I was all ready to plunk down my cash for the APR ECU/chip/exhaust package deal. Now we have some reports that there may not be as much power in 4th or 5th gear as some would expect. Don't get me wrong... I love torque down low, but I need to have some passing power w/o downshifting for my lousy morning commute. Stock power is just not acceptable. So let's hear how your APR performs on the high side.

experience with any other chip IN THEIR CAR, this is a tough query. Most people do not have a frame of reference. I have the Wett 1.0 bar in my '99 1.8Tqms, and it totally transformed the car in all ranges compared to stock. That's all I can compare to, because no other chip has ever been in my car. All chips tend to "run out of steam" in the upper rev range as compared to second and third gear, where they pull the most. But compared to stock, I believe just about anybody's 1 bar chip will give you significantly more passing power at highway speeds. I was shocked to find out after the Wett chip was installed that I could just stomp the gas in fifth gear and scoot around interstate traffic, no downshift needed (but downshifts are a heck of a lot more fun now). And you are right ... stock performance is bordering on unacceptable. Pick a chip. Get it in. You'll be amazed.

BDW

So, I put the APR chip in my 99.5 1.8TQMS about 2 1/2 weeks ago. This is what I think.

First of all, the way people experience acceleration or "power" is a very individual thing. I was most impressed about how my car accelerated in 5th. My commute is about 35 miles each direction, so I spend most of the time driving in 5th. When I am driving 60 mph and floor it, after half a second delay the car just starts pulling away in a way that is very satisfying!!! It feels so good that I have a hard time to take my foot of the accelerator in order not to go faster than 85 mph. In fact, the first thing I told people when I talked about the chip was how impressive the improvements at freeway speeds are.

My main concern about chipping my car was longtime reliability. I am sure that you can sqeeze more power out the engine with more agressive timing and higher pressure. But thats going to hurt the car in the long run.

Who ever wants more should go for the S4 or an M3. Audi feels comfortable to offer the 1.8T engine with 180 HP. The APR chip gets 193. To me, thats still reasonable, since torque is up 50% (@220).


Patrik 99.5 1.8TQMS APR'd

though there is still a nice increase in power up top. It may be that the standard K03 turbo can't push enough volume to maintain 1.0 bar at higher rpm?? In any case, my chipped Passat is much more drivable than stock. One thing I really appreciate is when engaging the clutch from a stop, especially with the AC on, the low end torque makes it much less sensitive to throttle position. Much easier on the clutch, IMO...

Thank you for taking the time to document your experieince with the APR chip -- it is very helpful to those of us considering the modificaiton. The 193 HP and 220 ftlb are very specific numbers, have you dynoed the car or is that the manufacturer claim? Did this modification require a change in the turbo waste gate spring? Did you change the air filter? Thanks for your help!

There is a little more power up top then the neuspeed chip. The reason I know is that there is a long hill near my house. With the neuspeed chip I would get stuck at 100mph in 4th gear. I felt like I didnt have enough power to make it into 5ht gear. With my APR chip I have gotten up to 105mph but I think I could go faster I just havent gotten a clean run without traffic yet.

So in other words yes, power up top is better IMHO.

Jeff R.

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