Idiots Guide to Chipping

[VEEDUB69]

Hi Guys,

I was reading about the APR chip which gives an extra 40kw 50nm for Polo GTI for about $1750. I've never really been into modifying cars but this interests me as it sounds simple enough. I dont know a lot about this so I would like to know;

A. How do you get it, do you leave your car & get it installed or send away for the chip & diy, if so is it easy?

B. How does it work in real world, ie do you flick an installed switch in the dash for the extra power or is it always on?

C. Do you use your cruise control buttons to operate it, if so does the cruise still work after installation?

D. Does it substantially increase fuel consumption?

E. Can you really feel the difference?

F. I'm a bit worried about warranty I guess they have to prove it damaged whatever goes wrong to knock back a claim, would this be correct?

All info appreciated :)

[dodgeGTI]

so many threads that will answer your questions, try searching the forum n:

[GoLfMan]

u dam right ull feel the difference... its brutal!!!

[gpk_gti]

Sorry dodgeGTI, We are a bit more friendly then telling people to go search the forum. If someone knows the answer then it doesnt hurt typing it up.

A. AFAIK all Flashes for the Polo GTI are done within Half an Hour while you are there.

B. Its always on.

C. With APR you use the cruise control stalk to swap between Stock and 98 ron program. Not all companies use the stalk and not all companies give you more then one MAP.

D. Increase no. From what i have read it can decrease. The only reason it will increase is the weight of your right foot.

E. Hell Yes. A totally different car.

F. Correct if they can prove the chip caused the problem they CAN void warranty but this doesnt always happen.


here are some addresses you can search at,

http://www.oettinger.com.au/
http://www.mtm-online.de/en/ (dont think the have a pologti chip)
http://www.goapr.com.au/
http://www.giacusa.com/
http://www.custom-code.co.uk/

Hope this answers some of your questions. I know apr give a 6 driving hr trial you can try. the other companies most likely do as well.
there are a few members with their own cars chipped here,and im sure some will poke their heads out and tell you their story.
my personal advice to you is,take all written gains with a grain of salt,and make sure you test drive a chipped car of that brand before you buy..

good luck with your search!!:)


ps-if all else fails you can try this type of chip-
http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/newforum/upload/showthread.php?t=5927

[Eddy]

Hoyhoy.
Man, there is no other Bang for Buck to match it. I've had it right from the word go & it got switched off once for 10 mins & never again.
P.S.You won't be sorry if you go ahead with it.

[Golf Loon]

Welcome VeeDub69, stick around, I reckon you`ll like it here.

Thats a very nice and informative reply GPK_GTI. Thanks

[Eddy]

Hoyhoy.
That George knows everything, hey.

[dodgeGTI]

Sorry dodgeGTI, We are a bit more friendly then telling people to go search the forum. If someone knows the answer then it doesnt hurt typing it up.

It wasn't my intent to be 'unfriendly'... but there is a search facility.

We keeps the threads rather that pruning them for new users to read, or existing users to re-visit, and add comment to. I'm sure I'm not the only one who desn't like seeing new threads on existing issues?? :confused:

[poloplayer]

Maybe sticky the thread.

I too am considering chipping mine :) But doesnt it give the GTI 42kw and 118Nm more?

Got a few questions too though:
How might this affect insurance?
And will it shorten the lifespan of the engine?
And has anyone gotten a 0-100 time for a chipped car yet? j:

[shaneth]

dont worry about it dodge, its just with topics like this sometimes its hard to search and the answers are all over the place. I know in other forums thats the standard response and it can turn people off if they have already searched and didnt find exactly what they want. Im sure gpk_gti didnt mean anything by it.

[shaneth]

Maybe sticky the thread.

I too am considering chipping mine :)

Got a few questions too though:
1 But doesnt it give the GTI 42kw and 118Nm more?
2. How might this affect insurance?
3. And will it shorten the lifespan of the engine?
4. And has anyone gotten a 0-100 time for a chipped car yet? j:

1. You have to remember that those gains are at the flywheel. You should be looking at 125kw@w and there are dynos to show that. And by the seat of my pants yes you do get that much increase. Totally different car.
2. Insurance, well that depends who you are through, some wont allow any mods where as im allowed unlimited mods.:D
3. shorten the life span. to be honest thats a hard one. someone else could help but from what i have read there are plenty of mk4 gti's (similar setup) that have been chipped from day dot and still going strong, and other with insane amounts of hp out of them. It could affect the turbo as you are uping the boost but as long as its within the efficiency range i dont think there will be much of a problem.
4. Nothing definite i dont think. A polo with Oettinger and Exhaust ran an awesome time. i wil try and find out.

