GIAC for DBC is $300, GIAC for DBW is $350 I think. You're gunna get some lag no matter what with any engine that has a turbo. Speedtuning's standard 1 bar chip will feel pretty smooth. The 1.1/stage 2 chip that i think most people got in the GB is gunna be not as smooth and more like GIAC if we had to compare them to any other chip.

 

I got my chip 5 or 6 months ago from them....the chip that i got was not specified...I am assuming it is just the standard....I spike at 18 and hold at 16...it is super smooth....

I am however dbc...so maybe the dbw tune is a little different...

but yeah, I woud start by changing to the correct temp. plug w the correct gapping...it will definitely make a difference...

there is also a period that the car goes through right after chipping, there the car must adapt to the added boost...from what i remember you are supposed to take it pretty easy through the first tank of gas....

 

I just got mine back tuesday and it seems very smooth. The chips on a 1998 a4 1.8. in 5th it spikes around 20 and holds about 18.

 

Bah! It is what it is. Not gunna make any difference wether you beat on it on the first start after reinstaling the ecu or not. The whole wait 5 mins with the key in the ON position before starting makes absolutley no sense either. It just takes a few drive cycles for fuel trims and all that to adapt and thats about it. You would actually want to put the car under all the different conditions/loads so it adapts quicker instead of sticking with one driving style for a period of time.