My first real mod goes on tomorrow

[Noffy]

Tomorrow Matrix Integrated is putting on my first real mod. A RS4 Sway Bar. Not just my first mod to the my audi, but really to any car I have every owned. It pretty exciting to me. Probably two exciting because I will get in and expect to be able to fly to the moon, but never the less I am pretty damn excited.

I bought it with some xmas money from my mother. I am almost 36 but I still get money from my mother for xmas. hehehe I am a true kid at heart. I still have a few other xmas moneys so I am thinking about some non performance things like maybe new fogs, or laminX for the tails or a filler panel.

I just need to come on here a let loose a little enthusiasm.

thanks

[kdawgg]

lol, you remind me of myself when i was 17 and first started modding my cars...

let me just warn you...once you start, you cant stop!

[evilgabbie]

grats !!! enjoy it, and make sure you drive ur car beside office buildings where there are reflective mirrors so you can enjoy your car more

[Noffy]

thanks guys, I just hope i notice a difference LOL

[viperdsa]

Congrats, kdawgg is right once you start you cant stop. Tell us how you like it cuz i'm thinking about doing that once i get chipped.

[quattrosaint]

getting mine on next week, You will have to give me your impressions.

[Noffy]

I am going to take it for a good drive up winding clackamas river road on saturday morning. I will post what I think then. Of course I will probably post before the to say everything went well or .....

I am coming for the sport suspension swaybar 18mm I think so it won't be a huge jump to 22mm.

[LimiTed]

yea let us know what u think. im deciding what i want to treat myself to for xmas.

[Noffy]

I just got the car back. I will take her out tomorrow morning for a real test drive. I had to come back to work after picking it up which is straight down a road at 35mph. I can tell there is going to be a big difference though, the tail end seems more responsive. I will let you guys know tomorrow, or maybe this evening if I can get out for a cruise.

[Noffy]

Okay there were some people wanting to know what I think of the RS4 rear sway bar mod.

First of all I have a 2005.5 A4 2.0T Tip quattro. This car has the Audi factory Sport Suspension. I believe that gives me the 18mm Rear Sway bar. I had the work done by Matrix Integrated (AZ Advertiser and Sponsor). I chose them becasue I had met them before and a GTG, my cubicle mate at work highly recommended them, and they are always more than willing to answer my questions about various car modifications (even the stupid questions). Also they just don't give one line answers, they explain and teach when there is an opportunity to. To me that is priceless service. And in fact their labor fee was not the cheapest quote I got. Anyways they had my car in and out of my shop and also gave me a ride to work.

I provided the shop with 3 items:

1. My Car
2. RS4 Rear Sway bar part# 8EO-511-409-AL
3. 2 Bushings part# 8EO-511-327-D

I believe that is all they needed. As far as the install I no nothing about it. LOL

Before the bar.

Well I thought the car really performed well before the mod. I am no race car driver. I haven't been to the track in any car. I am a pretty aggressive driver although I like to drive slow as well. A quiet curvy river/mountain/country rode was a joy to drive in the audi. I though ithe good performance was tainted slightly with understeer, a general "heavy nose", and at speed in corners considerable body roll.

After the bar:

As soon as I picked up the car, looked in the trunk, and saw the bar they took off I new there was going to be a considerable difference. The RS4 bar is a much more substantial piece of metal. Under normal driving I could tell there would be a difference, a good difference. It is hard to explain but the car just felt different in the back. Maybe Lighter, or more responsive in the back is a way to describe it. Maybe more "nimble" is a good description. Under more agressive driving and cornering there is a considerale improvement. The car doesn't squat as much during hard braking. The body roll has improved leaps and bounds. During cornering it feels like the car is quicker to come out of the turns for sure. When at speed and braking before the corner the car does not squat and feels much more stable. In the middle of the turn the car does not feel like the heavy noxe is going to pull you straight. In fact a few times I found myself turning too much, the car experiencing almost oversteer to some extent, such that i had to make a correction. When coming out of the corners the tail end of the car seems to be "whipping around" the corner such that you can get on the throttle quicker. Maybe a good description would be the tail end of the car is finishing the turn faster.

