Revo Stage 1 Software Transformed My Audi S3 8V | Review

I'm building my S3 8V into a track and competition car over the coming weeks/months with AKS Tuning. However, I tried Stage 1 ECU software first so I wanted to share my thoughts :)
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IMPORTANT Note
This content was shot & the software was on the car BEFORE the increased Covid-19 restrictions.
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#audis3 #revostage1 #ea888

[@AlexBones]

Who else has tried Stage 1 software on a car & been surprised how good it is?

[@invincible2815]

Alex Bones did mine today on my 2015 s3 and WOW

[@ruffride6617]

@@invincible2815 how good??

[@nolimitnerm8702]

just done APR ecu and tcu and omg the power is unreal. i have a 2016 audi s3

[@thedoodl38ug]

@@invincible2815 Really?. I've been disappointed! I can't pull any distance on my friends stock Golf R and his is manual to my dsg!

[@neilbowness6074]

Fitted the intercooler pipes, engine mounts, intake kit with turbo muffler delete and dv valve huge differences in response and pickup, looking forward to the stage 1 software now.

[@PavesGarage]

"We went to an airstrip" - no sight of airstrip or road... well played Sir ;)

[@prem9740]

From NZ here. Just had my S3 stage 1'ed today. Insane performance increase for just a software upgrade!

[@AlexBones]

prem9740 brill, glad you agree. Crazy good for ‘just’ software. Really pleased you’re happy with it 🔥💪

[@localKiwiRider]

Hey who did you go through for your ECU tune? (Thanks from NZ as well)

[@triumphfork9268]

I’m planning on Stage 1 software installment on my S3 as well. Have you experienced any downsides on doing so yet? As one year passed.

[@yameboxing4882]

@@localKiwiRider did you manage to get a tune?

[@Evs_Projects]

This car pulls great with stage 1, mine is stock, but can't wait for that

[@AlexBones]

Everan Chetty brill 👍👍

[@xaviersariceable]

They are one of the Best S3 super car... the new on is so different in a good way.. these are amazing 🔥

[@KelvinJoseCheco]

After this I'll definitely go for the stage 1 on my S3 8v. Thank you for the insights!

[@MrBonderd]

I have had an 8v S3 for nearly 4 years. Mine is a 2015 with almost 80k on it. Great car, planning on a stage 1 some day. Its currently my wife’s daily but some day I will take it back 😁

[@AlexBones]

Bonderd ! Haha, sounds great. Stage 1 is definitely worth it if you’re looking for a bit of extra performance for a relatively small cost. It’s the best value for money upgrade I think you can do.

[@starski4578]

Found you watching Harry Main, already hooked. I have a 2017 Golf R Revo stage 1 and a few other bits, absolutely love it. Looking forward to the updates! 🤙🏼

[@jj-tq4hx]

The 3.0 TFSI engine also has an amazing HP and torque increase just by doing stage 1. Cannot wait to get it for my A6!!

[@AlexBones]

jj bang for buck stage 1 is unbeatable for what you’re getting 👍👍

[@ReviewedByAndy]

I’d like to go with revo because it seems like they make a great product but US support is a bit wishy washy from what I’ve heard. Would be cool to differentiate from some of the more common tunes. Truthfully all of the stage 1-3 tunes offered by the big players are really good from what it seems but revo definitely seems class.

[@AlexBones]

I can only speak for my car, but the performance is superb. Now stage 3 500bhp :)

[@improbro1124]

Great video sick editing, you deserve more sub

[@AlexBones]

improbro thanks, appreciate the kind comments 🙌👍

[@martinpoon3715]

Can't wait to get my Audi s3 and modify it

[@paulchambers1252]

I had my S3 hatchback done within a week of getting it, totally transformed the car, the drivability and throttle response was remarkable.

[@AlexBones]

Paul Chambers brill, it really does doesn’t it. What software did you go with? Also Revo?

[@paulchambers1252]

Alex Bones yes, Revo Stage 1, I only popped in for a price check, and well you know, got flashed 😂

[@AlexBones]

Paul Chambers haha brill, hope you’re enjoying it still Paul 👍

[@kevng3056]

Woah stage1 and you got that 0-100sec. How much boost are you running.

