GIAC X Chip with adaptive tuning. When the car is started, the ECU takes a minute to determine type of fuel in the car (91/94/100) and adjusts a/f, timing and boost levels accordingly (boost is electronically controlled in my car).

End result with 94 octane is ~320hp, 385tq @ 18psi; up from 250hp/260tq @ 7psi stock. With race gas, guys are getting an extra 10hp and close to 20 ft/lbs.

To say it now feels like a completely different car would be a huge understatement. It's now the first car I've owned that litereally sucks you into the back of the seat when accelerating. I cannot fathom why the car did not come stock like this.

Now where can I get me some race gas?

VP fuels ?
From Karbelt or Straight Line Racing on Bayly, just west of Brock.

Can i get a ride?? I'll buy you a tank of 94's .

Or just call up REZA! j/k.

Where did you get it done Grant?
How is the clutch holding up with all that torque??

Pah. Doable with the Talon, and for a lot less.

You know why the car didn't come tuned like that stock. Stupid people that dump 87 Octane fuel into their high-performance car, don't change the oil for 50k kms, and are just generally abusive. All while expecting full factory warranty support.

*Sigh* Can't wait until I get my chip installed next year. 150hp is KILLING me!

Reza/Rob - thanks, how would I transport it though?

Joe - for sure man. My office is closer to you now as well, just at Dundas & 427.

Brian - I bought the entire ECU with the chip used so it was just a direct swap. Took all of 7 mins total - then another 10 mins to figure out how to enter the security code for my stereo, haha. The clutch is holding up great as it was actually a Stage 2 clutch I had put in. I don't think it would hold much more than this though as I didn't want to go to the 6 puck.

Troy - I just gained 70+hp and over 120ft/lbs for $500. I honestly don't think you could match that; even in a DSM You have some details on your chip?

I think proper transportation is just a matter of having it in an approved container. It's no different than getting some fuel for your lawnmower.

Heh. Still can't compare to the 1G DSMs... Just crank the boost up on the stock turbo to 18psi and adjust with an S-AFC, and you'd probably get gains close to that.

I've got an APR 93 Octane chip (same as you, used full ECU for an easy swap). Supposed to take mine to 200-210hp, ~200lb/ft torque (DSM stock ) from 150hp. I'm not working with a V6 twin-turbo, though...

Even in the DSM you would need a chip.
With the VW/Audi you just keep your hands a little more clean or less dirty. Classy

If you're a smart shopper, you could match that in a DSM for sure. Especially if you do your own work.

Gratz on the chip though! Glad to hear it worked out nicely.

Yes, I suppose that is true.

Next mission is finding a boost gauge so I know what's going on now. Arrg.

This is where I get my 110 ocatane from all the time for the Road Runner. As someone else already said, all you need is a regular gas can, just as if your trasporting gas for a lawn mower.

Only thing to becarefull about is that the gas evaporates alot faster, so make sure you have both the caps tight as can be... as well as don't leave it in the sun for long and then try and open it. If you do leave it in the sun...just looking at the container alone will give you a hint to not open it lol.

Great. Ill take you on that offer!

Damn Grant, that's extremely sexy. All that new technology is amazing though. All us DSM owners are suckers having to tune our cars ourselves, your car tunes it while you're drinking a latte from starbucks

Ya, it just feels a bit too easy. I'm used to working for hours installing CAI's, turbo upgrades, exhausts all to gain a fraction of what the chip did in 7 mins. It's a weird feeling.

Next up is a good Seafoam treatment and an oil change as I'm due up for the 6 month interval.

Next year is cat-back (another 15hp or so) and hopefully some new shoes - the deep dish variety.

Seafoam = overrated from what I've heard.

It's overly-exagerated in the VW world, especially since motors like my 1.8t are so prone to coking/sludge.

