giac u can run a manual boost controller which ive seen 20+ i will quote price from vast performance "i have a manual boost controller and its cranked like im tryin to blow my $h*t up!!"

get a boost gauge b4 u do anything

also to answer the original question of how much is safe / reliable ... the stock amount lol thats how the car was designed

 

stock boost = 8 to 9 psi
Apr boost = approx 14psi
Giac Boost = approx 15psi

The difference in the APR and the GIAC programming is how long it takes to reach peak boost. APR tends to be smoother, less agressive, reaching its maximum higher in the RPM's. GIAC is somewhat spastic, boost builds fast and agressively, earlier in the RPM's. GIAC boost curve also feels more, well spastic. GIAC also offers the 1.3 bar x chip, very spastic, full 19-20 psi at 3100rpm

 

Nice. Nothing is you car a TIP? Also where is that x-chip offered? I really am disapointed with apr. I think I should have gone with giac from the start.

 

Yes it is a TIP, contact Austin at GIAC. He will be able to set you up with the latest version of the 1.3bar X flash. This flash is so extreme that I ended up installing a MBC in parallel with the N75 valve to clip the boost spike at peak. If you are going to get the 1.3bar I would recommend that you have a boost gauge. If you are running this chip on K03's it is dangerously near their limits. Good luck, have fun, race to win!!

 

Did you have to update the tranny when you got the Ko4's. And is the x chip the same chip that comes with the k04 kit from awe tuning?

 

x chip is def not the same tuning needed for k04s lol ... its 1.3 bar i think the rs4 has a 4 bar fuel kit and youd need to update your fuel pump aswell ... thats how you get to 500+hp

if i have the 1.2 bar giac can i buy the x chip for like 100 bucks or whatever or do i have to spend 500 all over again

 

I know that u can get APR chip with as many as 4 diffrent setings and chose what ever u like. Can u get that with GIAC? I would love to have stock 91-93 octane mode with couple more extra ponies and all ***** out17-20 psi mode on the race gas strictly. Is that posible?

 

On a somewhat related note, I had the dealership perform a pressure test on my turbos to check for leaks and they indicated it showed from 22-25psi at wide-open throttle.

How exactly does this factor in to this and is this range 'normal'?

 

I do not have an upgraded tranny. I am running the 1.3 bar chip with a 5bar FPR. And yes GIAC is quite good about minimal cost for upgrading your current chip. GIAC also offers the hand flashloader which allows you to switch between purchased programming.
Costner 22-25psi may be your maximum at WOT, your turbos are essentially controlled with the N75 to the wastegate. In other words, 22-25 may be peak capability if you took the N75 out and ran a MBC standalone, this would cause issues in itself (throttle cut).