1.8T showcase build

1.8T 5v engine was the engine that made Microchips-Tuning famous all across Europe and now the world. Not only that but in the last year Microchips-Tuning remap more than 100 cars with 1.8T engines, with all kinds of engine upgrade combinations.

It is a very reliable and versatile engine that allows all kinds of possibilities from major gains at stage1 to insane power figures on a full stage3 configuration.

1.8T is also the first project for a lot of customers that then jump to the newer TSi/TFSi engine. Almost all the manufacturers we choose for this build cover both VAG engine families.

For this project we choose a 1999 Audi A3 8L Quattro 180bhp that will run on both petrol and LPG.

The Audi A3 is the most sought out car in the Portuguese second hand market and the 8L chassis is the car with less depreciation. So we got a bright red one to start with…

The main goal for this build is to keep the stock look, double the performance figures while still keeping the car capable of being a daily driver and with good fuel economy.

The selected parts list is almost entirely made of bolt-on parts, as we have lots of DIY customers when it comes to car part upgrades. All parts we selected are also available worldwide, so if our customers want to do a similar project they can order the parts with ease and install them if they want and know how.

Because this build will take place in Portugal we also want to challenge the established diesel dominance in the market (90% sold cars are diesel because diesel costs 2/3 compared to petrol) by going for a car running on LPG that will deliver better performance and a more fun experience while at the same time run cheaper than diesel. We also want to myth bust a lot of misconceptions that people have about LPG:

• Dangerous to run
• Less powerful than petrol
• Does not work OK with tuned engine vehicles

We are also fans of underdog cars, that keep a stock look on the outside but that are mean machines on the inside. As for power figures the goal is to double up, aiming to reach 360bhp (RS3 figures). And because cars are not just the engine, the entire car will be upgraded to handle the extra muscle.