Giac X-chip

[AWDTURBO]

I have actually been reading alot of comments about REVO and APR and i havnt really heard to much about GIAC. Is there a reason why?

I am doing to a dealership ( Jack Daniels ) Nearest to me that does AWE mod's and with the chip i will also get the vent gauge ..

Anyone have any suggestions weather i should stay away from it or is it a good chip ..

With APR, i have hear with some extra mod's a fuel pump will need to be purchased.

With REVO, i heard that the local tuners had bad rep's.

Discuss please .. [wrench]

[hail][hail]

[vtracer20]

Idn why giac's chip hasn't had too much talk on the forums...my car is chipped with giac x+. love the increase in power and with the chip flash loader i can put back to stock very quickly.

[AWDTURBO]

Nice .. i might go to GIAC [up] .. i checked on the website ( dont mind me it was 3 am last night ) and when reading HP and TQ numbers they were a bit confusing .. what gains do you get.

My friend with a MKV GTI with GIAC chip, intake and DV made 230 WHP. I know he is FWD and i know for a long run I will not make those numbers because i am AWD and its a heavier car but does it compete with APR and REVO ?

[Sanjman]

do GIAC or REVO... go with the nearest dealer and build a good reputation with them... that is MOST important. All three chips provide more or less the same output in horsepower and torque. With REVO you can custom tune yourself. APR is known to be 'set it and forget it' that allows you to switch from chipped to stock using your cruise control stalk. APR was known as best until people started complaining about the chip not being as smooth as others. 1 or 2 people might have switched from APR to GIAC/REVO and be much happier. If you are planning on getting an exhaust, you should go with a stage II software chip (from any of the mentioned chips). If you are going to get a fuel pump, you might as well buy the fuel pump with the chip software as it requires a different tune for the fuel pump to work at optimal settings.


Intake will not add much HP/TQ. Regardless of what chip you go with, you will enjoy your car much better than you did before.

Lastly, if you DO go chip, be sure to look into getting an aftermarket DV such as Forge or AWE (AWE is cheaper, but Forge came out first) because the stock DV tends to go out on most (but not all) cars.

That sums it up... but if you want to know more... I suggest you SEARCH like we suggest ALL new people to do before posting a thread that could have been answered immediately. There are 2 sticky's at the top of the B7 forum that you should read completely as well as they will provide you with a wealth of information.

[Brent27]

I have the GIAC X chip and love it.... I'm in florida and get a little bit of heatsoak (not a chip issue,more of a IC issues) but other that I can really feel the car pull in 2nd and 3rd...

[AWDTURBO]

do GIAC or REVO... go with the nearest dealer and build a good reputation with them... that is MOST important. All three chips provide more or less the same output in horsepower and torque. With REVO you can custom tune yourself. APR is known to be 'set it and forget it' that allows you to switch from chipped to stock using your cruise control stalk. APR was known as best until people started complaining about the chip not being as smooth as others. 1 or 2 people might have switched from APR to GIAC/REVO and be much happier. If you are planning on getting an exhaust, you should go with a stage II software chip (from any of the mentioned chips). If you are going to get a fuel pump, you might as well buy the fuel pump with the chip software as it requires a different tune for the fuel pump to work at optimal settings.


Intake will not add much HP/TQ. Regardless of what chip you go with, you will enjoy your car much better than you did before.

Lastly, if you DO go chip, be sure to look into getting an aftermarket DV such as Forge or AWE (AWE is cheaper, but Forge came out first) because the stock DV tends to go out on most (but not all) cars.

That sums it up... but if you want to know more... I suggest you SEARCH like we suggest ALL new people to do before posting a thread that could have been answered immediately. There are 2 sticky's at the top of the B7 forum that you should read completely as well as they will provide you with a wealth of information.

I have researched. In and away from the forums. I just wanted to know why GIAC was never mentioned as much as every other chip. I am currently looking for everything for my car ( DV and Intake. Exhaust will come later.) so when i chip it i have everything together and ready to go.

