new A3 ?'s

[vdubracr98]

My girlfriend is thinking about buying the new a3 in the middle of next year. Does anyone have any opinions about the car, like tunabilty/reliability? also I heard that the engine from the vw r32 might be an option sometime in the near future. Does anyone know if this is true and when it will become an option?

[ctesla]

do not think the first year A3s will have engine option, just trans.
I have driven these things, and they ARE sweet, but if she is not stuck on a wagon, then for less money: A4.
and the A4 (since not a new line up car in the states) has the W32 package.
downside of A4, is no hatchback; and this is what my wife and I enjoyed with our Saabs. the late 90s model 9000CS would open the entire back side of that vehicle, and you could throw a big dresser in there, close the lid, get 30mpg while smoking a mustang with the turbo on the freeway. might wait for the following year, as the 3.2 will probably be added to A3s list of options.
---OR since Audi, and many other companies, are trying to win business, you could jump on line (cut out the dealer at the start) and see if you can custom order it with the larger engine, since it shares the powertrain options with the A4s. I mean, if your spending $35+K they should allow you to have the engine you want.
this is how those Yenko and COPO SS Camaros were born.

http://www.audiusa.com/index

will give you a run down on vehicle line-up and options.
that 2.0L will still scream and put out serious numbers for a 4cyl. and get great mileage whether 3 or 4.
I was considering the A3, but for the price, I'll keep my already paid for A4; and I've already spiffed her up and getting good mpg for the leadfoot that I am.

hope this helps,
chris
nrt racing

[vdubracr98]

what kind of power gains could i expect with a reprogrammed ecu and a turbo-back exhaust?

[ctesla]

Originally Posted by vdubracr98

what kind of power gains could i expect with a reprogrammed ecu and a turbo-back exhaust?

I'd start with the ECM and possibly some trick turbo items (say larger wastegate, etc.)
if money is issue, start with exhaust. and DO your research. even exhaust nowadays is a hefty price, and once chopped up, fabbed, mounted, and fired NON-returnable!!!
was just at the dealer today picking up parts for my custom 90CS, and they were off loading an '06 A3 2.0T "Venetian Violet Pearl" that was VERY sharp.

the mods you are talking about could warrant that war wagon getting into the 300 HP range easy; if properly researched, bought, and tuned.
the exhaust is the hardest thing you may have to purchase for a vehicle.
Reason: FAST=LOUD!
loud and fast are great, but this is a european sports car, so dignity and style suggest a little more graceful than the aggressive muscle car owner.
look into slightly larger pipes in your "turbo-back" and maybe less restrictive mufflers (Dynomax being the least restrictive AND least expensive, FlowMaster being restrictive yet less obnoxious, but more expensive, Borla being near superior, but at a cost); do some searching on the web, Eberspaecher and Bosal are both main suppliers and manufacturers for audi systems, check these options.

hope this is helpful,

feel free to PM or email me if you want actual part numbers or more "in-depth" R&D for your specific vehicle.
if you already have it, give me specs (where you're at) and tell me what you want done (where you want to be), and I'll gladly assist you in reaching top horse, without sacrificing gas mileage.

( and as far as sound, the dual muffler set-up of my CS magically fell off, and: WOW! 2nd gear and I'm sailing past 70mph!!! noise at idle and cruising speeds acceptable, WOT=noise, but no worse than a honda with a fart cannon, only more MEAN sounding... AND- better fuel consumption too! I think the cats will fall off near the holidays, and then maybe a monza muffler with stainless tips out the back)

chris
nrt racing