Question about possible performance chip for my B7 A4

[xander3zero]

Hey guys, first time posting, I hope this is a decent spot for this thread...

I recently bought a 2006 (B7) A4 2.0t quattro (6 speed MT) with about 83k miles on it. Now at about 88k miles I am considering a performance chip and from all my research and some advice from friends I believe the APR stage 1 is the best option. I am just wondering if this is going to be too rough on my car since it is already closing in on 100k miles. I have not had the timing belt replaced yet, or the water pump or intake cleaning done as I was planning on doing all of those together at about 100k miles. I did have the PCV valve and thermostat replaced after i purchased the vehicle. I just ordered the upgraded "D" version Diverter Valve and plan to replace that myself as soon as it comes in. I see that the APR stage 1 chip has good reviews but I'm worried about getting CELs and other problems. I love my car and it drives great but i really want to get this stage 1 chip. I know my car already has some good mileage on it but I want to make it last several more years. I would opt out of getting this chip if i felt that it would seriously lower my cars chances of making it over 130k or even 150k miles. There is no real question to this post, just looking for any advice, ideas, help on what to do. I really want to get it chipped but my priority is the health of my car. Thanks.

Alex M

[PerryPhilly]

I used to own a B7 a4, but had to get rid of it due to financial reasons at the time. At the time I was running the GIAC chip on my B7. I got the car tuned at about 15k miles and put 30k absolutely abusive miles on the vehicle before I sold it. With that being said I had no problems with the car related to the chip. I had the normal pcv problems with the vehicle, but you already replaced that so that should not be an issue. I am currently running apr stage 1 on my B5. I purchased the vehicle with 118k miles on it. I currently have 135k and it's running strong. I would suggest doing the timing belt, water pump, etc before getting the chip though. Typically you'd change the timing belt and water pump around 80k. As long as you keep up with routine maintenance as you would on a vehicle without a tune, you shouldn't have any issues getting chipped. Hope this helps.

[Jhad]

Maintenance first.

then you can do whatever you want

[mr shickadance]

Hey guys, first time posting, I hope this is a decent spot for this thread...

I recently bought a 2006 (B7) A4 2.0t quattro (6 speed MT) with about 83k miles on it. Now at about 88k miles I am considering a performance chip and from all my research and some advice from friends I believe the APR stage 1 is the best option. I am just wondering if this is going to be too rough on my car since it is already closing in on 100k miles. I have not had the timing belt replaced yet, or the water pump or intake cleaning done as I was planning on doing all of those together at about 100k miles. I did have the PCV valve and thermostat replaced after i purchased the vehicle. I just ordered the upgraded "D" version Diverter Valve and plan to replace that myself as soon as it comes in. I see that the APR stage 1 chip has good reviews but I'm worried about getting CELs and other problems. I love my car and it drives great but i really want to get this stage 1 chip. I know my car already has some good mileage on it but I want to make it last several more years. I would opt out of getting this chip if i felt that it would seriously lower my cars chances of making it over 130k or even 150k miles. There is no real question to this post, just looking for any advice, ideas, help on what to do. I really want to get it chipped but my priority is the health of my car. Thanks.

Alex M

maintenance should be priority over performance.

do the maintenance, then do the chip.

[B7Joe]

If the car has a good service history and you are going to continue that, a stage 1 tune should not be a problem. I would personally just make sure all maintenance that it is due for (and the diverter valve) is done before the tune. The car will be transformed. Best $500 I've spent on my b7. :thumbup:

[mr shickadance]

Maintenance first.

then you can do whatever you want

effin ninja'd

[xander3zero]

I hate how Audi says dont change the timing belt till 110k miles but everyone who has ever posted about audis says 75-90k miles...you guys are making it hard for me to sleep at night. Any ideas whats a reasonable quote for timing belt, water pump, and intake cleaning all at once?? I can see that you can buy the timing belt kit fairly cheap but I bet alot of shops wont use it... this is probably one of the only maintenance issues that i wont attempt myself

thanks for the responses, appreciate the help

[LoKisSpYdR]

Likely $1200-$1500 at a shop, <$400 doing it yourself.

[Charles.waite]

Timing isn't that hard. If you pay attention to the details it's pretty damn simple. People just freak out because the consequences of having the timing be off are pretty dire.

DIY it its not hard.

As for the chip. Do it, but take care if the maintenance first. I jumped the gun getting chipped in my b6 and it was awesome or a few months but the added stress caused a few parts to fail. Nothing major and the car was 8 years old at the time, so nothing that I wouldn't have expected to be honest. 80+k is nothing for a well maintained Audi. B6 guys are pushing 150k easy with gtrs turbos on there for upwards of 50k. Just stay on top of the basics and you'll be fine.