Sorry i don't have all the lingo. This is definitely "lay" man description.

Anyways hope this helps. I really think the RS4 modifiation is a very inexpensive and high quality performace modifications. I can just imagine waht C/O or other fancy suspension upgrade could feel like. The parts, shipping and installation cost me just over $200 and for me it was well worth it.

Now I just have a few more xmas $s to spend on this car. Hmmm..........

[quattrosaint]

Okay there were some people wanting to know what I think of the RS4 rear sway bar mod.

First of all I have a 2005.5 A4 2.0T Tip quattro. This car has the Audi factory Sport Suspension. I believe that gives me the 18mm Rear Sway bar. I had the work done by Matrix Integrated (AZ Advertiser and Sponsor). I chose them becasue I had met them before and a GTG, my cubicle mate at work highly recommended them, and they are always more than willing to answer my questions about various car modifications (even the stupid questions). Also they just don't give one line answers, they explain and teach when there is an opportunity to. To me that is priceless service. And in fact their labor fee was not the cheapest quote I got. Anyways they had my car in and out of my shop and also gave me a ride to work.

I provided the shop with 3 items:

1. My Car
2. RS4 Rear Sway bar part# 8EO-511-409-AL
3. 2 Bushings part# 8EO-511-327-D

I believe that is all they needed. As far as the install I no nothing about it. LOL

Before the bar.

Well I thought the car really performed well before the mod. I am no race car driver. I haven't been to the track in any car. I am a pretty aggressive driver although I like to drive slow as well. A quiet curvy river/mountain/country rode was a joy to drive in the audi. I though ithe good performance was tainted slightly with understeer, a general "heavy nose", and at speed in corners considerable body roll.

After the bar:

As soon as I picked up the car, looked in the trunk, and saw the bar they took off I new there was going to be a considerable difference. The RS4 bar is a much more substantial piece of metal. Under normal driving I could tell there would be a difference, a good difference. It is hard to explain but the car just felt different in the back. Maybe Lighter, or more responsive in the back is a way to describe it. Maybe more "nimble" is a good description. Under more agressive driving and cornering there is a considerale improvement. The car doesn't squat as much during hard braking. The body roll has improved leaps and bounds. During cornering it feels like the car is quicker to come out of the turns for sure. When at speed and braking before the corner the car does not squat and feels much more stable. In the middle of the turn the car does not feel like the heavy noxe is going to pull you straight. In fact a few times I found myself turning too much, the car experiencing almost oversteer to some extent, such that i had to make a correction. When coming out of the corners the tail end of the car seems to be "whipping around" the corner such that you can get on the throttle quicker. Maybe a good description would be the tail end of the car is finishing the turn faster.

Sorry i don't have all the lingo. This is definitely "lay" man description.

Anyways hope this helps. I really think the RS4 modifiation is a very inexpensive and high quality performace modifications. I can just imagine waht C/O or other fancy suspension upgrade could feel like. The parts, shipping and installation cost me just over $200 and for me it was well worth it.

Now I just have a few more xmas $s to spend on this car. Hmmm..........


I was hoping you would say all that. I almost cant wait to get back from vacation just so I can drive the car with the new H&R springs and the RS4 sway bar!!!!!!!!!!!!

[quattrosaint]

Okay there were some people wanting to know what I think of the RS4 rear sway bar mod.

First of all I have a 2005.5 A4 2.0T Tip quattro. This car has the Audi factory Sport Suspension. I believe that gives me the 18mm Rear Sway bar. I had the work done by Matrix Integrated (AZ Advertiser and Sponsor). I chose them becasue I had met them before and a GTG, my cubicle mate at work highly recommended them, and they are always more than willing to answer my questions about various car modifications (even the stupid questions). Also they just don't give one line answers, they explain and teach when there is an opportunity to. To me that is priceless service. And in fact their labor fee was not the cheapest quote I got. Anyways they had my car in and out of my shop and also gave me a ride to work.

