Ok so I've got a 2001 1.8 turbo quattro manual sport. Im looking to go the chip route. Now i've read all sorts of things about which chip I should get. Nothing is really pointing me in the right direction so i'm going to post a thread about it. I've got the AWM motor. From what a hear the GIAC chip is a more aggressive chip, but will provide me with the most gains. APR is the safest and most reliable chip. Speedtuning the cheapest and i suppose newest? Anyways hope i get a bunch of info on this, just to clear things up. Its not really a money issue, I just want a chip that will not harm the engine and be reliable and put some power down. Thanks in advance.
Tech Slut
if you plan on going big turbo in the future dont use any of them, and look into a tuning company that offers BT software as upgrades, then you are only spending money on the upgrade instead of the whole amount for tuning twice, if that makes sense. If you plan on going standalone in the future then get whichever chip you want now. I had APR 93 program on my k03, it was fun compared to stock, but got old quick (as they all will). My friend had GIAC on his k03 and our cars were pretty even. I then had GIAC for my k04 and it ran well and never disappointed me.
2nd Gear
I wish i had ridden in a different variety of cars with different Chips.. but i havnt so ill give it a shot from what ive heard and my experience with my car.. from all i read about the speedtuning chips, some people had problems, some didnt.. and all in all, id rule them out just for the simple fact that the last place you wanna skip on paying the money for a quality product is your engine.. and GIAC and APR have spent so much money and time PERFECTING their programs that, they are spot on and VERY reliable.. speedtuning i dont think has quite caught up yet.. now if youre between GIAC and APR, honestly youll get about equal performance out of either.. i hear the GIAC chips are a little more agressive down low.. which is honestly the route i would have went if i had a GIAC dealer near me, but my awesome master vw mechanic happens to be an APR dealer.. which is mostly why i went with them knowing they have an awesome rep.. my cars turbo isnt in the best shape, so i cant truly enjoy it 100% but it rocks.. it comes into power a litttle bit later i think than the GIAC.. right around 3000rpm.. and it pulls hard all the way to the top.. its a huge huge difference over stock, it truly does make your car completley different.. and you wont be dissapointed with either.. but i would skip out on speedtuning just cause they havnt been tested and proven over and over and over like giac and apr.. spend the money and go for it
ya, I have giac and apr dealers next to me, I just figured since I have the option to drive in to any of them same day that i would get some feedback. GIAC is a bit more expensive from what i gather then apr, but when your spending this kind of money what a $100.
4th Gear
Like previously stated, a lot of people whole loved speedtuning, but just as many who hate it. Stick with something with a good track record...
Or just go all out and get yourself an BT with some BT software, and some good supporting mods, then you can have some real fun!
Or just go all out and get yourself an BT with some BT software, and some good supporting mods, then you can have some real fun!
