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APR ECU Upgrade - 2.0T EA888 Gen 3 IS38 (Transverse) (MQB)

Fits 2015-2023 Audi S3, TTS, Volkswagen Golf R

Part # ECU-20T-EA888-3-T-IS38 Be the first to write a review
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1

Emissions

This part is legal for sale and use on Emissions Controlled Vehicles, in all 50 states, when used in accordance with the manufacturers application guide because it has a California Air Resources Board (CARB) Executive Order (EO) number.

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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!

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
  • Stages - Multiple performance levels depending on installed hardware
  • Flat Torque - Optional torque limited version for a flatter torque profile
  • Acceleration - Accelerate faster with more power and reduced throttle lag
  • Linear Throttle - Pedal maps adjusted for a more linear feel
  • 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
  • Standing Limiter - Increased standing limiter for higher revving at idle
  • Motorsport Limiter - With the soft limiter removed, you’ll get full power right up to the hard, “bap bap bap” redline fuel cut
  • Auto Start/Stop Inversion - Auto Start/Stop defaults to the off position
  • Exhaust Crackle - Multiple exhaust crackle profiles including factory, mild, and aggressive all with mode switching and component protection
  • Economy - While cruising, or driving normally, your fuel economy may benefit from our optimized calibration
  • 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
Brand APR
Emission Code1
Engine AspirationTurbocharged
Engine ConfigurationI4
Engine Displacement2.0L
Engine FamilyEA888 Gen 3 IHI
Engine OrientationTransverse
Fuel TypeGasoline
MarketNAR
ROW
Product TypeECU Upgrade
Part NumberECU-20T-EA888-3-T-IS38
1

This part is legal for sale and use on Emissions Controlled Vehicles, in all 50 states, when used in accordance with the manufacturers application guide because it has a California Air Resources Board (CARB) Executive Order (EO) number.

The following vehicles are considered Emissions Controlled Vehicles:

  • 1966 and newer U.S. manufactured California Certified vehicles
  • 1968 and newer U.S. manufactured Federally Certified vehicles
  • 1968 and newer Foreign manufactured vehicle
Important fuel quality information
Important fuel quality information
Find your boxcode and revision
Find your boxcode and revision
APR Plus Warranty Booklet
APR Plus Warranty Booklet
CARB EO Document
Lists applicable vehicles and scenarios. Please verify your configuration is applicable.
Only use fuel equal to or higher than specified. Never use a lower octane fuel. Always follow our fuel guide, especially with race fuel and Ethanol, where available. Dynos are for reference only. Results will vary. Contributing factors include the vehicle condition, vehicle setup, dyno type, dyno setup, environmental factors, fuel quality, and more. When describing fuels, the North American Region (NAR) uses the Anti-Knock Index (AKI), (RON+MON)/2, or (R+M)/2. The Rest of the World (ROW) uses RON. RON is Research Octane Number and MON is Motor Octane Number.

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    APR ECU Upgrade Stages

    APR’s ECU Upgrades are available in multiple octanes levels. Each stage is fully compatible with an upgraded intake, catback exhaust, or other minor bolt on modifications.

    APR Plus

    The APR Plus ECU Upgrade includes a factory term limit matching limited powertrain warranty, and is the first step towards making more power! This simple upgrade requires no engine hardware modifications and produces 357 HP with 349 FT-LBS of torque. To get more power, the vehicle can be outfitted with an upgraded intake, intercooler, catback exhaust, and various other bolt-on modifications all without requiring any new modifications to the ECU.


    APR Plus is available for 91 AKI and is only available in the USA.

    APR Stage 1

    The APR Stage 1 ECU Upgrade is the first step towards making more power! This simple upgrade requires no engine hardware modifications and produces 357-381 HP with 349-392 FT-LBS of torque. To get more power, the vehicle can be outfitted with an upgraded intake, intercooler, catback exhaust, and various other bolt-on modifications all without requiring any new modifications to the ECU. This stage has an optional low and high torque modes to maximize clutch and transmission compatibility. 6 Speed DSG / S tronic require APR's TCU Upgrade to run the high torque software. This stage also has optional FWD and AWD files depending on setup. The FWD files will limit wheel spin in first gear. APR recommends NGK heat range 9 (NGK-R7437-9) spark plugs gapped to 0.024" ±0.002" or 0.6mm ±0.05mm with a change interval of 10-15,000 mi or 16-24,000 km.


