A4 1.8t the big Bag O' Chips

[QSHIPQ@aol.com]

Subj:	1.8t - The Bag O' Chips
Date:	97-09-15 13:28:04 EDT
From:	QSHIPQ
To:	quattro@combra.ans.net

Subj:	Re: Jo Hoppen's A4 1.8T CHIP 200hp - AWESOME
Date:	97-09-15 12:40:54 EDT
From:	QSHIPQ
To:	mis@worldnet.att.net

Interesting report.  As a former "Editor" of AudiCar, I was hoping they would
have been objective in their reporting of "Wetandwilder".  They (AudiCar)
jumped in bed too quickly for my taste, hence my immediate resignation, and
their immediate change from "...independent...".   I really doubt that the
differences are dramatic in any of the chips involved, TAPU, Hoppenrupper or
"Wetandwilder". 200hp with software mods, obviously is boost related, with
maybe mild MAP changes.  Remember, that car can only be tweeked to the
maximum design parameters of the non computer related charge air components.
 I have not seen any tuner claim more than 200 on the 1.8t, so doubt that non
boost in the computer adds a whole lot, specifically the nuances of timing
and FV operation.  The limitation really is the massive heat any of the
computer tables adds to the charge air components.  Since audis quickly
address charge air temps, knock and coolant temp, you can easily see that the
mods really CAN'T be that different. To go more than 200 requires a turbo,
external WG, and/or manifold/exhaust mods.  So competition, like in the
S4/200/S6, these mods will be tight.  Hence price will become the issue
quickly, anything else is Credibility Marketing 101 (CM101), which over time,
is put in perspective on this list quickly.  Gotta like that.

Regarding the soldering sell:  Been there heard that from all the tuners to
date.  Those that do their own are few, and as a rule, I would be very
suspect of those that do (some exceptions possible).  I found one of the best
CM101's to have some of the worst in house solders, so be careful here.  

I would however, might be a little more cautious of the altitude issue.  I
have had much experience with audi turbos at altitude, since I do
modifyturbos as a sideline business.  My experience has been that the turbos
at altitude are working harder to achieve that absolute number that is
achieved at sea level.  Safeguards aside, you do increase the risk some,
since the Pbt (boost pressure outlet temp) is higher which also makes the IC
less efficient to that temp, and heat soak across the turbo is a major
factor.  As well as less octane available in the gasoline, and generally
higher thermal loads across the board as altitude increases.

Go fast, buy smart, proceed in the market with the above caveats.   

Scott
'87 5ktqwRS2
'84 Urq