Anyone ever do $erious engine damage with a chip upgrade?
05-06-2001, 03:15 PM
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Anyone ever do $erious engine damage with a chip upgrade?
I'm thinking about getting a chip upgrade for my 01 A4, and I'm a little scared... has anyone ever done any real damage to their car by chipping it? Burned pistons, cooked turbo, etc? TIA.
05-06-2001, 03:32 PM
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Yes, people have had serious problems with stock engines as well.
Based on my readings here over the past year, there is no statistical difference (bad choice of words, but you get the point) between problems with and without a chip. The difference is that with a chip, IF you do encounter a problem, get out your wallet!
Ask some of the S4 guys. There was a known problem with oil lubrication in the turbos that would cause failure. There has been at least one instance where a chipped S4 owner had to pay to have the turbos replaced, even though Audi has redesigned the part due to premature failures.
I should add, chipped A4's have (so far) proven to be exceedingly reliable. If you do a little homework, you'll find many saying that it has more to do with the owner's driving habits, and maintenance. There is a great deal of truth to this. My car is chipped, and I enjoy it very much, but I don't beat on it, and I treat it as if I am going to keep it forever.
Ask some of the S4 guys. There was a known problem with oil lubrication in the turbos that would cause failure. There has been at least one instance where a chipped S4 owner had to pay to have the turbos replaced, even though Audi has redesigned the part due to premature failures.
I should add, chipped A4's have (so far) proven to be exceedingly reliable. If you do a little homework, you'll find many saying that it has more to do with the owner's driving habits, and maintenance. There is a great deal of truth to this. My car is chipped, and I enjoy it very much, but I don't beat on it, and I treat it as if I am going to keep it forever.
05-06-2001, 03:52 PM
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Raj, you know what?
I wonder if anyone has taken the time to investigate whether or not the K03 used in the S4 (the problematic ones - pre2001 october build date), are used in the A4. While their failure is exacerbated with the V6, I wonder if we've been using the same one all along. Possible?
05-06-2001, 04:00 PM
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The potential is there to do damage, but I havent heard of much difference.
with the added boost and remapped timing it is possible to get pinging at WOT under certain conditions (less than premium fuel, REALLY hot charge air from driving REAL hard) and that is one of the biggest risk to the engine. Also using less than the best oils, or not idling for a minute or 2 to cool the turbo after a spirited drive can lead to turbo reliability problems.
I might be over simplifying this, but I think most of the owners who are likely to buy a chip are enthusiasts who know and care for their cars much better than the average commuter. While tires, brakes and clutches may not hold up as well with these drivers, the engine probably benefits.
I might be over simplifying this, but I think most of the owners who are likely to buy a chip are enthusiasts who know and care for their cars much better than the average commuter. While tires, brakes and clutches may not hold up as well with these drivers, the engine probably benefits.
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05-06-2001, 04:15 PM
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CHIP IT!!!! Here's why........
1-It's your car, it's rock solid, have fun with it!
2-Any car that has an a/m following like the Audi's would be arguable "if" there were any failures, since there are so few engine problems with this particular engine.
3-The only engines I've seen go bed were due to the steering wheel actuator(owner/driver)! I agree with Audi4rce, about the right oil, change it frequently, and get a turbo timer.
2-Any car that has an a/m following like the Audi's would be arguable "if" there were any failures, since there are so few engine problems with this particular engine.
3-The only engines I've seen go bed were due to the steering wheel actuator(owner/driver)! I agree with Audi4rce, about the right oil, change it frequently, and get a turbo timer.