Barry's 2001 B5 S4 Build Thread

[q20v]

It's been a busy month for the S, a few things to update.

- Power steering still doesn't work. I bought and installed a new Bosch pump from FCP (after completely flushing the system) and it worked for about 5 minutes before not working. I continued to drive w/o PS for a while then caved and bought a new rack from Rockauto. Installed that (after another complete fluid flush) and on first engine start it dumped all the PS fluid out the passenger side rack seal. Put the old rack back in and I've just been driving around w/o PS again.
- My next move is to source a used (known working) rack and pump and swap them at the same time. I've had my reservoir out twice for thorough cleaning, and blew fluid through the restrictor in the return line into a bucket to make sure there are no obstructions. Maybe the fluid I'm using is not good, but it says to use where CHF-11S is specified: https://www.canadiantire.ca/en/pdp/o...0657p.html#srp

Engine update:
- First fill with Amsoil SAE30 break-in oil
- Oil / filter change at 75km and re-filled with Amsoil SAE30 break-in oil
- Oil / filter change at 300km and refilled with Castrol conventional 10W-40 (these are total km on the new engine, not the oil change interval)
- Oil / filter change at 700km and refiled with Pennzoil 10W-40 full synthetic. Up to here I generally avoided long stretches to vary the RPM around town. The tune was limited to 0% WGDC (so ~7psi) and I made sure to load the engine adequately during acceleration.

Tuning
- At about 800km I met up with my tuner (Ward Performance Tuning) and after about 1.5-2 hours we had the boost up to 19psi and the timing / fuel ratio / boost curve etc all nicely dialled in. No issues came up during the tuning process. We left some on the table since we were very happy with how the car was running, it was 30*C (40*C with the humidex), and traffic was busier than usual for the roads we were on. We will be doing some remote tuning next followed by a dyno session. We'll increase the boost, ramp up the boost curve a bit more aggressively, and I also picked up some boostane premium for the dyno session. I'll have the option to flash the following tunes: 94 octane, 94 + boostane (~100 octane), and eventually a 94 + boostane + WMI (or just 94 + WMI... gotta look out for that poor RS4 clutch!).
- I'm up to about 1300km on the engine as of now.

Impressions
- Mechanically the engine has been absolutely flawless. It revs up freely and sounds amazing. No misfires, starts right up, drives around like a normal engine should, and the power is very nice. We estimate it's at about 380-400hp (crank) right now so definitely a bit of head room. I'm fine with that for now as I see if any bugs want to show up. It definitely has enough power to get me in trouble!

Issues
- Power steering... gah
- I've had to re-adjust the passenger side intercooler to prevent it from hitting the frame rail (pretty tight between the frame rail and AC dryer!)
- I flushed out the ATE Super Blue from the clutch line. Since using that my clutch master had been squeaking and was very sticky. All is back to 100% now. Thank goodness too, I was really hoping I didn't have to pull the engine to investigate a release bearing / fork issue. Clutch now feels like it should, very smooth.

[S4James]

i needed a new clutch master to get rid of that squeek thanks to that blue garbage...

[rkern]

I had issues with a Rock Auto rack as well. Returned it and picked one up from Rack Doctor and it's been good ever since.

[q20v]

I had issues with a Rock Auto rack as well. Returned it and picked one up from Rack Doctor and it's been good ever since.

I boxed it up and went through the return process the same day it failed. I'm quite proficient at swapping racks now! Thanks for the Rack Doctor link, I have a lead on a used one that is in working condition, so I'll give that a go. But that's a great price on a rebuild and very tempting.

[AudiAR01]

Hey Barry what head gaskets did you use on your build? OEM, Corteco or Elring? And what bearings did you use for rods and crank? Glyco? Or coated 034?

2003 A6 2.7T 6spd Stage 1+ (motor pulled for stage 3+ upgrades)

2001 Allroad TIP Stage 1
2006 A3 2.0T 6spd Stage 1

[q20v]

Hey Barry what head gaskets did you use on your build? OEM, Corteco or Elring? And what bearings did you use for rods and crank? Glyco? Or coated 034

Hey Seth, using Calico coated bearings (rod / crank) and Elring head gasket.

