A4 1.8T CHIP

["Daniel I. Manes" <danthman@umich.edu>]

Hi all,

I just joined this list because I'm considering buying an A4 1.8T fwd with
manual transmission.  I was wondering if anyone has had any experience with
the Abt Sportsline Stage 1 chip.  It is supposed to boost the power to 193
HP and the torque to 237 lb-ft.  At just over $500, it seems like a pretty
good deal to me.

What I'm wondering about with the chip is if it will void the warranty, if
it will be reliable, and if the numbers I was quoted are believable.  Also,
I wonder if the car would feel considerably faster with the chip than
without, and if fuel economy will suffer.

I'm also interested in which options are worth the money and which aren't.
I live in California, so I'm not considering the winter package, but I
think the sports package is a must, the Bose upgrade with CD changer seems
pretty desireable (though expensive for $1200), and the trip computer seems
like a neat gadget (only $200).  The sunroof I'm kind of doubtful about
just because it adds a lot to the price.

Overall, the car seems like a great deal for a sophisticated sports sedan.
I wish the revs dropped a little quicker between shifts, the sports package
provided even stiffer springs/shocks, and the seats had a little more
lateral support, but with the chip giving it a nice fat torque curve and
good power, it should be quite an entertaining machine.

Feel free to add any comments and impressions about the A4 in general, and
thanks in advance for your replies.

Take care,

-Dan