I provided the shop with 3 items:

1. My Car
2. RS4 Rear Sway bar part# 8EO-511-409-AL
3. 2 Bushings part# 8EO-511-327-D

I believe that is all they needed. As far as the install I no nothing about it. LOL

Before the bar.

Well I thought the car really performed well before the mod. I am no race car driver. I haven't been to the track in any car. I am a pretty aggressive driver although I like to drive slow as well. A quiet curvy river/mountain/country rode was a joy to drive in the audi. I though ithe good performance was tainted slightly with understeer, a general "heavy nose", and at speed in corners considerable body roll.

After the bar:

As soon as I picked up the car, looked in the trunk, and saw the bar they took off I new there was going to be a considerable difference. The RS4 bar is a much more substantial piece of metal. Under normal driving I could tell there would be a difference, a good difference. It is hard to explain but the car just felt different in the back. Maybe Lighter, or more responsive in the back is a way to describe it. Maybe more "nimble" is a good description. Under more agressive driving and cornering there is a considerale improvement. The car doesn't squat as much during hard braking. The body roll has improved leaps and bounds. During cornering it feels like the car is quicker to come out of the turns for sure. When at speed and braking before the corner the car does not squat and feels much more stable. In the middle of the turn the car does not feel like the heavy noxe is going to pull you straight. In fact a few times I found myself turning too much, the car experiencing almost oversteer to some extent, such that i had to make a correction. When coming out of the corners the tail end of the car seems to be "whipping around" the corner such that you can get on the throttle quicker. Maybe a good description would be the tail end of the car is finishing the turn faster.

Sorry i don't have all the lingo. This is definitely "lay" man description.

Anyways hope this helps. I really think the RS4 modifiation is a very inexpensive and high quality performace modifications. I can just imagine waht C/O or other fancy suspension upgrade could feel like. The parts, shipping and installation cost me just over $200 and for me it was well worth it.

Now I just have a few more xmas $s to spend on this car. Hmmm..........


I was hoping you would say all that. I almost cant wait to get back from vacation just so I can drive the car with the new H&R springs and the RS4 sway bar!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks for the write up[up]

[Noffy]

I was hoping you would say all that. I almost cant wait to get back from vacation just so I can drive the car with the new H&R springs and the RS4 sway bar!!!!!!!!!!!! Thanks for the write up[up]


Did you get just the springs? and using the oem shocks or whatever?

Anyways for you the changes will be much more dramatic than just getting the sway bar.

[quattrosaint]

Did you get just the springs? and using the oem shocks or whatever?

Anyways for you the changes will be much more dramatic than just getting the sway bar.


I have the sport suspension so I think the shocks will be fine for quite a while. The springs and sway will hopefully make it feel like another car.

[Noffy]

I have the sport suspension so I think the shocks will be fine for quite a while. The springs and sway will hopefully make it feel like another car.


I was thinking of doing the same thing so I could lower the car a bit, but I have heard that you will where your shocks out fast if you add sport springs.

[quattrosaint]

I was thinking of doing the same thing so I could lower the car a bit, but I have heard that you will where your shocks out fast if you add sport springs.

I heard the same if you do not have the sport suspension. I will let you know in a couple weeks when I'm back from Connecticut.

[Noffy]

I heard the same if you do not have the sport suspension. I will let you know in a couple weeks when I'm back from Connecticut.

Please do because I have teh Sport Suspension and would love to get away with just some better springs.

[evilgabbie]

you convienced me... next mod.. sway bars !

[rusito]

great mod congratulations

[quattrosaint]

Please do because I have teh Sport Suspension and would love to get away with just some better springs.

