Performance vs. Longevity
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Performance vs. Longevity
I have an 01 A4-1.8TQS and am considering the upgrade options for performance. I drive the car 75 miles a day (hwy and city) for work. I would like to hear some thoughts on the level of upgrade versus the longevity of the car with my commute (i.e. since I am driving 75 miles/day, will a chip or turbo and chip kill the engine over time due to the commute). Please keep in mind that I will not be commuting as hard as possible with a glowing turbo. I just want the capability to fly if need be. I also plan to keep the car for a long period of time. Thanks!
-Dave
-Dave
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Agreed. I commute 70 miles a day and I don't think I've used stock since
I got chipped. I have 2 tollbooths each way to and from work ... taking off from those is my chance to feel some boost AND gain position in the maddening rat race known as commuter traffic.
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Re: Agreed. I commute 70 miles a day and I don't think I've used stock since
If the chip is active at all times, does the long commute harm the engine? Is the turbo/engine running hotter at all times even if not pushed during the ride?
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exactly. You will never switch back to stock mode except for dealer visits.
It only takes a few minutes for the car to adjust when you switch back and forth between programs. You need to do a throttle body adaptation which is leaving the key in the on position with the engine off and letting the car sit for about 3-5 minutes. That's about it.
The car will behave like stock when chipped if you take it easy, except the boost will hit higher in the RPM's. You'll just have more juice on tap if you lay into the throttle.
The car will behave like stock when chipped if you take it easy, except the boost will hit higher in the RPM's. You'll just have more juice on tap if you lay into the throttle.
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I'm a "spirited" driver most of the time anyway - avg. 80 mph on hwy. But I stay below 3,000 RPM
until the oil warms up when I start out. I take it easy the last mile to work, then open the door and wait until the chimes stop before turning off the engine (poor man's turbo timer).
I'm sure people at work wonder what the hell I'm doing in there (catching the last of a song, Imus guest, ?)
I'm sure people at work wonder what the hell I'm doing in there (catching the last of a song, Imus guest, ?)
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I just put an APR in my 2001.5 1.8T FronTrak Tip and I love it!
The car took a few days to respond to the new chip but it feels great now. I let the engine cool down when I push it hard, but typically I don't push it hard near the end of my commutes anyway.