Due to popular demand, the team at Eurocode has opened a second group buy on our Alu Kreuz (pronounced kroitz) drivetrain stabilizer for the B8 chassis Audi's to include the A4, S4, A5, S5 and Q5.
Our Alu Kreuz replaces the factory multi piece drive train stabilizer with one solid, lightweight structural member to further stiffen the chassis and prevent unwanted suspension deflection. All 6 mounting points are secured to one single plane; the net result is sharper steering with a reduction in chassis flex.
Who would benefit from the addition of the Alu Kreuz? We feel that if you enjoy spirited driving, like to take the on ramps and off ramps of the highway a little quicker than you peers, enjoy a nice drive through the canyons (twisties), the occasional track day or high performance driving class or just want to run your car balls out on the road course, the Alu Kreuz is perfect for you.
During our testing of the B8 chassis cars which are comprised of the Audi A4, S4, A5, S5 and Q5, we found that there was quite a bit of torsional flex coming from the factory subframe/engine carrier. This torsional flex produced what we felt to be incorrect steering sensitivity and response in all aspects of driving. To combat this unwanted characteristic, we did a thorough examination of the front suspension, chassis unibody, and the engine carrier/subframe. Our conclusion was that the OEM hollow steel drivetrain stabilizer underperformed.
The team at Eurocode set out to combat this torsional flex and decided to redesign the drivetrain stabilizer. Our first step was to analyze the material that the factory stabilizer was made up of and then create a load case scenario in which to test it under. We sent out a sample for materials testing and found the factory stabilizer to be made up of carbon steel with a density of 0.284 lb/in3, predominately hollow and stamped into shape. The OEM stabilizer is made up of nine separate pieces, and they are all welded together to form one single unit. Once all of this data was collected and loaded, our team set out with the goal of improving chassis rigidity and weight reduction. Our team found that a replacement stabilizer manufactured out of billet aluminum would accomplish our goals, so the next step was the design process.
Our design process went through several revisions, with each version being loaded into computer modeling to test how it would stack up against the inferior OEM product; these revisions were also built and tested not only on the road, but as well as on a closed course with the feedback provided by a professional driver to the design engineers.
The finished product, which we dub “Alu Kreuz”, is incredible. It features a one piece, billet T7 aircraft aluminum construction, type III hard anodized coating, and all necessary provisions to attach the OEM sound deadeners. It requires zero modification to the vehicle, and works perfectly with the OEM power steering cooler. The Alu Kreuz is also nearly two pounds lighter than the OEM brace and greatly improves chassis torsional rigidity. It looks amazing as well.
Independent analysis was performed on the product and the conclusions were that in each of the pre set load case scenarios, the Alu Kreuz deflected less than the OEM stabilizer, carries less stress for a given applied load and the fatigue life of the product is greater than OEM.
After much anticipation I was able to get the Alu Kreuz installed on Thursday. Right out of the box you the piece feels solid and rigid, it is not until you compare the factory part to this that you really understand how much Audi skimped on bolstering the subframe in this car.
Install was easy, since the install manual was not complete when these shipped I emailed Eurocode for torque specs and they promptly replied. This is my first interaction with them and I am very impressed with the customer service they have provided so far. OK Back to the install... Once the car is up on stands and the belly pan was removed it only took 10 minutes to swap the parts. very straight forward! just watch out for the power steering line that is attached to the brace... you do not wan to rip that sucker off. Overall the hardest part of the install is mounting the belly pan back to the Alu Kreuz. The provided machine screws are almost too short and it makes finding the holes difficult. Had I been using a lift this may not have been an issue.
Driving impressions - I felt an immediate improvement in how the front end behaved. At times I felt the car (stock) was a bit mushy(sorry for the vague description, but it is the only word that suited my feelings) up front, especially in slow to medium speed turns. Almost felt like the outside wheel wanted to lean over. That feeling is all but gone now. I have to admit, I also had the thought "I just paid good money so there needs to be a tangible result... it is not just my mind I swear" but after a back to back drive in a relatives S5 (which stock feels a little more solid than the stock S4) I could really notice the difference. Very happy with the result, turn in is crisper and the mushy front end is banned. Not sure if this is just me but my car also seems to track better as well.
For such a simple solution that will never be seen this is a beautiful piece to look at, if only I was under the car more to admire it! at least it is safe under the belly pan. The stock piece is a joke in comparison. Almost looks and feels like an afterthought. A sad sign of a company known for over engineering their products moving to cost cutting measures in the wrong areas.
