Chipping a 2001 Audi A4. Worth it?

mp4nerd · #1 (**permalink**) 05-14-2009, 05:22 PM

Hey guys,

I haven't been on here in awhile. Been too busy with school and all but I just got my dad's 2001 Audi A4 B5 1.8T FWD and was wondering if it was worth it to flash the ecu? I went to a tuning place near downtown MIA a couple months ago and they advised against it since it was such as old model. Any suggestions? Besides money, I'm worried that the extra power from the chip would put more strain on the car than it can handle. By the way, the Audi is bone stock and my dad was the first owner w/ all scheduled maintenance and whatnot.

Also, is it true GIAC is the best for the b5 model?

Über 525i · #2 (**permalink**) 05-14-2009, 06:29 PM

if it has a turbo, i say... chip it :)

twolitrevw · #3 (**permalink**) 05-14-2009, 06:45 PM

first things first: don't take advice from the guy who doesn't have any experience.

software isn't that big a deal provided that the car is maintained properly and all of the items that will be affected by the modification are in good working order.

I had a B5 passat with 139,000 miles on it, and the software was done at 80,000 miles.

never had any issues other than normal wear and tear, and the occasional charge pipe popping off due to boost (easily corrected with a proper clamp; a $6 expense).

so before you do all that, make sure your CV boots are in good shape, your plumbing is solid, all of your vacuum lines are good, and all other maintenance is up to par. the only extra thing you'll need is a better DV and you'll be all set.

is it stick?

mp4nerd · #4 (**permalink**) 05-14-2009, 08:00 PM

Yeah, my car's manual.
I just had everything checked a week ago and all is in working order.
So, basically just get a performance DV and I'll be set to chip?

Is GIAC really the best for the B5's? I heard it gives the best low-end torque and smooth high-end.

Anyways, its still awhile away since I'm gonna drop my suspension first. Then put on my wheels. Then chip.

PanCubano · #5 (**permalink**) 05-14-2009, 08:08 PM

go with either GIAC or Unitronic.

mp4nerd · #6 (**permalink**) 05-14-2009, 08:24 PM

Unitronic torque gains are crazy!!

PanCubano · #7 (**permalink**) 05-14-2009, 08:29 PM

thats what i said when i learned more about it.

unfortunately, i already had a revo reflash by then.

i regret it sooo much.

jstdoit1112 · #8 (**permalink**) 05-15-2009, 10:58 AM

I enjoyed APR tune on my B5 Passat.

If you go with a TESTPIPE eventually APR = no CEL, GIAC = CEL, Unitronic = NO CEL

Unitronics also has the programing to remove your SAIP- secondary air injection pump.
Apr has some depending on your ECU
Giac doesnt off it

I say APR or Unitronics, coming from someone who owned a B5

Giac might work for some people but I will stick to APR or Unitronics.

surge911 · #9 (**permalink**) 05-15-2009, 02:50 PM

Sir. The best gaains would be from APR. I have revo on my b6 model a4 and regret it. Apr is better indeed. Revo would be better for the newer models. (2.0t)

twolitrevw · #10 (**permalink**) 05-18-2009, 09:04 PM

on the B5, APR is the way to go.

between my brother and I, we've had 3 B5s, all with the 1.8t. after plenty of experimentation, APR is the best way to go.