The Audi S6, with its potent supercharged 3.0T engine, offers a compelling platform for performance enthusiasts. This article chronicles the journey of transforming a 2012 Audi A6 3.0T into a sub-11-second quarter-mile monster, focusing on the meticulous modifications and tuning required to achieve such impressive results. The stock A6, equipped with a DL501 gearbox commonly found in the S4 and S5, already boasts impressive performance. A simple APR Stage 1 ECU and TCU tune, combined with routine maintenance and cosmetic enhancements, yielded a 0-60 mph time of 4.4 seconds and a quarter-mile time of 12.54 seconds.
Initial setup after APR Stage 1 upgrade.
However, the goal was much more ambitious: breaking into the 10-second range for the quarter-mile and achieving sub-3-second 0-60 mph launches. This required a significant overhaul of the powertrain and supporting systems.
Stage 2+ Transformation: Key Modifications
The heart of the transformation lies in the comprehensive list of performance upgrades:
- APR Stage 2+ ECU Tune: Optimized software to maximize the potential of the hardware modifications.
- Ported Supercharger and Inlet: Enhanced airflow for increased boost and power. This modification is crucial for maximizing the output of the supercharged 3.0T engine.
- Custom Supercharger Pulleys: Smaller diameter pulleys (56mm/59mm) spin the supercharger faster, generating more boost pressure.
- 190mm Crank Pulley: Underdriven crank pulley reduces parasitic losses and increases power output.
- 84mm 034 Motorsport Throttle Body: Larger throttle body allows for increased airflow into the engine.
- Upgraded Heat Exchanger: More efficient cooling system to maintain optimal engine temperatures under high loads. A vital component for consistent performance in a supercharged application.
- Test Pipes: Reduced backpressure in the exhaust system for improved flow and power.
Upgraded components for the Audi S6 build.
Beyond the core performance modifications, supporting upgrades were implemented to ensure reliability and handle the increased power:
- Uprated Ignition Coils: Stronger spark for improved combustion efficiency.
- Billet Drivetrain Inserts: Reduced drivetrain flex for improved power transfer.
- Driveshaft Carrier: Enhanced drivetrain stability under high stress.
- Upgraded Water Pump: Improved cooling capacity to handle the increased heat generated by the modified engine.
Custom pulleys installed on the Audi S6 supercharged engine.
Dyno Results and Further Optimization
Initial dyno runs with the 59mm supercharger pulley revealed impressive gains, with the Audi S6 Supercharged engine producing 530 horsepower and 630 Nm of torque. However, further testing revealed areas for improvement.
The engine bay after modifications.
Logs indicated that the low-pressure fuel pump struggled to keep up with the demands of the upgraded engine, leading to a drop in fuel rail pressure at higher RPMs. Additionally, heat soak became a concern, with intake air temperatures rising significantly during back-to-back pulls. Addressing these issues is crucial for achieving the desired performance goals. Switching to a 56mm supercharger pulley aimed to further increase boost and power.
The Audi S6 ready for further testing.
The fully assembled and modified engine.
Dyno chart showing horsepower and torque curves.
Close up of the dyno results.
This build exemplifies the potential of the Audi S6 platform. While the ultimate goal of breaking into the 10-second range requires further refinement and optimization, the progress achieved highlights the significant performance gains possible with careful modification and tuning of the Audi S6 supercharged engine. Future updates will focus on addressing fuel delivery limitations and mitigating heat soak to unlock the full potential of this build.