Most VW people don't have a CLUE about the real workings of turbo cars compared to this DSM crowd. The 'chip' is exactly what Rob said it is, a way to get more power without really getting your hands dirty. But they charge you an arm and a leg for it and largely, IT'S NOT USER ADJUSTABLE. Anyone who ever cracks the CPU code immediately re-encrypts it so it can't be copied, so they can re-sell it for a similar markup.

WAY unlike the multitude of tools available to tune DSMs. The VW chips are SO restrictive that they don't even permit MBCs (to a point) or ANY type of 'add-on' devices, like an S-AFC or whatnot. Want a bigger turbo (VW guys consider a T25 big.)? Prepare to pay $1000 for a completely new program. It's not that the concept of a 'chip' is bad, but it was tried in the DSM world (remember JET?) and rejected. With extra control, you can get so much MORE power for your money...

There are some manual tools, like Lemmiwinks, but 'the crowd' immediately screams, "NO! You might hurt something!!!"

My GIAC X chip is actually configureable using my VAG-COM software.

However, given that they are the engineers who spent hundreds of hours tuning this and I sell auto insurace, I'm going to pretty much leave it alone, haha. I just log to make sure everything is running as it should.

As for the Seafoam, trust me, I'm not expecting a night/day difference - I just want a nice, clean start with the engine. It's been drivin for 9 years and 139K now so I'm sure there are some unhealthy deposits built up inside, that's all.

Or maybe they are healthy deposits which are keeping the siv from leaking? I guess you will find out

I found that out with my cavalier! Never get anything flushed in that engine, ever again.

Mind you, it's a cavalier, and I really shouldnt have wasted the money in the first place.

Haha, that's an excellent point!

I guess if it starts leaking, I'll have to wait till they build up again.

*cough* Or some serious engine maintenance... wasn't fun.

Well, it's very well reviewed on the VW/Audi boards. Even a lot of Porsche guys recommend it.

I guess we'll see in two weeks.

Albeit, you have a MUCH MUCH ( I can't express how much )nicer car than a crapalier. I dont see any problems for you.

I'm limited to the older VAG-COM software, and I haven't gotten it to the point where I can actually adjust anything. Just read codes and such.

now you just need a couple of KO4's

Grant, you're my new best friend! I bought a Jetta that kicked me some codes that I can't read with my OBD-II scanner, and I was hoping I could find someone with the VAG-COM software in Toronto. I would by it myself, but that would mean paying more for the software than the car Can I run the car by you some day?

Typical DSMer mooch.

Not so, Mike. If all you want to do is read and reset the codes (most of them, at least) than all you'll need is the shareware VAG-COM software and a $30 EBay cable. The problem comes in finding a notebook to run it, or you could use a REALLY long serial cable to a desktop PC.

I just came back in here to say: VAG-COM

That is all.

Dennis - that's the 2010 goal

Michael - sure, I just cleared 2 fault codes from my buddy's 02 TDI so he can go get his etest done now. PM me with your availability.

Troy - ya, my cable was only $20 and I'm using the shareware version of the software. I was thinking of buying a license as it's only $99

Rob - I swear, no matter how many times I say it or read it, I ALWAYS chuckle to myself afterwards.

I guess I was the cheapest of all dsm'r with a VW. On the wife's beetle I just soldered in a diode, disconnected the wastegate and called it a day.

Thanks Grant, we'll definitely talk soon. I felt kind of funny posting to a VW forum, "Does anyone have a VAG I can use for a few minutes?"

What would that do, Todd? The last guy that saw my car and disconnected his wastegate (clamped it, actually) to try and imitate it ended up blowing his motor sky-high...

^^^
http://s90139951.onlinehome.us/vw/diodemod.htm

Would that not cause lean conditions with the computer left in the dark of what it is actually boosting at?

My guess is the ECU uses the MAP sensor for safety & limp mode, and it uses a separate MAFS of some sort (karman, hotwire etc..) to get the airflow and calculate fuel.

Reading that was rather informative.. but I did get a kick out of "HARD LIMP MODE".

'VAGs' are full of contradictions...

