Quick Chip Question
Thread Starter
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1st Gear
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 481
From: Boulder, CO
Quick Chip Question
Ok, so i'm still slightly confused in terms of what needs to be done to get a chip, i've done some research and looks like APR is what i'm gonna go for, but now the part that i'm still confused about is, do i need to take it to a shop to get it tuned after i install it? because i thought the whole point of chips is that they come pre-tuned to get the best performance, right now my engine is bone stock (hence why i need more power)
-Val
-Val
5th Gear
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,355
From: Orlando, FL
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 715
From: San Diego
RE: Quick Chip Question
Wait, WHAT?
I may be wrong, but I'm 99% sure that you have to either take the car into a GIAC or APR dealer and have them solder the chip in or flash it. That writeup is just for installing the ECU after you mail it to APR and they send it back reprogramed.
As I understand it, if you're buying online, you have to order the chip, mail your ECU to the company, they flash it/solder the new chip in, then they mail it back, and you re-install it.
I may be wrong, but I'm 99% sure that you have to either take the car into a GIAC or APR dealer and have them solder the chip in or flash it. That writeup is just for installing the ECU after you mail it to APR and they send it back reprogramed.
As I understand it, if you're buying online, you have to order the chip, mail your ECU to the company, they flash it/solder the new chip in, then they mail it back, and you re-install it.
Thread Starter
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1st Gear
Joined: Feb 2007
Posts: 481
From: Boulder, CO
RE: Quick Chip Question
http://www.goapr.com/Audi/products/e...ade_a418t.html well there, the pic it has seems to be the full ECU, and the replacement tutrial says take the stock ECU out and plug the APR one in and hten put it in the case and allt hat stuff... so i could pretty well believe Chaos's post, but if you got some hard proof that you have to do the mailign thing, please let me know.
5th Gear
Joined: Aug 2006
Posts: 8,355
From: Orlando, FL
RE: Quick Chip Question
it all depends on what year you get and what company you choose. older giac chips are soldered in, newer ones are flashed. but i think apr just sends you a chipped ecu. you can always go on the classifieds section and pick one up for cheaper, its not like chips get old or anything
Senior Member
Joined: Jun 2006
Posts: 715
From: San Diego
RE: Quick Chip Question
The item that you have chosen is not available from our regular online ordering system. 
If the item you have chosen is a GIAC chip or Flashloader Package, this requires you to send to us your engine or transmission ECU (Electronic Control Unit). Alternatively, you may contact one of our Authorized Dealers to set up an on-site appointment for installation. If you are sending us your ECU, please first verify that there is a chip or Flashloader package for your vehicle: GIAC VW Catalog GIAC Audi Catalog GIAC Porsche Catalog
In addition to the ECU, please print, fill out, and include the following order form with your shipment: 
If we receive your ECU by 11:00 AM EST, we will ship back out the same day via your selected return shipping method.\
If the item you have chosen is a GIAC chip or Flashloader Package, this requires you to send to us your engine or transmission ECU (Electronic Control Unit). Alternatively, you may contact one of our Authorized Dealers to set up an on-site appointment for installation. If you are sending us your ECU, please first verify that there is a chip or Flashloader package for your vehicle: GIAC VW Catalog GIAC Audi Catalog GIAC Porsche Catalog In addition to the ECU, please print, fill out, and include the following order form with your shipment: If we receive your ECU by 11:00 AM EST, we will ship back out the same day via your selected return shipping method.\
AWE says you have to mail it in, at least with giac. APR may be different, but who wants APR on a B5 anyways?
edit-
APR agrees.
There are several options for obtaining your chip. You may have your ECU modified at any of our Authorized Distributors. The second option is to send the ECU directly to us to have it modified. Typically your ECU is returned the same day we receive it. For ECU removal instructions see our Customer Support page.
If you're sending your ECU in to us, please print out and complete the order form below. Be sure to indicate which programs you would like to purchase, as well as the other information listed. For information on the program options, see below under the EMCS heading.
If you're sending your ECU in to us, please print out and complete the order form below. Be sure to indicate which programs you would like to purchase, as well as the other information listed. For information on the program options, see below under the EMCS heading.
3rd Gear
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 2,326
From: Fargo, ND
RE: Quick Chip Question
Either APR or GIAC will send you a chipped ECU. But you can add $700+ to the chip cost to do that. Otherwise, buy a used one from the classifieds(paying about what a chip cost but getting a spare ECU in the deal), just send in your ECU and have your car down for 3 days, go to a local tuner and get it done. Unless you are "very good" at soldering I wouldn't attempt it, and I doubt that any company would just sell you the chip. APR has free shipping(order through ECS) GIAC does not - this makes the APR chip a lot cheaper.