A few clips of the car ripping around:

[AudiAR01]

Hey Seth, using Calico coated bearings (rod / crank) and Elring head gasket.

A few clips of the car ripping around:

Where did you get the calico coated rod bearings? All I can find is calico coated main cap"crank" bearings.

P.S. the car sounds awesome. Congrats on the build. Don't forget to keep an eye on those turbo manifolds. Didn't you use the XS Power turbo manifolds? Mine cracked and I junked them. This build I'm just sticking with the good ol tried n true stock manifolds.

2003 A6 2.7T 6spd Stage 1+ (motor pulled for stage 3+ upgrades)

2001 Allroad TIP Stage 1
2006 A3 2.0T 6spd Stage 1

[q20v]

Hey Seth, sorry I must have missed your message! I got the bearings from a forum member here, he was selling new stuff he wasn't going to use anymore.
I am using OE manifolds. My buddy Sean is using the XS-Power kit which includes the manifolds.

I just did another tuning session with my tuner (Tyler Ward) and for this file I ran a full tank of 94 with a can of Boostane Premium. We increased the boost to 21 peak (held 20 to redline) to keep things repeatable and reliable for the long term. Timing and fuel were adjusted accordingly. The car is an animal. Feels so strong in every gear from 3-3.5k rpm all the way to redline. I've only driven it about 30km on this tune but it feels really nice.

The plan is to daily drive the 19psi/94 octane tune and flash the 21psi/Boostane tune when I'm feeling frisky. At $25/bottle of boostane I think it's best left for every 3rd/4th tank of fuel, besides, the 19psi/94 tune is quite fast.

Also installed an 034 throttle body boot for insurance. Otherwise the car has been trouble free (power steering issue persists but I haven't investigated lately. I do have some assist but it struggles at low speed / roundabouts).

[AudiAR01]

Hey Seth, sorry I must have missed your message! I got the bearings from a forum member here, he was selling new stuff he wasn't going to use anymore.
I am using OE manifolds. My buddy Sean is using the XS-Power kit which includes the manifolds.

I just did another tuning session with my tuner (Tyler Ward) and for this file I ran a full tank of 94 with a can of Boostane Premium. We increased the boost to 21 peak (held 20 to redline) to keep things repeatable and reliable for the long term. Timing and fuel were adjusted accordingly. The car is an animal. Feels so strong in every gear from 3-3.5k rpm all the way to redline. I've only driven it about 30km on this tune but it feels really nice.

The plan is to daily drive the 19psi/94 octane tune and flash the 21psi/Boostane tune when I'm feeling frisky. At $25/bottle of boostane I think it's best left for every 3rd/4th tank of fuel, besides, the 19psi/94 tune is quite fast.

Also installed an 034 throttle body boot for insurance. Otherwise the car has been trouble free (power steering issue persists but I haven't investigated lately. I do have some assist but it struggles at low speed / roundabouts).

Do you guys have e85 up there in good ol Canadia(Canada)? If so, any thoughts on going ng to e85 tune down the road? Here in North Central West Virginia e85 isn't super readily available. Only a few gas stations have it. But almost all of them have an e40 blend. Which I think I'm going to go with if Blake can tune for it. I don't know if he can. I know he can pump 93 and e85. But unsure about e40. Right now here pump 93 is $3.40USD/gal which is really high for here. But e40 is $2.46USD/gal. And the few e85 places have it for $2.88USD/gal for some reason the ethanal is cheaper than premium octane. Which is weird. And we have a Super 88 which is 88oct with 25% ethanal. Which is the cheapest you can get. It like $2.25USD/gal. Most gas stations have 87oct/89oct/91oct. But closest good gas station has the 93oct and the e40. So gonna go with the 93Oct tune. And hopefully e40 if Blake can tune for it. Idk if its widely known.

