GIAC chip upgrade on a stock 1.8t

[jchalphin9137]

would anyone not reccomend a GIAC chip in my 03 1.8t? a local tuning shop awe tuning uses GIAC chips and it has the option to make it undetectable and you can physically remove it from the car but i heard that GIAC chips make it run a little too hard sometimes

[QuattroRocket]

Ive been running GIAC in 3 A4's for over 8 years and am very happy. I have run performance files, injector files and big turbo files all with great results.

These days "chips" are actually programs flashed onto the ECU so there is no more removal issues for dealerships and service.

Go for it and have fun.

Some will suggest one tuner over another but in the end a local shop you trust is the best deciding factor.

[eclimax13]

only problem ive heard is knocking with the giac chip...personally i have apr just because i have the lockout mode and stock file for when i go in for cpo service...theres no real better chip out there...no secret to making power over the other...so go for it

[chadb2434]

GIAC is what i've been running for a few years in my 03. Night and day difference between stock and chipped. Go for it! Don't think twice!

[dfresh000]

Been running GIAC since early 2004 and i love it. no issues whatsoever

[gullatec]

I was thinking the same thing OP. Here's my question:

Do you need a new DV for a stock car upgrading to GIAC?
Does the increase in horsepower make any engine components fail sooner?
How much strain/abuse does the turbo take from the increased boost?

[chadb2434]

It is recommended you get a DV before you chip, your stock one will fail..soon
Nothing eles will be effected except your happiness of your faster car!

[demea]

I was thinking the same thing OP. Here's my question:

Do you need a new DV for a stock car upgrading to GIAC?
Does the increase in horsepower make any engine components fail sooner?
How much strain/abuse does the turbo take from the increased boost?

Once you chip (APR, GIAC, Revo..), you should definitely replace the stock DV. You dont need to, but is strongly recommended.
The increased boost, not really HP makes things like hose clamps, vacuum lines and coil packs fail fairly quicker than stock. The engine, trans, turbo, SMIC, etc can take it all. It's not a HUGE increase in power, but enough to exploit points of failure.
Just dont beat your car all the time. You'll be fine and be glad you did.


FYI - AWE is one of the premier tuners in the greater Philly area.

GO PHILS!

[gullatec]

Does your gas mileage go down the tubes?

[demea]

Does your gas mileage go down the tubes?

If you floor it everywhere...yes.
If you stay out of the turbo (tough to do :)...not really.
Actually increased some members MPG

Makes the car more efficient. Gets to speed quicker. Doesnt make the car work as hard.

[LampyB]

i've got the Stage 1+ GIAC software and absolutely love it. my MPG is significantly better now, i think i've gained about 2-3 MPG. even when i push the car pretty hard i don't see mileage any worse than when i was stock...seems like a win win situation.

your stock engine comes detuned from the factory and simply flashing it won't hurt the engine. your little K03 turbo can put out significantly more boost than in stock form, so don't worry about causing harm. yes an upgraded DV is necessary with software, as your stock part will eventually fail.

if you have more questions just use the search function...there is a ton of info available on this.

[NCAUDI]

it will go up on interstate/Hwy trips.

[aalipio]

only Problem Ive Heard Is Knocking With The Giac Chip...personally I Have Apr Just Because I Have The Lockout Mode And Stock File For When I Go In For Cpo Service...theres No Real Better Chip Out There...no Secret To Making Power Over The Other...so Go For It

What's The Knocking From?!? Is It Normal?! I Wanna Try The Giac But I Dont Want No Damn Knocking...

[eclimax13]

What's The Knocking From?!? Is It Normal?! I Wanna Try The Giac But I Dont Want No Damn Knocking...

you'll have to ask people with giac...or do a search for giac knocking...im not sure what causes it, not everyone gets it either

[LampyB]

i've never had any knocking issues at all...fyi

[chadb2434]

My either...never heard of GIAC having a knocking issue.
Oh and BTW, Unitronic is getting big, I had their program before my GIAC and i loved it!

[OneBadAudi]

I would highly recommend Giac, great software, been runnin 1+ for almost 6 months and love it..very smooth..

[Turbo1A4]

ive got my 1+ and love it

[B5 Gang]

Bit late on the post but what does Stage 1+ GIAC tune on a 1.8T need?

[old guy]

Bit late on the post but what does Stage 1+ GIAC tune on a 1.8T need?

You will need larger injectors. Genesis 380's or Bosch TT225 386's both work well.

[B5 Gang]

That's it? Excellent.