Is it correct that the chip does not affect shift points? Does that function live in the engine ECU? I'd like it if the GIAC chip would shift at higher RPMs, both up and down. What I hear is that it mostly shifts faster.

Dick at Dynospot seems to know his stuff. And, the local Audi dealer doesn't seem to concerned about a Tip chip. But I hesitate to possibly become a test case on a $10,000 transmission.

Perhaps I'll call Garrett. Anyone have his number? I'd like to learn what is actually in the chip, what is changed, what the failure modes might be.

It appears that they can preserve the stock chip and, if necessary should the tranny fail, reinstall it back to stock. Also, one can swap chips at will using the socket.

Reliability problems were all tracible to the chip jumping out of the socket. Now a foam pad is used to keep it in place.

Stoney -- Dick knows what he's talking about in regards to the chips they install. Unfortunately Garrett (owner/chief wizard/whatever) of GIAC only does programming part-time, so getting ahold of him is beyond possibility for random questions. I recently heard some of his family members have started helping him with the business.

In the meanwhile, your best answers about the chip will come from dealers (like DynoSpot) of his products.

There is another thread down on this board about someone installing the GIAC chip. If GIAC develops one for the S6 I'd install it. Worst case, you pull the chip out and take the car in for warranty issues. Frankly, I can't see how changing shift points, RPMs, frequency, etc. would cause a substantial transmission problem. These sorts of chips have been sold for years for trucks -- e.g. the Ford F350 SuperDuty -- I installed one and it even improved my gas mileage!

ymmv...


-jh-