I'll have to look it up. As long as you did good logging during testing, I'm sure you could manually up the boost slightly and still be playing safe...

Just filled up on 94 yesterday for the first time since chipping it.

Haven't got on it too much, but it feels a little quicker. I'll try to do some nice 2nd and 3rd gear runs to gauge it a little better.

Boost gauge and turbo timer are on their way as well. I never really pushed the Talon hard enough to warrant a turbo timer - what do you guys recommend - 30 seconds, 2 mins, 5 mins?

I thought we don't need em because the turbos are small, K04's on the other hand..

30 seconds.
Most of the cooling is happening while you drive slowly through the parking lot to stop.
If pulling over immediately from a hard run, just give it a bit longer, 2 minutes would be plenty.

Although if it is an "auto timer", I think it will start counting down during your parking lot drive as your RPM is low. In that case I'd set it to 2 minutes and foget it.

Quite the opposite, I WOULD need them because the turbos are so small they are working at nearly 100% capacity. I'm running TWICE the stock boost.

Only 30 seconds eh? Hmmm, almost makes me wonder if the turbo timer was worth it.

Doesn't matter either way, guys. Even stock, a turbo timer is definitely a 'nice-to-have', especially for those with no discipline. If you drive hard right up to your stopping point, it's not optional to idle for 30-60 seconds before shutting down.

I always did the 'last 4-5 minutes' as light driving, and one night after coming off a highway drive, the turbo STILL was glowing orange. And that was a stock car running stock boost.

Don't fool yourself, Brian. The K04 is still a small turbo. It just outflows the even smaller K03. It'd be comparable to a T25 or a Mitsu 13g turbo. To most of them, A T28 is a GIANT turbo. To DSMers, it's merely the beginning.

Troy, that's why I have two of them

Yeah, but each one feeds 3 cylinders. I've never been comfortable tweaking a V6 up that much. Most of the ones I've heard of require major engine reworking before you can try to get more power out of them...

But I think an S4 with a chip is enough for me. Or an RS4 V8, although I see the newest ones will be going back to a V6, super or turbocharged...

I have a client that I talk to often with an 08 Pearl White RS4 with a Milltek exhaust. I would consider killing someone for that car.

K03's are good for about 200hp a piece, K04s are capable of up to 300hp a piece.

Stage III S4's are sitting at close to 600 hp & tq with the RS4 turbo, intercooler, downpipe and fueling upgrade (approx. $8000 USD).

Hey grant, Did you let go of your original ECU when you picked up the flashed one?

or did you sell it, reason for asking is because I can pick up a used flashed one and would like to know how much the stock ecu goes for

Still have the stocker. Didn't want to get rid of it in case I ever need to return to stock.

I paid ~$400-$500 for mine with the APR 93 chip used. A used ECU goes for ~$300-$500, and new? I wouldn't even check.

Just got a GIAC flashed ECU 3 programs + vag com switcher + two 710N DVs
I get $175 core refund for my ECU (If I want to send it)

Reason I asked is, I wanted to know if I can sell my stocker ECU for more than ~$200.

Ya, I have the switching program on my laptop for mine.

I went with the Forge DV's. I liked how they were serviceable so you always know if they need any work.

That's good way to go,
710n's are cheaper, and get the job done up to ~25/26psi...

I'd say more than likely to get >$200. Check on the Audizine and Vortex boards to see what the going rate is. You may have to wait a bit, but when one is needed it'll be a savings for the person that wants it.

I feel like a newbie again... This is all mumbo jumbo!

Heh. Half the guys WITH those cars can't figure it out.

K03 = T25
K04 = T28
Chip = DSMLink
VAGCOM = Datalogger
ECU = Well, ECU.

I try to convert everything I read into 'DSM Units'.

Haha, that's a great summary Troy.

Definitely a lot of Audisms you have to familiarize yourself with beforehand.

N75 Valve, TBB, F-hose, piggie pipes, etc.

710s = 2g BOV
710n = 1g BOV

710 is an oil cap.
You people are weird!