[AudiWxGuy]

I've experienced both GIAC-X and APR and I have to say that GIAC-X felt much smoother than the APR software.

[AWDTURBO]

I've experienced both GIAC-X and APR and I have to say that GIAC-X felt much smoother than the APR software.

See this is interesting and why i asked .. did you do APR then to GIAC

[AudiWxGuy]

I had APR for less than a month. I didn't like it. I got flashed back to stock, got my money back and bought an exhaust instead. That was over a year ago. I'm thinking I may go get a GIAC-X flash, but I'm not sure when. I'm also debating on whether I want to do that, or get new wheels.

[rnp614]

I have APR now and have tried Revo before this. I thought APR was the smoother of the two. People think my car is stock. They have no idea how much slower it should be though!

[b7ftw]

heres my car with the x chip... very smooth curve!!! i love it!

http://img291.imageshack.us/img291/2341/img2sy4.jpg

[AWDTURBO]

I might do GIAC .. i hope by this weekend to spend 1K on the audi [up]

[LampyB]

i'm in a B6, but GIAC 1+ is awesome. i've driven REVO before as well and it was a bit smoother throughout the power band. GIAC is more of a push you back into your seat software, as that is what they are known for. i liked this feeling a lot better than the overall smoothness of REVO. both are equally great as far as support and testing goes though...very reputable. i'm personally not a fan of any APR product, their quality hasn't been the greatest lately on the forums and everyone b*tches about poor corporate customer service (not individ. dealers or shops). there's people that swear by them and people that don't. to each his own.

[ABanT]

Another Giac chipped Audi signing in. Haven't tried any other chips but I love the Giac tune. 3rd gear is my favorite.

If I had to start from the beginning I'd consider either Giac or Revo. If you go with Giac don't forget to get the stock software and a flashloader.

[AWDTURBO]

thats the little hand held thing that changed from stock to stage 1 or 2

[ABanT]

Yea, I think it's got, Stock, Pump, Kill, Valet and Race? Not too sure about the race one, haven't looked at that thing in awhile. Plug it into the port in the driver footwell.

[Six Speed Turbo]

I have APR and the car is very smooth throughout the entire RPM range, I get better MPG, and it has alot of power all over. But, like stated above "to each his own". Your car, your decision.

[jmars]

I went GIAC b/c the tuner I had relations with sold it and spoke positive about it. This was my first "chipped" car so I had many questions. There is a lot to be said regarding establishing a relationship with your tuner

[dave405nyc]

giac-x ftw...got the chip a year ago, no problems with the car and pulls very hard...feels like a different car. i feel much more pull in 1 and 2 but 3 is just ok.

[dextrek]

you have to read this thread before you make any decision...
Justincreble did a: honesty test, timing test, A/F ratio, rev limit.
This thread should explain why GIAC "feels" quicker, yet APR and Revo makes better quarter mile time.

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=243685

[AWDTURBO]

you have to read this thread before you make any decision...
Justincreble did a: honesty test, timing test, A/F ratio, rev limit.
This thread should explain why GIAC "feels" quicker, yet APR and Revo makes better quarter mile time.

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=243685

ye i have read that [up]

[Sanjman]

that was an awesome write up, too bad it's not for our 2.0T's

[AWDTURBO]

that was an awesome write up, too bad it's not for our 2.0T's

so the results for us would be diff?

[p1nk50ck]

so the results for us would be diff?

awe's website claims that the b7 2.0T gets 260hp and 305tq at the crank with the X-chip.

http://www.awe-tuning.com/pages/shared/part_detail.cfm?PMaI=1&PMoI=35&PEI=25&PP=b7_a4_20t_chips.cfm&PPT=Chips&IL=b7chip

i'm assuming that's in the most ideal conditions. but still, it's some impressive gains.

i've heard good stuff about the GIAC x-chip. i am leaning towards getting one for my car.

