gardentender said:
considering the difficulties (described above) in removing the ECU to install a chip,
i am wondering if it would be simpler just to put in better fuel injectors.
maybe cheaper, too?
Simpler, and in the short term, just about as effective as a stage 1 chip. However, modding is an addiction. Shortly, you'll need both.
(Or, more likely, injectors and a Stage 2 or 3 chip.)
looking for a modest power increase in the 60-90 mph range. not too big an MPG hit if driven moderately.
I recommend Kerma PowerPlus 520s. I have them (no other mods of note, see my signature) and the thing pulls like a freight train from 60-90. No driveability problems, a small amount of smoke on cold-start (only because my intake is clogged pretty badly), and no hit on MPGs...I actually expect to net a GAIN in fuel economy.
i have a 2001 Jetta GL 1.9T, with manual transmission, and approaching 200K miles, 47-50 MPG consistently.
i put a Pierburg MAF in it at about 100K, works like a charm, and seems to have pushed the peak torque about 250-300 rpm to the right.
basic question: chip or injectors, cost/ease?
For ease, injectors are a no-brainer. I wouldn't try putting in the nozzles myself, but rather I had Lubrication Specialists put the nozzles into good injector bodies and send them to you for installation, then you send your old injectors back. Very simple operation.
As far as chipping, if you have an Upsolute dealer nearby, or are anywhere near PA (and therefore RocketChip), having it done "in person" is very easy, even easier than injectors. However, taking it out and sending it in to be done...only you can decide where that rates on the difficulty scale. I won't do it. But, hopefully there will be more RocketChip dealers very soon, and I won't have to.
Another option, if you want more power with simplicity, is a tuning box. Although you won't quite get performance equal to a "chipping", you'll see a gain. The Diesel Power box seems to be favored around here, and JoeHafner sounds like a quality guy and overall good vendor to deal with. Check out his product.
Mike