Sluggish Stock 03 AE
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 836
Likes: 89
From: Tucson Az
2017 C7 of Year Finalist
Sluggish Stock 03 AE
This car is stock other than a blackwing. I don't want to do a HC package. The time has come for emissions and don't want that headache. Will a Chuck Cow type tune really make a difference? Thought about some exhaust but not sure that would give me much bang for the buck. all the 03 AE's were equiped the same. I believe 2.73 rear end and the mag select suspension. Any advice would be appreciated.
Ron
Ron
Melting Slicks
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 3,194
Likes: 10
From: New Smyrna Beach Florida
I would confirm if it is indeed a 2.73. That would explain a bit of the sluggishness. A change to 3.42s would improve the situation with no effect on emissions. A tune wouldn't hurt anything either.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 836
Likes: 89
From: Tucson Az
2017 C7 of Year Finalist
Thanks Guys
I will investigate the rear end numbers. I really don't know for sure that the AE came with 2.73 but that is the number that comes to mind.
Ron
I will investigate the rear end numbers. I really don't know for sure that the AE came with 2.73 but that is the number that comes to mind.
Ron
Drifting
Joined: Jun 2004
Posts: 1,483
Likes: 0
From: St. louis, Missouri
I worked on forum members AE and he had the same complaint.
I added a vararam and LT headers, cats , x-pipe , and corsa. Then had it tuned. He made 346 at the wheels. Which if you think about, the engine is rated at 350hp, then a 16-17% drivetrain loss through a A4 and that puts you around 290-300HP at the tires.
Again he made 346 at the tires. But even w/ that the car had decent acceleration, but weak torque to get it there fast.
So he is upgrading to a 3.42 and a mild stall, around 2800.
If you dont want to go as high as 3.42, find a 3.15. Thats was the perfromance rearend option and you can find those cheaper.
PM Robertelarkin, he'll tell you all about it
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2007
Posts: 21,915
Likes: 61
From: Miami Beach FL
2.73 = A4 = you WANT a tune; contrary to a previous post. I picked up 29 rwhp in three hours for $350. You also WANT 3.42 gears; the stall is optional. 
Last edited by MagRedConv; Jul 31, 2008 at 08:53 PM.
Thread Starter
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 836
Likes: 89
From: Tucson Az
2017 C7 of Year Finalist
I worked on forum members AE and he had the same complaint.
I added a vararam and LT headers, cats , x-pipe , and corsa. Then had it tuned. He made 346 at the wheels. Which if you think about, the engine is rated at 350hp, then a 16-17% drivetrain loss through a A4 and that puts you around 290-300HP at the tires.
Again he made 346 at the tires. But even w/ that the car had decent acceleration, but weak torque to get it there fast.
So he is upgrading to a 3.42 and a mild stall, around 2800.
If you dont want to go as high as 3.42, find a 3.15. Thats was the perfromance rearend option and you can find those cheaper.
PM Robertelarkin, he'll tell you all about it
Thanks
After research It looks like the car has a 3.42 stock rear end. I will PM Robertelarkin and see how it affected the emissions. That may be my best bet.
Ron
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Burning Brakes
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 783
Likes: 0
From: Phoenix Arizona
This car is stock other than a blackwing. I don't want to do a HC package. The time has come for emissions and don't want that headache. Will a Chuck Cow type tune really make a difference? Thought about some exhaust but not sure that would give me much bang for the buck. all the 03 AE's were equiped the same. I believe 2.73 rear end and the mag select suspension. Any advice would be appreciated.
Ron
Ron