I am planning on chipping soon too, and I've done quite a bit of reading. A few questions you'll want to ask your chip dealer before purchasing:

1) How much do they charge for 'labor' (kind of a joke, all they do is hook up to your OBD port and load the software). The software itself should run you about $500, but labor will be an additional cost.

2) How much for additional programs? You should really consider getting the stock tune loaded along side your 91 or 93 tune in case you need to go into the Audi dealer for service. You can also get a race gas tune (100 octane), valet mode, and starter kill. I'm not sure if all of these options apply to APR, but be sure to find out what exactly your chip dealer offers and how much each one adds to the price. Ballpark should be ~$100 per extra program.

3) Ask what there policy is regarding reflashing, in case a new ECU update comes out and your Audi dealer reflashes your car. This WILL erase your aftermarket tune. Most chip tuners will reload your tune with proof of purchase, but they may charge you for labor again. Also, APR may come out with new revisions of their software in the future. Find out if there is any charge to get newer revisions loaded after purchase.

4) You mention that you may do an aftermarket exhaust in the future. If you think you may drop the catalytic converter and replace it with a test pipe, there is an option to tune out the post-cat O2 sensor. Otherwise, a test pipe will throw a check engine light.

As others have stated, you WILL need an aftermarket diverter valve. The stock one isn't gonna hold on for long after the tune. There is no need for a boost controller or turbo timer. Like Chef said, if you drive the car hard, just let it idle for a few mins before you shut it off.

Chef, when you say the stock boost pressure is 10-12 PSI, do you mean sustained? My car spikes 15-16 PSI, then holds at 10-12 PSI.

 

First, definitely don't pay extra labor for the chip install. Any reputable dealer will do it for the stated price.

Second, I'm not sure what my "real" stock program boosted since I didn't have the boost gauge installed then. I'm going off what I noticed when my REVO program is in "stock" mode. You might be absolutely correct.

Cheers!

 

In regards to APR, they charge the stated price.....no additional labor. The chip for the A3 2.0T is $599, and $149 for an additional program (like stock). Also their R1 DV is $149 installed, which is why I said for roughly $900.........the only other thing they will charge is sales tax. If the dealership reflashes your ecu, APR will re-install for free, and also if they come out with new versions of the software you will get those for free as well.

I have the 93 octane file from APR and I spike at about 20-21 psi.......16-18 sustained. As far as killing the turbo after chipping.....its just not going to happen, at least not anytime soon. With the way our cars are engineered I personally think that turbo timers are a waste of money.........anyway there is my 2 cents

 

thanks guys. glad this kinda reopened the door on this subject.