I ended up just ordering regular glycol bearings for the rods and main caps. I figured the original ones lasted 200k+ miles. They should be fine for this build. And I've read that there's been fitment issues with the coated bearings with forged rods and the crank journals. And I didn't wanna deal with that. Even though I noticed you didn't have any fitment issues. And I wanted to ask I know you replaced the chain tensioner on the oil pump chain. Did you reuse the chain or get a new chain too. My oil pump isn't that old. And I believe the chain was replaced with it. But I still ordered a new tensioner just for piece of mind. I built a Electrolysis tank to remove all the surface rust on the block. I'm gonna try to powder coat the block. I think it'll fit in my oven I put in the garage for powder coating. I've been cleaning everything to PC. After seeing you do yours. And good it looked. And I had an old electric oven from our house where we got all new appliances. Soi figured why not. I put it in the garage and built a little PC booth. And got the same PC gun you have. And I did my valve covers. And they turned out amazing. So I'm gonna PC everything that I can lol. Glad to hear the build is running good. Minus the pesky power steering. More than likely I'll end up having the same issue lol. I accidentally let my Res empty out when I pulled the motor. I forgot to cap the line. And went into the garage a few days later. And the entire P/S res had drained out all over the floor. But hopefully not. We will see. I did go with arp head bolts and main studs. So I've been trying to find pictures of what needs to trimmed out in the oil pan and on the oil pump. But have yet to find it. I went with those because I wasn't sure how you tq down the main caps to check bearings clearance with plastigauge with the one time tty main cap bolts. Bc you have to tq then down. And then Remove the caps to check the plastic gauge. Then re-torque them. And you're not suppose to re-torque the TTY bolts.

2003 A6 2.7T 6spd Stage 1+ (motor pulled for stage 3+ upgrades)

2001 Allroad TIP Stage 1
2006 A3 2.0T 6spd Stage 1

[S4James]

you can get E85 but not on any pumps here, couple shops local to us have it on hand.

[q20v]

Do you guys have e85 up there i...............n caps to check bearings clearance with plastigauge with the one time tty main cap bolts. Bc you have to tq then down. And then Remove the caps to check the plastic gauge. Then re-torque them. And you're not suppose to re-torque the TTY bolts.

Like James said, E85 is not readily available around here. The Boostane will quench my thirst for now until I install the WMI kit, at which point I'll either ditch the Boostane or run a lower quantity. I'll ask my clutch and see what it says

I replaced the oil pump chain tensioner only, not the chain. For my block I simply painted it with POR15 engine enamel. Not sure what temps the block will see, but keep in mind the temp limit for powder coat.

For plastigauging the mains, you could use your old bolts, that's what I did. Then new bolts for crank install. But if you're going ARP then it's not an issue.
Also if you're using ARP, from what I've read you will likely need to align hone the bearing bores on the block, something to look into.

[AudiAR01]

Like James said, E85 is not readily available around here. The Boostane will quench my thirst for now until I install the WMI kit, at which point I'll either ditch the Boostane or run a lower quantity. I'll ask my clutch and see what it says

I replaced the oil pump chain tensioner only, not the chain. For my block I simply painted it with POR15 engine enamel. Not sure what temps the block will see, but keep in mind the temp limit for powder coat.

For plastigauging the mains, you could use your old bolts, that's what I did. Then new bolts for crank install. But if you're going ARP then it's not an issue.
Also if you're using ARP, from what I've read you will likely need to align hone the bearing bores on the block, something to look into.

I didn't even think about temp limit on PC. I figured it would be ok due to the valve cover being PC'd. But it also doesn't get as hot as the block itself does. Things like that are simply overlooked. I'm glad you said something. Probably a good idea to just paint it. This is why I like this forum.... Just an extra set eyes and or thought process can save ya. It never even dawned on me about the temperature and powder coating the block. And as for the mains I wasn't sure if you could get a good re-torque with the already stretched bolts. And I haven't read that you have to align hone the crank bores when switching to studs. Maybe I'll just go with oem mains then. Because I don't have a decent machine shop any where close to me to align hone the block. I'm using a flex hone for cylinders. For the new rings. And my uncle can balance my rotating assembly. He could probably align hone it too. But he's always extremely busy at his shop. So I'll probably just stick with oem mains. That way I don't have to trim the pump and oil pan as well. I appreciate the info. I'm ready to get this together. It's been in pieces since January of this year.

