GTI APR chip mod, and clutch upgrade

[McDub]

I did a search and was surprised how few threads there were on this topic.

I'm seriously considering getting this done to my stock '03 gti.
I just need to contact NRMA to make sure they will allow it. fingers crossed.


Who on here has chipped their car with the APR or simillar?
Can you say what you did, and your opinion on it etc, how the engine goes etc etc?

The price of this mod from this place http://europeanautotech.com.au/produ...pr-ecu-upgrade
says $1500, is that an uninstalled price, and is it something that you can negotiate?

And I've noticed most people reccomend you get the VR6 clutch put in. Do you also put in a lighter flywheel?
How much would the VR6 clutch and lighter fly wheel cost roughly?

One more thing, I've read that the turbo is only good for ~130kw, yet this mod claims 146kw. is that just a difference from the engine to the wheel that i've got these figures from??? or just marketing



Thanks.

[YellowDieselGolf]

NRMA won't cover an engine chip sadly. Try shannons.

http://www.goapr.com.au/products/ecu...e_golf18t.html

[McDub]

NRMA won't cover an engine chip sadly. Try shannons.

http://www.goapr.com.au/products/ecu...e_golf18t.html

I'm actually glad NRMA dont, becaues it made me check out costs with other insurers, the cost to insure with NRMA has now gone up this year (which is bloody strange because i'm actually 25 now...) so there's no way i'm using them.
Market value with no mods and no insurance options costs $1487 with NRMA,
but with AMMI it costs $1175, PLUS there is a check box for "computer chip" under modifications and it doesn't affect the premium.
edit: i just called NRMA, they apparaently do insure chip mods, as long as it's all legal with the RTA etc. Perhaps its been like this since the "unworry" campaign.
anyway i just switched to AMMI then, and am saving $45/month, plus i put down the chip modification

ok so that's the insurance issue's addressed, what about the questions?

cheers

[YellowDieselGolf]

I'm actually glad NRMA dont, becaues it made me check out costs with other insurers, the cost to insure with NRMA has now gone up this year (which is bloody strange because i'm actually 25 now...) so there's no way i'm using them.
Market value with no mods and no insurance options costs $1487 with NRMA,
but with AMMI it costs $1175, PLUS there is a check box for "computer chip" under modifications and it doesn't affect the premium.
edit: i just called NRMA, they apparaently do insure chip mods, as long as it's all legal with the RTA etc. Perhaps its been like this since the "unworry" campaign.
anyway i just switched to AMMI then, and am saving $45/month, plus i put down the chip modification

ok so that's the insurance issue's addressed, what about the questions?

cheers

Oh ok! I was with NRMA, but I cancelled my policy due to mods and valuation issues. They dropped my agreed value by $9000? and raised my premium.

I've driven APR and it's a good chip. Worth every cent

[h100vw]

There's more than APR in the chipping game. A very reputable company for sure but I believe there's better value for money in the market too.

You use a solid flywheel with the VR6 clutch kit, Golf Loon on the forum can probably help you out with one. His shop is in Campbelltown, CamdenGTI.

Gavin


Edited for clarity.

I am the Custom-Code agent in Australia and wanted to point out that there are several places to buy ECU tuning in Australia. There's pro's and con's with all of them, do plenty of research before spending your money.

[quozl]

Don't one of you distribute Custom Code and the other do installs for it though? If so it's a bit rich not revealing that fact to the person and spruiking it like you're just a normal customer.

Cheers Al

[gtimk5]

You wont regret going with the APR tune that you have investigated....
The turbo will cope quite nicely with the mod as well.
Andrew

[No457 Snowy]

McDub,

Mate, I have had the APR chip on mine for about 2 years now and been very happy with it. Very smooth torque and power delivery and a quality company behind it, it'll put a big smile on your face and you'll be glad every time you drive the car.

Do your research with the different chips, just like you appear to be doing, there's a few to choose from, but APR is among the best.

Pete's correct about NRMA and ECU upgrades, they won't tolerate any chips on turbo cars. I had the same issue with them after being a long time customer, and cancelled my policy and moved to Shannon's when I APR'd my GTI.

EDIT: I just read where they have apparently changed this stance, probably from losing long standing accident/claim free customers like Pete and myself.


Snowy.

[quozl]

Mate I don't think the thread needs deleting at all, and I don't think what either of you did is so bad, you just need to say

"This is a great product, in my line of work I have installed it in x number of cars and it has worked perfectly for my customers, if you'd like to speak to them let me know and I can put you in contact for a customers perspective"

That's all I'm saying, I know you guys have it in your sigs what you do and to us it is obvious but to a noob they may have sigs turned off or not even notice the sig, that is why I was saying you should both make it clear in your posts.

It's not that big a deal, I probably could have worded my reply better but I've seen so many chip wars over the years started by minor things like this I was just trying to make the user aware that you guys had a commercial interest in the product and he may want to get independent reviews.

In saying all that I know that both of you guys are totally upstanding in your business practises and I wasn't trying to cast aspersions on that but others might get the wrong idea if you don't just come out and say in plain English

"Look I install these but they are a great product and I highly recommend you shop around and check all the products out, let me know if you want some contacts to talk to who I have done installs for"

That's all I'm trying to get across

Cheers Alastair

[whiteVR6]

Found this to be an interesting Poll from the US . We should do one here

http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=4528430