Hey All - I'm a newbie here, but it seems to be a great site with great input! Hoping you can shed some light on some questions...

I'm considering purchasing a '03-04 A4 1.8T and have read a bunch of your posts regarding replacing the ECU with and APR chip. I've driven the stock 1.8T and, coming from a V6 in my current car, it seems somewhat unresponsive by comparision. So my questions are:

1) how much of a difference does the chip actually make? Does it feel like you're driving a hopped up 4 cylinder, or does it feel more like a 6 cylinder?

2) Does anyone know about how the chip affects the lifespan of the engine? Should I be concerned with shortened life due to a higher-performing chip?

3) I've read a little about APR's chip and its ability to allow me to toggle between chipped and non-chipped modes... but even if using this feature, how likely would it be for the dealer to be alerted to the mod? Don't want to void a warranty, if at all possible.

4) Last question - most of what I see on the posts is regarding 1.8Ts. What about the 3.0? I'm assuming that chips aren't an option for the 3.0? If one were to choose between a chipped 1.8T (APR stage one) and a 3.0, what would you guys choose and why?

Thanks for the info...and sorry if some of this stuff is pretty basic. Just wanted to get the facts before I decide to pull the trigger!

 

the ammount of power you see will depend on the chip. stay away from the neuspeed chip but look at apr and giac. giac is more aggressive and apr is smooth (so ive heard)

the chip will not effect the lifespan of the engine if well mauintained with proper fluid changed and plugs and wires. it is reccomended that the diverter valve be upgraded though. check out the links at the top of the a4 section and all these products can be easily found there.

from what ive heard aprs chip will indeed be un noticable by the dealer.

the reason the 3.0 doesnt see much from a chip is because its not a turbocharged engine. forced induction is easily modifyed through your computer. your best bet is to go wit the 1.8t if you plan on modding (there are millions of upgrades out there for reasonable prices) your car because if you go with the 3.0 the only way to see major power increases is through a super charger which is expensive.

 

Hey welcome to the forum. Please make A4 specific questions in the right forum (A4). This forum is purely to introduce yourself.

 

Thanks for the info...and the welcome. I wasn't sure if these were too basic of questions for the A4 forum, but I appreciate the heads up. I'll post the questions there too.

Thanks again - great sight that you guys are running!