[Brent27]

yea diff engines different timings, different ecu files.... I am not a gear head so maybe someone can chime in about the exact differences with numbers....

[AWDTURBO]

those are some pretty good gains :) .. im so torn .. so little money and time so much i want done

[dave405nyc]

you have to read this thread before you make any decision...
Justincreble did a: honesty test, timing test, A/F ratio, rev limit.
This thread should explain why GIAC "feels" quicker, yet APR and Revo makes better quarter mile time.

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=243685

that link applies to s4 v8 motors, no?

[AWDTURBO]

that link applies to s4 v8 motors, no?

yup lol

[p1nk50ck]

those are some pretty good gains :) .. im so torn .. so little money and time so much i want done

why the rush? enjoy the car for what it is. get used to each mod individually, and that way you can really appreciate what each upgrade does for you and your car.

[AWDTURBO]

Well the first thing i want is a chip and with that i need the supporting DV .. lol

[Austin@GIAC]

Thank you all for the kind words. The software upgrade is definitely the best bang for the buck on these cars.

AWDTURBO: The Jack Daniel's staff is a great group and they will definitely provide you with the good support that you are looking for.

I can say for certain, that you will definitely be surprised at the difference our software will make in your car.

[AWDTURBO]

Any discounts for us soon to join the GIAC group :). Theres a couple of people willing to get the chip [up] lol..

[TwentyValveB5]

*puts in vote for GIAC*

GF has a 5x flash on her '06 2.0tq and it's great. The torque can ramp up fast if you're not expecting it, so you do have to re-learn to drive a little, but the overall package is a hit!

[AWDTURBO]

when you buy the 550 software what do you get lmao

[Jersey Stephen]

REVO stage 2 FTW i beat a srt4 stage 2 on the way home from water fest

[Dcting]

I just finished reading about the differences in the X-Chip and S-Chip (250hp and ~260tq at the crank on S-chip and 260hp and 305tq at the crank on the X-chip!) from the awe website and was wondering why anyone get the S-Chip since its 10hp less for the same price... Is there something im missing here?

[AudiWxGuy]

I think the X-chip may only be avail for 6MT

[fatezero]

I have been running GIAC on my A4 since the DAY it came out and I must say I have had no issues at all, with 50K miles to date. 6spd Quattro BTW.

The power band is amazing and it is a super smooth feel. Of course, Jeff Moss at Tourqe Factory took care of me and he is a great guy to send your car to if your in the So Cal area

[dave405nyc]

I just finished reading about the differences in the X-Chip and S-Chip (250hp and ~260tq at the crank on S-chip and 260hp and 305tq at the crank on the X-chip!) from the awe website and was wondering why anyone get the S-Chip since its 10hp less for the same price... Is there something im missing here?

whats up dude hows it going? i think giac discontinued the s chip and replaced it with the x. they still prolly offer it for people whos fuel pump is weak tho

[supamannn99]

I got GIAC-x and I love it. its very aggressive but smooth. i max out at 23psi and my fastest 0-60 was 5.1 secs with two people in the car. i'm sure a quarter mile run will prove more but on a stock turbo and intercooler, i think thats pretty quick.

[autoverruckt]

APR is fine if you just plan to chip - but it seems to have some issues when you start trying to squeeze more power out of it (i.e. putting on every bolt-on minus a fuel pump). I had great results from my GIAC in my 1.8T too.

[AWDTURBO]

Im def going with GIAC

[AudiWxGuy]

I got GIAC-x and I love it. its very aggressive but smooth. i max out at 23psi and my fastest 0-60 was 5.1 secs with two people in the car. i'm sure a quarter mile run will prove more but on a stock turbo and intercooler, i think thats pretty quick.

That is very quick.

[AWDTURBO]

I went to Jack Daniel Audi today and spoke to Allen, very cool and down the earth guy. I hope to be doing alots of business with them :) .. GIAC here i come!

[rnp614]

That is very quick.

