Performance Chips

[SteveLuf]

Thinking about putting a chip in my '95 S6. Should I? Also whose is best. Is there a problem with changing the wastegate spring? This is all a preliminary to deciding whither to buy when my lease ends.

[Jim]

1. Don't change the spring. Some tuners like to crank down the pressure 5-6 turns to increase low-end response after adding a chip, but I would NOT change the spring itself.
2. There are many chips, the most reputable (to me) seem to be MTM (through Hoppen) and Intended Acceleration. I personally have an MTM 1+. You'll be thrilled with either. Ideally you are planning to change the Exhaust Manifold and Turbo itelf in the long run. Just chipping results in the long-term danger of burning the valves in the 1 and 5 cylinders, the RS2 EM helps keep the temps even across the head. The
design is much more efficient than stock.
3. No matter what, you need to change the boost hoses. There are 3 main ones, all 3 can and should be upgraded to silicone as the stock rubber ones will blow up sooner or later and it will always happen when it is least convenient.
Hope this helps,
Jim
93S4

[SteveLuf]

Thanks. Where can I get the silicone hoses and what would the approx. cost be? Also, what is the time frame before you might expect to see damage to the 1 and 5. I wasn't really intending to do a full performance upgrade, just make the car a little more interesting.

[dscott]

I bought the MTM 1+ from Hoppen, and the intercooler hoses from TAP . No problems after 30,000 plus miles.

[SteveLuf]

How do the MTM chips compare to the TAP chips?

[Jim]

Hoses can be gotten though Euro-car-service.com in Ohio. If I remember the cost was about 350-$400 for all 3 hoses.
As far as the valves go, sorry, didn't mean to be so alarmist. It MAY happen, from what I've heard it will take some time. I have not seen it happen myself, I currently run a chip without the RS2 EM (although it is on the shelf) and haven;t worried too much abou tit. Many people run with a chip only and I have not heard of too many problems. Yes, it will make the car a LOT more interesting.
Jim
93S4
PS- the Bypass valve should probably also be replaced. More boost definitely has a tendency to damage the stock one. A good plunger-type one will run about $160 (Forge, Bailey, TAP)

[SteveLuf]

Jim,

Thanks for the great info. Couple more questions. Is your chip the stage 1 or 2 (what is your HP increase?) Do you know anything about the TAP chips? This may sound naive but what is the RS2EM? I built Datsun Z's my whole life this is my first S!!

[Jim]

Here goes:

My chip is an MTM Stage 1+ (which has the 3bar pressure sensor). It was $675. HP is believed to be at 280, torque well over 300 ft/lbs. It is a rocket, especially at freeway speeds, step on it and it goes. I was considering selling my car, then got the chip. Now I have the EM and turbo waiting to install and have other changes planned. Needless to say, the car will remain mine.

I really don't know much about TAP except that they seem to generate more bad comments than just about any other tuner (my opinion only, I am sure there are some very happy customers out there.)

The RS2 EM is the Exhaust Manifold from the Audi RS2. The RS2 was a wagon based on the Audi 90 bodyshell. The car has the same basic engine that you have, but then Audi and Porsche (and Porsche assembled it) developed it more - taking the HP from 227 to 320 (or 340, I forget). Differences in the engine are the EM, turbo, exhaust cam, fuel injectors, mass airflow sensor. The RS2 is considered to be the final embodiment of our engine ASSUMING YOU ARE WANTING TO STAY AS CLOSE TO FACTORY AS POSSIBLE. Otherwise there is even more power available. Note that the Audi RS2 was the RS4 of its day.

Type in Audi RS2 in your browser and you should find some websites dedicated to it.

Hope that helps,
Jim

[SteveLuf]

Jim,

Just to let you know. Sent in the ECU on Friday to Hoppen. They just received it today. I'll let you know my impression, after I get the car back from the body shop and throw some new rubber on it. Thanks for all your help.

[SteveLuf]

Jim,

Don't know if you're still looking at this thread but... just got my S back from the body shop (had lot's of cosmetic stuff plus 1 hit from a parking lot) Got rid of all the body plastic and buffed it out. Looks beautiful. More importantly had first drive witht the MTm stage 1 chip from Hoppen. Wow! You're right it is a rocket. I will now buy it at lease expiration. Only real problem now is a brake accumulator.