Looking for some answers yet again... I've done some searching and read up on chipping, which naturally let me to some questions. As I understand it, chipping can be done in 2 ways:

1) Flash the ECU with new code
2) Install a physical chip on the motherboard.

Given the above options, my understanding is that Flashing the ECU seems to be the easier option. Is my understanding of the chipping options correct?


1) Pro's and Con's of the above? Is there any benefit to actually soddering (sp) a chip to the motherboard?
2) Can the dealer detect that you've flashed your ECU?
3) If the dealer resets (or reflashes?) your ECU, Do you get a tool to re-flash the ECU with the aftermarket code again?
4) Does APR and GIAC provide both options, or flashing? or soddering a chip? I'm not sure of this b/c you have to send in your ECU...

As always, I appreciate your feedback. The answers i've gotten on my other thread have been very helpful.

 

I would say soldering is prolly the best way to go. No, dealers cannot tell its chiped unless they drive it and look in the ecu. I did not get a tool to reset mine because mines solderd in, so thats not a problem for me ( I have apr).

 

GIAC has flash programing available now. Go to www.giacusa.com
I woudl flash since you don't have to switch anything out! You can go back to stock easily for warranty repairs etc..

 

does flashing and soldering give the same results?

 

Just wondering what are your reasons for believing so? seems to me that flashing would have a more flexibility, that way if i have it flashed now, and then get a turbo later on, i can reflash it if needed (rather then yank the physical chip out and replace it if needed)...[sm=smiley14.gif]

 

I guess it just comes down to preference, when i do the ko4 apr will upgrade for me.

 

Not exactly... when you change the engine drastically (as with adding new/different turbos), the engine management will have to change and the software will have to change, too. You will then have to purchase the new software flash to accommodate the new managemant.