I recently acquired a 2002 a6 2.7T with the tiptronic tranny.
I would like to upgrade the ECU to a 1 bar program.
Is flash programming reliable (what is it)? and is the APR program (dealer in Long Island (NY)) a sound choice?
Also, is the Giac and the APR programs pretty much the same thing?
Please advise. Thanks.

But Anchor Audi does it as well.
You may want Anchor to do this and the GIAC TIP Chip too.

Strongly consider letting Anchor do it.

Although I am a die hard APR fan (smooth, conservative approach to tuning + Anti Theft on EMCS), I prefer using a knowledgable dealership instead of Grand Prix.

I have a hard time trusting the guys at Grand Prix. I have heard, first hand, some really odd-ball responses from them with regards to mods..

For instance... A patron says to the owner "What are the absolute smallest [wheel] spacers you carry..I need to clear my front brakes..."

The owner replys..."Oh no...you need 12mm spacers. That is the best thing for [your car]".

Another patron, who just had a full APR Stge III plus kit installed in his B6 A4 1.8t was told that the hunting ilde and stumble were "perfectly normal".

Same guy got as far as the middle of the Stage III install before he was told by the mechanic that the APR Intercooler won't fit under the stock A4 bumper... The choice would be a smaller intercooler or an aftermarket bumper..both of which happened to be in stock.

It always seems that the owner is closing a $20k installation deal every time I walk in..the same deal gets closed over and over.. "Sure, bring it on Thursday. How much? $20k. Good bring it in, in the morning we'll take care of it."

Proceed with caution; especially if you are less experience with tuning our motors..

Take about 5-10 minutes to do it properly, along with another 10 minutes for testing. You could be done in an hour. APR is a sound, safe choice.

Thanks for the info.

Almost every brand has flash tuning available. I would recommend a tip chip for your car as it is often used in our O.CT Chips. FYI Every brand chip is different from one another.

Having an electronig background, I would never have considered chipping my A6, if I had to get the existing chip desoldered etc. I know a lot of people might disagree, but there is just too many things that can start causing issues later on.

So Flash programming is definetely a MUCH safer way of doing it, and when it come to warantee repairs... it can very easily be reversed...

I personally have the GIAC-X and I am very happy with it. Good drivability and plenty power.

Cheers
Massboykie