Ok, I am very close to purchasing a tip chip for my car, but the I am buying it used and it comes with the 93 octane program only. Im 99% sure it's a GIAC (he has listed as APR but I thought APR doesnt do TIP programming) and I was wondering how exactly I can have the ECU be "switchable" from stock to 93 octane performance. Do I need the flash loader, and can I do this myself? Can someone iron out the details for me before I dump some money into this. Thanks.

I am also getting 710n's and a silicon hose kit put on next week, regardless of the chip . Cant wait! Updated pictures coming soon, going to experiment with HDR pictures over the weekend.

 

im guessing your car is a TIP. They make 2 different chips for your car TIP and ECU. AFAIK GIAC is the only TIP chip producer. As for ECU there are a bunch and best bet is to stick with what your local tuner reps. TIP chips you dont change that are set in stone. ECU chips you can change depending on company. APR has a patent on using the CC stalk. Others u need a vag com or giac u can use a flashloader. Rememebr u need to get more that 1 program (stock and 93) to be able to change. If you just get 93 u cant change it.

 

Yes my car is a TIP, and I would be looking at getting the ECU which is GIAC tuned from another guy with a 2000 Tip. I understand what you mean, but it still doesnt quite answer my queston. If I buy a GIAC flashed ECU for my car, and it comes with the 93 octane program on it, how can i get the stock program on there? Can I buy the flashloader and do it myself, or do I have to take it to the shop to get done....

 

A tip chip changes the shift speed and timing of the tiptronic transmission, with the intent of making it more agressive and faster.
http://www.awe-tuning.com/pages/shar...CTipChips27t42
that right there is the "tip chip"
A performance chip can be done to a tiptronic or a manual transmission, on the AWE site there is no specification for tip/manual so im pretty sure its the exact same. I assume this is what your looking at? Or are you looking at doing both? Im pretty sure you have to take it to a shop to get the program put on, then you use the flashloader to switch between the different modes. Maybe someone with more knowledge can shed some light on this? I know on my APR i use the cruise ctrl button to flip between stock and 93 octane

 

sorry now i understand u... You will need to send it to a giac rep and have them add stock it will cost ya. Also to change back to different programs u will need a flashloader or vagcom. Hope that helps.

 

Dude, read your post & tell me if it makes any since to you.

So, you know they are 2 separate chips, & 2 separate ecu's? One if just for the engine, one is JUST for the TIP. The TIP one does not have an octane rating, or a switcher, it's just a program that runs all the time.

If you purchase a used engine ECU, with the 92 GIAC flash, you are stuck with it, unless you purchase the add ones. Then you need either the GIAC switcher $150, or a Vag-com cable & the GIAC program to switch. Again, this is JUST for the engine, & NOT for the trans.

 

Yes I know my 1st post was a little awkward, sorry about that. This is the ECU chip for my 2000 S4 tiptronic, not the TIP chip. 2K would you recommend a tip chip along with the ECU chip? How much would it benefit me to have a TIP chip also? I didnt know they made a chip for the transmission and the engine, forgive me. Thats why you all are here to teach me

thanks for the responses, looks like I would prolly go with the flashloader route. I will definitely try to find a local GIAC rep and give them a call for pricing.

 

The TIP chip is not mandatory, but it's nice to have, no gear hunting, & much faster shifts. In your first post I thought you were talking about the TIP chip, with different programs.

 

"Ok, I am very close to purchasing a TIP chip for my car"

- Couple posts later -

"This is the ECU chip for my 2000 S4 tiptronic, not the TIP chip."

Not to be a dick....but that was funny!