APR or GIAC Chip
08-27-2004, 12:22 AM
#1
Track Day
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2004
Posts: 24
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
APR or GIAC Chip
I want to upgrade my ECU, however, I wanted to get forum input before I buy the chip. I'm looking at APR's product, which costs $4K and has different modes to put the car in: secure/valet/race/stock, and promises 495hp/502lb-ft
torque. Also PES's product uses the GIAC chip and costs considerably less $2000, and says 488hp. Are the modes worth the extra cash for APR's product?Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks in advance for your help!
torque. Also PES's product uses the GIAC chip and costs considerably less $2000, and says 488hp. Are the modes worth the extra cash for APR's product?Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks in advance for your help!
08-27-2004, 01:13 AM
#2
Personally, I'd go with the GIAC chip for the sole reason that GIAC's 996TT software is under constant development and has improved many times. The APR chip is no longer under development. I'm sure the APR chip is great, but I'd be more inclined to go with GIAC because it's been used on many more cars and refined far more as a result.
If you add IBE (GIAC's multi-program solution), then the prices will be pretty similar. IBE lets you switch with a key fob, while the APR solution uses the cruise control stalk.
PS - I have numerous APR products on my Audi S4 (including their Stage III kit), so I'm not an APR basher. If/when I purchase a 996TT, I'd almost surely go with a GIAC-based software kit for that car.
If you add IBE (GIAC's multi-program solution), then the prices will be pretty similar. IBE lets you switch with a key fob, while the APR solution uses the cruise control stalk.
PS - I have numerous APR products on my Audi S4 (including their Stage III kit), so I'm not an APR basher. If/when I purchase a 996TT, I'd almost surely go with a GIAC-based software kit for that car.
08-27-2004, 01:14 AM
#3
Addict
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Alberta
Posts: 670
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The "modes" are worth the cash if the gas you will be using varies. I would suggest programming for 91, 94 & 100 octane.
Imagine Auto (GIAC) has been very good to me.
Mike
Imagine Auto (GIAC) has been very good to me.
Mike
08-28-2004, 05:03 PM
#4
Advanced
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: Illinois
Posts: 61
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Don't get the APR. I had one and had it removed to go with the GIAC. The unit worked well but when they stopped developement there was no way to get more power. If you want just a chip, check Upsolute or GIAC.
08-29-2004, 04:21 PM
#6
Rennlist Lifetime Member
The other nice aspect of going with GIAC is if you buy a setup we will always credit you for what you have paid if you want to upgrade. So start out low with goals of 600HP and you never pay twice for the same thing. It is addictive 
08-30-2004, 08:09 PM
#7
Banned
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: California, Bay Area
Posts: 577
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Stay AWAY from APR !!!!!!!
They will leave you high and dry if you have any problems!!!
I had spent over $25,000 with them. The original program they sent me was flawed. It took them 3 months just to aknowledge that it was a problem on there end. It took another 6 months and 3 software revisions till the car ran without any codes. The performance was still not on par with other cars that were running GIAC code.
APR=bells and whistles
GIAC=performance!!!
I had spent over $25,000 with them. The original program they sent me was flawed. It took them 3 months just to aknowledge that it was a problem on there end. It took another 6 months and 3 software revisions till the car ran without any codes. The performance was still not on par with other cars that were running GIAC code.
APR=bells and whistles
GIAC=performance!!!
Trending Topics
09-02-2004, 08:11 PM
#12
Burning Brakes
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Orange County, CA
Posts: 853
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
For all of us 'value' minded owners of $120K+ cars , go with Upsolute...the best $500 you'll ever spend, and arguably just as effective as the rest of the chips out there. They'll even do custom programming for a nominal fee if you're getting crazy with mods like bigger turbos, etc...
, go with Upsolute...the best $500 you'll ever spend, and arguably just as effective as the rest of the chips out there. They'll even do custom programming for a nominal fee if you're getting crazy with mods like bigger turbos, etc...
09-03-2004, 12:39 AM
#13
Addict
Rennlist Member
Rennlist Member
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Alberta
Posts: 670
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I would save the $500 to mod your Sti or EVO. I don't understand for a second how a guy can spend this kinda jingle on a car and then go cheap on mods. WTF????
09-03-2004, 12:05 PM
#15
Burning Brakes
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Orange County, CA
Posts: 853
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Just because you don't understand something doesn't mean it's bad. Most porsche owners are under the impression that you must overpay for mods because you overpaid for your car. Not true.
There are hundreds, if not thousands of happy Upsolute-chipped Porsche Turbos. I'll bet you anything that if you post a satisfaction poll for the Upsolute chip you will get 99% positive feedback.
I dynoed my car with a 1-Bar Upsolute & a Performance Project exhaust system and I have 417.5 peak HP & 424.9 peak TQ @ the wheels - a very significant upgrade from stock. I think this is just about as good as any 1-Bar chip/exhaust combination out there, especially since my total investment is only $1700. Most other chips alone cost over $2K & other exhaust systems start at $2K! For that extra money you'll probably squeeze out a few extra horsies, but since I'm a 95% street driver, I don't see the need to pay a premium for a marginal amount of extra power.
There are hundreds, if not thousands of happy Upsolute-chipped Porsche Turbos. I'll bet you anything that if you post a satisfaction poll for the Upsolute chip you will get 99% positive feedback.
I dynoed my car with a 1-Bar Upsolute & a Performance Project exhaust system and I have 417.5 peak HP & 424.9 peak TQ @ the wheels - a very significant upgrade from stock. I think this is just about as good as any 1-Bar chip/exhaust combination out there, especially since my total investment is only $1700. Most other chips alone cost over $2K & other exhaust systems start at $2K! For that extra money you'll probably squeeze out a few extra horsies, but since I'm a 95% street driver, I don't see the need to pay a premium for a marginal amount of extra power.