Installing Garrett Chip Yourself?
 

I thinking of installing the Garrett chip in my 180TTQ. It appears from the website that it is possible to solder it in yourself. It doesn't seem like thats true of the APR chip.

Does anyone have any experience with this? Are there decent instructions provided? I work at a company with a competent electrical engineer and some good soldering tools.

Also, I want to be able to remove the chip later, for when I return it (its on lease, and I'm not sure if I'll buy it at the end yet).

You are gonna need some *great* soldering tools it's a SMD device (don't try this at home)
 

<p><A HREF="mailto:jbipes@mtn.org"><img SRC="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/AudiWorldPics/2000/bipecott.gif" BORDER=0 alt="Jeff Bipes"></a>

Spend the $500 and get the extra ECU. You are asking for trouble.
 

<p>2000 180Q,
Borla, Garrett II (soon),
V1, Armrest

As far as I recall, no one has done this. I agree with Howard and BipecoTT.

I think the garrett chip is in a socket.....
 

... so you can swap back later by just plugging it in. You need to open the ECU, though.

When I had my ECU done, they (AWE) shipped the original chip back to me for exactly that purpose.

(The socket has some encryption in it also from what they (AWE) told me.)

A few things to consider ...
 

If you don't buy a seperate ECU, have AWE install the chip. It's not worth it to screw around inside the ECU.

The chip is in a socket (that is installed by AWE) so it can be swapped with the original. I think there is a charge for the original chip after AWE updates the ECU. Check with Todd. It has a seal that makes it a bit difficult to open, just be careful when you open it.

I wouldn't worry about turning the car in at the end of the lease .. every car I have ever turned in at the end of the lease (6 or 7) has been checked so lightly that it's almost scarey. The dealer is not going to open the ECU to see if the original chip is in a socket.

On a lease, I would have just updated the existing ECU (via AWE) but I purchased my TT so I bought an extra original ECU (primarily for warranty issues).

If I were you, I would save the $500 on the extra ECU but let AWE do the job for you. They are terrific to work with.

Also, be careful when you remove the ECU from under the rain gutter. The material is a bit brittle. I cracked the rain gutter on the first shot. Stupid me tried it in cold weather. If you want a technique that takes a bit more time but is simpler, try removing the windshield wipers (take the cap off and one nut). Remove the entire rain gutter by starting at one end and pull it up - kind of perpendicular to the glass. The rain gutter is in a U channel that runs across the entire length. You gain significantly better access to the ECU. Others who have done it a lot will probably disagree - but this is just one man's opinion..

LarryTT also convinced me to get the Borla and I'm glad he did. Use the extra $500 you save from the ECU for the Borla.

Good Luck