[gpk_gti]

sorry dodgegti,:odidnt mean to come accros agro to you!:D!forgive me????pretty please??:D just its much nicer to reply than to force peeps to use search.as shaneth said,there are so many threads about this,its just so hard to find all the info you need.maybe admin and mods should sticky just one chip forum in each of the models to save the hassle...

[dodgeGTI]

sorry dodgegti,:odidnt mean to come accros agro to you!:D!forgive me????pretty please??:D just its much nicer to reply than to force peeps to use search.as shaneth said,there are so many threads about this,its just so hard to find all the info you need.maybe admin and mods should sticky just one chip forum in each of the models to save the hassle...

You're right, there are chip threads here there and everywhere! We need one thread when at the options are laid out wihtout starts 'chip wars' (how lame if you were to entering into chip arguments).

Price - claimed power increase - evidence - testimonials.

If someone then wants to come in and bag one option, then the mods should step in.

P.S. I forgive you :D

[shaneth]

Ok this thread has been made a sticky. I will be keeping a close eye on it to make sure it satys clean.

[natee]

Maybe sticky the thread.
And has anyone gotten a 0-100 time for a chipped car yet? j:

This was mine whilst it was on the APR trial:

http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/newforum/upload/showthread.php?t=5303

i think the time was 6.26 for 0-60mph compared to 7.4 whilst stock

[DubSteve]

Dyno your car before and after and see what happens. Or throw in a bigger turbo that usually did the trick.

Bigger chip manufacturers offer turbo upgrades as well as other performance upgrades.

[leck]

I do some IT work for a vw authorised repair center and spoke to the owner about chipping my wee beast. He basically said i was crazy and it would definately void warranty if anything went wrong.

Wouldnt mind hearing some other feedback on it from you guys. I have read that APR encrypts it etc but either way VW could always say that there is something there and use it for a reason to void.

I could always wait till the warranty is done though. At the rate of K's im doing that will probably be about a year ;)

[PeterHBne]

If you have any waranty problems in the area of motor/drivetrain/suspension/brakes and you have a chipped motor and they know about it, they are not liable to honour any waranty in these areas and they are unlikely to want to do you a favour.

Generally speaking, any motor dealer of any brand will do anything to get out of having to honour waranty responsibilites.

If you perform a modification that increases available power by 30 to 40% do you really think this won't affect your warranty or insurance (if it can be proved)???????

[VEEDUB69]

Thanks for all the info guys, btw didnt mean to start any arguments, yeah it is sometimes hard to find stuff in here, I'm willing to take the risk of upsetting the minority for the sake of getting the info I require :D Still undecided :?: but now have a bit more food for thought :confused:

[Guy_H]

If the warranty is a real issue (Which I can understand it is), pay the extra $100 & get the Oettinger warranty (discussed before) - there are at least 15 VW dealerships around the country that can help you out with this!

http://www.oettinger.com.au/oau_warranty.html

[DaveMack]

I do some IT work for a vw authorised repair center and spoke to the owner about chipping my wee beast. He basically said i was crazy and it would definately void warranty if anything went wrong.

Wouldnt mind hearing some other feedback on it from you guys. I have read that APR encrypts it etc but either way VW could always say that there is something there and use it for a reason to void.

I could always wait till the warranty is done though. At the rate of K's im doing that will probably be about a year ;)

How does this comment gel with the VW agency in Brisbane offering Guy Hardings' APR chipping to their customers? I believe your warranty is only voided if it can be proved that the altered software causes a problem.

Dave

[shaneth]

How does this comment gel with the VW agency in Brisbane offering Guy Hardings' APR chipping to their customers? I believe your warranty is only voided if it can be proved that the altered software causes a problem.

Dave

that was my understanding to dave, thats also what vw have told me when i was talking to the mechanic.

[dilbert_rocks]

How does this comment gel with the VW agency in Brisbane offering Guy Hardings' APR chipping to their customers?

One of the Brisbane salespeople I spoke with said that "chipping" a car would definately void the VW warranty. But then he said that if he bought a new VW, it would be chipped the same day!

[shaneth]

Ok from what i know its up to the discretion of the Service Manager, other forums tell of some who have it voided and some who didnt care about the chip.


One of the Brisbane salespeople I spoke with said that "chipping" a car would definately void the VW warranty. But then he said that if he bought a new VW, it would be chipped the same day!

