I recently bought a A3 1.8T with 150 bhp, i'm interested in changing the chip with a SuperChip, the dealer tells me that this new chip will give me 30 bhp vs/ the other numbers tha some people say. I know that some chips can give more power, but i'm concern about the safety of the engine and whith 30 bhp the dealer tells me tha it is safe. I want to know if it is posible to put the same chip but with the program tha gives 45 bhp keeping and still having reability?
I also would like to know if this engine is the same as the A4 1.8T, because a friend just bought one. And my last question (hope you'r not hating me yet..) is where is the ECU of the A3 and A4, someone told that is under the dashboard and another tells me that it is in the engine compartement.
Thanks for your pacience.
Alex.

Hi,

1) Chip options.
I'm not sure which country you are in, but the info you have been given on the Superchips chip sounds about right, 30bhp increase.
In the UK, another alternative to superchips is AmD (www.auto-amd.com), which claim 40bhp increase.
In the USA, numerous tuners listing numerous chip upgrades, from 30bhp to 45bhp for a stage 1 conversion.

2) Engine damage and reliability.
I don't think anyone really knows if the engine will be damaged by chipping or not. Apart from some "claimed" minor differences, the A3 150bhp engine is the same as the A3 180bhp engine. So the the 150 engine should be able to take a little extra. ;)
The KKK03 turbo in the A3 (others correct me if I'm wrong) has a maximum rating of 1bar/14psi. Most chips at 45bhp reach 1bar or above, so the engine/turbo may get put under more stress.

3) Same as A4?
A3's engine is transversley mounted, A4's is longitudinal mounted. I think they are roughly the same engine, but I'm not 100% sure.

4) Location of A3 ECU.
Something I've been getting to grips with myself. :) See the great, detailed post below, by John Robins on where to find it. It's basically under the rain gutter infront of the windscreen.

Also, have a search through this forum, there is some good info tucked away in numerous posts.

I don't think hating ever happens on this forum (unlike others), so don't worry.

Regards,

Alan.
'99.5 A3 1.8TS Silver

I'm no expert but of all the people I've spoken too, superchips didn't answer my questions with vigour, If I was you I'd speak to AMD.
John.

Hi Alex,

I agree with the comments below entirely and although I have not chipped my car yet, AmD in Oxford would be my first port of call. I have spoken to them on the 'phone and they sound great. I am not a fan on Superchips, a friend of mine was chipping his car and got completely the wrong package from Superchips and even when they did get it right there was little difference. (Isolated one off - I don't know - I've not heard bad things about AmD however)

Following on from what Alan said, it is beleived the standard 003 turbo is good for about 0.8 to 1.0 bar - it is easily although expensively upgraded to the 004 turbo from the S3 engine for a real performance upgrade.

I posted a wee bit about warranties below (spot the spelling mistakes and pisstakes!) which you may find useful - the definative answer is that there is not one and you should be cautious regards and Audi warranty and insurance policies. I think if you have bought a new car the reliability issues are minimal but warranties are a worry - the reverse is true if you have a used A3 to some extent.

Let us know what you are thinking about - we are always keen to give our tuppence worth!

Regards

David
`00A3 1.8TS Silver (Sadly still only 150bhp :()

your best bet is to go to amd in oxford,they know what they are doing.i have also spoken to people who have had bad experiences with superchips.