ECU flash

[WRXconvert]

Ok guys im a jube (newb) and i have a few questions which i need answered... I know they have probably been asked before so please bear with me... also i know how passionate people can get over things such as chips and exhausts and the like... so if i could get peoples objective opinions and not emotional ones i would appreciate it... Just bought my 2006 GTi and i love it dont get me wrong... but it feels like it has absolutely no balls (i have just traded my WRX in for it) i have done a little bit of reading and it seems like an ECU flash is the best way to free up some power. How does the flash do this? is it just by raising the boost? or are there other parameters it fiddles with such as timing? WHat is the best flash to go with... i have been told that APR is good, but also that revo is the goods as well... how about GIAC? these three seem the only ones to go with at the moment. Also as a side note would it even be worth getting a new exhaust? from guy's testing it seems that there is little to no gains to be had from it. I do want a nice sound though... does a zorst give a nice tone when done properly? and has anyone changed their filter around to a CAI style? i see it would probably be a pain in the ass due to the sensor thats stuck in the side of the airbox.

[brackie]

Pandora's box

Mate, welcome, but you're not going to get much help with regards to flashing. This is a highly opinionated subject and the only way to get an objective answer is to get hard data from the manuafacturers where their products have been tested on stock standard cars, using the same dyno...in other words on a level playing field that controls all other variables.
We have 4 "chip vendors" on this forum and we all want to stay friends

[gtimk5]

welcome to the forum WRX convert!!! We are a good bunch here and are willing to offer advice. Flashing the Polo makes a HUGE difference, you wont be dissapointed. They can be a very quick little jigger!!!!
Good to have you here!
Cheers, Andrew

[GoLfMan]

hey WRX convert,
a decent flash will have you with a big smile on your face and it doesnt stop there the 20v turbo motor is a highly tunable engine with 250kw at the wheels achievable.
in regards to an exhaust my cousin recommends someone in canberra that has always done his cars. Custom mandrel bent at a reasonable price.

[Bug_racer]

A chip will give you your single most significant gain . For me best way to measure power is on the 1/4 mile , dont look too much into any dyno graphs , it will be rare for 2 dyno graphs to be close to each other .

A flash basically over writes the original program . There is enough ecu memory to store additional programs . It raises boost , changes timing and adjusts the fuel delivery to suit . The exhaust is tricky , most gain will come from the dump pipe which is the exhaust between turbo and catalytic converter . The rest of the exhaust power will vary depending on size and mufflers used . Its best to do the back bit properly as the exhaust is already 2 1/4 stainless steel with mandrel bends . On the Polo gti I wouldnt bother with a CAI , other people do them but i would spend my money else where like saving for a bigger turbo or boost control solenoid with DV or even suspension !

[WRXconvert]

Thanks guys for the welcome : D Golfman that would be good if i could get his name or contact number even if to just talk to him. Bug_racer, a boost control solenoid? is that like a boost controller? and you mention one with a DV? dump valve/diverter valve? guys im new to this VW technology... im used to the good old jap crap where you can just whack a boost controller in between the wastegate and turbo and wind it up a bit... to do this with a VW im guessing you would need the flash before tampering with boost? or does the flash do this itself... and if so can you get two programs one for low boost say 13 psi, and one for higher boost say 16psi... i live in canberra so there wouldnt be a problem with high inlet temps. can the 1.8 ko3 handle 16psi? or is this reaching an inefficient boost level? thanks guys

[GoLfMan]

the ko3 is a small turbo, a better turbo would be a ko3s or even better again a ko4. Im not sure about the boost levels but i think that would be fine?!
I will get back to you about the number... Ill PM you My cousin just got his S3 done

[ryan_GTI]

hey welcome to the forums mate,

there's not much i can tell ya cos im a noobie in the VW world aswell, but if you just want noise - the chip actually makes the stock exhaust a lil but more bassier; personally i think its enough.

if your going for power; im a little skeptical aswell - like you said looking at Guy's polo it practically made no gains until he wacked a ko4 on lol

Definately bang for ya buck! it's best to go get a free trial from either the 3 reputable companies - enjoy!

[gtimk5]

Another thing with exhausts, its far too easy to get a drumming and drone in a hatch back too so be wary....
Might sound good around town but if you have to drive long distances, well??
Mind you, every Subaru I get in my business (and I get a fair few) seem to suffer from severe tyre noise. Drives me mad just roadtesting them cause of that!!!
Cheers, Andrew

[redpologti]

just flashed my gti with powerchips little number,all l can say is awsome, was seriously thinking of trading my gti in for some more power , sold xr6 turbo for my gti 6 months ago. no way will l be selling her now. it absolutely flies, pulls cleanly from go to 6000 rpm quickly, just needs something more but what is the question.

[shaneth]

powerchip??? not heard much about it. whats the go...