How many other mods are there? I seriously doubt you're at 5.1 with only GIAC-X

[AudiWxGuy]

Not me....

[rnp614]

Ya my bad, I was hoping it would quote your quote but no luck.

[supamannn99]

That is very quick.

the catch is that it was a cold night, i had a an almost empty tank, no spare tire, and no back seats, and the timer was based on a human operating a stopwatch. [>_<] It's probably not a very accurate representation of the chip but I like to think optimistically :)


How many other mods are there? I seriously doubt you're at 5.1 with only GIAC-X

I've got an intake with a custom heatshield, testpipe, exhaust, and, of course, GIAC-x. That's it.

[eskimopunk]

i've got unitronic, i think its awesome but haven't driven any other car with a chip so idk.. i've only got the 91 cos its the best you can get in vegas apart from 100 at rebel

[J. Moss]

I have been running GIAC on my A4 since the DAY it came out and I must say I have had no issues at all, with 50K miles to date. 6spd Quattro BTW.

The power band is amazing and it is a super smooth feel. Of course, Jeff Moss at Tourqe Factory took care of me and he is a great guy to send your car to if your in the So Cal area

Thanks So Much for the complement!!![up][up]

PM me your name.

Jeff

[ray-ray]

Thanks So Much for the complement!!![up][up]

PM me your name.

Jeff


i'll have to second Jeff's service. The GIAC programming is great, but its better when you get a tuner that takes his time with your car and he really treats your car as if it was his own. He flashed my old b6 a4 software with every b6 file possible including BT and i have zero complaints with his service.

If you're in the LA area or even Socal (i live almost 90 miles away from him in Riverside), go visit him it will be well worth it.
[up]

[p1nk50ck]

and the timer was based on a human operating a stopwatch. [>_<] It's definitely nowhere near an accurate representation of the real 0-60 time but I like to think optimistically :)


fixed [:D]

[J. Moss]

i'll have to second Jeff's service. The GIAC programming is great, but its better when you get a tuner that takes his time with your car and he really treats your car as if it was his own. He flashed my old b6 a4 software with every b6 file possible including BT and i have zero complaints with his service.

If you're in the LA area or even Socal (i live almost 90 miles away from him in Riverside), go visit him it will be well worth it.
[up]

Thanks Ray!

Give me a call sometime. Would like to hear what you have been up to.

Also, been working on some BT B7 A4's with VF-E.[:D]

[coolguy32]

does anybody know how much the psi is raised with the x-chip?

[AWDTURBO]

i think it gets upto 22-23 psi

[coolguy32]

i think it gets upto 22-23 psi

thanks!

[Brent27]

Thank you all for the kind words. The software upgrade is definitely the best bang for the buck on these cars.

AWDTURBO: The Jack Daniel's staff is a great group and they will definitely provide you with the good support that you are looking for.

I can say for certain, that you will definitely be surprised at the difference our software will make in your car.

hey I sent you a PM, get back to me when you can thanks !

[rnp614]

i think it gets upto 22-23 psi

more than revo then?! Seems that this is the most aggressive tune of all! DVs better watch out!

[NorcalPB]

the catch is that it was a cold night, i had a an almost empty tank, no spare tire, and no back seats, and the timer was based on a human operating a stopwatch. [>_<] It's probably not a very accurate representation of the chip but I like to think optimistically :)



I've got an intake with a custom heatshield, testpipe, exhaust, and, of course, GIAC-x. That's it.

No back seat? I thought you said you had two people in the car?

[coolguy32]

well, i was going to get the x-chip till i was told that i need to upgrade my fuel pump....i have an 05.5 and have the older gen pump.....so can't do it.

[acidrome]

sure you can. It's recommended to have a new HPFP but you can still get the x-chip.

[Vinscap]

Bought my car last Tuesday and got the X-chip on Wednesday. I can say that driving the car 1 hour apart the difference was HUGE. I am looking forward to adding some other goodies to the car very soon to help the chip enjoy itself.

