Hey All - I'm a newbie here, but it seems to be a great site with great input! Hoping you can shed some light on some questions...(I mistakenly posted this in another forum here, so apologies if you're seeing this for the second time...)

I'm considering purchasing a '03-04 A4 1.8T and have read a bunch of your posts regarding replacing the ECU with and APR chip. I've driven the stock 1.8T and, coming from a V6 in my current car, it seems somewhat unresponsive by comparision. So my questions are:

1) how much of a difference does the chip actually make? Does it feel like you're driving a hopped up 4 cylinder, or does it feel more like a 6 cylinder?

2) Does anyone know about how the chip affects the lifespan of the engine? Should I be concerned with shortened life due to a higher-performing chip?

3) I've read a little about APR's chip and its ability to allow me to toggle between chipped and non-chipped modes... but even if using this feature, how likely would it be for the dealer to be alerted to the mod? Don't want to void a warranty, if at all possible.

4) Last question - most of what I see on the posts is regarding 1.8Ts. What about the 3.0? I'm assuming that chips aren't an option for the 3.0? If one were to choose between a chipped 1.8T (APR stage one) and a 3.0, what would you guys choose and why?

Thanks for the info...and sorry if some of this stuff is pretty basic. Just wanted to get the facts before I decide to pull the trigger!

 

1. i beleive apr claims 35 hp and i think 70 with their exhaust, double check at www.goapr.com
2. and motor that receives abuse and higher psi than stock receives more wear on it than a stock one, this is no exception, the lifespan of the motor is decreased, but only a magic genie can tell you by how much.
3. being in the off position the dealership will only see factory programming, with it on they will see the change; in reality, they have a very slim chance of noting the chip - they'd have to drive the car and check the cruise control functions.
4. you can mod 1.8t's easier than 3.0's and 2.8's. with an exhaust and a chip you can surpass the power output of the 3.0 failry easily and rather inexpensively, comparing the retail of the 1.8 and 3.0. Oh, and you can only get a manual gearbox on the 1.8t motor.
Def. recommend the 1.8t, or to save up and get a 2.0t.

 

This is the third time you've posted this question. Please do not make the same post more than once! All your questions can be answered by using the search function.