First off, I have to say that I have the FWD Tip. No flames, please, FWD works fine most of the time in Texas (but read on), and Tip is great b/c I spend most of my time shuttling around and on the cell phone. <p>But having just installed the TAP chip (1.8T) I have to give some initial impressions.<p>This car rocks! The power is definitely there (although you need to be in Tip mode to really notice it) off the line, mostly in the 3-5K RPM range. Squealing front tires are frequent (damn! no Quattro!) where they used squeal only while accelerating from stop into a turn.<p>What is disturbing is that the engine now is noticeably rougher. Has anyone else had this experience? I can feel the vibrations through the steering wheel and gas pedal. I suppose the extra HP is worth it, but it's a little strange feeling the shimmies when the car used to be silky smooth.<p>The chip makes a difference, although in a Tip the difference is muted. But for the reasons I got it (some extra on-ramp power, merging power, passing power, and occassional fun :) ) it works great. If I could only smooth the engine out to the pre-chip days and still have the power... Any suggestions?

I have the STAGE II chip for TAP with Tiptronic. I do feel the engine being rougher, and louder (probably because of my exhaust) but I do not feel the vibrations you mentioned. You said you feel more difference in the power gain in manual shift mode? Oddly, I feel more when I just drive in automatic.<p>Chris K<br>98.5 1.8TQAS TAP STAGE II

I wanted to ask owners of the Wett and MTM chips; do you guys also experience the engine being rougher and louder?

I don't know about Wett, but I do *not* feel any more engine roughness or vibrations with the TAP Stage II setup on my 1.8Tqms. Engine starting and idling and acceleration feel smooth, accept that accellerating is noticeably more torquey (just coined the term) than stock. The difference in engine sound/feel with my setup compared with stock is 1) I can hear the turbo with the windows rolled down now, 2) Air filter and exhaust combine to create a sweet, baritone, throaty growl on hard acceleration. <p>FrontTrack/Tip or just Tip seems to be the common thread with the posters noting the roughness.<p>

I have had the Wett chip for about 10k miles now and it does not feel rougher. In fact, if I'm driving conservatively with low revs, it feel completely stock. Push that go pedal and wowee! Hold on to your hats!<p>No problems...and luvin' it!<br>