR COMPETITION USE ONLY — NOT FOR STREET USE
This product is sold and intended solely for vehicles used in closed-course racing, off-road competition, or organized motorsport events. It is not legal for use on any pollution-controlled vehicle operated on public roads or highways, as defined under the Clean Air Act (42 U.S.C. § 7522) and applicable state emissions laws.
By purchasing, installing, or using this product, you explicitly acknowledge and agree to the following terms:
Federal and State Emissions Compliance
- This product may modify, bypass, defeat, or render inoperative one or more emissions control devices, including but not limited to: catalytic converters, oxygen sensors, EGR systems, or OBD monitoring systems.
- The installation or use of this product on any vehicle subject to emissions regulations is strictly prohibited by federal law and may result in civil or criminal penalties, including fines up to $45,000 per vehicle under the Clean Air Act.
- This product is not certified by the EPA or CARB, and is therefore not legal for sale or use in California or any CARB-adopting state.
Assumption of Risk and Waiver of Liability
By purchasing and/or installing this product, you agree to:
- Assume all risk and responsibility for compliance with applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
- Waive all claims, liabilities, and legal actions against Boost Dynamic Tuning, LLC, its officers, directors, employees, and affiliates arising from the purchase, installation, or use of this product in violation of any applicable law.
- Release Boost Dynamic Tuning, LLC from any and all damages, injuries, or penalties resulting from improper or unlawful use.
⚖️ Indemnification Clause
You further agree to indemnify, defend, and hold harmless Boost Dynamic Tuning, LLC from any fines, penalties, damages, losses, or legal fees resulting from:
- Use of this product in a manner inconsistent with this disclaimer
- Misrepresentation of vehicle use
- Violation of any emissions laws or regulations
Final Notice
This product is sold “as is” and “with all faults”, with no warranties, expressed or implied, regarding legality for public highway use or emissions compliance.
It is the sole responsibility of the end-user to determine the legality of this product for the intended application. Boost Dynamic Tuning, LLC does not condone or recommend illegal street use or emissions equipment tampering.
By completing your purchase, you acknowledge that you have read, understood, and agreed to this disclaimer in full.
DOWNPIPE NOTICE: BY PURCHASING A MOTORSPORT/RACING PRODUCT ("PRODUCT"), YOU REPRESENT THAT YOU UNDERSTAND AND AGREE THAT: THE PRODUCT IS NOT DESIGNED TO MEET ANY APPLICABLE EMISSIONS STANDARDS, WHETHER IN THE USA OR OTHERWISE, THE PRODUCT IS NOT DESIGNED TO BE C.A.R.B. COMPLIANT, AND THAT THE PRODUCT IS NOT FOR SALE OR USE IN CALIFORNIA, USA NOR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION WHERE THE SALE OR USE IS PROHIBITED BY LAW. BOOST DYNAMIC TUNING, LLC MAKES NO REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES, OR CLAIMS THAT THIS PRODUCT COMPLIES WITH ANY APPLICABLE EMISSIONS LAWS AND EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY AND ALL SUCH REPRESENTATIONS, WARRANTIES, AND CLAIMS, WHETHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED. BY PURCHASING THIS PRODUCT, YOU REPRESENT, WARRANT, AND AGREE THAT IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY TO INFORM YOURSELF OF ANY LAWS OR REGULATIONS THAT MAY APPLY TO YOUR PURCHASE AND/OR USE OF THE PRODUCT.