The Vast Tip Chip won't add power, but will make it shift faster and feel faster. You can add an intake, but a drop in filter should do about the same and wont be too noticable. If you do a full exhaust you could add a few hp as well. Yes the Ko4 + Fueling will the next big step, but you need exhaust to run it.

 

I just bought basically the same car as Wammy, a 2000 A6 2.7T Tip, with 89K miles on it.
Problem is I live in California, and every 2 years I need to get the car smogged.
What mods can I implement to gain performance, and yet pass the darn smog test?

 

Tons! The sky is the limit.... For example suspension, you can lower it put sways and new shocks and get a very sporty ride, You can do the tip chip, put on a lip spoiler, wheels, hella taillights. Thoes will not even mess with the engine at all. Then you can start on the engine,you could chip it... APR or GIAC chips are most popular and will get you about 318 hp. APR lets you switch back to stock or even valet and limit the speed making the smog test easier. (I use stock when i get emissons tested so the insurance i less... woops.) Then you can update diverter valves, new tbb, then get a K&N filter, but keep the stock one to drop in when you get it tested. Thoes are just a few basic mods that have been talked about and beaten to death on this forum....Now that you have a basic picture search the crap out of the fourm and you'll know everying you need!

 

Thx Trapped! My car already has the lip spoiler from the PO.
The DVs and TBB are a given since they won't affect the smog test. I have researched the APR and GIAC chips, but the question I have is: do I NEED to modify the exhaust to benefit from the chip? CA is such a pain when it comes to EPA rules and many exhaust mods will have one fail the smog test.
Also my best option for octane here is 91 (no 93 or higher...).

 

no "need" to but i put an exhaust on mine and i have the giac file and it feels a little bit healthier ... pressure is the main issue but you should be fine with stock ... the exhaust i got doesnt even sound that much louder except for when i really punch it and im up at 4000+ rpm

 

I just got the APR chip ($599) done and i would have to say it is pretty amazing.... while using the tiptronic you can feel the old 250 HP at 3-4.5 Rpms.. and a new toy from there ... I would hold off on the exhaust right now and go for diverters(two = $ 250 - 320 pending on quality)!!!!... This is a big part inthe protection of the ko3's. Don't worry about the TBB for now aswell, that is a part that you watch over time.I have been asking around and you should really just get the RSko4's around3k(which support 250Hp PER TURBO!!) and exhaust (1,300)at the same time. That way you will get the perfect exhaust for the perfrect turbos. Currently i am changing some belts / intercooler and some other minor things to get that extra horse power (around $500). Hopefully within the next month i will be sitting at 350-360 HP. I am a 20 year old with a big boys toy hope this helps

 

aswell you can request that your boost is turned up. They will have to ask APR about it :-X! I am waiting for an answer currently. Is there any other way to change the boost lvl?

 

first off k04s to install properly and get the 100+ hp (not near 250hp) is like 6-8 grand in parts plus 30 hours labor

when you buy that kit for 6-8 grand ull get manifoldsfuel pump injectors turbos inlet pipes etc etc ... then u need downpipes and exhaust aswell as new hoses to support the boost ... its an expensive way to go but if u got about 8 grand get it done because when youre at that level youve pretty much done everything mod-wise

 

Ok, first No you shouldn't have to change any exhaust features to get the benifits. I am stock w/chip and the car is great. I'm sure with traffic the way it is in CA 318 hp should be plenty...

wammy yes, you can change the turbo levels through a MBC (Manual Boost Controller) I belive it plugs into the vag-com port and they are offerd by GIAC.

 

thanks trapped