Well Im plannin on gettin a used 2000 S4, and I was interested in installing a GIAC Performance chip. Would this void my warrenty? And anyways, how and where would I install it? Thanks for your help. Also, hows the pick-up on one of these babies.

 

I'm going to put together a sticky post that will cover all these newbie questions that we seem to repeat every other day - no body seems to want to search the archives for these basic answers. [:@]

The fast and simple answers are:
The chip is soldered or socketed onto the ecu board.
The performance gains are very impressive. Horsepower increases by ~50hp.
The warranty issue is a huge and complex topic. Simply put, YES, it will void your warranty, IF there is proof that the chip caused the damage in question. There's a lot more to consider and understand when it comes to the warranty question, but for now, understand that most of us go ahead and chip the ecu and don't worry about warranty trouble.

Special notes for the 2000 S4:
Only the '00 has an F-hose; it is a weak link and should be upgraded.
The DV's on all S4's should be upgraded - especially those that get chipped.
The TBB is a weak link on all S4's, too. It should be upgraded with a better unit or a redesign like the APR Bi-pipe kit.
The coolant sensor should be upgraded with the latest OE sensor (a $5 fix).
The control arms should be inspected for wear.
The oil should be changed to synthetic oil, if it hasn't been already, and it should be changed frequently.

That's a start. Now... on to my sticky article! [8D]

 

Sorry I'm obviously a total newb and know nothing about S4's. And not quite up to speed on all the terms. What is a TBB, DV, the coolant sensors, and control arms. God, I feel so stupid, just that don't know a whole lot about cars, especially S4's. I searched and came to no avail. Srry for such newbish questions once again lol.

 

TBB = Throttle Body Boot
DV = Diverter Valve
Coolant Sensor = small unit that reads the temperature of the coolant and relays that info to the main ecu
Control Arms = part of the suspension system

 

Check this out, too.

Forum terms

 

Where could I get a dv? I can't seem to find em. Also, I just found out that the insurance is going to be 3500 a year...ouch.. so my dad was a little worried....about getting that so I may get the A4 1.8 T instead. Would I still need these parts for a 2000 A4 1.8T or 20001 1.8T? Because what I'lll put in it...is a new fly wheel and clutch, GIAC performance chips (adds 80 more hp), K04 Turbo Upgrade Kit (I checked wasn't quite sure, does it already come with a chip?), and. Borla Cat Back Exhaust. Thanks again.

 

Yeah, the KO4 has to have its own software.

I just answered the same kind of newbie question for a guy on the A4 forum. Don't worry about the model year difference. Except for the TBB (there is none on the A4 1.8t), it should apply to your questions.

Go here:
link

 

Thanks for your help man. Also, if this is the same with ur insurance company or not, but anyways...AMEX insurance company which is what I have says that if you modify andy performance aspect of the car they won't be able to insure it? Same with you guys? If anything did ever break down, couldn't u just take it some place or mechanic and have them fix it?

 

Yes - true. You should just get it fixed by a mechanic without the insurance becoming involved. But that's not the only issue here. Many insurance companies won't want to insure the additional mods at all. Furthermore, some insurance compnies will void the insurance if the mod is proven to be the cause of any accident. Some insurance companies will consider the modded car as a "high-performance" car and then raise the premium. My advice - Don't tell and drive well.

 

Ok I'll take your word for that. I told them that If I did, but they won't know when and what..so hehe. Thanks for you adivce and help.