Aaarrggg! The dyno plot tells the whole story. They have a 2001 1.8T with just chip & catback making 181 FWHP (near my 179 FWHP) but that cars 200 lb/ft down low makes the power curve VERY fat. For example, at 4000 RPM, I'm making about 110 HP to the 1.8Tws 140 HP (so he is killing me at that RPM), by 5000 RPM it is closer - only 10 HP apart. So to stay with that car, (assuming similar weight) I would need to keep above 5000 RPMs which means either: 1) a chip with 7500 RPM redline so that upon shifting I am at 5000 RPM instead of 4500, or 2) a 6 speed. Be nice to have that hipo damper and chip...