    APR Stage 1 is available for 91 AKI, 93 AKI, and 100 AKI in North America, and 95 RON, 98 RON, 102 RON, and 104 AKI in the Rest of the World.

    APR Stage 3 DTR6054

    The APR Stage 3 DTR6054 ECU Upgrade is the next step towards making more power! This simple upgrade requires an APR DTR6054 turbocharger system and produces 410-491 HP with 370-425 FT-LBS of torque depending on fueling upgrades. Visit our DTR6054 Turbocharger Product Page for all product details.

    APR Stage 3 Plus EFR7163

    The APR Stage 3+ ECU Upgrade is the next step towards making more power! This simple upgrade requires an APR EFR7163 turbocharger system, APR Fueling (MPI/LPFP in the NAR and LPFP/HPFP in the ROW), exhaust system, intake system, intercooler system and no other engine hardware modifications and produces 470-536 HP with 425-474 FT-LBS of torque. APR's TCU Upgrade is required to run this stage. This stage also has optional FWD and AWD files depending on setup. The FWD files will limit wheel spin in first gear. Additionally this stage is available with optional exhaust crackle modes. The more aggressive modes increase the length, duration, intensity, and operating modes of the exhaust crackle. APR recommends NGK heat range 9 (NGK-R7437-9) spark plugs gapped to 0.024" ±0.002" or 0.6mm ±0.05mm with a change interval of 10-15,000 mi or 16-24,000 km.


    APR Stage 3+ is available for 91 AKI, 93 AKI, 100 AKI, and 104 AKI in North America, and 95 RON, 98 RON, 104 AKI, and 108 AKI in the Rest of the World.

    Horsepower and Torque Dyno Charts

    Select a DynoSelect a Dyno Type
    20_tsi_gen3_mqb_r_s0_vs_s1_low_91_cc.png

    APR Calibration Report

    StageHPTQMax GainMax Gain
    Stock As Reported by VAG 265-310 PS
    		280 FT-LBS
    Stock As Measured by APR 294 HP296 FT-LBS
    APR Plus
    91 AKI / 95 RON357 HP
    		349 FT-LBS
    		+66 HP
    		+68 FT-LBS
    APR Stage 1 (Low)
    91 AKI / 95 RON357 HP
    		349 FT-LBS
    		+66 HP
    		+68 FT-LBS
    93 AKI / 98 RON360 HP
    		363 FT-LBS
    		+80 HP
    		+83 FT-LBS
    100 AKI / 104 RON381 HP
    		366 FT-LBS
    		+90 HP
    		+84 FT-LBS
    APR Stage 1 (High)
    91 AKI / 95 RON357 HP
    		366 FT-LBS
    		+67 HP
    		+87 FT-LBS
    93 AKI / 98 RON370 HP
    		383 FT-LBS
    		+82 HP
    		+97 FT-LBS
    100 AKI / 104 RON381 HP
    		392 FT-LBS
    		+92 HP
    		+109 FT-LBS
    APR Stage 3 DTR6054
    91 AKI / 95 RON410 HP
    		370 FT-LBS
    		+147 HP
    		+110 FT-LBS
    93 AKI / 98 RON422 HP
    		390 FT-LBS
    		+159 HP
    		+119 FT-LBS
    100 AKI / 104 RON447 HP
    		399 FT-LBS
    		+184 HP
    		+138 FT-LBS
    104 AKI / 108 RON464 HP
    		406 FT-LBS
    		+201 HP
    		+151 FT-LBS
    APR Stage 3 DTR6054 w/ LPFP & HPFP
    91 AKI / 95 RON439 HP
    		384 FT-LBS
    		+176 HP
    		+132 FT-LBS
    93 AKI / 98 RON444 HP
    		397 FT-LBS
    		+181 HP
    		+136 FT-LBS
    100 AKI / 104 RON460 HP
    		411 FT-LBS
    		+197 HP
    		+148 FT-LBS
    104 AKI / 108 RON484 HP
    		417 FT-LBS
    		+221 HP
    		+166 FT-LBS
    E85455 HP
    		420 FT-LBS
    		+192 HP
    		+144 FT-LBS
    APR Stage 3 DTR6054 w/ LPFP, HPFP & MPI
    91 AKI / 95 RON439 HP
    		384 FT-LBS
    		+176 HP
    		+132 FT-LBS
    93 AKI / 98 RON444 HP
    		397 FT-LBS
    		+181 HP
    		+136 FT-LBS
    100 AKI / 104 RON460 HP
    		411 FT-LBS
    		+197 HP
    		+148 FT-LBS
    104 AKI / 108 RON484 HP
    		417 FT-LBS
    		+221 HP
    		+166 FT-LBS
    E85491 HP
    		425 FT-LBS
    		+228 HP
    		+171 FT-LBS
    APR Stage 3+ EFR7163
    91 AKI / 95 RON470 HP
    		425 FT-LBS
    		+191 HP
    		+152 FT-LBS
    93 AKI / 98 RON482 HP
    		435 FT-LBS
    		+203 HP
    		+162 FT-LBS
    100 AKI / 104 RON508 HP
    		451 FT-LBS
    		+230 HP
    		+182 FT-LBS
    104 AKI / 108 RON536 HP
    		475 FT-LBS
    		+258 HP
    		+206 FT-LBS
    Only use fuel equal to or higher than specified. Never use a lower octane fuel. Always follow our fuel guide, especially with race fuel and Ethanol, where available. Dynos are for reference only. Results will vary. Contributing factors include the vehicle condition, vehicle setup, dyno type, dyno setup, environmental factors, fuel quality, and more. When describing fuels, the North American Region (NAR) uses the Anti-Knock Index (AKI), (RON+MON)/2, or (R+M)/2. The Rest of the World (ROW) uses RON. RON is Research Octane Number and MON is Motor Octane Number.
    Stage0-60
    MPH
    (1-FT)
    		0-100
    KPH
    (1-FT)     		0-60
    MPH      		0-100
    KPH     		0-100
    MPH
    (1-FT)    		0-100
    MPH     		100-200
    KPH     		60-130
    MPH     		30-130
    MPH     		0-140
    MPH
    (1-FT)     		0-140
    MPH     		1/8m
    ET 
    		1/8m
    MPH
    		1/4m
    ET
    		1/4m
    MPH
    Stock4.247 4.509 4.641 4.852 11.159 11.502 15.020 18.428 21.190 29.834 30.228 8.218 85.27512.81105.75
    Stage 1 93 AKI3.490 3.690 3.8694.0708.782 9.186 10.88313.001 15.258 20.694 21.073 7.65491.78412.07111.74
    Stage 2 93 AKI 11.79114.41

