<center><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/47831/a4_1_8t.jpg"></center><p>Hi,
I finally came accross an Aussie forum for Audi....fantastic!! I purhcased my '96 A4 1.8t bout 8 months ago, I live up in Cairns and there aren't that many Audi's up here. So as u can imagine I don't have too many avid enthusiasts to ask questions and just generally talk Audi with.

I wonder if u guys can help me with a few questions?
1. I am experiencing a ticking noise (sounds like a busted tappet), this only happens when I let the car sit and idle for over 5 mins. Any one else experience a similar problem? I've taken it back to the dealer and they have said not to worry....but any strange noise worries me!
2. Has anyone experimented with increasing the boost on the 1.8t by way of restricting the wastegate??
3. Can u recommend any Audi performance shops (preferably with websites)? Up here in the north it is incredibley difficult to locate anyone who sells Audi parts or even work on them!

I look forward to chatting in the future.

Dasha

That noise is normal, it is a solenoid in the EVAP system.
It is located near your Air box, it will also tick loudly if your engine is really warmed up after spirited driving.

Well yes you can raise boost by restricting wastgate, how ever Fuel maps etc will not be correct then.
If you are comparing doing that proceedure to a chip, you will have far better results in with a chip as a some chips also changes ignition timing
, throttle response etc.
In your case with a 96, you most likely have a 557 ECU, which is a un-common ecu, you will trigger of many error codes in your ecu, and also experience "power Cuts" whilst driving.
You Car if you have a 557 ecu "Must Have" and properly programmed chip to run with higher boost levels.

Thanx for your response.......u are certainly right about the power loss. I had a mate put on a t-piece between the turbo and the waste gate. As soon as I tried upping the boost it misfired severely.

Can u suggest where I should enquire about obtaining such a chip for my ECU?? As I mentioned we are limited in performance mod specialists (unless u are like the rest of the population up here and own a Commodore, Falcon or WRX!!).

Lucus can sell you a GIAC or you can pay some more money and get an MTM. For MTM goto http://www.tccamotorsport.com.au/customers2.htm
or GIAC email Lucus.

Hows it going Kiwi, did u solve the probs of ur car running lean?

how did u do it?

I just removed the Milltek 2.5" downpipe and restored the stock one, leaving it as a flex back 2.75 Milltek exhaust.

This increased the back pressure, and helped removed some of the leaning out issue I had. I've yet to dyno it again, I've had a very very busy few months.

I'm unsure if I'll upgrade next year. If yes, I'll leave it as is, if I decide to keep it, I'll maybe consider a turbo upgrade and alike to get some real HP.

Dasha, you can find addresses of most australian chip distributors on the
www.ozaudi.com
site.
I thoguht Guy Hardingin Brisbaine would be your first step to find a service in your state