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APR ECU Upgrade - 1.8T EA888 Gen 1 (Transverse)

Fits 1.8T EA888 Gen 1 transverse engines found in various ROW market vehicles

Part # ECU-18T-EA888-1-T 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.

See Emissions Details
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.

Features:

  • Horsepower - More horsepower throughout the whole rpm band
  • Torque - More torque throughout the whole rpm band
  • Program Switching - Change programs and access features with your cruise control stalk
  • APR Mobile - Change programs and access features with your smart device
  • Valet Mode – Neuters the vehicle, giving the driver minimal output
  • Anti-Theft – Password protects driving the vehicle
  • Security Lockout – Password protects program switching
  • Fault Code Erase – Resets ECU fault codes and adaption on the fly
  • Fuel Grades - Multiple octanes from which to choose
  • Stages - Multiple performance levels depending on installed hardware
  • 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
  • Direct Port Programming - Clean and easy install through the OBD II port without removing the ECU
  • Guarantee - 30 day money back guarantee
  • Free Updates - Get free updates for life
Brand APR
Emission Code1
Engine AspirationTurbocharged
Engine ConfigurationI4
Engine Displacement1.8L
Engine FamilyEA888 Gen 1
Engine OrientationTransverse
Fuel TypeGasoline
MarketNAR
ROW
Product TypeECU Upgrade
Part NumberECU-18T-EA888-1-T
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
Program switching guide
Program switching guide
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 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 183-219 HP with 276-226 FT-LBS of torque. To get more power, the vehicle can be outfitted with an upgraded intake, catback exhaust, and various other bolt-on modifications all without requiring any new modifications to the ECU.


    APR Stage 1 is available for 95 RON, 98 RON, and 104 RON in the Rest of the World.

    APR Stage 2

    The APR Stage 2 ECU Upgrade is the next step towards making more power! This simple upgrade requires an exhaust system and produces even more power and torque! To get more power, the vehicle can be outfitted with an upgraded intake, and various other bolt-on modifications all without requiring any new modifications to the ECU.


    APR Stage 2 is available for 95 RON, 98 RON, and 104 RON in the Rest of the World.

    APR Stage 3 K04

    The APR Stage 3 K04 ECU Upgrade is the next step towards making more power! This simple upgrade requires a K04-64 turbocharger, and is compatible with the factory of upgraded exhaust system. Upgrading the intake and intercooler is highly recommended. With the exhaust the system produces 330 HP with 335 FT-LBS of torque. To get more power, the vehicle can be outfitted with an upgraded intake, and various other bolt-on modifications all without requiring any new modifications to the ECU.


    APR Stage 3 is available for 95 RON, 98 RON, and 104 RON in the Rest of the World.

    Horsepower and Torque Dyno Charts

    Select a DynoSelect a Dyno Type

    APR Calibration Report

    StageHPTQMax GainMax Gain
    Stock158 HP 168 FT-LBS
    Stage 1
    95 RON183 HP 219 FT-LBS  +32 HP +54 FT-LBS
    98 RON189 HP 226 FT-LBS +44 HP +60 FT-LBS
    Stage 3 K04
    98 RON330 HP335 FT-LBS+151 HP+140 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.

    Program switching allows you to access additional program modes and features from your cruise control stalk or your smart device with APR Mobile. Depending on the ECU, available memory, and selected options, up to four program modes and all features, can be installed.


    • Stock Mode - Go back to the stock power levels.
    • Performance Modes - Switch between octanes and program modes.
    • Valet Mode - Neuters the vehicle, giving the driver minimal output.
    • Security Lockout - Password protects program switching.
    • Anti-Theft - Password protects driving the vehicle.
    • Fault Code Erase - Resets ECU fault codes and adaptation.

    APR Mobile

    APR Mobile installs on smartphones, tables and other devices, and connects wirelessly to your ECU. The app can then be used to access features such as program switching, fault code reading and resetting, and high speed data logging.

    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 Stage 1
    APR Stage 1 ECU Upgrade$399.95
    APR Stage 2
    APR Stage 2 ECU UpgradeDISCONTINUED
    APR Stage 2 ECU Upgrade from Stage 1DISCONTINUED
    APR Stage 3 K04
    APR Stage 3 K04 ECU Upgrade with New APR Turbo KitFREE
    APR Stage 3 K04 ECU Upgrade$599.95
    APR Stage 3 K04 ECU Upgrade from Stage 1 or Stage 2$199.95
    Optional Features
    Program Switching$99.95

    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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      Some parts are not legal for use in California or other states with similar regulations.