APR

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

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

Install Type

Which Method is Right for You? - Learn More Here >
Part # ECU-20T-EA888-3-T-IS38
1 Review

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

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$449.96
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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. 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‚Äôll get full power right up to the hard, ‚Äúbap bap bap‚Äù 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
  • Flash Counter - Flash counter does not increase with each flash
  • 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
Install TypeDealer Installed
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.

Have a question about this product?

  • Question

    Is this product designed to work in tandem with your throttle booster available for my mk7 golf r?

    By Palmer Baldwin on April 28, 2023

    Answer
    Perfectly works together.
    Helpful?
  • Question

    CARB EO document #D-783-3 does not specifically address my 2019 Audi TTS as it was published prior to the car build. Does this CARB EO extend to my vehicle or am I out of luck?

    By Miles Lundquist on April 17, 2023

    Answer
    We're working with CARB to get model year coverage increased.
    Helpful?
  • Question

    I'm curious to why there is no stage 2 option anymore for mk7 platform, I have the APR stage 1 tune but it isn't quiet what I was hoping for, I noticed a load of stage 2 mk7 golf r's on the internet but the tune has seem to be removed, is there anyway to get something similar through you guys? or pops and bangs added to stage 1? or do I have to switch to a different company to get that?

    By Jay Taylor on May 14, 2023

    Answer
    You can add the hardware, but we no longer offer the pops and bangs.
    Helpful?
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APR ECU Upgrade Stages

Our ECU Upgrades are available in multiple configurations. Installation of additional performance hardware, such as an intercooler or intake systems, may provide further performance improvements.

APR Stage 1

The APR Stage 1 ECU Upgrade is the first step towards tuning your engine. It produces up to 357-381 HP and 349-392 FT-LBS of torque. Optional low torque files are available for use with the Stock TCU on the 6 speed DSG/S Tronic, or stock clutch. Optional torque limited files are available to limit wheel spin on FWD applications. APR Spark Plugs are recommended.


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 Plus

APR Plus is our APR Stage 1 ECU Upgrade with our limited powertrain warranty and itโ€™s the first step towards tuning your engine. It produces up to 357 HP and 349 FT-LBS of torque. Please check our warranty manual to understand modifications supported by APR Plus.

APR Stage 2

The APR Stage 2 ECU Upgrade is the next step towards tuning your engine. It produces up to 372-387 HP and 367-409 FT-LBS of torque. Optional low and medium low torque files are available for use with the Stock TCU on the 6 speed DSG/S Tronic, or stock clutch. Optional torque limited files are available to limit wheel spin on FWD applications. Additionally this stage is available with optional crackle modes. The more aggressive modes increase the length, duration, intensity, and operating modes of the crackle. APR Spark Plugs are recommended.


APR Stage 2 is available for 91 AKI, and 93 AKI in North America, and 95 RON, and 98 RON in the Rest of the World.

APR Stage 3 DTR6054

The APR Stage 3 ECU Upgrade is the next step towards tuning your engine. It produces up to 410-491 HP and 370-425 FT-LBS of torque. Use this tune with the APR DTR6054 turbocharger.

APR Stage 3 Plus EFR7163

The APR Stage 3+ ECU Upgrade is the next step towards tuning your engine. It produces up to 470-536 HP and 425-474 FT-LBS of torque. Use this tune with the APR EFR7163 turbocharger and APR MPI/LPFP (NAR) or LPFP/HPFP (ROW) fueling upgrade.


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

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 2 (Low)
91 AKI / 95 RON372 HP
367 FT-LBS
+86 HP
+82 FT-LBS
93 AKI / 98 RON378 HP
367 FT-LBS
+92 HP
+84 FT-LBS
APR Stage 2 (Medium)
91 AKI / 95 RON372 HP
385 FT-LBS
+86 HP
+102 FT-LBS
93 AKI / 98 RON379 HP
387 FT-LBS
+92 HP
+105 FT-LBS
APR Stage 2 (High)
91 AKI / 95 RON377 HP
403 FT-LBS
+96 HP
+122 FT-LBS
93 AKI / 98 RON387 HP
409 FT-LBS
+104 HP
+125 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 Audiโ€™s latest RS models! The APR Exhaust Crackle, lovingly called โ€œpops and bangsโ€ 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 itโ€™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 - Weโ€™re a global automotive engineering firm nestled in Opelika, Alabama. Our 80,000ftยฒ 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 donโ€™t take shortcuts, and we donโ€™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, weโ€™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 (USA/Canada)
APR Plus ECU Upgrade$999.95
APR Stage 1
APR Stage 1 ECU Upgrade$499.95
APR Stage 2 (Excludes USA)
APR Stage 2 ECU Upgrade from Stock$624.95
APR Stage 2 ECU Upgrade from APR Plus$124.95
APR Stage 2 ECU Upgrade from APR Stage 1$124.95
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

Purchasing Optionsยน: Locate an APR Dealer. They will physically install software on your vehicle at their location. Alternatively with the APR Remote Tuning Service (RTS) you'll purchase an APR Tuning Cable and we, or a participating dealer, will remotely install software on your vehicleโ€ .


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


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.ยณ


1. Availability: APR Software may not be available for all vehicles. Stages, programs, and features may not be available for all ECUs.
2. Money Back Guarantee: Excludes some Software Upgrades, such as those included with a hardware purchase. Labor charges are at the discretion of the installer.
3. Free updates: 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.
โ€ . Remote flashing: Excludes APR Plus. Excludes some platforms. Dealer participation will vary. Visit our product page for details.
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Some parts are not legal for use in California or other states with similar regulations.