So I just got home with my wife and I's newly acquired Dead Stock and super clean 2002 A6 4.2 and whats the 1st thing I had to do but call a nearby specialty shop and ask them if I could take advantage of the "free" test drive of the APR advanced tuning program. Let me say that I am amazed that something as simple as a computer tweak could make such an improvement on a stock vehicle. I'm only making use of the 93 Octane setting and even this is a large difference in power you can feel in the seat of your pants. I only wonder if this is hard on other drivetrain components? I imagine like anything else it depends on how hard you push it..

 

Not to the engine no, the only problems that come about the 4.2L engine is if you have a manual transmission (S4) in which you could miss a shift and over rev the engine.....
The 4.2L engine in the A6 is pretty bulletproof.

 

You noticed that big of a difference? Im on the fence about chipping it.

 

Prior to this car I have only owned GM vehicles and Air-Cooled VW's
When I put chips in my GM vehicles they did not respond or "wake up" as noticeably as this Audi. Hopefully you have a dealer within driving distance and a "Test Drive" is available to you. This is all it took for me to be convinced.
I especially like the idea of a simple press of a button to switch between performance modes and the other options available. I know its quite a bit of money but I feel for the amount of performance gained without even opening the hood its a no brainer. I will eventually do the exhaust and coil packs also but beyond that will call it good. So far a top notch setup with no issues. you should have seen the look on my wifes face when she went to the grocery store...

 

I'm into the test drive about 4 hours now and my only question is how am I going to spend $600 w/o my wife seeing it gone? My slush fun only has $200.
Possibly explain that its also a fuel mileage enhancer?
All kidding aside, I stand by my initial assessment that it is a worthy 1st modification and with their current special of 4 programs installed for basically the price of one makes it all that much more appealing. I'm going to call this week and set up an appointment for the "permanent" tuning installation. Wish me luck on the marriage side of things

 

You'll be alright, just tell her it makes you happy, that always works.

 

She knows me better than that been together for 17yrs.