[AWDTURBO]

sure you can. It's recommended to have a new HPFP but you can still get the x-chip.

:( i really dont wanna upgrade my my fuel pump

[acidrome]

then dont do it. Like I said its recommended, all major software companies GIAC,APR,REVO,Unitronics etc; all recommend a new HPFP but you dont have to.

[coolguy32]

sure you can. It's recommended to have a new HPFP but you can still get the x-chip.

http://www.awe-tuning.com/pages/shared/part_detail.cfm?PMaI=1&PMoI=35&PEI=25&PP=b7_a4_20t_chips.cfm&PPT=Chips&IL=b7chip

well i went here and read this too.......it's towards the bottom of the page any help would be great guys. thanks!![up]

[acidrome]

I have been chipped with GIAC-X for over 20k using the stock fuel pump. I have recently upgraded to a HPFP for the last 3K.

[coolguy32]

I have been chipped with GIAC-X for over 20k using the stock fuel pump. I have recently upgraded to a HPFP for the last 3K.

what year is your car?

[acidrome]

2007

[coolguy32]

your year is fine.......i have an 05.5 that's what it affects.

[acidrome]

I wasn't sure there was a significant change form the 05.5 to the 06's my friend has an 06 and has been running the same software with stock fuel pump for that same amount of miles as me.

Are you referring to the camshafts? You should give GIAC a call yourself and see what they tell you.

[coolguy32]

it's the actual pump itself, the newer pumps end with the letter "f" the older ones end in "b" they switched them out in 2005...some 05 have them, and others hve the old pump.....i just had bad luck this time. oh well.

[Alex/AWE]

sure you can. It's recommended to have a new HPFP but you can still get the x-chip.

Actually, he cannot.


your year is fine.......i have an 05.5 that's what it affects.


Some 05.5 cars have an older style fuel pump, these cars cannot be flashed with the GIAC X-Chip they can however be flashed with the S-Chip.

Heres a dyno chart for the S-Chip:
http://www.awe-tuning.com/media/dynosheets/b7a4/b7_a4_giac_dyno.jpg

While the gains are not as significant as an X-Chip, they would still be noticeable and give your car a nice increase in power.

[acidrome]

^ cool thanks for clerifying everything up, I wasn't aware that the 05.5's came with the older fuel pump

[coolguy32]

so would it be safe to say the s-chip is on par with the apr and what not??? no CEL right?? i like GIAC and might possibly just replace the pump for the x-chip.....but we'll see. i'll think about the sport chip, giac's power is smooth.....that's what i am looking for.

[DKE Gill]

M a noob so... I got an 08 b7 a4 2.0 t and love it stock... kinda am interested in getting the ecu done up but am really concerned how my dealership will react plus i dont want to spoil anything ( i know that one can set it back to factory before taking it back to the dealership for service)... I really like the Giac X-chip, i wanted to know who in real numbers is the fuel economy is affected... I get almost 28 city and 31 mpg on shell 91 (i live in East Lansing and drove Toronto and got 31 mpg ) so can someone with the chip tell me their MPG and also how the car has performed in the long run any problems...this is the first time i am posting on any forum

[Vinscap]

Drive it normally and you won't see much difference. Want to put a big smile on your face ? Give your right foot a workout. Gas milage will suffer.

[DKE Gill]

thanks ... even with no mods every now and then, when i go for my drives at 3 in the morning i get about 13 miles to a gallon... normal everyday 28 to 31...

[AudiWxGuy]

If you drive it normally, your gas milage may actually improve a little. If you go out and have some fun, our little 4 cyl engines eat through a lot of gas.

[sysadlight]

I got GIAC-x and I love it. its very aggressive but smooth. i max out at 23psi and my fastest 0-60 was 5.1 secs with two people in the car. i'm sure a quarter mile run will prove more but on a stock turbo and intercooler, i think thats pretty quick.