2003 A6 2.7T 6spd Stage 1+ (motor pulled for stage 3+ upgrades)

2001 Allroad TIP Stage 1
2006 A3 2.0T 6spd Stage 1

[q20v]

I didn't even think about temp limit on PC. I figured it would be ok due to the valve cover being PC'd. But it also doesn't get as hot as the block itself does. Things like that are simply overlooked. I'm glad you said something. Probably a good idea to just paint it. This is why I like this forum.... Just an extra set eyes and or thought process can save ya. It never even dawned on me about the temperature and powder coating the block. And as for the mains I wasn't sure if you could get a good re-torque with the already stretched bolts. And I haven't read that you have to align hone the crank bores when switching to studs. Maybe I'll just go with oem mains then. Because I don't have a decent machine shop any where close to me to align hone the block. I'm using a flex hone for cylinders. For the new rings. And my uncle can balance my rotating assembly. He could probably align hone it too. But he's always extremely busy at his shop. So I'll probably just stick with oem mains. That way I don't have to trim the pump and oil pan as well. I appreciate the info. I'm ready to get this together. It's been in pieces since January of this year.

You might be okay temp wise, but worth checking. Overall it would probably be a lot easier to just paint, like you said!

For the main bolts vs ARP, I can't remember your power goals and don't know the limit of the OE bolts, but keeping it simple is always something I shoot for, no need to complicate things if you don't need to!

[AudiAR01]

You might be okay temp wise, but worth checking. Overall it would probably be a lot easier to just paint, like you said!

For the main bolts vs ARP, I can't remember your power goals and don't know the limit of the OE bolts, but keeping it simple is always something I shoot for, no need to complicate things if you don't need to!

Hoping to break 400awhp. Stage 3+ With all the bolts on you can buy for the 2.7T Im having 1mm bigger valves put in the head, new brass valve guides and seals, supertech Valve springs and retainers. Heads ported, polished, gasket matched on both intake and exhaust. As well as decked. SEP oversized inlets, catless 3" DPs, full Billy Boat Stainless Catback, LWFW ECT ECT....

2003 A6 2.7T 6spd Stage 1+ (motor pulled for stage 3+ upgrades)

2001 Allroad TIP Stage 1
2006 A3 2.0T 6spd Stage 1

[q20v]

Hoping to break 400awhp. Stage 3+ With all the bolts on you can buy for the 2.7T Im having 1mm bigger valves put in the head, new brass valve guides and seals, supertech Valve springs and retainers. Heads ported, polished, gasket matched on both intake and exhaust. As well as decked. SEP oversized inlets, catless 3" DPs, full Billy Boat Stainless Catback, LWFW ECT ECT....

Nice setup! Sounds like you'll have a solid base for making decent power. What fuel will you be using?


Quick update on the S4, spent about 2 hours driving it around last night, across town, back roads, etc, and the engine is running very well. Sounds really nice with the new tune and is very responsive. As soon as I parked it in the garage I was itching to take it back out. The power band is very conducive to my type of driving and is exactly what I was looking for with this turbo setup. While cruising at anything over 3k rpm and punching the gas, the car almost instantly just launches forward and pulls to redline. Being in higher gears on the highway doesn't require downshifting to pass cars, but dropping down to 5th or 4th generates quite the smile.

My plan from here is to switch between the two tunes until I install the WMI. I checked out my trunk to see how the water tank / pump will fit. I'll try and progress that so that it's ready to go for the spring next year.

[mjmatos]

Nice setup! Sounds like you'll have a solid base for making decent power. What fuel will you be using?