I got the car back and wow what a difference. All the understeer is gone and its fairly easy to get the back end to step out. As far as the shocks, they will work perfectly and the ride is just a little more stiff with the H&R Springs and the RS4 rear sway. Audi even said to me there is no reason I need to replace the sport shocks. Audi alligned my car to RS4 specs. I would recomend this combo to anyone. Its like a whole new car. I have posted some pics in the forum as well.

[Noffy]

Okay so i have loving my car ever since the sway bar. It was just a awsome mod. So yesterday I put on one of those front filler plate which is a mod I guess. But anyways the next mod goes on next tuesday. AWE exhaust. I have been researching and deciding which one for 7 weeks maybe. I had narrowed it done to 3 millteck, StaSis, and AWE. Then after reading, hearing several reports about a tough fit for the Milltech I was down to two. I listed to all the clips I could find and had all but decided on AWE, then Matrix was kind enough to give me a ride to listen to their new Audi with the StaSis, and I loved it. Sweet StaSis it is. Now I just need to save the last few bucks. Then Matrix set me up with another customer that had a AWE system brand new in the box that they were not going to use. The offered me what seemed to be a fair deal. So now AWE exhaust is going to be installed by Matrix Intergrated next Tuesday.


I am sooooooooooooooooo excited i might need some ambien just to get to sleep the next 4 or 5 nights!!

[Rommulus]

How much did Matrix charge you to install the RS4 sway? If you don't mind me asking. I've been thinking about picking one up for a while and I think i'm ready to pull the trigger.

[Noffy]

How much did Matrix charge you to install the RS4 sway? If you don't mind me asking. I've been thinking about picking one up for a while and I think i'm ready to pull the trigger.

ygpm

[viperdsa]

I think you're going to love the AWE exhaust. I do [:D]

[Noffy]

I think you're going to love the AWE exhaust. I do [:D]


I hope so I have been agonizing over which one to get for awhile but really they are pretty similar. I can wait to here a little growl when i get into it.

[Noffy]

Well yesterday was the big day. I had the exhaust upgraded. The work was done by Matrix Integrated here in pornland (portland oregon). I haven't had a chance to drive the car a lot by I put maybe 50 miles on the car yesterday.

I just couldn't wait any longer to toot my own horn LOL. Matrix put on AWE Tuning's mid-pipe back exhaust for the Tip tranny. It looks great, I think ther are a few spots and marks on the tips but the exhaust was used (brand new I think but used) so I might need to figure out how to buff the marks out. They are really very minor and I only saw them when the sunlight was shining on the tips just perfect. The fitting looks great with the Rear Valence although my valence isn't painted and it now stands out even more compared to the highly polished tips. I can't say anything about the install other than Matrix threw it on there is what seem like record time and called me to come and get it.

The performance of the car has improved. I have not driven it a lot yet so I am not going to say too much on this topic. I am not sure but I think it released some new power from the engine. The throttle seems more responsive and the boost really seems to be at my disposal instantly and I think this is a major improvement. The sound is GREAT!!! Still pretty quiet in the cabin. Which is what I really wanted. In fact it could stand to be a little louder but I was hoping for an understated (not loud) improvement in sound. Definitely the tone is much much better, with a little bit of a deep growl on the low end of the rpms. When I either sport shift, or drive in S mode it sounds great and really make me feel cool and macho [drive] And when you get on the throttle aggressively or downshift and feed it fuel it really sounds great.

Thanks Matrix for finding me the exhaust at a discount and fitting me into their schedule very quickly. I am very happy with the install and will have more to say about it as I drive it more.

[AlexK]

To get your tips looking nice loosen the clamps, pull them off and give them a nice polish. I used 3M's metal polish and they looked great for a few weeks but could use another round now.

My RS4 sway is going on tomorrow. Looks like we got the same mods in reverse order.

How much did your sway install run you BTW?

Enjoy that growl!

[Noffy]

To get your tips looking nice loosen the clamps, pull them off and give them a nice polish. I used 3M's metal polish and they looked great for a few weeks but could use another round now.

