RE Tip Chips: Does forcing the car to execute shifts faster cause more wear and decrease longevity?
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,119
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Yes, I believe slow shifts are more punishing, fairly common knowledge.
This is a mainstream upgrade. I have not seen any posts regretting the upgrade. Nor have I seen any post attributing damage to the upgrade. Suggest you drive one. I am fairly cheap and conservative when it comes to upgrades. I like upgrades that make a significant difference, are safe and are reasonably priced. The tip chip by itself did not meet the criteria of "significant difference". I would not have purchased it if I had not done the GIAC engine chip. The massive increase in power causes big problems with the tranny. Those problems are addressed with tip chip. I have driven a car that had an engine chip but no tip chip. With an aggressive engine chip the tip chip is an absolute must.
AudiWorld Super User
Joined: Apr 2001
Posts: 21,851
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Let's be careful about this. In the "old days" a "quick shift kit" would...
... make the old Hydramatic 3 speed slushbox shift quicker, and it saved the transmission from the wear and tear of excessive slipping (which smooths out shifts).
Today's transmissions are more complex. There is a lot of programming that slows shifts and retards ignition so that the torque delivered to the transmission is lightened up at the shift points.
So, I agree that there will be less slipping and heat; but I think there are other factors to consider, specifically, whether the tip chip does away with software that is designed to protect the transmission (and the rest of the drivetrain) from peak torque or torque spikes. Unfortunately, we'll never know the risks unless we kidnap a ZF Transmission engineer.
Today's transmissions are more complex. There is a lot of programming that slows shifts and retards ignition so that the torque delivered to the transmission is lightened up at the shift points.
So, I agree that there will be less slipping and heat; but I think there are other factors to consider, specifically, whether the tip chip does away with software that is designed to protect the transmission (and the rest of the drivetrain) from peak torque or torque spikes. Unfortunately, we'll never know the risks unless we kidnap a ZF Transmission engineer.
Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2001
Posts: 1,119
Likes: 1
I don't have the technical knowledge or reference....
to understand all of the control factors in the ZF tranny. I tend to look at the mods like this one, on how they fare in the real world. If a lot of people have used it, are happy with the results and have had no real downside then I will put it on my consider list. Everybody has their own way of evaluating mods, to each his own.
Thread Starter
Senior Member
Joined: May 2000
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Where do you have the Koni's set?
Reportedly the fronts are adjustable on the car, the rears have to be removed, so it's a good idea to get it right the first time in back.
Shox.com has the setup for $101.50 each for the shocks (f&r) and $235 for the springs. Sounds pretty good? Rear bar ~$100? How many $/hrs for the installation?
It would be great to see your car in person, but I'm a little far - SF north bay (Sonoma). Thanks again for the input!
Shox.com has the setup for $101.50 each for the shocks (f&r) and $235 for the springs. Sounds pretty good? Rear bar ~$100? How many $/hrs for the installation?
It would be great to see your car in person, but I'm a little far - SF north bay (Sonoma). Thanks again for the input!
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