[@adenahy]

Hi Alex. Well pitched video.. interesting facts about the upgrade on the car without the usual annoying bits! I'm subscribing to join you on the journey... cheers! I've used Revo before on a Skoda VRS about 10 years ago... even then it was very very good as you say and I was toying with it on my S3 which is now out of warranty. But i was thinking its fast enough already so why would i want to do that? Now you've made me start thinking about it again with driveability and sharper throttle response lol!!

[@AlexBones]

Hi - thanks for the message and kind comments. I can only speak for my car, but the the Stage 1 is absolutely brilliant. I have already now taken the car to Stage 3 with full Revo hardware - I have done some more videos on my channel about this if it is of interest. I personally think you would be very satisfied with a Stage 1 upgrade though, let me know if you decide to go for it. Thank you :)

[@chiquicat1]

Why so many dislikes?

[@SuperGurrier]

@Alexbones i know this is one of your earlier videos but do you have any more info on your unique sports cat setup where you relocated the core away from the downpipe, i feel this would help the performance and throttle response alot, but im mainly wondering what section to moved it to and how you dealt with lambda sensor relocation and possible MOT inspection issues (im guessing software coded out the eml) Thanks alot

[@ChronicMane9]

Can someone tell me why this has almost 5000 dislikes I’m actually confused

[@Daniel-yl4xj]

Ikrrrr???

[@Chocobohunter]

Bmw drivers

[@stobsie]

APR fan boys.

[@alf2633]

Awesome videography and editing mate. Great choice of music and volumes were on point. Can't see any reason why your channel shouldn't blow up if you keep up consistent entertaining content (y) I'm tossing up between a stage 1 revo tune for my s3 8p or stage 1 from Superchips bluefin. The power is around the same but revo will make 450nm of torque as opposed to 387 with superchips. The bluefin product is half the price here in Australia. Do you personally think the 70+ nm of torque is worth another 700 bucks? Would love to hear your two cents (y)

[@AlexBones]

Al F thanks I really appreciate it a lot 🙌 personally I have experienced the stage 1 revo and it’s fantastic. I have never tried the bluefin so I can’t make a direct comparison. However, the Revo software gave everything and more - for ‘just’ software it’s fantastic. Also sorry for the delay replying :)

[@alf2633]

@@AlexBones That's alright! I went with a custom tune in the end. Paired with a ramair intake and it's absolutely mental haha. Enjoy it mate!

[@Nuclearplay]

Did you get the dsg tune done as well?

[@AlexBones]

Adam keplin not at stage 1, but the car is now stage 3 and yes it now has TCU software also 💥💥

[@garymarcks]

I have a 2018 s3 310ps. It was put on the rolling road and actually putting out 338bhp 411nm torque standard. I only run shell v power. I had a custom map put on, which has taken the audi to 374bhp 495nm torque. The information I received is audi and vw underestimate their bhp and torque on the s3 and bmw over estimate their bhp and torque.

[@jasonpears181]

3.4, no gearbox map and less bhp/nm than an RS3 yet a half second less 0-60... im confused

[@cornedenecker1636]

Would be cool to see a stock vs stage 1 drag race.

[@AlexBones]

For sure, I agree. :)

[@Gileshedgecock1]

Did you do the tcu gearbox software as well or just the ecu ?

[@saulpugh2844]

So close to 1k subscribers😜

[@AlexBones]

Saul.PMotors 🤣

[@vitorzamith]

Alex great video! is it you who make the editing? greatings form Portugal!

[@AlexBones]

Vítor Zamith hi, thanks. Yes I shoot and edit all of my own videos 👍

[@vitorzamith]

@@AlexBones Congratz mate! Great skills not only driving ahaha.

[@AlexBones]

Vítor Zamith thank you I appreciate it a lot 🙌

[@jordangalli7031]

More on the S3!

