Sarge

There are tradeoffs with most things, just wondering if the faster shifting is coming at the expense of other trans internals?

The corollary would be constantly slamming shifts in a manual - you will eventually wear out the syncros, especially when shifting at high RPMs, if you are always trying to shift asfastaspossible. Since the ECU will now be trying to shiftasfastaspossibleallthetime I would expect a decrease in longevity/reliabilty.

Anyone have any insight on this?

Also, will the dealers recode the trans to hold 1st in TIP mode, etc., or do you have to do it yourself via the VAG-com tool? Can the 02+ sport shift mode be imposed on the older cars (00-01)?

Thanks,

Sarge

GIACUser

Decreasing slippage may likely increase longevity. They use slow shift to make it smoooth, which generates more heat. Heat is the big enemy. However even with the tip chip, shift is just as smooth in my opinion. It does make a difference but the change is a mild one. Not at all drastic, I wish it were a little on the severe side, but it is quite mild.
In no way does it "slam" shifts, wish it did.

It seems most dealer decline recoding things. Get a VAG, it is worth it and we all need to support this guy so he can continue to improve the product. I have recoded 2000 and 2001 models with it. 032 mode is what you want. Sport mode 22 will not hold first.

Sarge

and/or how does the 'chip' differ from recoding? Essentially the chip is nothing more than recoding; or do they change some of the electrical components with the chip to fool the machine into diferent performance, a la a different pressure transducer on the older chipped turbo 5's?

presumably the 'chip' must otherwise be digging deeper than the Vag tool can?

Thanks again for your feedback, much appreciated!

DryHeat 2.7T

The Tip chip has a different software program. So you need to remove the OEM and replace with the Tip chip. I guess, for some reason, you can't reprogram the OEM chip (I am not an electronics expert).

GIACUser

They are not redundant, tip chip and recode each produce unique changes.
The chip by itself only decreases time between shifts. It is especially helpful in reducing shift time between 1-2 and 2-3.
Recoding to 32 puts trans in sport mode AND allows you to hold first gear under part throttle or down shift to first under part throttle. Recoding does not diminish time between shifts.
The tip chip is a must for those of us with turbo motors running engine chips. Won't apply to your 4.2 but for my car with an engine chip tranny will not operate acceptably without tip chip.

brian 4.2

Ok I'll tell you what I know. There are not enough 4.2s around for the tuners to get behind this engine. This should change with the new S4. They will sell you parts that may bolt on but dont work. I have spent a lot of time and money finding the right parts.The ones that dont work dont stay on my car.

#1)Exhaust, I try not to bash vendors online but Llteks 4.2 exhaust is a 2.7 fitment that simply does not work on the 4.2. The quality was underwhelming , the sound is embarassing.I paid $1300 for the system and took it off after a day. Unbearably loud. I sold it to a 2.7 owner who was happy with it for $500. Quick loss of $800
The supersprint exhaust is the real deal. I paid $1800 for it and feel it is worth every penny.The quality is outstanding. It has the european TUV certificates. Tha system came with all the parts embossed with S6 on them. If this is sold as an upgrade to the S6 exhaust it is truely an improvement to the A6. As to the 40Hp you have to take it with a grain of salt. I have heard others are not happy with the resonance in the system, I dont seem to have the problem. Gerry with the S6 has heard my exhaust at the track one day,also ming2.7,giacuser,darkangel, they might be able to give you an unbiased opinion.
The cats are fine. leave them alone. Exhaust bolts on after the cat

#2) With the ability to move more gas (exhaust) thru, I feel that you need more air in.
I dont think that an exposed cone is the answer because of the heat. What I did was to buy an ltek cone induction deal that is a cone that actually lives inside the stock airbox. I ran an additional 2 1/2" dia air intake to the airbox to give it more fresh air. I havnt done this car yet, another couple hour project. Did it help, I dont know, no ill effects after 25K.

#3) Chips. I have both the Giac Tip and ECU chips. My 1st car was a 00 4.2 (nonsport) and I put both chips on it. as I started taking the car to the track I realized that I wanted the sport version for a few reasons. Anyways the point is that I did not hesitate to buy both chips again for the added performance on my 01 4.2

Tip chip speeds up the time from input to execution of the shift, after doing this I no longer regret not having a stick. You are much more conected to the power, no more delay waiting ,especialy downshifting or engine breaking. In my opinion I agree that less slip is less heat. The chip is in no way harsh shifting but no question its quicker.I have yet to recode the TCU to hold first but I will when I find a Vag tool close by.