    APR Exhaust Crackle

    Enhance your exhaust note just like Audi’s latest RS models! The APR Exhaust Crackle, lovingly called “pops and bangs” by many, adds a distinct crackle to the exhaust note upon lifting off the throttle, gear changes on a manual, decelerating, or while free revving at a stand standstill. This optional feature is available at no cost, at the time of flashing, for most compatible ECUs at stage 2 and higher stages. For convenience, the feature is only enabled when the vehicle is placed into sport/race mode. Lastly, for safety, this feature has built in hardware protection limits, and will only function when it’s considered safe to do so. We offer this in both a "soft" and "aggressive" mode as illustrated below with our 2019 Golf R featuring a full APR Valved Catback Exhaust System.

    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!

    APR Software Pricing Guide

    Our performance software upgrade is available in multiple stages with optional features.

    APR Plus
    APR Plus ECU Upgrade$999.95
    APR Stage 1
    APR Stage 1 ECU Upgrade$499.95
    APR Stage 1 ECU Upgrade from APR PlusFREE
    APR Stage 3
    APR Stage 3 ECU Upgrade with New APR Turbo KitFREE
    APR Stage 3 ECU Upgrade from Stock$749.95
    APR Stage 3 ECU Upgrade from Any Lower Stage$249.95

    Purchasing, Guarantee, and Updates

    How to Purchase - APR Software Upgrades are only available through Authorized APR Dealers. The dealer will connect to your vehicle, and install the update.¹


    Money-Back Guarantee - Try our Software Upgrades for up to 30 days, risk free! If you are not satisfied, return to an APR Dealer to have it removed and refunded.²


    Free Updates - If we make an update, add a standard feature, or if the manufacturer issues an update, you are entitled to a free update.³


    1. APR Software may not be available for all vehicles. Stages, programs, and features may not be available for all ECUs.
    2. Excludes some Software Upgrades, such as those included with a hardware purchase. Labor charges are at the discretion of the installer.
    3. Subject to availability. Labor charges are at the discretion of the installer. Applicable to the original purchaser. Second hand owners may inquire with an APR Dealer about a software license transfer fee.
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