Are you still running the stock DV or did you change it out for an aftermarket one? How many miles do you have no the GIAC so far?

Calling a GIAC dealer tomorrow to schedule mine since the APR dealers in the area have nasty looking shops and scare the hell out of me trusting my car to them :(.

[AudiWxGuy]

i GOT 0-60 IN 5.85. SO HIS 5.1 MAY NOT BE TOO FAR AWAY IF YOU TAKE OUT THE SPARE AND HAVE NO ONE IN THE CAR AND THE AC OFF...

[AudiWxGuy]

Alright...SO I've done a 0-60 run in both stock and pump mode and here are the results.

Stock:
Air Temp: Mid 40's
60': 4.35 seconds
0-60: 7.80 seconds

Pump(Flashed):
60': 2.34 seconds
0-60: 5.85 seconds

The stock time was done with about a quarter tanks and flashed run was done with about half a tank of gas.

I did both runs using the iPhone app, Dynolicious. Seems to be pretty accurate.

[Montreal Ray]

Heeeeeelllp lol

I to am concidering a GIAC this spring. I have a couple of questions, hope you guys can help.

Before I bought my B7 I had a 2000 A4 1.8T. I got it chipped with GIAC and I loved it. What I did was, I found a spare ECU on Ebay (same part number obviously) and I got it chipped. This way, every time I had to get warranty work done I would swap in the un-chipped ECU just in case.

From what I have read, you can not get a spare ECU for the B7 2.0T’s and have the chip welded into it instead of the original one? Is there even an actual chip to install or is it done via vag programming only?

I have also read that you can get it coded so you can use the cruse switch to set it back to stock? I would hate to lose my cruise control hehe.

Someone please clarify this for me, as you can see I am very confused about B7 chipping lol [wrench]

thanks,
Ray

[Alex/AWE]

Heeeeeelllp lol

I to am concidering a GIAC this spring. I have a couple of questions, hope you guys can help.

Before I bought my B7 I had a 2000 A4 1.8T. I got it chipped with GIAC and I loved it. What I did was, I found a spare ECU on Ebay (same part number obviously) and I got it chipped. This way, every time I had to get warranty work done I would swap in the un-chipped ECU just in case.

From what I have read, you can not get a spare ECU for the B7 2.0T’s and have the chip welded into it instead of the original one? Is there even an actual chip to install or is it done via vag programming only?

I have also read that you can get it coded so you can use the cruse switch to set it back to stock? I would hate to lose my cruise control hehe.

Someone please clarify this for me, as you can see I am very confused about B7 chipping lol [wrench]

thanks,
Ray

Ray,

While what you did was popular with the 1.8Ts, but its not possible with the new 2.0T motors. There is a built in immobilizer that is matched with the cars VIN Number. Putting a different ecu into your car, if it even worked, could cause problems.

Even if it were possible, there is no reason to do this. When you take your car to the dealer, just flash it to the Stock Mode.

If you're worried about warranty work, I'd talk with your dealer. There are many dealers nowadays that sell performance products and will do warranty work on a modified car.

GIACs switching is done through a small handheld device called a Flashloader.
With GIAC, programs can be switched on the fly. Letting a spouse drive the car and don't trust them with the all that power? Plug in the Flashloader, switch to the stock program and they will only be able to access the stock power levels. When you get the car back just plug in the Flashloader, flash it back to the file you want and you're ready to rock and roll. [drive]

GIAC does not solder in a physical chip into the ECU of the modern VAG cars. All software for the B7 is flashed to the ECU through the OBD2 port.

Hopefully that's answered your questions. If you have anymore please feel free to ask.

[Montreal Ray]

Ray,

While what you did was popular with the 1.8Ts, but its not possible with the new 2.0T motors. There is a built in immobilizer that is matched with the cars VIN Number. Putting a different ecu into your car, if it even worked, could cause problems.

Even if it were possible, there is no reason to do this. When you take your car to the dealer, just flash it to the Stock Mode.

