I have a completely stock 2006 Z51 A6. Love the car but i notice the throttle response is a bit delayed (especially at launch) and car is not as responsive as I'd expect from a 400 hp V8 vette.

I'm considering getting a Vararam intake kit + 160 degree thermostat + dyno tune + corsa sport exhaust from East Coast Supercharging. Exhaust mod is purely for sound enhancement, not performance.

I don't race the car so my objective is to simply make the car more responsive and fun to drive when cruising around town and on highways.

My specific questions are:

1 --Will I notice improvement at low RPMs (especially at launch) or is the improvement from these modifications largely realized at high RPMs and very high speeds?
2 -- Will the car "feel" more responsive under normal driving conditions or would i have to be racing the car hard to notice any difference?
3 -- Are there any negative trade-offs I should be aware of (someone mentioned i may be "trading off" low RPM for high RPM performance with a dyno tune (this doesn't make sense to me but i wanted to check with you guys)?
4 -- Do I need a dynotune / is one recommended if I decide to just get the corsa sport exhaust?

Essentially I'm wondering if tuning, vararam intake, and 160 degree thermostat are a waste of money for someone with my objectives. I don't mind spending the money if the car will be more fun to drive.

any input would be greatly appreciated!

thanks!
James

 

No replies?

 

Have you asked ECS these questions? If you're considering using them, I would cunsult with them prior.

Just and FYI from another tuner, I think you'll be more than happy with the ECS tune. Tuning the A6 makes all the difference in the world.

 

Yes, I spoke with Chris and he seemed to think what i was describing was fairly standard for a stock C6 A6 and thought a dyno tune + some basic mods would help me out. I am on their schedule for september to get the mods I described (dyno + air intake + 160 degree thermo) along with the corsa sport for sound.

But after speaking with ECS I spoke with a friend of mine who had his V8 Audi S4 "chipped". My friend mentioned that he was not happy with his tuning outcome b/c it did not do anything to enhance low RPM power (he actually felt it decreased low RPM responsiveness) and only helped with high RPM power. I realize Audis and Vettes are apples and oranges, but figured i'd raise this question with you guys.

Again, I don't race the car. I'm just a guy who enjoys "spirited driving" and want to make sure i'm getting everything i can out of the car, without damaging it or stressing it of course. want to make sure i'm not barking up the wrong tree with the mods i'm considering, given my casual driving habbits.

thanks again!!! appreciate the time and thoughts very much!

 

Hi James,
without any mods at all our tune will very noticably increase throttle response and low end pick up. Start adding mods like a Vararam and it only gets better.
There really arent any down sides to being tuned shy of tires maybe if your rough on the car.

Sorry I didnt see this yesterday, we have been loading up for Carlisle!

 

Doug -- Thanks for the feedback. Sounds good to me...

Best,
James

 

You're on the right track. With the A6 cars, a tune does a lot. That transmission is pretty sloppy in stock form.