There's only two things I hate in this world. People who are intolerant of other people's cars, and the Audis.

Heh. You haven't seen the die-hards, Rob.

I don't know 'piggie pipes', and I haven't had time to really find out what the N75 valve does. It sounds like a BCS, but a little different.

You're good Troy. The N75 valve is a boost regulating valve that is prone to fail on a lot of Audi models. You can bypass the N75 with a MBC if you like.

'Piggie Pipes' are downpipes that have been gutted to produce more flow/power. Basically the same principle as gutting your cat.

Hahahaa, Im learning.. I think..

But why isn't the bov just called a bov...

I'll stick to the Dsm's for another little while I think lol

Audis hurt my brain!

Because you wouldn't just call a stock BOV a BOV, you would need to know whether it was 1G, 2G or 1G crushed, etc.

The stock DV's Audi's come with are garbage and can't hold more than 15psi, similar to the stock 2G BOV on a DSM. Their part number is 710N and that's where it gets it name from.

Therefore, most people who don't want to buy an aftermarket DV end up going with the upgraded version of these DV's found on the Audi TT and most Porsche models which is the 710S which is capable of holding much more boost and is less prone to fail; very similar to 2G guys swapping out their BOV's for the 1G equivalent.

Didn't this used to be a DSM site??

j/k

710A/B are the stocker, those are JUNK.
710Ns are used on the TT and Porsches.

Yes, it use to be. Now its ca.dsm/audi.org

As a DSMer matures and obtains income, they usually switch to Audis or VWs... Of course, SOME of them never mature. *Laugh*

These people actually SPEND money, Zig! You should start catering to them... ')

I gladly would, but I know NOTHING about their cars, and it takes a LONG time to build up the trust I have built with the DSM community. I don'r know how many of you remember, but I was actually HATED when I first came on here, because I was so pushy. However, had I NOT been that pushy, I would have been long gone and forgotten. Not sure I want to go through all of that again...

Troy is right. There's 19-21 yr old dropping 3-6 grand like it's their weekly allowance on vendors there Ziggy. Money has absolutely no meaning to Audi tuners, I swear.

And there's NO Canadian vendors whatsoever even though there are a lot of Canadian members on audizine.com.

Might be worth taking a look at.

There's a couple, but nothing spectacular. Tapp Auto is making a bit of a name as a VW tuner up here, but there's probably only one or two other 'main' ones. The VW guys tend to stick to small, quiet, local groups. But the masses are rather ignorant about how their cars actually work.

And I've always loved ya', Zig. You just couldn't BEAT that name! *Laugh* Just go to the VW Vortex and Audizine sites for a starter and get the 'pulse' of the scene. Then see if you want to get involved.

If not, there's always Hondas. Or the Toyota Corolla.

Well, I just registered on Audiforum.ca...and asked about advertising there...see what they say..

What sites would you guys recomment for Audi?


Thanks,
Ziggy

Without a doubt www.audizine.com - they have a lot of Canadian members.

The biggest Audi site is probably www.audiworld.com which is usually referred to as 'AW' where as www.audizine.com is referred to as 'AZ'.

Fortitude, a branch off vw vortex i beleve, seems to be pretty busy

Well, That Audizine site I can tell just by looking at the site and their list of vendor/sponsors that they are going to want a fortune to be an approved vendor on their site. Even Audiforum.ca responded that they normally charge $100./month, but were willing to do a trial thing at $40./month.

I tried an arrangement like that way back when with an MX3 Mazda group. It did not work out well at all!

Guess I won't be getting into Audi's

HA! You don't actually PAY for advertising, fool! What I meant was that you should poke around, find out what's what with the parts and how they work. Then see how much they cost and if you can slash some off the prices... THEN just get your name spread around as a reasonably-priced parts place that actually knows what they're doing!

Sort of how you seemed to do it for DSMs. What did you know about them at first, compared to now?