If you're worried about warranty work, I'd talk with your dealer. There are many dealers nowadays that sell performance products and will do warranty work on a modified car.

GIACs switching is done through a small handheld device called a Flashloader.
With GIAC, programs can be switched on the fly. Letting a spouse drive the car and don't trust them with the all that power? Plug in the Flashloader, switch to the stock program and they will only be able to access the stock power levels. When you get the car back just plug in the Flashloader, flash it back to the file you want and you're ready to rock and roll. [drive]

GIAC does not solder in a physical chip into the ECU of the modern VAG cars. All software for the B7 is flashed to the ECU through the OBD2 port.

Hopefully that's answered your questions. If you have anymore please feel free to ask.

Thanks for the reply Alex, that definatly answers my questions.

Couple more for you if you don't mind.

If I switch back to stock with the flashloader before any warranty work is done, can the dealer notice..can they detect that its been "chipped".

I want you guys to handle this for me, being in Montreal, how do we do this? I guess I would need to send you my ECU...assuming it can be coded outside of the car?

thanks,
Ray

[218army]

M a noob so... I got an 08 b7 a4 2.0 t and love it stock... kinda am interested in getting the ecu done up but am really concerned how my dealership will react plus i dont want to spoil anything ( i know that one can set it back to factory before taking it back to the dealership for service)... I really like the Giac X-chip, i wanted to know who in real numbers is the fuel economy is affected... I get almost 28 city and 31 mpg on shell 91 (i live in East Lansing and drove Toronto and got 31 mpg ) so can someone with the chip tell me their MPG and also how the car has performed in the long run any problems...this is the first time i am posting on any forum

I have the X-chip in my Avant. I have only had this car for about 3000 miles, it now has 13K on it. The best mileage I have seen in 10 tanks of gas has been 25.2, and that was coming back from vegas where I bought the car. These are hand calculated numbers, not the trip computer. On avg, I get about 21.5 to 22 MPG. I am not sure if these numbers could be attributed to the chip. I got the car with 10K miles and it already had the chip. I hoping that since my car is at the end of its service interaval, some of the MPG might come back with a fresh service I am getting done on monday. I will bring up the MPG issue to the dealer and see what they say, b/c it seems like everyone one here gets way better mileage. As far as feeling the power, the X-chip feels very smooth, especially on those cold mornings.

[AudiWxGuy]

Thanks for the reply Alex, that definatly answers my questions.

Couple more for you if you don't mind.

If I switch back to stock with the flashloader before any warranty work is done, can the dealer notice..can they detect that its been "chipped".

I want you guys to handle this for me, being in Montreal, how do we do this? I guess I would need to send you my ECU...assuming it can be coded outside of the car?

thanks,
Ray

I tried the flashloader for the first time this morning. Couldn't have been easier. Literally takes 10 seconds to switch. I drove it in stock mode for a few miles, just to see what it was like. I put it back in chipped mode and I could really feel where the power comes in compared to stock. Mainly 1st, 3rd and 4th gears is where most of it seems to be. I love all the torque in first it's great. But you have to watch your RPM's b/c you get up there real quick.

You will not be disappointed with GIAC. DO IT...DO IT! LOL

[steve9989]

are you sure you wanna go to jack daniels to get your chip? they're charging over 1k for it.

[AWDTURBO]

are you sure you wanna go to jack daniels to get your chip? they're charging over 1k for it.

not charging me 1k

[yettavr6]

give jack daniels a big FU from me, thnx

[steve9989]

what's the charge then? I've emailed them and spoken to the tech guy in person, and theyre charging somewhere around 1500.

[AudiWxGuy]

That's for the STaSIS chip. Not the GIAC chip. Big difference. The STaSIS flash is a detuned GIAC-X flash. Your audi power train warranty is then voided, and picked up by STaSIS. So all warranty work is paid for by STaSIS, not Audi. That's what it costs so much.

