So I think it is time I upgrade the engine a bit on my 996tt. The car is bone stock (other than wheels and a few cosmetic stuff). I have searched around, and have concluded (well at least until now) that I would be just fine with a little bit of extra power. So a chip would do fine for now. Now which brand has been the most 'reliable'. Once again, searching has concluded that GIAC is what most of you guys have. Here are some questions I have:

1. Any pros and cons when comparing GIAC and FVD - how much would each cost (with and without a replacement stock ECU)

2. Would I need to change anything else, if I were just to chip a stock car? (budget in mind)

3. Any reliability issues in the long run?

4. I have a tip transmission, would this change anything or is there a different chip of tip cars?

Thanks in advance for your opinions / comments.

 

I previously had FVD programming in my car. I strongly recommend GIAC programming over FVD.

You should, at a minimum, replace your exhaust and diverter valves in conjunction with the programming.

Yes, the programming is (or should be) different for a Tip vs. a 6speed.

Craig

 

I recommend a GIAC stage 2 (ECU program exhaust, dv, I believe). You could also just do a stage one ECU reflash.

For big power I prefer Proto, but up the stage 4 (actually, stage 4 is fairly big power) GIAC can't be beat.

 

I am on a budget so I think I will just go with a ECU reflash. Does this have to be complemented with an exhaust system, or would a reflash and stock exhaust be sufficient?

Also, is it recommended to get another stock ECU, if I ever have to bring the car into the dealer for an engine related issue? Or does GIAC have a stock 'restoring' option?

 

You could flash a bone stock car. The only thing that most on here would agree to be almost mandatory is changing out the diverter valves. You are going to be running more boost and you will need to do an upgraded diverter valve to handle that.

I started with the GIAC. Then a month later I upgraded the diverter valves, and then a few months later I went with a new exhaust. The car drives like a totally different animal now.

At this point I am starting to look into upgrading the turbos.......which is a very heated debate on many different threads this week.

 

There is no debating the desirabilty of upgrading from the K16's.

And there is also little debate that the Garrett BB is the best overall design if you want big power.

Now, as far as hybrid/K24 debate.....yes lots of opinions there.

If I had a stock TT the only debate would be how much farther than ECU flash, DV's, K24's (I would probably do the quick spooling hybrids), exhaust I would want to go. That is the minumum because these cars are designed to handle that level of upgrade w/ ease and reasonable cost.

TT's come very undertuned for their capabilty from the factory. It is a crime not to upgrade them at least a somewhat.

 

I had both GIAC and FVD.... they both performed well.

 

I have upsolute software, i put my diverters in man my car really changed. consider upsolute if your just working with simple mods.