[@AlexBones]

Jordan Galli incoming. Just built it to 500bhp stage 3, check out the new vid on my channel 👍👍🙏🙏

[@rvarm21]

Did you do the DSG Revo Stage 1 too? If so, do you recommend it if doing the engine Revo stage 1?

[@KIDOFCLIPS]

Stage 1 really cuts the 0-62 by almost 1 second? Wow

[@AlexBones]

I can only speak for how it performed on my car. Very impressive 👍

[@chryelab]

I want to remap but I still have a 4 year warranty !! what should I do? how safe is the map?

[@Ghostblaze1]

Apr Plus

[@chryelab]

@@Ghostblaze1 what?

[@seifyboy2832]

Save the 4year warranty, get a jb4 or something

[@AlexBones]

chryelab I don’t know of anyone having issues with revo stage 1, so I would say it is very safe. Your choice of course though 👍

[@chryelab]

@@AlexBones thanks Alex! probably I will do the first maintenance and then I will do the map ... Do you also recommend in the future to make the map at the gearbox or with stage 1 only need the map to the engine? I have the S3 with gpf / opf

[@LordLorenzo834]

Is this just ecu stage 1 or do you have the tcu upgrade here or any hardware mods, intake etc. Thanks

[@AlexBones]

ECU Software. I have now added more mods to the car and it is Revo Stage 3 (around 500bhp)

[@Adrianperformancequattro]

This engine its monster 💪did you test 0-100km/h?before you going for track change settings in abs module its help a lot.

[@AlexBones]

adrian adrian I didn’t test it stock, only with the stage 1 Revo software installed

[@colinredwood]

I have a stock s3 and I’m ready to get stage 1 installed. What is the best brand in terms of software like apr, revo, etc

[@thedisappointment]

That's awesome man I bought my S3 about a month ago and already ordered some bolt-ons 😅 I've heard APR is the way to go but they discontinued their stage 2 here in the US. That's a huge turnoff for me because let's be real after stage 1 I'm gonna want stage 2. A relatively safe company that is pretty reliable is Unitronic. I think that's who I'm gonna go with for my Tunes. Definitely check out some videos on Unitronic stage 1 S3 and do your research. Lmk who you end up going with and how you like it man! Have a good day.

[@jasonwilson9644]

Love the video and really considering taking the plunge with my 2018 S3 cabriolet. My only concern was after watching another review the person said they some of the stock components ie fly wheel etc might not be able to take the added torque and HP?. I’m a little green on all of this and really want to keep my car for the long term and was wondering if this was something that you had heard or if you had any issues with that kind of thing after doing the stage 1 😃😃. Thanks again for the videos 😃

[@amirkalem5467]

Do not worry, stage 1 is still safe zone, stage 2 requires lot of changes, but stage 1 is the best u can do for ur car, especially for VW engines

[@jasonwilson9644]

@@amirkalem5467 thanks buddy, it’s under warranty until 2024 but after that I’m gonna pull the trigger 😀😀😀

[@amirkalem5467]

@@jasonwilson9644 u will not regret it i promise, every audi and vw i owned, i immediately tuned it to stage 1, fuel consumption is lower and u can feel extra 30,40 hp

[@Chocobohunter]

Getting my 2020 s3 on thursday, didnt like the 2021 with all the fake vents. Anyway is stage 1 safe for your car or would you need to upgrade other parts?

[@killer_vette351]

Stage 1 is very safe. These cars come detuned from factory. Im making 400whp in mines with 0 issues

[@Chocobohunter]

@@killer_vette351 nice what other mods u got? Im probably gonna do stage 1+ and dsg tune, then some bolt ons nxt year, tune is so cheap on this car but parts are so expensive like 900 for a carbon fiber intake lol.

[@killer_vette351]

@@Chocobohunter parts aren’t bad. Unless you really want the carbon fiber intake for looks, you can get one for $300 from CTS or other good brands. I have: intake, inlet pipe, intercooler, downpipe, turbo muffler delete, HPFP internals, dogbone mounts, EQT stage 2 E30 ECU/TCU tune, and step colder spark plugs. Have had the car for about 9-10 months now. Going to do spacers and lowering springs this summer

[@Daniel-yl4xj]

Where can we stage 1 our Audis? And is there a big difference between stage 1 and 2? Can you explain the difference to me please

[@christianorain3993]

Great stuff. Excited to see the changes planned. Be good to get an understanding on costs if you can. What would the stage 1 set you back?

