Chips for a 03 A6 4.2 any ideas for me
Junior Member
Joined: Mar 2000
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You won't get much power from a chip on a 4.2
On a modern turbocharged car you can get large performance increases because the ECU (engine computer) controls the turbocharger wastegate and therefor the boost pressure. On a non-turbo engine, like the V8 in the 4.2, there is little the chip can do to improve power. You may get some slight improvement or different response but that's all.
AudiWorld Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2000
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The GIAC chip will increase ur power at high RPM a little and increase tip in throttle response.
It's subtle but noticeable at high RPM. You'll also take advantage of over 91 octane. I alsways use 93. I suggest the Tip chip as well.
AudiWorld Member
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The GIAC Tip chip is a must, but the ECU chip....
is a waste of time and money in my opinion.
I have a 2002 4.2 and was having both installed at the same time, but the ECU chip had a problem. So I ran the Tip chip with the stock ECU chip for about 3 weeks. That was a huge difference and I loved it. The tranny responds much quicker, making this a very satisfying upgrade.
Then when my fixed ECU chip came in, I had that installed. I again I felt a difference but it was a negative difference in my opinion. Not much, if any additional power was evident, and the engine is not as smooth running as with the stock chip.
I think the interaction between the stock chip and the Tip chip is actually better than with both GIAC chips installed. Doing a trottle adaptation seemed to help a little, but it certainly is not what I had hoped it would be.
In the end, I highly recommend the Tip chip!! Skip the ECU chip and put the money toward a more satisfying upgrade like a new exhaust or suspension system.
Paul
I have a 2002 4.2 and was having both installed at the same time, but the ECU chip had a problem. So I ran the Tip chip with the stock ECU chip for about 3 weeks. That was a huge difference and I loved it. The tranny responds much quicker, making this a very satisfying upgrade.
Then when my fixed ECU chip came in, I had that installed. I again I felt a difference but it was a negative difference in my opinion. Not much, if any additional power was evident, and the engine is not as smooth running as with the stock chip.
I think the interaction between the stock chip and the Tip chip is actually better than with both GIAC chips installed. Doing a trottle adaptation seemed to help a little, but it certainly is not what I had hoped it would be.
In the end, I highly recommend the Tip chip!! Skip the ECU chip and put the money toward a more satisfying upgrade like a new exhaust or suspension system.
Paul
AudiWorld Senior Member
Joined: Mar 2000
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Your program must not be right. The engine chip does not affect smoothness at all
on my 00 4.2. What gas r u using? The chip is the mod that will produce the largest power gain compared to exhaust, air filter, etc. I unquestionably feel the gain at high RPM, the engine seems more willing but it is subtle. It is smooth and velvety just like it used to be.
AudiWorld Senior Member
Joined: Apr 2001
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I put both chips on both of my 4.2s. both worthwile especially when done with exhaust upgrade and
some higher octane gas. There is some HP left on the table so Audi can pass emissions. The chip gives it back.Also you loose your speed limmiter. :-) I was running dead even with an S6 at the strip with my mods..Lets face it HP is expensive when you get past 300, I did it on my first car and did not hesitate to do it again.
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It has been installed for over a month now.....
so it's difficult to compare anymore. The memory of the stock chip feel has faded so I only have the memory of my reaction to it.
My memory could describe it as it being a little less refined than the stock chip. I do remember feeling I gained a little at the high end too, but really not a dramatic difference at all.
I'm glad the installation of the two chips was done about 3 weeks apart. It gave me a chance to evaluate what each did, individually for my car.
The first to be installed was the Tip chip. That was such a huge difference. Not in power gained, but in the feeling of being connected to the car. It now responsed to my every input. The Tip chip is well worth the cost, and in my humble opinion, should be installed on every car with a Tip tranny. It is that good, and that dramatic of a change.
The ECU chip, on the other hand, maybe provided a small gain in power to the 4.2 engine. However, the stock chip is not a bad performer at all when teamed with the GIAC Tip chip. Therefore, IMHO the ECU chip was not really worth the cost.
It's in there now, and I won't be taking it out, but in hind sight, I would have put the money into exhaust or suspension upgrades. Then again I'll be upgrading the exhaust and suspension soon anyway <grin>.
My memory could describe it as it being a little less refined than the stock chip. I do remember feeling I gained a little at the high end too, but really not a dramatic difference at all.
I'm glad the installation of the two chips was done about 3 weeks apart. It gave me a chance to evaluate what each did, individually for my car.
The first to be installed was the Tip chip. That was such a huge difference. Not in power gained, but in the feeling of being connected to the car. It now responsed to my every input. The Tip chip is well worth the cost, and in my humble opinion, should be installed on every car with a Tip tranny. It is that good, and that dramatic of a change.
The ECU chip, on the other hand, maybe provided a small gain in power to the 4.2 engine. However, the stock chip is not a bad performer at all when teamed with the GIAC Tip chip. Therefore, IMHO the ECU chip was not really worth the cost.
It's in there now, and I won't be taking it out, but in hind sight, I would have put the money into exhaust or suspension upgrades. Then again I'll be upgrading the exhaust and suspension soon anyway <grin>.
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