RS6 Do it yourself ECU upgrade

[NWRS6]

Hi all:

Some new developments on the ECU tuning front. GIAC has released it's handheld flashloader:

Basically, the handheld flashloader plugs into the OBD II port and you press a button. A few minutes later, your ECU is flashed with new software: 520 hp/520lb torque. Should you so desire, press another button and the car returns to stock: "only" 450 hp/415 lb torque.

The flashloader is an extra $150 on top of the RS6 software ($2,000). The tiptronic chip is required for GIAC ($595) but cannot be flashed - a spare transmission ECU can always be purchased.

Benefits of flashloader:

1) Return to stock anytime you want
2) Does not trip flash counter in your ECU
3) No need to physically remove your ECU and its tamper proof bolts

Very very interesting......

[QuattroFan]

I'm pretty sure it is not a 'self-flasher' You will still have to visit the tuner to have the code initially loaded onto the ECU. The flashloader will allow you to switch between different maps.

[nene]

That sounds pretty cool.

I'm wondering if you can use your own VAG tool to flash it up the first time around.

[UrQ]

Any one install the GIAC chip, if so any observations ?

[NWRS6]

You are correct. The GIAC dealer needs to flash it for you the first time around as they require your VIN number in order to make the codes compatible or something like that.

Afterwards, you CAN flash it yourself with the loader. The loader will actually hold the programs themselves.

I have already installed the tip software. Will be doing the flashloader this Saturday and provide a full report and pics.

For you Porsche Turbo guys, GIAC is also in the process of releasing this flashloader for the 996TT within the next 60-90 days.

It will be interesting to see how the RS6 fares agains a stock 996TT. Stock 996 TT vs stock: 996TT wins hands down. I expect that a chipped RS6 will run even. We'll know sooon enough.....

[Nordschleife]

good luck with your warranty claims!

[avdh]

Revo has something very similar to that.

[Aronis]

EXCELLENT.

[rs6_newyork]

sounds great.

Shame my GIAC experience, with the + flash, was awful.

The program screwed up my car but good:

cold start stalls (ignition - into D - stall)
random hesitations on lazy cruise
hesitations when hot
some tip oddness i could never put my finger on.
increased gas consumption
better quarter mile speed
more torqe esp. in first gear

after uber hassles with the giac dealer, I had it reversed and refunded. Even on the drive home, the car immediately felt perfect again:

cold start stalls gone away
zero hesitations over the last 1000 miles
perfect tip function again
better gas consumption

And, best of all, despite what I thought after getting "spoiled" with 40 extra whp, i'm not noticing the missing hp and have no desire to try OCT or anything.

[audirs6sport]

Originally posted by avdh
Revo has something very similar to that.

Yes, but even better. With their SPS3 unit, you have the ability to change boost and timing. =) Anyone know how much it costs to purchase an additional TCM for the RS6?

[Jack]

Originally posted by audirs6sport
Anyone know how much it costs to purchase an additional TCM for the RS6?

~ $700 retail.

[NWRS6]

Here's a pic of a spare TCM with all the part numbers should you need to order it.

[Nordschleife]

1. Now try getting it.
2. Now code it to your car.
3. Ask an Audi dealer for help.

[NWRS6]

1. It was not hard to get.
2. It does not need to be coded. Simple plug and play. Tried it and it works perfectly. Hooked it up to VAG - no codes thrown.
3. No help needed from Audi dealer

[Nordschleife]

Originally posted by NWRS6
1. It was not hard to get.
2. It does not need to be coded. Simple plug and play. Tried it and it works perfectly. Hooked it up to VAG - no codes thrown.
3. No help needed from Audi dealer

That only works for the Transmission CU, I should have made myself clear, I was referring to the Engine CU.

[NWRS6]

Buying a new ECU (engine) would need to be coded etc as you stated.

That is why the flash programming from GIAC is so good. The ECU does not physcially get altered or touched. Should the ECU need to be returned to stock, it can be done without tripping any fault codes or the flash counter.

[Aronis]

Is it possible that we would be able to 'flash' the transmission ECU in a similar way???

Mike

[Jack]

Originally posted by Aronis
Is it possible that we would be able to 'flash' the transmission ECU in a similar way???

Mike

No, not feasible at this time, and probably never, according to those in the know.