[mr shickadance]

I hate how Audi says dont change the timing belt till 110k miles but everyone who has ever posted about audis says 75-90k miles...you guys are making it hard for me to sleep at night. Any ideas whats a reasonable quote for timing belt, water pump, and intake cleaning all at once?? I can see that you can buy the timing belt kit fairly cheap but I bet alot of shops wont use it... this is probably one of the only maintenance issues that i wont attempt myself

thanks for the responses, appreciate the help


it's the risk/reward thought process that makes us say you need to change it earlier than later.

sure your timing belt can prolly go even as far as 120,000 miles before failing, so why change it out at 75-90? it's because should your timing belt break:

1) you are completely out of waranty
2) the cost to repair a timing belt failure is almost as much as buying a used b7 a4
3) the timing belt maintenance is about 1,400 which is a bargain compared to what you are going to pay to fix your engine.


it's just something you look back on hoping you never say "shit....shoulda did that"

[chris@fifteen52]

I have been flashed with APR stage 1 since about 20k miles. I am at 188k miles on my B7A4 now and no issues with the chip. Like everyone has said do the maint first. Then chip it and buy ST coils from me and maybe wheels.

[Jhad]

I have been flashed with APR stage 1 since about 20k miles. I am at 188k miles on my B7A4 now and no issues with the chip. Like everyone has said do the maint first. Then chip it and buy ST coils from me and maybe wheels.

iseewhatyoudidthere

[chris@fifteen52]

Well for the month of June ST is doing a $100 mail in rebate so too good of a deal to pass up ;)

[A-BlacK_MambA-4]

Timing isn't that hard. If you pay attention to the details it's pretty damn simple. People just freak out because the consequences of having the timing be off are pretty dire.

DIY it its not hard.

As for the chip. Do it, but take care if the maintenance first. I jumped the gun getting chipped in my b6 and it was awesome or a few months but the added stress caused a few parts to fail. Nothing major and the car was 8 years old at the time, so nothing that I wouldn't have expected to be honest. 80+k is nothing for a well maintained Audi. B6 guys are pushing 150k easy with gtrs turbos on there for upwards of 50k. Just stay on top of the basics and you'll be fine.

Exactly this. If you consider yourself somewhat handy you can do this. Just takes time and patience. Definitely a job you don't want to rush at. I did it in about 7-8 hours, but that was with taking my time and making a drive to autozone to get stripped bolt removal sockets[headbang] Very handy to have for the crankshaft pulley bolts as most have had a few of them strip out on them. I think 2 of the 6 stripped out on me. I'm Revo Stage 2 and recommend it simply because it is all I've ever experienced and I like the fact I can make changes to the tune with my SPS device.

[xander3zero]

Thanks for all the help guys, I think im gonna get a quote for the timing belt, water pump, and intake cleaning all at once...is there anything else I should look into doing while I'm at it? I recently had my thermostat and PCV valve replaced about 5000 miles ago so those are fine.

[A4 Effort]

Why are you people paying $1400 to have your timing belt done!?

[Jhad]

Where are you in America op? Maybe we can have a zine gtg and help you DIY this

[LoKisSpYdR]

Why are you people paying $1400 to have your timing belt done!?

I wouldn't but average in mid-Atlantic for a B7 is $750-900 for timing belt service w/ tensioners and water pump, carbon clean at most dealerships runs roughly $500. This is why I suggested the OP to do himself or with help.

[master trojan]

I just had mine chipped with GIAC about a month ago I got an 2007 with 84k miles first thing I did was changed the timing belt, checked cam follower, chipped and installed 034 HFC. But be aware high mileage Audi's are like hot and awesome girls that are very needy. If you take care of them they will love you back if you ignore them they will screw you over.

Audi's just need regular "loving" aka repairs which are just part of the experience.

Usually after you chip it at higher miles your coils will go bad about $50. Your Diverter Valve will probably go too sooner or later $80. And out of experience don't try after-market DV, coils or spark plugs more headaches then anything else.

[A4 Effort]

I wouldn't but average in mid-Atlantic for a B7 is $750-900 for timing belt service w/ tensioners and water pump, carbon clean at most dealerships runs roughly $500. This is why I suggested the OP to do himself or with help.

That makes sense. You didn't mention carbon cleaning originally which is why i thought $1400 was outrageous.

But yes, OP, get a quote if you don't want to DIY. Don't know your location, but shop around, find local people/reviews on here. I'm sure you can find a reputable shop in your area that should be able to do it in the $800/900ish range, sans carbon cleaning

[master trojan]

If you find a good dealership I would recommend them. I have a friend at VW I get really good rates but their regular prices are less then most "performance shops" around Chicago. Don't be shy to at least get a quote from the dealer. If they are not too busy they will cut you deal.

[AWDftw90]

Where at around Chicago? I'm in St. Louis and have yet to find a good place and need the same thing, not sure if I can DIY that one. [:/]

[master trojan]

I am in the south suburbs. The dealership I go to is VW of Orland Park.