[@AlexBones]

Christian Orain thanks Christian, stage 1 software is about £599. 👍

[@AlexBones]

Christian Orain thanks Christian, I’ll drop a link so you can see the cost and some more info 👍👍

[@AlexBones]

www.onlyrevo.com/product-details/software/volkswagen/golf-vii/181/stage-1

[@antesimunic3127]

I’d be wondering how accurate the figures were for the 060. APR stage 1 has slightly higher figures and I can only get a 3.87 0-60. Was this verified with dragy? Most stage 2 S3’s are 3.5-3.7.

[@Drunkenknifingducks]

Is stage 2 revo same for my Jetta gli 2020? Thanks

[@s.o3448]

I will do also stage1 + to my S5 , from 333 hp to 450

[@user-el2zj3pw5r]

Hi with remap only can be used with e30

[@SilveryFoxster]

Good video 👍. I own a 2018 S3, have you done something to the digital instrument panel on the right hand side. You seem to have two gauges which my display doesn’t have. Thanks.

[@AlexBones]

Eddie Runcorn cheers Eddie, yes AKS changed the dial display for me, very easy to do sir 🙌

[@SilveryFoxster]

Alex Bones: Thanks for the reply. Would it be possible to let us S3 owners into the secret of how to get those extra dials. Thanks.

[@msutton3147]

If you have a manual S3 then budget in a new clutch as well as your clutch will not survive even stage 1 upgrade in a manual. I don’t know about DSG clutch reliability and stage 1.

[@AlexBones]

M Sutton my S3 (DSG) is now stage 3 with the standard gearbox and clutch 👍

[@markymark3295]

A friend as stage 2 uprated intercooler and intake hes around 380 its enough 😃👌

[@darrenkeogh3321]

Surely you should have put it on a Dyno to prove its power before remapping it otherwise how would you know what gains you have made? My old S3 8p had 283bhp as standard, the factory list bhp was 265. I had a stage 1 map put on and it made 306bhp and about 400nm torque.

[@Beardchanics]

3.4s verified? Revo Stage 2 claims 3.6s so surprised Stage 1 result in 3.4s! Better tyres than stock or something? Cos even power/weight ratio imply should be more 3.9-4.0. If right though mine not Stage 1 like I thought lol 0-60 in 4.2s, 1/4 mile 12.5s and hit 161mph before ran out of road, was at 4K rpm then.

[@AlexBones]

Thanks for the message. I will do some more runs with a Draggy when I can to get more times :) But yes for sure it was very quick at Stage 1 considering it is simply a software upgrade.

[@protoXlad695]

did he mention cost?

[@AlexBones]

Stage 1 Revo software is £599 :)

[@Tribunilus]

I noticed you have lost the right hand side of the red ring on the gearstick. SO HAVE I. HOW ANNOYING.

[@triumphfork9268]

Same for me, I had to glue it on in order for it to stay. Lol

[@reapzvanreapz9687]

Wtf with the dislikes????? Must be fake

[@triumphfork9268]

They seem to be fake, yes

[@rlb1002]

Is Revo better than APR?

[@Ghostblaze1]

Revo is reputable just like unitronic and giac. APR is considered up there due to its huge R&D department plus they offer a warranty with APR Plus.

[@AlexBones]

RLB 100 I have never tried APR so I can’t comment. All I can say is that the revo stage 1 is fantastic and I can’t see how you could want any more from your car for what is purely a software upgrade. Highly recommend revo stage 1

[@SynergyGuitars]

dont forget to get a TCU remap or your bearings will be fucked, my mate paid 2k for it to be fixed...

[@krystinabones6950]

Hi Alex it's me George Bo nes

[@93ChayZ]

I just want options other than APR.

