Any issues to consider chipping at 81k?

[Blindsay06]

Just had some normal matinance done on my car and it is running well (did timing belt and a few others things) Dont want to put a lot of money into the car but i wanted to pep it up a bit but i was a bit concerned as it has 81k on it. It has a new clutch that is a bit better then stock and a Forge 007. Was thinking of doing the APR93 (APR dealer near me) program. Thought about the 1+ but it seems like alot more money (injectors) for not much more power.

Thoughts?

[ilko]

I'm in the same boat, but at 74K miles. My engine's in great shape according to the oil analysis reports that I get with every oil change. Car's been reliable for the 3 years I've had it except for a fuel pump and coil packs, but I'm tired of how anemic it feels. I'm upgrading the brakes and then I'm looking at a Unitronic Stage 1+ because there is a dealer close by.

[ultrasport69022]

i chipped at 95k and now at 115k runs amazing. like many people say, our motors r finally broken in at that milage.

[Skyler@Achtuning]

Wouldn't hurt to do a coil pack and plug change before the chip, check your vacuum lines and check valves too as they can leak with age.

[tamaneri]

well, at 85k i decided i would do software tune and injectors. and then came the test pipe. then came the exhaust, then came short shifter, then came the 007 DC, then came the new clutch (tune and injectors raped the stock clutch). then came the rs4 rear sway. Now coming is the suspension / tie rods / control arms, and potentially b6 s4 brakes.


i am now @ 99k. She runs like a champion, but i've also replaced a shitload of stuff. The reason I gave you that list is to prepare you for what happens when you get chipped..... you just want to keep going :)

[Blindsay06]

Wouldn't hurt to do a coil pack and plug change before the chip, check your vacuum lines and check valves too as they can leak with age.

Coil packs and plugs were replaced at like 65k due to a starting issue (bad coilpacks). I got a friend who is a VW nut so i can have him take a look at my vacuum lines and what not there.

Only other thing to really mention is i did the brakes recently and bumped the fronts up to the 3.0 brakes (not a big deal but i figured id mention it)

[kwimberly]

Sounds like you're all set for a Stage 1 tune. Lots of people experience a coil pack failure right after getting their ECU flashed, but I didn't. I chipped at about 65k. I'm at 88k now.

Since you already have a DV, I'd go ahead and also install a boost gauge before you get chipped. A boost gauge is an excellent diagnostic tool for leaks. I noticed that my vac level was off a little bit, and even though the car felt fine I tracked down a check valve underneath the intake manifold. Replaced it, and the vac was perfect again.

[BASARAB]

After chip I am pretty sure that u will have couple of vacuum leaks, because old hoses will give up. Other than that it seems that u are ready to go. But seriously, once u chip it, you will have a serious mod itch, its like a drug. Yeah, as Kwimberly mentioned boost gauge is a must.
P.S. Check my signature, or Kwimberly or Tamaneri lol Yeah, and my friend has 160k, beats the shit out of the car, (started modding at 100k) and is still running like a champ.

[tamaneri]

It gets the best of us :) :)

[itsmatt33]

i chipped at 93k. no problems other then minor things like boost hose, coilpacks dumb and cheap things that are expected

[Blindsay06]

Cool so i think ill do it then. Now i gotta decide between 1 and 1+, 1+ seems alot more money for not alot more power?

[CyberPMG]

Chipped (Stage 1+) at 44k miles, K04 at 93k miles, GT2871R Eliminator at 170k miles. Had to deal with vacuum leaks as mentioned, but everything is still solid at 189k miles. Key is to stay on top of maintenance (oil change every 5k miles w/ synthetic and large oil filter, timing belt and water pump change every 60k to 70k miles).

Stage 1 is a big jump from stock. Stage 1+ will give you that same feeling of increased power like you just went from stock to Stage 1 all over again. Stage 1 and 1+ are both safe and reliable setups regardless of tuning brand.

[Blindsay06]

Yeah its just the way i look at it

Stock 170/166
Stage1 215/245

Gain 45/79
Cost ~$500

Then going from 1 to 1+'
215/245
235/275

Gain 20/30
Cost ~$425 for injectors

[pondside36]

The real question is why haven't you already done it, and I went straight to +1, it is worth it. I did eventually go to GT28R but that is how the story goes, we always want more... :)

[BASARAB]

Yeah its just the way i look at it

Stock 170/166
Stage1 215/245

Gain 45/79
Cost ~$500

Then going from 1 to 1+'
215/245
235/275

Gain 20/30
Cost ~$425 for injectors

Injectors cost $285 from eurocode. I would not say that going from 1 to 1+ felt like being chipped all over again, but it feels nicer

[itsmatt33]

do it the way i did it.....

revo stage 1...simple enough
revo stage "2"... wait around in the classifieds for a test pipe/HFC(~100-300) and some 386cc injectors(~200)

[teg2audi]

Have you done the timing belt yet? I went APR stage 1+ and blew my flywheel when i left he parking lot and blew some vacuum lines a few months later but basically the ecu flash just exploits areas that were already failing just much quicker then if i stayed stock. It's still worth it though, no regrets