I have heard both sides of the story and it seems that the post about chipping the 1.8T was mostly opinionated, from what I have read. What I would like to know is how many of you out there use aftermarket chips in your 1.8Ts? If so which ones. Im a prospective A4 1.8TQM buyer and the 150hp seemed a little low to me, and the recent post about chipping really pushed me away for a while.
Also if you have a chipped 1.8T hows it run? Is there a huge difference in the way the car runs?
Thanks for any information.

in the "search archives" section. Just type in "chips" and you'll find hundreds of posts regarding chips. I will boldly say that atleast 75% of the people on this site have a chip installed in their 1.8t model. There are several vendors that you can purchase your chip through/or you can go to a chip supplier and have them install the chip for you. Sort through the archives, there's a wealth of information in there. Me.... I have a Garrett 1 bar chip that was installed by Air & Water Ent. (Philadelphia) right in front of my eyes. Cost, around $400. Read on, brother..........................


Al
99.5 1.8tqtsc

As Al mentions, start by checking the archives, there's more information in there than you can imagine. Alan Adamson has made some very informative posts, now known as the "Ch*ps & Salsa" series (substitute i for the *, I make that change so this post won't register when you do a search for that topic), that should be required reading for anyone considering chipping. Next, I would guess that Al's estimate of 75% of 1.8T owners here being chipped is on the high side, my guess would be closer to 50%...which is still far higher than can be expected of the total population of 1.8T owners (most of whom are probably not aware of chip tuning or this site).

You say 150 hp seems a little low to you, have you driven the car? You may be surprised (or you may not), remember that the 1.8T doesn't so much have a torque curve as a torque plateau, that's one of the truly remarkable things about this engine. Drive one and see what you think. Also, try to get together with A4 owners in your area for rides in chipped A4's, and first hand accounts of how various chips work in your area (climate and fuel quality play important roles in performance). This will help you to determine if the A4 is the car for you, if chipping is necessary, and if you are comfortable doing it. Then you can post specific questions here. Also, go to the various tuners' and research them. It's your money, and chipping is not without risk.

Regards,
Rodney

'99 A4 1.8tqms