A4 (B5 Platform) Discussion Discussion forum for the B5 Audi A4 produced from 1995-2001 B5 FAQ

2001 AWM GIAC Chip or Flash?

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Old Oct 21, 2008 | 09:06 PM
  #1  
AuburnRyan's Avatar
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Default 2001 AWM GIAC Chip or Flash?

New owner of 2001 AWM A4 QMS. Bought with a GIAC chip installed, PO noted another owner upgraded turbos/SW, and sold/installed the GIAC chip on his car. Does GIAC even make a chip or is it a flash on an AWM (Drive by wire, I think) motor?

Basically wondering if what was installed ilnes up with the car (I understand a K03s with GIAC SW should be about on par with a ko4 and basic SW), maybe the PO never know better...he seemed to think the car woke up though...said there was the tune only, no "options" to select different programs (stock vs more boost).

Car feels slow to me - I'm coming from much faster cars (and don't expect this to win races), but had a neighbor with a 2004 GLI ride along and he didn't "feel" the chip either. Car pulls ok in 5th on the highway, but doesn't feel fast at all rowing through the gears.

Just curious - I'm about the replace the coolant temp sensor which might help (reading varies a bit below middle)- already has the 710 DV...
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Old Oct 21, 2008 | 09:24 PM
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Default

Wow.
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Old Oct 21, 2008 | 09:33 PM
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Default Should have GIAC X chip for 01. 210 or so hp I think and pretty good torque.

If the car feels really slow you probably don't have it chipped or its basic K03 file. Get a boost guage and see what you are boosting (or log the requested and actual boost).
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Old Oct 21, 2008 | 10:12 PM
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Default Thanks, I'm sure stock exhasut doesn't help either, hopefully new ECT will.

I;ll peel open the ECU to see what in there as well...
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Old Oct 22, 2008 | 04:59 AM
  #5  
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Default I have the GIAC and you can def feel the kick as you pass through 3000 rpm.

Check your boost. Maybe the cat is partly plugged. And as you said, the stock exhaust will restrict it a bit.
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Old Oct 22, 2008 | 05:04 AM
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Default Your post

is a bit confusing.
But earlier APR chips were soldered. Not sure about GIAC - but both are flash now. How to tell if you are flashed? Not sure...maybe go to an authorized independent shop who sells GIAC and see if the can check.
As far as upgrades to the turbo / SW - you should likely inspect to see what you have. The 2001 model has a different turbo than the pre 2001 models. K03S (sport) as oppossed to the K03. 2001 is DBW with VVT. If your turbo was upgraded to a K04/other - who knows if they also had a custom tune, upgraded injectors, fuel pump, etc....Yes, most say that the 2001 with VVT and K03S does not require an upgrade to a bigger turbo and all of the other stuff. Pre-2001s would have benefitted more from this kind of move. (Although there is the APR Stage 3 kit)

Sounds like you need to do some investigation to see what you have. As suggested maybe put a boost gauge in, or look at getting Ross-Tech Vag-Com software/cable to get some stats.

Revo also makes chip fash for the 2001 AWM (I have it)
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Old Oct 22, 2008 | 05:41 AM
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Default It's a flash. Get a boost gauge and if you're spiking way above the stock ~7psi...

...then you're definitely chipped.

BTW, you said you're coming from faster cars...like what? The GIAC program only puts you somewhere around 220hp so if you're coming off something with 300hp+ of course your A4 is going to seem slow. Believe me, if you drove the car when it was bone stock you'd be DYING for that GIAC program.
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Old Oct 22, 2008 | 07:54 AM
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Default earlier giac chips were socketed

if you can't feel the chip, there is definitely something wrong as that chip makes a ton of power. Does your neighbor with the GLI have a vagcom?
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Old Oct 22, 2008 | 08:12 AM
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Default if not...take a look into the 'regional' forums

there are usually a few local people who are willing to help out.
good luck
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Old Oct 22, 2008 | 09:26 AM
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Default Remember, he didn't drive the car BEFORE it was chipped...

...so he has no frame of reference for the change in power. If he really is coming off of cars that are actually fast (because I certainly wouldn't classify a chipped A4 as "fast") then his fully functional chipped A4 putting out 220 BRAKE horsepower would definitely feel slow...comparatively. There may be a problem and there may not be. Get a boost gauge.
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