I usually dont post much here, but I am lurking around reading threads all the time so I thought I would share my expereince with all you guys. So this weekend I went over to AWE Tuning in Willow Grove, PA and finally got my car chipped. I figured it would be a good idea to get the DV for longevity and the Dog bone mount as well because mine was feeling a little sloppy. First off, I must say that AWE was very professional and got me in and out really quickly. I only had the GIAC X+ chip installed there, however, because the DV and the mount are insanely easy to install yourself as I am sure everyone knows.
First impressions: The chip totally changed the engine's charactreristics and is a blast to drive. The boost comes on really strong and pulls longer and harder than stock, obviously. I also have a full 2.5" Milltek exhaust so I am sure that helped a bit because the difference was night and day. The top end is greatly improved and you dont really have to downshift when cruising at highway speeds in 6th to accelerate quickly. Throttle response is better as well, but not as noticeable as I was expecting. I was pretty apprehensive about surging issues that people have been having with their X+ chips and I am happy to say my chip has exhibited zero surging so far. Seems like the newest software has smoothed everything out as far as I can tell or I am just lucky. I actually think it is smoother than stock. The nice thing about it is that it really drives like stock unless you get on it. So for DD purposes the X+ chip is great. I really couldnt be happier with it.
The car felt great even after driving with stock the DV down to a friend's house in Delaware (which took a couple hours) to install the Bailey DV and engine mount. The install went very smoothly and the VF mount made a huge difference. From readinig posts about the VF, I was kinda worried that it was going to rattle my car apart at idle, but I didnt have any issues with that at all. There is a vibration at idle, but it is very subtle. Its not a jarring vibration at all as some have described. It really just feels like you are more connected to the engine. I did, however, notice the vibration getter stronger and slightly louder when initially accelerating in 1st gear or reverse at very low rpms. But its not something that is annoying at all, it feels solid. The VF makes shifting A LOT more smooth and everything feels more tied together even during braking. I would highly recommend this mount to anyone who wants a tighter feel in their car. definitely worth the money in my opinion.
Finally, my car sounds a little more throaty with a deeper exhaust note at idle and while driving. I don't know if this is due to the GIAC chip or the engine mount, but it is definitely an improvement. Not sure if anyone else has experienced this or I am just making it up in my head, but I definitely notice it. Anyway, I would highly recommend both AWE and all of the mods I installed this weekend. Hope this helps to anyone considering this route. These forums really gave me all the info I needed to make informed decisions about my purchase. So here's a
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to everyone here for all the good info.
First impressions: The chip totally changed the engine's charactreristics and is a blast to drive. The boost comes on really strong and pulls longer and harder than stock, obviously. I also have a full 2.5" Milltek exhaust so I am sure that helped a bit because the difference was night and day. The top end is greatly improved and you dont really have to downshift when cruising at highway speeds in 6th to accelerate quickly. Throttle response is better as well, but not as noticeable as I was expecting. I was pretty apprehensive about surging issues that people have been having with their X+ chips and I am happy to say my chip has exhibited zero surging so far. Seems like the newest software has smoothed everything out as far as I can tell or I am just lucky. I actually think it is smoother than stock. The nice thing about it is that it really drives like stock unless you get on it. So for DD purposes the X+ chip is great. I really couldnt be happier with it.
The car felt great even after driving with stock the DV down to a friend's house in Delaware (which took a couple hours) to install the Bailey DV and engine mount. The install went very smoothly and the VF mount made a huge difference. From readinig posts about the VF, I was kinda worried that it was going to rattle my car apart at idle, but I didnt have any issues with that at all. There is a vibration at idle, but it is very subtle. Its not a jarring vibration at all as some have described. It really just feels like you are more connected to the engine. I did, however, notice the vibration getter stronger and slightly louder when initially accelerating in 1st gear or reverse at very low rpms. But its not something that is annoying at all, it feels solid. The VF makes shifting A LOT more smooth and everything feels more tied together even during braking. I would highly recommend this mount to anyone who wants a tighter feel in their car. definitely worth the money in my opinion.
Finally, my car sounds a little more throaty with a deeper exhaust note at idle and while driving. I don't know if this is due to the GIAC chip or the engine mount, but it is definitely an improvement. Not sure if anyone else has experienced this or I am just making it up in my head, but I definitely notice it. Anyway, I would highly recommend both AWE and all of the mods I installed this weekend. Hope this helps to anyone considering this route. These forums really gave me all the info I needed to make informed decisions about my purchase. So here's a
