Anyone know the main differences between flashloaded software and having a chip installed. Any major downsides to having the chip/software installed? And lastly, can it be removed and at what cost? Just got GIAC flash installed and getting scared about longevity of engine and any negative impacts it. May have short/ long term. Any chipping experts out there? Need to put my mind at rest

 

flash is a software mod

chip installed implies soldering a hardware piece into ECU circuitry that holds software mod

same end, somewhat different means. the flash is nice because it does not involving physically modifying the ECU

GIAC provides a feature that will let you switch between stock and chipped mode with the push of a button, will have to call them for prices and availability

Longevity and reliability issues depend on your driving style and awareness. Letting turbo warm up and cool down before and after heavy boosting, using synthetic oil, etc. should be done. The turbo is the is the concern, not the engine. You should prob run coller spark plugs and change the DV as well.

Most of this is in the newbie sticky.