With a little research, I think you could be successful. I popped the question on the PassatWorld forum yesterday if anyone had ever even TRIED putting an S-AFC into a VW car, let alone was successful. The general 'air' of the thing is that it's senseless to even try it, that you HAVE to pay a mint for a chip or custom tuning...

Troy, First of all, to know even a little about the cars takes a fair bit of time..and "THEN just get your name spread around"...you make that sound so easy, LOL. Do you remember how difficult it was even on here? And here I was allowed to post WITHOUT paying for advertising. On the Audi forums, that would NOT be allowed. I would never be able to build the trust relationship that I have here over there without paying to advertise...and I don't feel it is worth it...

Not the basic bits. Since you already 'know' turbo engines from the DSM, the transition to another type of turbo car doesn't take as long. You can build up to 'expert' knowledge from there.

And you ask nice people like Grant or I to 'spread the word', so to speak. "Hey, we had good dealings with RTM Racing. You should check out their website for parts..." and such.

I wouldn't jump into it as your mainstream business, but more as a sideline. It makes more sense compared to doing EVOs or Subies, which would give you a lot of competition, or the new BMWs which would be EXPENSIVE R&D and risky in this economic climate...

I honestly wouldn't even know where to start. I have no connections to any US (or German even) Audi suppliers. I could look up some, of course.

I hear part of the problem is that not a lot of stuff is MADE for these cars? Maybe there are some products I should look at Manufacturing?

I am open to suggestions

Your shift knobs alone would probably sell like hot cakes to those guys.

Nah, everything is already made. The car has been out for 9 years now and there's even staged upgrades.

The newest trend now is to go with GT turbos instead of the standard K04 upgrade.

Have you tried Ziggy's shift knobs. I have had the same shift knob in all of my talons. I refuse to sell it too. =]

The thing is that everything is so pricey compared to what it SHOULD cost. Like $90 for a $30 MBC, etc...

Hey, can you guys tell me...does your shift knob thread on? If so, what thread is it??

I wouldn't mind doing a couple with the Audi logo and just putting them on my site....something like:

https://www.rtmracing.com/xcart/product.php?productid=16213&cat=311&page=1

1ST IN LINE FOR TESTING!

Ziggy, I'd love that. The stock threading is 12mm x 1.5.

Here's a recent thread from a company who just developed a weighted shift knob. With the Audi guys, as close to OEM looking the better. They consider almost everything aftermarket 'rice'.
http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=233614

Well, I wouldn't do a special shape unless I had a ton of orders to make it worthwhile....but I will do a few with the correct thread and the Audi logo when I get a chance. I don't imagine that anyone has the Audi logo in a format my CAD can read? .igs, or .dxf??

Sorry, I can only find jpg's.

Ziggy, if you remember, you did an awesome Group Buy for custom shift knobs for another car forum I frequent - C7 Performance.

They turned out awesome and I actually had one in my car before I sold my Celica back in 2004.

Ziggy, if you have Corel Draw or some other way to convert a .CDR file, I can send you a .CDR file of the Audi logo that I just found online.

Ya, the C7P ones were nice....but they were still my standard shape, just custom logo. My cad lists TONS of formats, but not .cdr. Worst case would be to get a .jpg and redraw it myself in CAD.

This is what mine looked like.. on My VW

Heh. The Audi logo wouldn't be the hardest thing to replicate in CAD. Just 4 interlocking circles...

Already done.....was just a case of scale and spacing...Printed up a logo, took a couple measurements, and did a little math....program is written....will probably engrave one in time for the YD meet...just not sure if I will have time to thread it to suit the Audi. Are you planning to be at the meet, Grant?

If you're planning on bringing a shift knob I will be.

I have a tap and die set so I can tap it myself if you don't have time.

Well, being stainless it is not THAT easy to tap...and I also still need to drill it out. I have them pre-drilled for the M10 x 1.25 thread that the DSM's use. I should find time today to get one drilled, tapped, and engraved...

Bored out and Krazy-Glued ought to do it...