If you just commute in your car or never drive in a spirited manner (not sure why you would buy a car like this if so) then this would be a waste of money. The S4 is a fine handling car out of the box, but this just pins the front end down so you can enjoy it even more. At the group buy price this part was a steal, after driving around in it for a few days I can say I would gladly have paid the full price plus shipping.
Thank you Greg at Eurocode for the quick responses and help with the torque specs. Cannot wait to give you more of my money... if only I could justify the headers. How about an APR Pulley and install Kit once you get some in stock?
Mike
Originally Posted by jimmyrecluse
I've got this. It's awesome as fuck. Looks hot too.
Originally Posted by rugbylion
I had this installed yesterday and it makes a very noticeable difference in handling and I am very pleased with this mod. The car just seems to be even more capable of tackling low and high speed turns with ease. I couldn't believe the stock part compared to Eurocode's Alu Kreuz Stabilizer. The stock part looked like a skinny pretzel.
As always, David and Greg rolled out the carpet for their customers and I was also invited to drive David's Sprint Blue Beast. What they have done to this car is incredible! I'll be headed back there for some H&R spacers soon. Thanks again to EC for their service and the new stabilizer!
Originally Posted by AofC_RR
Just got mine on the car friday. Definitely helps tighten up the steering. I know it's less of an issue for you S4 guys but in the B8 A4 it's too light.
Originally Posted by pyramid
Got mine installed today. I'm very happy with it. I would describe the sensation like putting a good strut tower brace in another car.
Impressions: Car seems to track straighter/truer under straight line hard acceleration/braking and cruising. Front end feels like there is more feel than before, especially at the limit. On my test drive today I drove exceptionally hard into a few corners and instead of the stock uncertainty about how much the front end was pushing it felt like there was immediate feedback of exactly how much grip/slip was going on. Everything feels better connected and the communication is much improved.
The front actually feels so much more solid now that I could really feel the slop in the rear end and differentiate the two easily. This made me wonder, is there a similar part that could be upgraded in the rear to serve a similar function? I would buy one of those today if such a thing existed.
Last edited by Info@EuroCode; 11-03-2011 at 10:20 AM.
EuroCode Tuning, Inc.
1872 Del Amo Blvd Unit A
Torrance, CA 90501
310-294-8108
Hey I'm in this thread! If you're on the fence as an A4 guy see my build thread for more of a review. Well worth it. When you see the stock and Alu Kreuz side by side you'll understand. It's a very well made and engineered part. This thing should be stock!
Keep up the good work Eurocode!!
Ol' Whitey - 1996 A4 2.8 Quattro 5 speed Arctic White with Remus exhaust
#2 - 2008 A4 2.0T Quattro 6MT Quartz Gray -Prem, Heated seats, Convenience, Bluetooth, Ipod, Bose with AWE exhaust (1/08 - 1/11)
#3- 2011 A4 6MT Quartz Gray - Premium Plus, B&O, Titanium - Full Gen1 AWE dual exhaust, Eurocode HFIC pipe, Trufit hose kits & Alu Kreuz DTS, 3M Clearbra, Piano Black Dash Surround, MY10 rear headrests, Huper Optik, S-line Stoneguards
Audi Brand Specialist
Is the brace of the RHD and the LHD B8 of much a difference? Or just a matter of different location of the screw holes? Please do make us RHD car owners one....
1990 VW CORRADO OBD II VR6 QUARTZ BLUE :thumbup:
2010 AUDI S4 3.0T ICE SILVER PREM PLUS :thumbup:
2008 MERCEDES E350 SPORT BLACK :thumbup:
1996 VW JETTA VR6 COOL WHITE MY MOTOR WAS RUNNING LIKE A CHAMP AND I STILL SWAPPED IT!?!
Can we pick up the piece from the shop as well if we are in the area?
Yes, that would not be an issue at all.
Originally Posted by Chestlock
Trying to pay deposit... website won't let me. PM sent David.
Our website does not accept international credit cards, you will need to call us at 310-294-8108
Originally Posted by HKCW
Is the brace of the RHD and the LHD B8 of much a difference? Or just a matter of different location of the screw holes? Please do make us RHD car owners one....
The steering box on the RHD cars interferes with installation. It is going to take a redesign of the product.
EuroCode Tuning, Inc.
1872 Del Amo Blvd Unit A
Torrance, CA 90501
310-294-8108
Originally Posted by mikejsully
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