Decided to buy an extra DV from ecstuning just in case since there has been a few reported failures. Luckily the part is about $66 shipped and is easily replaceable. I'm at 10k miles now and all seems well. I'm still boosting 19psi peak, hold 16 thoughout most of the RPM so I'm still ok. I'll probably take the DV out once I recieve the replacement to see how she's doing.

 

Isn't the DV something that your dealer will replace for you (if he does not find out about your chip, that is)? Because the stock DV has failed, albeit more rarely, even on some non-chipped A3's?

 

What's a DV?

 

Diverter Vavle. SOmething similar to a BOV. I might install the new one and inspect the old one today so stay tuned for pics

 

LOL

You know what the next question from Nam will be..."What's a BOV?"

 

I'll answer it before he asks...

it's a Blow-Off Valve. Something similar to a DV.

 

You guys are great.

 

do I need one?

 

Dude, you already got one!!! ( a DV that is)

Relax, nothing to buy here!

BTW, you'll actually hear it working after you get the CAI.

Cheers!

 

Just installed it the new DV valve and guess what, there was a CRACK!!! The crack was relativly small and I was somewhat suspecting a leak since I could only hit 17.5-18 pound of boost peak. It turns out the diaphram is made of some latex/rubber type of material that seems pretty weak, especially if your chipped. I guess my failure was due to having an older DV (Revision B) and hopefully replacing it with a Revision C will be give it some extra life.

After driving around with the new DV I can hit 19.5 psi which is .5 higher than my best with the old DV. I also noticed that my intake is a lot quiter and the sounds of the DV are not as pronoucned as they used to be. Performance seems to be better too in how the boost is applied during gear transistions. Also, when I compared the two DV side by side, I noticed the new one had a better spring feel than the older one.

Anyways, the replacement was relativly simple. Just need to jack up the passenger side and unscrew 3 bolts and voilia, take the old one out and put the new one in. Will take about 15 minutes to with the right tools. Unfortuantly its extremly hard to tell if you have a B or C valve since the part description side is hidden from view, perhaps a digital camera would do it? So, to summarize, ECS tuning will sell you a C valve for under $60... If you have a B valve CHANGE IT!!!... Replacement is simpler than a oil change... and I'm going to buy another extra DV... just in case