Hello

This is my first post and I thought I would start with a question.

I'm thinking of upgrading my car with an APR stage 1 chip

I'm worried about the additional wear this can bring to various parts of the car. We are looking at increasing HP by 25% and torque by 30%

What are the parts I should expect to replace earlier due to this upgrade?Turbo, transmission, suspension etc?

I use the car daily. I would say my driving style is low to moderately aggressive

The car is a B6 (A4) 2004 1.8T Quattro, 6 sp manual, 86000 km

Thanks

J.F., Montreal

 

I chipped some previous cars I had and I'm a firm believer that the stock components such as transmission, drive splines, brakes, etc, are all made to fit the stock power train. Generally when you buy a car such as the A4, S4 or RS4 the parts are all upgraded together as you go up in power... I dont know for sure, but i'm assuming if you buy an A4 2.0T, 3.2 or 4.2, the three models all have different brakes, transmissions, drive splines etc as you move up in the power plant. More power turns into additional friction and heat in pretty much everything from engine to the wheels - so if you use it to the max, there's only one result - shorter life!
At least thats my 2 cents worth...
Heiko

 

From what I've read, the 1.8T is almost indestructible.

I had the Stage 1 APR done a couple of years ago and it hasn't been a problem. I track the car and have upgraded the brakes but nothing else in the driveline due the increased HP and torque. When you go past stage 1, that is when you need to do more improvements.

 

You have to beat the car severely for a shorter lifespan. IMO these cars are detuned.

 

Some suggest upgrading the diverter valve ("DV") to the Audi TT spec, which is a bit more robust than the stock one. You can also get a Forge DV which is all metal and thus much less likely to ever die. Either way you're looking at $70-150 for the upgrade. Very easy DIY.

I agree that the 1.8T is a tough engine, but it will fail if not maintained. If you or the previous owner was sloppy with oil changes, it can and will sludge up. So, use the correct synthetic oil and big filter, every time. Also the PCV/vacuum system does tend to rot out over time, so there again some preventative maintenance will make a world of difference (e.g., check valves, purge valve and and breather tube on my last 1.8T needed to be changed at about 180,000 km.)

 

Oh and dont screw your self by not chaning the timing belt at 100k cost you 1k

 

With regards to powertrain components this is true. Our cars can handle more power. But chipping your car will shorten the lifespan of all wear parts, such as brakes, tires, tie rods, control arms, mounts, etc.

 

i have had several of my cars chipped, nothing went wrong with any of them, all driven past 100k ... on the B6/B7, i think you have to replace the DV cause it rips easily but that's about it

 

Welcome JF. I should mention I had a 2000 A4 with APR and then a 2004 A4 with APR 1+ (incl. larger injectors) and was very happy (until I needed more power). Chipping the car will have very little affect on all components as it is a VERY mild upgrade and the car is quite solid. Once done, the add'l power provided will feel as if that's the way the car should have come from the factory. Frankly, driving agressively whether modded or not is what will cause wear and tear. IMO, the brakes are scary in the 1.8t (with or without modifying the car) and I would strongly recommend at least getting better pads. I went with the 3.0 fronts along with upgraded pads on my B6 and the benefit was quite noticeable.

With respect to the DV, you can wait for stocker to go before replacing it. FYI, a while back a guy did a full review comparing 4 or 5 different DV's (incl the OEM TT one) and the result was that there was NO performance difference between them. For the mild upgrade you're considering, the 710N (TT one) will handle the higher psi and you won't have to worry about cleaning or servicing it (not to mention spend 2-3 times the cost).

Happy modding ...

 

Chipping you car has minimal to no concequences, i have had mine chipped for 2 years now no problem. Also getting the car chipped you get slightly better fuel economey when your not WOT. If you think this will shorten the life span of your tranny engine or anything think again, the fact that i got my A4 chipped by an actaul VW dealership should say it all. also i have heard that certain dealerships wont voild any warrentys when your car is chipped, (like the one i went to!)