Mods for higher mileage vehicles

[Seerlah]

I just went to get my car diagnosed at a place for things to get my car in tip top shape before I start to mod (as I will have some money coming in soon). But the place I took my vehicle to also does tuning and I asked him about mods. He was telling me that with the mileage on my vehicle (112k), it is not safe to add a chip that adds so much hp&tq as it puts an extra strain on an older engine. He suggested a weaker chip such as Stratosphere and exhaust (he said something about turbo timer, but I do not mind sitting in my car for an extra minute or so). But I wanted a Dahlback, which he strongly disliked, or a GIAC x chip. What are your opinions on getting a chip for a vehicle this age (01) and this many miles (112k) and what you think effects on the engine could be?

and for your bt guys, I am sure you dislike this inquiry. but your opinions would be very much appreciated. thanks!

[Russell2686]

Im sure there will be a ton of people here telling you that they have way more millage then you and have been chipped since forever ago or BT since 1XX k miles. Personally i have about 106k miles and have been chipped since 92k(?). If your properly maintained 112k miles is nothing.

[dougyfresh]

Start with a compression and leak-down test to assess the mechanical health of your engine.

If those numbers are acceptable then I see no reason to modify the engine.

[Russell2686]

Start with a compression and leak-down test to assess the mechanical health of your engine.

If those numbers are acceptable then I see no reason to not modify the engine.

Is that what you meant?

[dougyfresh]

Is that what you meant?

No.

If the compression and leak-down numbers are within spec then I see the risk of modifying the engine (flash, bt, etc) is low.

[Seerlah]

There are 2 things I want to do to my vehicle first ($700 job parts and labor) that the mechanic said should have my car in tip top shape. He is a brother of a person I know whom works in an Audi dealership. So, after that, how would I do a compression test? As you might have noticed, I am not the most knowledgable when it comes to car mechanics.

[JumboBlack1.8]

Dahlback is def the best chip out there, no question. I had mine for 2 years, and I WOULD still have it if I wasn't going BT.....its the smoothest and most powerful chip....very reliable....but pricey

[arorem]

I think some [eople fail to realize that these kind of cars are made to last way longer that just 100k, but thats no reason not to maintain them, but 112k isnt shit, and if you plan to fix the existing problems than there is no reason not to mod it, so mod on.

[dougyfresh]

So, after that, how would I do a compression test? As you might have noticed, I am not the most knowledgable whe it comes to car mechanics.

Here.
http://www.audigeeks.com/forums/index.php?topic=2769.0
Fairly simple to do and Harbor Freight has cheap compression testers (clicky click).


Leak-down is a little bit more complex. Typically not conducted unless your compression test shows poor results. Its used to help verify what is going on (bad valve seats or piston rings).

[itsbigj05]

my car was chipped at 30k and it now has almost 120k on it. it still runs great and hasn't had any major problems

[Seerlah]

Thanks. I will more than likely bump this thread in a couple weeks (2-3) with update.

[Overboostin]

Yeah, If your car is fine, then there's no problem modding it.

[Rhinop21]

I chipped my car at 115k and the engine is still running fine but the turbo is starting to show wear. The bearings chatter and it screams after a little wot. im buying a new ko3s for 275 so that problem will be fixed.

[AudiRacerS4]

i went BT at 136,XXX and beat the shit out of my car

[mainer0311]

I've got 257k on the clock and have been running a PC-16 set up for 2k miles. I plan on going 2871r come summer time. The way I look at it is I'll rebiuld it when it blows, no sense fixing what isn't broken yet.

coop

[Seerlah]

I've got 257k on the clock and have been running a PC-16 set up for 2k miles. I plan on going 2871r come summer time. The way I look at it is I'll rebiuld it when it blows, no sense fixing what isn't broken yet.

coop

257k!!!!! Just made me reconsider my vehicle. Now I plan on keeping her for longer than I originally planned. B5 power

[A4Rob]

You will be fine. I have 142K and still pulls strong with the T28

[oneohone]

^^ Damn, some of you guys have these B5's going long and hard.


hehe.


But yeah, proper maintenance will help your car last long. Im at 120k now and going BT in the next couple of weeks.

[turboquattro]

Ive been running a TAP stage 3 kit since 70,000 miles and now im at about 140,000. No major problems other than the timing belt which had to be replaced anyway.

[Stampy]

Here.
http://www.audigeeks.com/forums/index.php?topic=2769.0
Fairly simple to do and Harbor Freight has cheap compression testers (clicky click).


Leak-down is a little bit more complex. Typically not conducted unless your compression test shows poor results. Its used to help verify what is going on (bad valve seats or piston rings).

That was an awesome DIY. Thanks for the link

[whoace]

I'll rebiuld it when it blows, no sense fixing what isn't broken yet.

coop

And you are a mechanic's dream customer. The WHOLE POINT of fixing things that aren't broken yet is because when something finally breaks, it is too late. Easy example of this is timing belt. Would you wait for it to snap before changing it?