I would just find a GIAC dealer near you, and get flashed there. If you have to take the car into your dealer, just swing by the shop for 20 mins and have them flash you back to stock. Easy as pie.

[AWDTURBO]

give jack daniels a big FU from me, thnx

y?

[Alex/AWE]

Thanks for the reply Alex, that definatly answers my questions.

Couple more for you if you don't mind.

If I switch back to stock with the flashloader before any warranty work is done, can the dealer notice..can they detect that its been "chipped".

I want you guys to handle this for me, being in Montreal, how do we do this? I guess I would need to send you my ECU...assuming it can be coded outside of the car?

thanks,
Ray

Not at all Ray, keep them coming.

The dealer will not be able to detect it has been chipped.

Yes we can flash your ECU outside of the car. Best way to coordinate everything is to call and speak to John or Mike. They handle most of the GIAC flashes that come in and will be able to take care of everything for you.

Just so you have an idea of what is involved, here is the process:
1) Remove your factory ecu.
2) Place ecu in a package and make sure its well protected. A replacement ecu is very expensive and we don't like to take chances.
3) Overnight the ECU to us with a note inside containing your name, address, contact info and who you spoke to at AWE.
4) We will then flash the correct programs onto your car and overnight it back to you.
5) Once you've received the ecu, install it into your car and [drive].
6) Try (and fail) to wipe the grin that will be plastered on your face.

[Montreal Ray]

Not at all Ray, keep them coming.

The dealer will not be able to detect it has been chipped.

Yes we can flash your ECU outside of the car. Best way to coordinate everything is to call and speak to John or Mike. They handle most of the GIAC flashes that come in and will be able to take care of everything for you.

Just so you have an idea of what is involved, here is the process:
1) Remove your factory ecu.
2) Place ecu in a package and make sure its well protected. A replacement ecu is very expensive and we don't like to take chances.
3) Overnight the ECU to us with a note inside containing your name, address, contact info and who you spoke to at AWE.
4) We will then flash the correct programs onto your car and overnight it back to you.
5) Once you've received the ecu, install it into your car and [drive].
6) Try (and fail) to wipe the grin that will be plastered on your face.

Sold :-)

I will hit you guys up as soon I smell spring in the air.

thanks!

[yettavr6]

I heard BMW got smart with the 335 and was able to detect chipped cars by looking at the ECU logs (boost, fuel trim, timing, etc) Don't you think it's possible for Audi to do the same thing? Or does the flashloader wipe out these logs when you flash back to stock?

[sysadlight]

I heard BMW got smart with the 335 and was able to detect chipped cars by looking at the ECU logs (boost, fuel trim, timing, etc) Don't you think it's possible for Audi to do the same thing? Or does the flashloader wipe out these logs when you flash back to stock?

Good question. Anyone from GIAC confirm or deny this?

I'm still trying to find time to get to a GIAC dealer in my area. I've given up on the APR dealers as they do not seem to be the best resource to get this done. Not confidence inspiring businesses. Wish there was a shop for them in my area that was cool but oh well.

Hopefully can get to a GIAC dealer in Ayer MA this week...

[fatezero]

Audi ECU's don't store logs. Neither do BMW's. The only way anyone can tell you have a "flashed" car is by real-time logging the boost leval of your car with a VAG. I have had my car flashed since the first day GIAC had a program for the B7 and have taken it to the dealer 7 times with no issues.

[Montreal Ray]

Audi ECU's don't store logs. Neither do BMW's. The only way anyone can tell you have a "flashed" car is by real-time logging the boost leval of your car with a VAG. I have had my car flashed since the first day GIAC had a program for the B7 and have taken it to the dealer 7 times with no issues.

Thanks for the info!

Btw, your 2002 Aprilia RS250 2-Stroke is one sexy bike! stock?

[fatezero]

No, not stock. It's got pistons, exhaust, and Ohlins rear. Best part is it is California Registered ;o)

I would PM Austin@GIAC about your car though. He is the "brain" when it comes to Audis