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Site Moderator
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 3,927
From: Indianapolis, IN
Adding a chip?
If you are near 60K miles or have had the car for 4 years then have your timing belt/tensioner/water pump replaced before chipping.
The motor's internals can take it - the k03 turbo is what you must worry about. Warm up/down procedures become more important when chipped. Don't hammer the car before its warmed up and also let the car cool down before shutting it off (prevents oil coking in the turbo line). Might want to install a boost gauge also. Besides looking cool it can warn you of any leaks/problems that might develop. Also upgrade your BPV when you get the chance - it will likely fail shortly after installing the chip. I simply installed the TT710 valve and its been good for a year so far.
APR/GIAC/MTM/ABT/Wetteraurer/Neuspeed = the common and decent chip manufacturers. Do some research and see which seems to suit your needs and which may have a tuner close to you.
Gas mileage will depend on how much fun you have with your car. You will tend to have a heavier foot. but it will not change all that much otherwise. You will smile more during driving though.
The motor's internals can take it - the k03 turbo is what you must worry about. Warm up/down procedures become more important when chipped. Don't hammer the car before its warmed up and also let the car cool down before shutting it off (prevents oil coking in the turbo line). Might want to install a boost gauge also. Besides looking cool it can warn you of any leaks/problems that might develop. Also upgrade your BPV when you get the chance - it will likely fail shortly after installing the chip. I simply installed the TT710 valve and its been good for a year so far.
APR/GIAC/MTM/ABT/Wetteraurer/Neuspeed = the common and decent chip manufacturers. Do some research and see which seems to suit your needs and which may have a tuner close to you.
Gas mileage will depend on how much fun you have with your car. You will tend to have a heavier foot. but it will not change all that much otherwise. You will smile more during driving though.
Site Moderator
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 3,927
From: Indianapolis, IN
Adding a chip?
I normally let mine cool about a minute after a hard run, around 30 secs if I am driving normally. Open your door slightly - when the ajar bell stops ringing then thats a minute. Typically, your 30 second cool down is fine for a non-chipped car though.
BPV... yeah a bypass valve - holds the boost and diverts it away from the turbo after you let off the gas. The diaphram will rupture, or the spring will die, after repeated use at 10-17 psi (chip range)
cheers
BPV... yeah a bypass valve - holds the boost and diverts it away from the turbo after you let off the gas. The diaphram will rupture, or the spring will die, after repeated use at 10-17 psi (chip range)
cheers
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 4
From: United States
Adding a chip?
I'm thinking about getting the GIAC chip along with the Bailey diverter valve. What I'm wondering, is, if I would be better off buying a chip, or just getting a good boost controller that I can adjust?
Site Moderator
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 3,927
From: Indianapolis, IN
Adding a chip?
You need a chip.
A boost controller will do nothing for you without a chip. Audi's are not like Japanese cars where a boost controller can override the ECU's programming. In an Audi the ECU controls fuel mapping and boost control.
If you add a boost controller without a chip you will go into limp mode once you go above stock boost levels (9psi). The car will believe something is terribly wrong and goes into limp mode.
This is why chips are so popular with Audis. They are really the only safe option for increased boost.
The GIAC/Baily combo is a common application and works well. You will not be disappointed with that setup.
A boost controller will do nothing for you without a chip. Audi's are not like Japanese cars where a boost controller can override the ECU's programming. In an Audi the ECU controls fuel mapping and boost control.
If you add a boost controller without a chip you will go into limp mode once you go above stock boost levels (9psi). The car will believe something is terribly wrong and goes into limp mode.
This is why chips are so popular with Audis. They are really the only safe option for increased boost.
The GIAC/Baily combo is a common application and works well. You will not be disappointed with that setup.
Site Moderator
Joined: May 2003
Posts: 3,927
From: Indianapolis, IN
Adding a chip?
Well, the K03 is rated to handle more than what a stock A4 throws at it. But you never know. Sure your turbo is going to be working harder, get hotter more often, etc. It's the chance we all take when we modify a stock setup. For the amount of people that are chipped, turbo failures are fairly uncommon.
My original turbo died at 85K. I wasn't even chipped by then. I figure the previous owner didnt treat the car very well after spirited driving and I paid the price. So when I put in the new one I chipped it right away. About 30K on it now and its fine.
Just remember that cool down and warm up is all the more important when chipped.
I push 17-18 psi all the time when I hammer my throttle (compared to 7-9 psi stock). What a rush. <img border="0" src=smileys/smiley17.gif border="0">
My original turbo died at 85K. I wasn't even chipped by then. I figure the previous owner didnt treat the car very well after spirited driving and I paid the price. So when I put in the new one I chipped it right away. About 30K on it now and its fine.
Just remember that cool down and warm up is all the more important when chipped.
I push 17-18 psi all the time when I hammer my throttle (compared to 7-9 psi stock). What a rush. <img border="0" src=smileys/smiley17.gif border="0">