My RS4 sway is going on tomorrow. Looks like we got the same mods in reverse order.

How much did your sway install run you BTW?

Enjoy that growl!


I will definitely give that a try, I am sure these marks can be buffed out pretty easily. and I love the growl, even if it is still a 4 banger growl. As far as the sway bar install.....ygpm

[AlexK]

Yeah, every time I drive the parentals' 3.6 Passat (with amazing laterally supportive seats, might I add) I realize how much better a 6 sounds. But hey, my car is quicker and I get better gas mileage.

[Noffy]

Just posting back an update that I am loving this exhaust upgrade. I am not positive that it gave me much power but it feels like it loosened a few horse up out of the engine. The reason I am not sure is that it has made the boost much more readily available. The turbo lag has been lessened and the throttle response seems better. I am by no means an expert on any of this stuff, just a drive and a consumer. However the car is much more pleasurable to drive. Between just the upgraded sound and turbo spooled and ready to deliver, and delivering much quicker has made my A4 a better vehicle.

[Noffy]

Okay I am scheduled at matrix for march 6th for my next mod. They are installing the forged Diverter Valve piece and the EVOMS Intake. I am pretty excited about the intake. the DV is i preperation for chipping my car after the warranty has run out. Iin addition I hope to install the custom heat shield that has been shopped around AZ.

[SoFresh]

I think I had mods purchased and stored in my closet before I could even drive back in the day, lol

[Noffy]

I think I had mods purchased and stored in my closet before I could even drive back in the day, lol

hahah I am 36 and have just found the joy in modding your car. Two different points of view i guess. I can tell you I feel like giddy school boy waiting to get these next few things installed.

[A4addict]

in addition I hope to install the custom heat shield that has been shopped around AZ.
You're not going to use the EvoM heat shield?

[Noffy]

You're not going to use the EvoM heat shield?

I am not sure what you are asking. I am using the heat sheild/box that comes with the intake, but I am planning on adding an additional shield. I guess I am not familiar with what it comes with. I was assuming it comes with a heat box and you use the shielding that is already there.

[Noffy]

Okay the EVOMS Cold Air Intake and the Forged DV goes in tomorrow at 8am. I am so so so excited!!!!

[supamannn99]

lemme know how it goes!

[Noffy]

So my car is down at Matri Integrated right now and they are putting in the upgrades. I am very excited, having a hard time concetrating on work thats for sure. They are a busy shop they had many many nice cars in there today. It probably becuase the weather is getting nice. I also got to right in their new A4 B7 avant, a sweet ride!

couple of hours from now I hope to be taking a long drive in the sun.

[Noffy]

Well at some point I will put out a full review of the EVOMS intake. But just to reply to this thread the really only I post in. I got the EVOMS intake and the Forged DV installed. I can definetly feel a significant difference in the car. Both the power curve, and the throttle. The throttle response is much more acitive, quicker etc. The power seems to have changed, it feels like there is either more, or just more through the mid range. I will need some more driving to be able to describe it accurately. In addition there is some new sounds. When step on the throttle, especially when really getting on it, there is a clear metallic air sucking sound. This sound stops with a "pffft" when you let off the throttle suddenly, and sometimes during shifts. I think I am really going to like it, but the sound will take some getting use to.

[supamannn99]

I'm probably gonna get those soon too. You inspired me to get the RS4 rear sway after you wrote about it. And it was convincing enough so I did it.

Do you have a manual transmission?

[Noffy]

I'm probably gonna get those soon too. You inspired me to get the RS4 rear sway after you wrote about it. And it was convincing enough so I did it.

Do you have a manual transmission?

Unfortunately No, I have a tiptronic. I will post up some details about the intake this weekend and what i think about it. So keep a look out for that if you are interested.

[LampyB]

if you're looking to get into working on engines yourself, why not just try and do the DV install? you'll just need a basic set of tools and a couple rhino ramps instead of jack stands...they only run about $28.