[DaveMack]

Well ... the next time mine is serviced, it's gonna be a bit difficult to cover the APR Tuned badge on the back. Guess I could put the Smiths Chips logo over it again. :D

Dave

[gpk_gti]

if this is right,why did the salesman tell my cousin when he got his r32 new that he could get it chipped for $2500??? seems ok for warrenty when the dealer "installs" it ,in other words,makes the extra $500+!!! I agree with davemack and im sure the trade practises act will cover you.Ask guy or seb how many chips they do for dealers!!

[shaneth]

i talked to my dealer about it but he said a clause would be written into the contract.

[Wand Weaver]

It's an aftermarket performance enhancing modification.

Your warranty WILL be void if VW Australia play hardball on an engine failure, especially if it can be proved that it was caused by the engine running leaner than spec at WOT (all cars will run slightly rich at WOT as a safety buffer). Even a turbo failure will be highly suspect if you've got an aftermarket chip - the K03 wasn't designed to handle sustained amounts of high boost.

Car manufactuers rarely play nice on expensive warranty jobs, and I doubt that VW would be any different.

[shaneth]

ok im going to have to step in here, this thread isnt about discussing if it voids the warranty or not just answering simple questions about chips. When it comes to the chip voiding waranty no one really knows. As i have said before there are cases where they fixed a chip car and cases where they wont. Lets leave it at that. If you are worried about the warranty that much its best not to chip. Lets leave it there please.

[Cygnus]

On another note regarding chipping, which I am thinking about doing some time down the track, what other modifications would you require/recommend to keep the car safe with all that extra power? Tyres? Brakes? Suspension?

[shaneth]

Great question cause alot of perople forget about these things and wonder why the car isnt all it can be. Having said that for normal everyday drving it would be fine imho its only if you want to track or mountain run it that you may cnsider doing the below.

All of the above,

Seriously thou, i am no expert but this is what i think

Tyres - Conti's are not bad tyres, there are definitly better out there but they will be fine for normal driving. personally i will be tracking new conti's and eventually getting a set of semi slicks on my spare set of rims.

Brakes - I have driven eddy's car with ebc green stuff and new fluid. That was great compared to stock and i have heard in the faq section that the Ferodo 2500 are better again. There are also disc upgrades and you could even fit TT brakes. I will be fitting Ferodo after my first track day as i want it to be as stock as possible when i do my first track day so i can feel the difference.

Guy is using -TT 228mm front brakes & greenstuff pads all round
Martini GS 610 brake fluid (much better brake feel)


Suspension - Once again a few options, Lowering springs on standard struts, sports Strut and spring combo and coilovers. I am still tossing up if i want the combo or coils.

H&R - http://www.tccamotorsport.com.au/suppliers.php
Eibach - http://www.eibach.com.au/page2.html
KW - http://www.inmotive.com.au/
Bilstien - http://www.bilstein.com.au/

I will try and add details later as to options.

[Funkdancer]

Would love details on brake fluid. If anyone's driven an Accord Euro, that's how I like them. About 2x the force is required in my Polo, can catch me off guard at times.

[DubSteve]

Coilovers are the best suspension upgrade your are going to get, but in returns it is expensive.

Sorry not to mention anything off topic, late call but if you get your car serviced can't you just changed fuel programs with the chip, back to standard and they won't know a thing?

Guy did a pretty big brake job on his Polo huge disk and breaks how much that set you back Guy?

[Guy_H]

Coilovers are the best suspension upgrade your are going to get, but in returns it is expensive.

Sorry not to mention anything off topic, late call but if you get your car serviced can't you just changed fuel programs with the chip, back to standard and they won't know a thing?

Guy did a pretty big brake job on his Polo huge disk and breaks how much that set you back Guy?

We went to Alcon / Stasis brakes on the front of the Polo - for constant use - you cant beat them.

Worth a look is the new Brembo's from APR (currently on special) - RR $2495 - you will need a 17" wheel to fit over them!

[Eddy]

Hoyhoy.
Well people I'm happy with the changes I've made.
No1 = APR
No2 = Green stuff pads
No3 = Penrite Dot4 brake fluid
No4 = KW V3 coilovers
The little girl is a blast to drive & I'm enjoying her heaps.

