ive been looking into chipping my car as well (leaning towards GIAC) so let me know your experiences.
Cheers

 

Hi All,

Bad news I'm afraid. UPS would not deliver without a signature and I wasn't there. Therefore, the ECU's are being delivered again today and I should be able to install tonight. I will post comments asap.

Regarding the free upgrade of the chip. It is my understanding that GIAC will upgrade the chip for free, but only if it is an upgrade to the same overall system. For instance, if they should suddenly decide to modify the program that I have already bought, then they would redo mine at no charge. I am pretty sure they would charge if it was a different program for an upgraded turbo or the like.

 

Hi All,

Got home tonight and installed the engine and Tip ECU's. Both had been returned from GIAC having been 'chipped' with the latest codes. The re-install was a snap and I followed the directions that were sent with the ECU's. Everything worked as advertised and I am one happy camper.

The engine chip is a very noticeable improvement over stock and the car flies now. I doubt I could be happier and I am glad that I followed the advice of several listers and took the plunge. Everything about the engine is more responsive. It seems to rev more freely and has alot more punch than before, along with a good deal more torque. Basically, it appears to do what AWE said it would.

The Tiptronic chip is a bit of an improvement over stock, but nowhere near as dramatic. Then again, it is supposed to shorten shift time by .8 seconds, whch I would have a hard time noticing anyway. However, that said, the shift in full auto mode seems quite a bit better, whilst shifting manually via the steering wheel buttons is a little better and still probably quicker than I could shift smoothly in a manual, so no complaints here.

Additionally, when I upgrade to the K04 turbo arrangement, I would have to use the Tip chip anyway, so its a worthwhile upgrade for me.

If you're on the fence and you have the funds, CHIP IT !!

 

Stupid Question: so that means you had to send off your original ECU to them, is their a way to just get a new chip (because I gotta go to school everyday)?

And so you installed by yourself, no autoshop required?

 

Hi,

Yes, It is necessary to send off the ECU for them to change the chip. I sent mine on Monday and it was delivered back on Wednesday, or at least would have been if I had been here to sign for it.

I am not aware of any chip manufacturers that simply send you the chip, as I beleive it is soldered in. I didn't use a shop or anything like that and if you are ony chipping the engine ECU, it could hardly be any easier if you do it yourself.

If you live near a dealer, it might be done while you wait, but I am miles from civilization, so that wasn't an option for me.