Upgrade turbo for Audi 3.0 TDI

[kraftwerkturbo]

I have 2012 Q7 TDI (with 8 spd ZF). Not sure what the engine code or generation is called.
Currently stock (just DPF tuned out, was on the fritz and Audi could not get the pump/module for months).

For that motor (also used in Q5 I think and likely in other TDI applications like Cayenne, Touareg (and a lot more cars just not here in the US), what are common (easily installation, readily available tunes, etc) upgrade turbos?

 

[PeterA1]

I just installed a darkside 2872 turbo plus injectors on my A6 and it makes significantly more power now. 60 to 100mph now takes as long as 60 to 80 with just a stage 2 downpipe. The install was quite challenging because I had to remove my intake manifold to get at the fuel pump metering valve bolts, and the exhaust bolts on the turbo took some pretty crafty uses of tools to get off. I have hex insert triple squares that I taped into a closed end ratcheting wrench to get them removed and installed. My fuel mileage has also increased noticeably but I think it's because I replaced my failing injectors and my sooty intake manifold. Bobby Singh also sells turbos but I'm not sure how to contact him to get them.

 

[kraftwerkturbo]

I just installed a darkside 2872 turbo plus injectors on my A6 and it makes significantly more power now.

Who tuned after the turbo upgrade? Just turbo, or other modifications/upgrades (injectors? fuel pump?)

 

[PeterA1]

It's tuned with Malone. I have the darkside stage 1 injectors, downpipe, cat pipe, 88mm maf with turbo inlet, metering valve and egr blanks. I decided to go with Malone because they have more experience with the US spec TDI's and I had the darkside tune for stage 2 the past few months and they could not get rid of my o2 sensor check engine lights after multiple revisions which made me uneasy about adding more power. Plus the Malone tuning software is significantly easier to use and way faster to upload revisions

 

[kraftwerkturbo]

It's tuned with Malone. I have the darkside stage 1 injectors, downpipe, cat pipe, 88mm maf with turbo inlet, metering valve and egr blanks.

How do the results look like? HP, TQ, mileage? Driveability?

 

[PeterA1]

Not sure yet on power figures, it's only been on for one week and I don't have a solid tune revision yet. Some day I'll try to get it on a dyno but my butt says makes significantly more power. I have to fix a few broken plastic parts on my car before I push it hard, but I'll send some dragy 1/4 mile times compared to stock and with just a downpipe. This weekend I'm going to drive it probably 1000 miles so I'll report back the mileage. The turbo definitely spools later, around 2k rpm vs 1500 for stock but I got used to it pretty quickly. I am willing to be that it gets more responsive down low once I adjust my TCU tune and get better ECU revisions. I'll try and make a whole post about it once everything gets sorted

 

[kraftwerkturbo]

Keep us posted. Also learned that TCU tune along with (heavy torque increase) engine tune works well.

 

[mapyn]

How's the turbo whistle?

 

[PeterA1]

So today I installed an RS7 airbox hoping to get some more whistling but so far it's hardly any more than stock. I still have my stock mufflers on tho so maybe it will get louder when I get a better exhaust on it. I can't decide if I want full open pipes from the turbo back or maybe a small resonator to eliminate highway drone.

 

[gforce1108]

James has been doing some wonderful work on these 3.0 TDIs both engine and transmissions: 3.0 V6 TDI Performance Tunes - Oakes Performance Solutions
I just did his ECU/TCU in my Cayenne and my buddy did the same in his A7. I need to line my Malone A7 against his once his hardware portion is complete. My cayenne is stage 2 EGR/DEF deleted, but DPF intact for now. I'll reflash it soon.

@kraftwerkturbo

I'm pretty sure you have an Aisin trans - not ZF (Q5, A6, A7, A8 have ZF).

 

[roadlust]

I just installed a darkside 2872 turbo plus injectors on my A6 and it makes significantly more power now. 60 to 100mph now takes as long as 60 to 80 with just a stage 2 downpipe. The install was quite challenging because I had to remove my intake manifold to get at the fuel pump metering valve bolts, and the exhaust bolts on the turbo took some pretty crafty uses of tools to get off. I have hex insert triple squares that I taped into a closed end ratcheting wrench to get them removed and installed. My fuel mileage has also increased noticeably but I think it's because I replaced my failing injectors and my sooty intake manifold. Bobby Singh also sells turbos but I'm not sure how to contact him to get them.

How much boost are you pushing out of the 2872?

 

[Spring1898]

How is the daily drive experience? I have heard that the turbo is quite laggy despite the upgraded VNT

 

[commedeschatons]

2872 definitely laggy. you notice it. but turbo lag can also be fun since you have some suspense.

tunezilla posted a comparison between popular turbos. IMO the Darkside 2566 or the Xman 2265 seem like the goldilocks zone that don't sacrifice much spool but still have good top end. i honestly wonder if there were fueling limitations which limit the 2872 and bobbeh turbos in high rpm.

http://imgur.com/a/KuirNQ1