[Timbo]

I've missed making a contribution to this, but I, too, am happy with the mods I have made so far.

flash tune = REVO (with SPS2 switch, so I can run stock, 95, 98 and 100 maps); best bang for the buck mod
Dump pipe = custom; this really seems to liberate some ponies; also excellent value relative to outcome
brakes = Ferodo 2500 + Penrite Super DOT 4. Am very happy with this set up, and it feels much stronger than EBC Greens previously used
wheels & tyres: ASA/CSA 5 spoke 17x7 38 offset, with Falken 204/40 17 RT 615 tyres; much stiffer sidewall than Contis, so sharper turn in; excellent in the dry and OK in the wet
suspension = Whiteline RSB; reckon this has tamed understeer nicely

Having driven other Pogs, I need to do more on the suspension and this is my next focus. Bang for the buck, adjustability while retaining good ride characteristics are my criteria.

[Vieussuex]

Look I'd like to contribute as well :D

Look, if ur looking at chip upgrade's there all pretty on par Giac, APR, Revo.
I went Giac because Dragan is pretty good mates with Seb and there not far from me.

I also have KW Competitions V2 + racing top mounts with 80Nm springs at the front and 70Nm springs at the rear, Whiteline front and rear swaybars, custom FMIC and custom 2.5 inch SS dump with a 3 inch SS exhaust.

For braking i was having trouble finding a affordable 4 pot calipers so i went with a R32 brake upgrade which is a twin piston caliper and 332mm rotors, you should be able to pick up a set for around about $1200.

The tyres, i just got a set of Azenis RT 615's like timbo and use them everyday to and from work there great they dont were to bad and they seem to hold up ok i can push about 8 laps at eastern creek on them.

As for the power gains i was getting 137kw ATW with this set up.
I have just fitted my Forge turbo inlet pipe and this has made it so much smoother up top and holds boost alot better.
I have to say the Pogo has alot of talent u just have to exploit it the right way.
I was speaking to Len at the track day and we agreed if you chip the car, get suspension and brakes as you really wont enjoy the factory set up with that extra power it nose dives and brakes like a bus:D

[Glide_GTI]

137kw atw with giac

why do I feel ripped off :???:

[DaveMack]

If you built yours again, Guy ... is there anything you'd do differently?

Dave

[Guy_H]

If you built yours again, Guy ... is there anything you'd do differently?

Dave

hey Dave,

yes - order a car without sunroof & leather.

Put in a super supportive drivers seat.

Brace the firewall behind the booster

make it a widebody so I can get some decent sized rubber under it! j:

the combo is awesome - on the track its pretty awesome & has lap times under its belt that shame competitiors that cost 3 to 10 times as much (actual times - not speculated ones!)

Very happy with the little fellow!

[gpk_gti]

[QUOTE=Guy_H;67642]

make it a widebody so I can get some decent sized rubber under it! j:

QUOTE]

hmmm,I LIKE THIS BIT!!!!!! :D KONIGSEDER kit ! yum yum!

[08polo]

hey guys, i dont really know much about chipping cars and was wondering what sort gains could i expect to get if i got my 1.4L chipped? i know it does 0-100 in about 12sec, could i get that down to 10sec?
cheers

[Blitzen]

Being a 1.4L, I don't think there is any avaliable in Australia for it. I have only seen them for the GTI in Australia. You may have to look in England or Gremany. Best yo do a web serch, or get onto the Custom Code, APR, REVO, or one of the other chip retailers...
Also, with it being a N/A 1.4L, to expect a drop of 2 seconds to the 0/100 would be a bit of wishful thinking. The best I think you could look for is either forced induction, or you could upgrade your suspention for fun in the windy stuff.

[Petrina Polo]

I think the price is a bit steep for chipping a car...

But if there is one mod that will make a difference to the car, its chipping.

No other mod will make as much differenc eon this car..

Yes its expensive but if there is one mod you should do, its chipping.

[Petrina Polo]

Sorry I thought we were talking GTI..

For a N/A car, chipping is almost a waste of time.

for the 1.4 motor I would look at a slightly more efficient exhaust system to increase torque...

N/A cars a chipping wont give much.. Its all the boost pressure in turbos thats providing the bang.

[Sharkie]

Best options would be:

1. Chip - Powerchip (its NA so they should be OK) and only $990.00
stock = 74kw/126NM
chipped = 83kw/143NM
http://www.powerchipgroup.com/interact/datasheets/datasheets_two.asp?pid=Vwn0117

2. Exhaust
+2kw

3. K&N or BMC Filter
+ 1kw max

Total gain about 12kw which will likely give you that 2s gain you're looking for. A 1100kg car with about 85kw can do 0-100km/h in 10s no problems.