Ok, after doing some research, reading up on performance chips for my A3, I have set myself on concentrating on APR and perhaps going with them for my future chipping. BUT, I have no clue what the heck I am reading, its not sinking in.
Since I am not a big hobby car guy, I dont know what the heck I am reading about. The only thing I have heard is that APR is what I should go with on my A3 2.0T, and it will increase my car's power and make it quicker. Ok, that sold me!
I have spoken with some friends, especially several Audi enthusiasts at my place of work who have there cars chipped with APR.
I just dont get all this mumble jumble talk, for instance..... Software, Stage I? Also Octane? Does that mean my gas?
I just get my A3 filled with "Premium" all the time, I guess its the Octane 93'. Do I have to use some other kind of fuel if I get my car chipped?
Also, I can switch programs on my cruise controls. Just sounds very complicated. I just want my car chipped so its goes faster, and not have to really be concerned about software programs and what not. And how about the dealer? Is this APR chip disguised so the dealer wont know its installed so my warranty wont be voided?
And ordering thru APR, do I just order the chip and need to take it someplace to have it installed? No clue.
I know some of you may think these are silly questions, but ohhhhh well. Any answers would be appreciated, thanks!
The chip is really someone hooking up to your car's computer and changing the programs.
The octane program should go with the gas you already use, there are programs for 91 or 93 0ctane. There are higher ones but start with the 91, or 93. Here in miami we use 93.
The program they flash into your computer comes with a go fast mode or a stock mode you could use your cruise control to change the settings when you bring it in for service or when you valet park your car. There are alot more programs they can add to that like a kill switch type of program so no one can hot wire your car etc. If you like the car to really show you its true capabilities then you should chip it with out question. I hope my explanation is simple enough for you to understand ! Good luck.
Go to the APR website and find a dealer near you BTW APR is not a bad choice.
Basically, "chipping" your car is just changing the car's original computer program and replacing it with another. There are different programs available depending on what other items you have installed on the car, the type of gas, and the desired performance levels. I would suggest going with APR if you are comfortable with them and have them install the 93 octane program for the gas you typically use and the stock program. You can always keep it on the 93 program until you take it to the dealer, then just switch it back to stock for them. You will notice a HUGE improvement in performance with just the chip. If later you desire more performance or add more mods, then APR can adjust your program for those things.
The computer program will increase your turbo's boost forcing more air into the engine, also raising the fuel intake to match and advancing the timing to get a little better ignition. The end result is many more horses and a hell of a lot more torque. It will take a long time to wipe that new found smile off your face!
APR and GIAC are both very good tuning companies. Their dyno results are very similar. You really can't go wrong with either. REVO is another very good tuning company. In all cases they can now flash your ECU through the OBDII port. In the past, you had to send in your ECU, but now it is just flashed at the dealer and takes about 1/2 hour. Prices are relatively similar.
APR and GIAC claim that they are not detectable by the dealer, and I'm not sure about REVO. APR can be changed by the cruise control, but I don't think that either GIAC or REVO can be. A separate device is required.
I can only get 91 octane gas where I live, butIIRC you are in New Jersey and 93 octane is readily available. That will boost the horsepower slightly.
You can find the dealers in your area to take the car toon these websites. One note is that AWE Tuning is a GIAC dealer and is located in Willow Grove, PA which isn't too far from Jersey.
FWIW, REVO isn't detectable either and there is a very cool SPS Devicewhichchanges the program by selecting the number on the dial of the device, inputting it into the OBDII for a couple seconds, then whoooosh, you're set. I have the device and it's very easy to use.
See this thread. I'm noticing this is becoming a recurring question. We do the downloads here at our shop in south Florida. We're an authorized dealer, and ONLY a dealer/install center can do an APR tune for you. Check out this thread... i explained in a bit more detail. http://www.audiforums.com/m_586063/tm.htm
So which chip is best? the pricing is different, so is the hp and torque gains. What's best?
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2008 A3 2.0T S-line
sprint blue, gray interior, black headliner
titanium pkg, open sky, worthless pos i-pod hookup
soon to include a carpc
Which chip is best? That is probably the most loaded question on any forum. That is very subjective and depends, is the best answer. Do you have a manual or DSG? Do you plan on doing anything more than just a simple chip? How much do you want to spend? Do you plan on switching to different levels of octane? Do you want to be able to switch it back to stock for the dealer? Do you want a "hide" or lockout feature for the dealer? Yada Yada Yada
Do some reading, and see if you can answer these questions and I'll help you if you like. I definitely suggest reading a lot before you purchase anything.
nowhere near purchasing anything yet. i'm not looking to mod my car beyond chipping. I have a 2008 6-speed 2.0T s-line. I want to be able to switch between stock and 93 octane settings, no need for anything else like valet, etc. in that case, what would you recommend if cost was not a factor? from what i can tell APR is the chip for me, but I definitely would like to know your take.
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2008 A3 2.0T S-line
sprint blue, gray interior, black headliner
titanium pkg, open sky, worthless pos i-pod hookup
soon to include a carpc
You'd be fine with most any chip having a manual transmission. APR will definitely make you happy, so I say go for it. BTW, APR will have software upgrades to the next couple stages, so you can upgrade easily if the mod bug hits you.
Looking into APR....but CLUELESS about CHIPS
