Re: Garrettized!

[David Moak <dmoak@yahoo.com>]

Loren:

I completely agree with Jeff's assessment of the Garrett chip and its
benefits. It really does feel like a different car above 3500 rpm, and
full-throttle response is awesome.

I also worried about the warranty issue, but several factors put my
mind at ease. First of all, the chip is invisible to the dealers'
diagnostic equipment. The only way they can tell it's there is to open
up the ECU.

Also, as Jeff states, VW would have to prove that the chip caused harm
before voiding the warranty. The chip may well void the ECU warranty,
but if I ever had engine management problems, I would definitely put
the stock chip back in before returning to the dealer. The Torx screws
that hold the ECU cover on have blue anti-tamper stuff on them, but I
hear that a blue Sharpie pen is a good match.

For me, the chip's benefits outweighed the potential risks. Garrett's
advice is to call dealers in your area anonymously to find out how
they feel about aftermarket add-ons like chips, since not every dealer
is the same.

The chip is $125, but I'm not sure if he has a '98 version yet. His
web site is at: www.dvol.com/~users/gal/giac.htm
His emai laddress  is  jglim@fast.net. His phone number is (215)
547-7524.


Dave Moak
Jazz blue 97 DE, Garrett chip

- ---Jeff Newton  wrote:
>
> 
> > Dave,is the difference with Garrett's chip that noticable? I've been
> > thinking of chipping my '98 but am undecided.I'm concerned about the
> > whole warranty issue but if Garrett's chip is THAT good maybe it's 
> 
> Loren,
> 
> Depends how you drive but you WILL notice a difference in throttle 
> response.  Below 3500RPM I don't notice a big difference but my wife,
> who drives the car everyday to work, noticed a change right away.  She
> described it as "shifting much smoother"
> 
> Above 3500RPM, the car pulls extremely hard all the way to the red.
> Since I'm reluctant to go further and test the new rev limit with such
> low milage, I can't tell you what its like above the redline.  Torque
> builds very fast....its almost like the car gets a second wind.
> 
> The warranty issue is one I was concerned with.  Best to call your 
> dealer on that cause you'll get a different answer depending on who
> you talk to.  I called all the dealers in town and didn't get a 
> REAL answer till I spoke with one of the service techs.  I believe
> the definitive answer is that VW has to establish that the aftermarket
> part is the cause of the failure before voiding warranty of the 
> affected part.  Obviously the ECU warranty would be void, cause you
> open it to get at the chip.  I was told that the emissions system
> warranty would be affected as well.
> 
> Garrett is EXTREMELY helpful and professional when I contacted him
> with my questions and concerns.  Don't hesitate contacting him.  You
> will not be disappointed.
> 
> Cheers,
> 
> ---
> Jeff Newton
> 97 Jetta GLX
> 
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