[@AlexBones]

Chase Farmer I can highly recommend the Revo Stage 1 - but your choice of course 👍

[@samiromeo6991]

Why is there so many dislikes on this video? Dont get it

[@thedoodl38ug]

I had my S3 tuned stage 1 recently on the back of this video and I have to say I'm underwhelmed! Don't get me wrong the car feels quicker but when testing with a friend in a stock Golf R I barely pull away. Also my launches are not any better than 4.6 to 60mph 😪

[@AlexBones]

The DOODL38UG no way, that’s a shame and really surprising as you can see the results on my car in this video with the stage 1 revo software. What brand of stage 1 software did you do with? And what model/year S3 do you have?

[@thedoodl38ug]

@@AlexBones hi Alex. I have a 2015 dsg S3 and tuned with Revo. Official dealer in MK.

[@AlexBones]

The DOODL38UG have you spoken to the dealer again who installed it? Are you on the right file with the SPS switch?

[@thedoodl38ug]

@@AlexBones No but I will do tomorrow. I don't have an SPS switch but they tuned it to run on Vpower so it should be on the best setting. It does "feel" quick but then it always did. I'm not sure if I had unreasonable expectations?

[@kingmodestfpv9784]

There is no way on the earth that car is doing 3.47. You should do correct dragy run before saying any performance time like 0-60

[@AlexBones]

😂😂 ok clearly you know best.

[@Shufty93]

How did you get the virtual cockpit to show torque and power percentages?

[@AlexBones]

Via VCDS coding. Hope that helps?

[@rlb1002]

I have a stock S3 and got a top end figure of 166 mph

[@AlexBones]

RLB 100 👍

[@firejam78]

How much is it?

[@AlexBones]

James Williams £599

[@firejam78]

@@AlexBones cheers that's a good price for the results

[@AlexBones]

James Williams defo. It really made a huge difference on my car over stock. Check out the Revo website for more info bud 👍

[@firejam78]

@@AlexBones will do thanks Alex 👍

[@waheed320]

Alex Bones hi how do you get the virtual cockpit to show torque and power

[@Incognito-wh4dv]

3.47s for 0 to 62mph in an Audi S3 is outrageous 😅 Not far off supercar performance 🎭 Surely there’s some negatives to getting a Stage 1 tune? What does it do for the longevity of the vehicle? 🤔

[@AlexBones]

twellyton character Yea it’s awesome really for just a software upgrade. I don’t believe there are any downsides at all, stage 1 isn’t pushing the car too hard. I have now taken it all the way to stage 3 with an aftermarket Revo turbo - have a look at my other vids on it 🙌👍

[@Incognito-wh4dv]

Alex Bones That’s awesome bro. It’s an amazing little car, I have one myself but it’s still stock. I gotta see if Revo is available in Australia 🇦🇺

[@AlexBones]

twellyton character thanks man. Stage 1 is brilliant and really made a big difference on my car 👌💪

[@er8441]

@@Incognito-wh4dvdid you end up getting your s3 tuned? If so from where ? I’m from Australia too 🇦🇺

[@TheKALYAN21]

0-60 in 3.47 Seconds from a Stage 1 S3

[@hoffmanv]

370 horses at the wheel?

[@EliTheNewbieFTW]

No

[@AlexBones]

Flywheel

[@vrs4686]

wtf i saw this vid in my history

[@41clemo]

Unfortunately Alex has been targeted by a sad little man that has paid for youtube dislikes on some of his videos 😒

[@robbo000]

I bought a 1 year old 19 S3 took it straight to stage 2 APR and totaled it. too much boost.

[@RevoHQ]

Should have gone with Revo ;)

[@jbliss4784]

@@RevoHQ LOL

[@Daniel-yl4xj]

Where can we stage 1 our Audis? And is there a big difference between stage 1 and 2? Can you explain the difference to me please

[@killer_vette351]

What do you mean by can we stage 1 our Audi’s? Yes we can. Stage 1 is for minimal mods or no mods. Like intake and a catback exhaust or just a stock setup. Stage 2 is for downpipe.

[@triumphfork9268]

@@killer_vette351 he asked where