[rnlabas]

As this post http://www.audiq3forum.com/forum/289-audi-q3-general-discussion/4666-new-owner-mixed-feelings-just-me-2.html#post37642 and those following begin discussion, I've ordered a SprintBooster for my Q3. Having had some experience with the device on my S5, I felt that the Drive Select throttle selectivity could still use a boost, so I took the plunge.

The installation is straight-forward and simple. You just unplug your throttle pedal, and plugin the SprintBooster, then re-plug your existing cable into the SprintBooster - then route the selector button to a convenient place up the inside of your dash between the steering column and center console, find a place to secure the double-tape button and presto. You can also just make a selection from the cable, and unplug it, leaving that set semi-permanently if you don't want to make selection changes on the fly or very often.

I should have it sometime next week and will take a few pics of the install and routing I choose - on the S5, I ran the cable up the under-dash material seam and mounted the button near the top - it's unobtrusive, looks integrated and I can select on the fly while knowing where it's set with the two-color LED button. Stay tuned - I think this will be a good driveability mod worth the $275 -

 

[CortinaQ3]

I've always been interested in how these work... might take the plunge and get this for the fiancé's Q3 & my new (to me) B7 S4 if it really makes that much of a difference!

 

[rnlabas]

Quick update : the unit was actually out of stock but should be on its way as of last Friday, so hopefully y'all should see something later this week on how it goes ...:nerd:

 

[rnlabas]

Okay y'all - here's the install - from zero to 20 minutes (includes vacuuming carpet to avoid embarrassing pics )
The device out of the box : Note white plug for selector button wire -

Here is the plug (not cover) that must be removed to unscrew the one Torx bolt holding down the entire throttle assembly -
for you forensic types - my wife IS a natural blond :x, although I think one of these is a cat hair (they're kinda blond too) .

This next pic shows the bolt under the plug - simply remove.

Here's the throttle assembly unbolted and pulled up at bottom (two locating prongs) and turned to reveal the plug.

To unplug - pull the red flag back (away from plug) so that you can lift the tab off the locking pin and slide back - off. Here it is disconnected. ...and I vacuumed that cat hair too - I promise !)

Next, you'll want to route the selector button cable down thru the back panel cover under the steering column - shown below :

I went downward with the white plug, easier for me and with a smaller end to fish - pretty easy though...

Here's a close up of the throttle assembly with the Sprint Booster plugged in (outside the car test fit) :

Here it is plugged in after cable routing inside the car :

Here's where I routed the cable (behind another panel clip to avoid a dangle near the brake pedal) and up into the center console left side panel :

... and finally mounting the button here with double-stick tape (provided). There are 3 button modes, the zero state is stock throttle curve, LED off : the 1st state is mild throttle curve boost, LED green (as shown here) : the 2nd state is full throttle curve boost, LED red.

You can adjust on the fly, but be prepared for a jump if throttle is already applied. The Sprint Booster will recall the last position used and restart there. The LED also remains lit after shutdown and door opening for the duration of systems wake - about 5-7 minutes.

Driving Impressions :

Wow, instant gratification - seems like, although it really hasn't - it adds 30 hp. Initial throttle tip-in is way improved - making me feel THIS is what Drive Select Dynamic mode should've (and could've) done. Makes the personality of the car much more like an Audi - instant throttle response throughout the range - there is SO much more throttle sensitivity, kick-down is hardly needed or even used.

However : not really a catch, but a must know for you. The increased sensitivity makes for lots of downshifts (mostly OD6 or OD5 to 4) on otherwise mild throttle circumstances, where that wouldn't happen - and making the car seem sluggish to respond - not anymore. But some might not like it. This may or may not be a bother to you, depending on driving circumstances and right-foot behavior or sensitivity. In other words, it's NOT the car's fault, just your foot's and the road's. For me it's NOT an issue, as I LOVE the instant response - and I can just switch it off if I know I'll be doing some relaxed cruising instead of urban cut and run.>

Best $13.75 a minute ($275/20min) so far ...and it stays RED.

 

[JohnJ]

Roger-

Thank you for this review. I am finding out as my ride breaks in and I drive it more spiritedly, it handles well and is not top heavy as some "SUV's" are.

Now, I wonder what an APR might do but it's still too early for me. I will be getting an oil/filter change around 1500 miles however.

 

[doug]

Roger - Great post. Thanks for sharing. How much impatct to your mileage is there?

 

[Ohio Joe]

Roger, Excellent!!!! Thanks!!!

