BDT Stage 1 ECU Tune
2015–2021 Audi S3 (8V • EA888 Gen 3 • IS38)
The 8V S3 already punches above its weight — but the factory calibration leaves a big slice of IS38 potential on the table. BDT Stage 1 delivers a sharper throttle, a much harder mid-range, and clean top-end power to redline, all while keeping daily drivability and OEM safety logic intact. Remote flashing makes installation quick and stress-free from home or on the go.
Fitment & Compatibility
Vehicle: 2015–2021 Audi S3 (8V) 2.0T
Engine / Turbo: EA888 Gen 3 • IS38
- Quattro supported (OEM drivetrain)
- DSG
- Remote OBDII flashing supported
Why Boost Dynamic Tuning?
We don’t sell hype — we publish proof. BDT calibrations are built on real data, validated with transparent live before/after dyno runs, and refined for repeatable performance in real conditions. No additives. No inflated claims. Just proven power, drivability, and integrity.
Stage 1 Features — S3 (8V)
- Power Gains (Dyno): ~325 WHP / 332 WTQ on typical 93 octane
- 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
- Intake air temp safeties to protect your engine
- EGT safety logic to protect the engine/turbo
- Speed limiter removed • Neutral/Park rev limit raised
- Auto Start/Stop defaults OFF (feature remains functional)
- Torque limiters raised
- Fuel/Torque request optimized by load & throttle
- Stock boost gauge re-scaled to display higher boost
- Overrun / Crackle Pops in Dynamic or per-map (optional)
- Refined boost control — linear onset, smoother long-pull stability
- Reduced turbo lag
- LPFP/HPFP targets optimized
- VVT optimization
- OBDII port flashing — install at home or in-shop
Dyno-Verified Power Gains
Expected Stage 1 gains on 93 octane: up to 325 WHP / 332 WTQ (approx. 373 HP / 390 TQ at the crank). Results vary by dyno type, altitude, heat-soak, fuel quality, and hardware.
| STAGE | HORSEPOWER | TORQUE |
|
Stock Audi Advertised Numbers |
265 HP | 280 TQ |
| Stock BDT Dyno Numbers | 263 WHP | 280 WTQ |
| Stage 1 WHEEL HORSEPOWER | 325 WHP | 332 WTQ |
| Stage 1 CRANK HORSEPOWER | 373 HP | 390 TQ |
BDT publishes live before/after runs for transparency.
ECU Tune Modification Requirements
Stage 1 hardware requirements (quick view): No required mods — runs on a stock S3. Intake, intercooler, and drivetrain inserts are recommended for best consistency. BDT TCU Tune is highly recommended for DSG cars to match torque demand and improve shift logic.
| PART / UPGRADE | REQUIRED | RECOMMENDED |
| TCU TUNE | HIGHLY RECOMMENDED | |
| AIR INTAKE | X | |
| INTERCOOLER | X | |
| DRIVETRAIN INSERT UPGRADES | X |
Crackle Pops (Overrun)
Selectable Low / Medium / Intense levels with RPM-dependent windows in Dynamic mode. Subtle on stock exhaust; rowdy with downpipe or full system.
Boost Control & Driveability
Factory boost can feel uneven on long pulls. BDT smooths the curve for linear onset, stronger mid-range torque, and confident top-end power without surge.
Multi-Map Layout (Adjustable on Request)
- 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
We’ll tailor maps to your use case (weather, fuel, track/street). Safety limits remain in place.
Software Install Requirements
WINDOWS LAPTOP REQUIRED (NO APPLE)
OVER 50MBS INTERNET SPEED
400MB RAM SPEED MINIMUM
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 STRAIGHT FORWARD 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 |
15–20K |
|
OIL CHANGE 5W-40 LIQUI MOLY OIL FILTER = OEM ONLY |
5K |
| REAR HALDEX FLUID | 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.
FAQ
Q: Do I need any hardware to run Stage 1?
A: No. Stage 1 is designed for a stock IS38 S3. Supporting mods are recommended for best consistency but not required.
Q: Is a TCU tune required?
A: Not required, but highly recommended for DSG cars to improve shift behavior, clutch safety, and torque management.
Q: Can I flash at home?
A: Yes. You’ll flash through the OBDII port with remote support. A Windows laptop is required.
Q: What fuel is supported?
A: Maps are available for your fuel/region. Most customers run 91 or 93 octane. Race maps may require 100 octane.
Q: Are crackle pops safe?
A: Yes when used responsibly. Pops are RPM-windowed and selectable. Aggressive settings are best paired with freer-flowing exhaust.
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.
** PLEASE NOTE: If you schedule an appointment with us to flash your tune and you are late with no contact, there will be a $50 late fee applied. If you need to reschedule your tune, you must contact us at least an hour before your appointment, or there will be a $50 fee applied. **
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 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.