[LoKisSpYdR]

I hate how Audi says dont change the timing belt till 110k miles but everyone who has ever posted about audis says 75-90k miles...you guys are making it hard for me to sleep at night. Any ideas whats a reasonable quote for timing belt, water pump, and intake cleaning all at once?? I can see that you can buy the timing belt kit fairly cheap but I bet alot of shops wont use it... this is probably one of the only maintenance issues that i wont attempt myself

thanks for the responses, appreciate the help ^This is what OP said.

[waiapasi2006]

Hey there OP.
I had all that done at 65,000 miles. So don't even stress it.
It will give you a piece of mind to sleep at night. Not to mention I had to replace the TCM.
Go for it.

[master trojan]

Not to hijack the thread but is stage 2+ worth it? Its fitting to new B7 owners. Anyone in Chicago area wants to show off their stage?

[A4 Effort]

^This is what OP said.

My bad - i'll sit in the corner

[xander3zero]

Hey guys, I just talked to a reputable service center in my area for the job. They estimated about 1000 dollars for the timing belt, water pump, and carbon cleaning. Its a hefty expense but I trust them, they are professional, and they do great work. In my position I think this might be a better option than the DIY just because this is actually my first car, and although i consider myself handy, I think I should leave this one to the professionals, especially with the intake cleaning. My resources and tools are limited at my house so i think the best bet is to bring it in to the shop, but overall I'm not too upset paying 1000 bucks for all this maintenance. I'm definately going to be doing the DV valve myself as soon as the part comes in, and after that I think I'll have some serious piece of mind. I appreciate everyones input, I'm glad there is a community of Audi lovers out there who can help each other out...what a great resource! After all this maintenance I think I'm gonna get the APR stage 1 and see how it goes! Thanks guys.

Alex M

[LoKisSpYdR]

Dude if you're having them do all of that (and IMO $1k is a good price - if they carbon clean the right way) might as well have them throw in the DV while its in service mode, takes <5mins like that.

[master trojan]

1K is good price

[B7Joe]

Dude if you're having them do all of that (and IMO $1k is a good price - if they carbon clean the right way) might as well have them throw in the DV while its in service mode, takes &lt;5mins like that.

x2. For sure.

[xander3zero]

Dude if you're having them do all of that (and IMO $1k is a good price - if they carbon clean the right way) might as well have them throw in the DV while its in service mode, takes <5mins like that.

Your right i should do that, too bad this DV i orded is shipping from China (ordered on amazon through globemarket) and wont be here for a few weeks...guess it might be worth just waiting for it before I bring my car to the shop.

Can you elaborate on carbon cleaning the right way? and whats the wrong way?

[LoKisSpYdR]

DUDE!
You have a luxury German sport sedan.
DO NOT PUT CHINESE PARTS ON IT!!!!

If its shipping from China, it's Chinese. And OEM is not expensive. Buy an OEM and have it put on when you have it serviced.
Sorry to yell but there's really no excuse for this, like Drake's old grille.....remember that???
http://www.europaparts.com/diverter-valve-06h145710d.html
$60!

Carbon clean:
Here's Drake's DIY:
http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/443578-20-Carbon-Clean-up-2-0T-FSI-*reference-walkthrough*

That's the right way.

[xander3zero]

chill man im not a moron its OEM

http://www.amazon.com/06H145710D-Volkswagen-Jetta-Passat-Tiguan/dp/B005LMIBEO/ref=pd_sim_sbs_auto_2

this is the part right here, its clearly the exact OEM part...an authentic part doesnt have to ship from Germany to be real...

[LoKisSpYdR]

chill man im not a moron its OEM

http://www.amazon.com/06H145710D-Volkswagen-Jetta-Passat-Tiguan/dp/B005LMIBEO/ref=pd_sim_sbs_auto_2

this is the part right here, its clearly the exact OEM part...an authentic part doesnt have to ship from Germany to be real...

Dear sir,
Please research more. MotorKing, the manufacturer of the part you linked, is NOT an OEM supplier!
It literally said on their site, "Made to OE specifications."
THAT IS NOT OEM
Please trust me on this. Just because it looks the same, doesn't mean it is, and the Chinese are awesome at making parts that look identical, down to the QA stamp on it, but they do not function the same.

[LoKisSpYdR]

And it's more expensive than Europaparts' price!

[chris@fifteen52]

Too bad it is only $60 at Europaparts and you would have it in a couple days

[xander3zero]

Dear sir,
Please research more. MotorKing, the manufacturer of the part you linked, is NOT an OEM supplier!
It literally said on their site, "Made to OE specifications."
THAT IS NOT OEM
Please trust me on this. Just because it looks the same, doesn't mean it is, and the Chinese are awesome at making parts that look identical, down to the QA stamp on it, but they do not function the same.

I stand corrected, as i said in my one of my posts, first car, first audi, new to all this so still learning and had not found europaparts...
thanks for the info i'm going to order the one from europa and return the POS i originally bought..

[LoKisSpYdR]

No worries. While I can come off as a dick sometimes, I'm really just trying to help.

[B7Joe]

No worries. While I can come off as a dick sometimes, I'm really just trying to help.

I thought your "letter to the OP" was quite formal!