 

[rnlabas]

Roger - Great post. Thanks for sharing. How much impatct to your mileage is there?

Not sure yet, but to be honest I expect there WILL be a small impact. The increased sensitivity also brings out the devil in me too - which my mileage needs like a new hole in my head >

btw, also had a few ABSs (Audi Brand Specialists) drive the car for their impressions - and they were too - impressed that is !

 

[David]

Nice, thanks for sharing.

 

[rs4guy]

You do know this device just amplifies the throttle signal, nothing more. It's the exact same thing the "dynamic" mode does, just more aggressively.

 

[rnlabas]

You do know this device just amplifies the throttle signal, nothing more. It's the exact same thing the "dynamic" mode does, just more aggressively.

This is discussed in my installation thread and associated posts ... I'd be careful on the amplification adjective - while technically true at most points along the curve, it still converges to the same FINAL point and provides NO more 'amplification' at and after that -

...and from my driving impression - I wish that Audi was more aggressive in their programming of Dynamic to accommodate - I like Dynamic WITH the Sprint Booster (in Red) - and it's STILL less aggressive than my TT with the same engine and neither Drive Select NOR a Sprint Booster -

 

[boxbrownie]

I'd describe it as changing the "response curve" of the throttle pedal.

 

[rs4guy]

This is discussed in my installation thread and associated posts ... I'd be careful on the amplification adjective - while technically true at most points along the curve, it still converges to the same FINAL point and provides NO more 'amplification' at and after that -

...and from my driving impression - I wish that Audi was more aggressive in their programming of Dynamic to accommodate - I like Dynamic WITH the Sprint Booster (in Red) - and it's STILL less aggressive than my TT with the same engine and neither Drive Select NOR a Sprint Booster -

Full throttle is full throttle, so of course at the end of the line, no more amplification can be had. It's an SUV, not a sports coupe, so I'm not surprised your TT has more aggressive throttle mapping.

All I'm saying is that at the price point, you could just spend a bit more and spring for an APR tune, which gives actual performance bumps.

 

[rnlabas]

...All I'm saying is that at the price point, you could just spend a bit more and spring for an APR tune, which gives actual performance bumps.

You're right of course on the actual performance bump, but then it'd throw a TD1 and possibly threaten someone's warranty. And, as you said it IS an SUV, not a sports coupe - most folks are pretty happy with the ultimate power the Q3 has, it's just a nicer driving experience with a bit more throttle tip-in too - and the Sprint Booster plays to that without a TD1 flag or warranty issue ...

 

[Tanqueray]

You're right of course on the actual performance bump, but then it'd throw a TD1 and possibly threaten someone's warranty. And, as you said it IS an SUV, not a sports coupe - most folks are pretty happy with the ultimate power the Q3 has, it's just a nicer driving experience with a bit more throttle tip-in too - and the Sprint Booster plays to that without a TD1 flag or warranty issue ...

I would also enjoy a more responsive throttle instead of an actual power increase to hurt my fuel economy and moreover, the warranty.

Korean and Japaneses cars seem to have the most sensitive throttles, and I like it.

 

[rs4guy]

Fair enough, I understand the motivation. I also tend to adopt the position that we are all leasing, which is obviously not the case for most.

 

[PuroMexicano]

Roger, great thread, thanks.

Please, help me with these Questions.

How would the SPRINT BOOSTER compare to SPORT mode driving?
When in S-Mode I feel better throttle response along with the shifting point changes.

Do you drive in S-Mode + SPRINT BOOSTER in RED? or only SB red?

Thanks!!

 

[rnlabas]

Roger, great thread, thanks.

Please, help me with these Questions.

How would the SPRINT BOOSTER compare to SPORT mode driving?
When in S-Mode I feel better throttle response along with the shifting point changes.

Do you drive in S-Mode + SPRINT BOOSTER in RED? or only SB red?

Thanks!!

I've tried it both ways and still like the SB on red (and in Dynamic too). It changes the response up enough to almost make the car feel smaller and lighter... even in Sport Mode. I like that a lot. The Q3 is no sports car, but this seems to make the car feel much more do like my other Audis - and that's pretty cool for me. Once on the highway though, I put it down to green or even off for cruising.

My wife is also much happier too. She was initially disappointed in the Q coming from a Kia Sportage SX AWD (2.0 265 hp)...

 

[PuroMexicano]

thanks!

 

[jtechico]

Thanks Roger - I installed the Sprintbooster this weekend. Great mod!