ECU chip increases power across the RPM range, my guess 15HP(Claimed 22-28). The day you do the chip you can feel it, definite snap to it but you soon forget the before as 5% is not drastic. MPG seems to suffer about a half a mile per gallon.

#4) Pull or switch the 605, its a feel thing only,I like it out, if you dont like it you can plug it back in. 605 increases the boost in your power steering making the stering "lighter" kind of a detached feel of the road. Removing it does not shut off your power steering, just that overboosted feeling.

#5) I have the Eibach pro-kit springs and the Koni sport shocks, they work well together at track speed. I could go to coil overs but this car is still my daily driver and thats a line I dont want to cross yet. Dont do H&R springs on the 4.2, another 2.7 part that doesnt work, much to low.

#6) Brakes are Stoptech and only necessary for the occasional track days I run every couple of months. They alow you to make repeated stops with no fade. Your stock brakes will make 6 60-0 repetitive stops without fade. More than that and you will experience brake fade.The decrease in stopping distance is minimal but the upgraded brakes will allow you to make more repetitive stops without fade, as you would need on a track with 10 to 15 corners(brake areas) per lap.

#7)Waranty, This is a dealer by dealer type of call. My dealer is currently tolerant, we have an understanding. That could change if someone jams him up on something. Pesonally I feel adding 5-10% power is not going to make a bit of difference to the life of the engine. Not like chipping a 2.7 where you are gaining 30% or more.
If you are the least bit worried about your warranty or your dealer, dont do it.
I put a lot of miles on my car and expect to be out of waranty in 30 months or so anyways.
These are my opinions only . Your milage may vary. Good luck

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/19134/mvc-011s.jpg">

Sarge

First off, thanks for the information and the effort.

I agree with your upgrade path and standards. You've done most or all of what would seem to make sense for this car, in a way that is in keeping with the spirit and mission of the 'whole'.

Is the picture you posted with the Eibach springs? Were/are Bilsteins available for the 4.2? I'm a big fan of them, never had Koni's, but never been tempted either, given my great experiences with Bilstein. My previous Eibachs were very nice, certainly not punitive on a daily-driver basis, though not track-ultimate. Are yours linear or progressive rate?

Regarding the exhaust, how much louder than stock? I'd like nothing louder than a nice AMG benz type sound - e.g. in keeping with the sports/luxury persona, and not forgetting the luxury component. More to be gained in sound than power IMO so it better sound good :-)

As for the Brakes, what of pads/rotors/fluid with the stock clamps? Haven't looked at what BIRA might have 'discovered' here, have you looked into more 'cost effective', or at least cost-friendly alternatives? Pagid pads? slotted rotors? Motul fluid? add a set of SS lines and call it a day? Maybe good enough to get you safely around a track? (if you haven't improved it to track minimums it may as well be stock, unless there is something to be gained in feel, which is somewhat nebulous).

My warranty is up in March so I will leave the chips out until then, start with reprogramming OE and not tamper with the warranty. Might do brakes sooner, though not the stoptech route til the warranty expires. But then I get free pads and rotors under warranty, too. I do recall someone here got the dealer to R&amp;R rotors with slotted and possibly other pads?

Thanks very much again for your insight, it is very much appreciated!

Regards,

Sarge

Sarge

This is a nice theory, if not post-purchase validation. It does make sense, wrt to the heat issue.

How does the engine do at matching RPM's on upshifts? I was impressed the tip in the 2.8, for it's ability to (seemingly) match revs. Now in the 4.2 I'm thinking it was just the heavy car waggin the dawg - the motor has too little resistance to make things jerky.

So I'm curious how the tip chip does matching RPM's - seems it might be too quick to bring the engine up to speed?

Thanks for your input!

Sarge

That would make sense.

brian 4.2

Due to contradictory instructions in the Koni box, Tirerack actually stepped up and paid for the 2nd install. I;m told the springs are progressive. These Koni's were the only shocks available at the time.
Impossible to tell you how LOUD something is in print. I'm in Southern Ca. area if you need to have a listen.
I went thru 3 sets of rotors at the track on 2 cars. Audi was great in the waranty area here. You could see the chunks of rubber stuck to the wheel wells from track use.
They would continue to replace my brakes but they suggested I upgrade the brakes. As for the brake waranty remember you will have a fresh set of stock front brakes "in the box" should you sell the car or trade it in.
I chose Stoptech because it was a kit tested and fitted to the 4.2 specifically, not some cobbled together parts from some other fitment. You worry about these little things at 125MPH or so.
Everything I have done to my car could be removed and returned to stock.