Quick update on the S4, spent about 2 hours driving it around last night, across town, back roads, etc, and the engine is running very well. Sounds really nice with the new tune and is very responsive. As soon as I parked it in the garage I was itching to take it back out. The power band is very conducive to my type of driving and is exactly what I was looking for with this turbo setup. While cruising at anything over 3k rpm and punching the gas, the car almost instantly just launches forward and pulls to redline. Being in higher gears on the highway doesn't require downshifting to pass cars, but dropping down to 5th or 4th generates quite the smile.

My plan from here is to switch between the two tunes until I install the WMI. I checked out my trunk to see how the water tank / pump will fit. I'll try and progress that so that it's ready to go for the spring next year.

Nice! So glad the car is coming along! I’ve been trying to really take it easy on the S4 since it’s clutch is still in the break in phase, I’ve been itching to give it more power but I’m still limiting myself to 5-10lbs! But boy does she wanna open up! I think once I’ve got about 400mi on the clutch I’ll start giving it 3/4 throttle you are just inspiring me to get this clutch broken in so I can romp on my baby. It’s deff in need of some tuning for sure down low as first gear at low throttle angles is just shit plus I wanna add some e eventually, I have a 10yo tune but maintenance first!

Ps I love driving around with my rear windows down, all the muscle bros like to rev their engines when I pass by, I want to race them SO BAD!!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[q20v]

Nice! So glad the car is coming along! I’ve been trying to really take it easy on the S4 since it’s clutch is still in the break in phase, I’ve been itching to give it more power but I’m still limiting myself to 5-10lbs! But boy does she wanna open up! I think once I’ve got about 400mi on the clutch I’ll start giving it 3/4 throttle you are just inspiring me to get this clutch broken in so I can romp on my baby. It’s deff in need of some tuning for sure down low as first gear at low throttle angles is just shit plus I wanna add some e eventually, I have a 10yo tune but maintenance first!

Ps I love driving around with my rear windows down, all the muscle bros like to rev their engines when I pass by, I want to race them SO BAD!!


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I can completely relate to having to hold back during the break in phase, complete torture! I just made a dedicated effort to drive the car as much as possible to get city miles on it, went fairly quick. Now that I have just over 2k KM I definitely don't hold back
I've been opening my rear windows since you mentioned it and yeah, the sound is intoxicating. I personally think the Borla is an amazing sounding system (w/o cats).

[mjmatos]

I can completely relate to having to hold back during the break in phase, complete torture! I just made a dedicated effort to drive the car as much as possible to get city miles on it, went fairly quick. Now that I have just over 2k KM I definitely don't hold back
I've been opening my rear windows since you mentioned it and yeah, the sound is intoxicating. I personally think the Borla is an amazing sounding system (w/o cats).

I have yet to hear a Borla system in person but does sound amazing from what I’ve seen on YouTube, I’m thinking of possibly changing it out but this will be the last item I touch as it’s already aftermarket (old asp true dual setup)

Another reason I like driving with my windows down is the cage, I will usually get at least 1 double take haha I love it! (Had to show it off sorry for the pic )


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[q20v]

Oil and filter data for info:

First oil change: (oil shown below is from the first fill after 75km, Amsoil SAE30 break-in oil)

IMG_1166 by barry.goss, on Flickr

IMG_1157 by barry.goss, on Flickr




Second oil change: (oil shown below is from the second fill after 225km (300km total on engine), Amsoil SAE30 break-in oil)

IMG_1171 by barry.goss, on Flickr

IMG_1158 by barry.goss, on Flickr





Third oil change: (oil shown below is from the third fill after 400km (700km total on engine), Castrol conventional 10W-40)

IMG_1177 by barry.goss, on Flickr

(sorry no picture of it draining in the pan)





Oil Filters, left to right is first to third:

IMG_1178 by barry.goss, on Flickr

[S4James]

And what have we learned?

[q20v]

And what have we learned?

Basically good idea to change out the break-in oil fairly quick... Mostly it's good to see there's no visible particulate in the oil after the first change. It'll be interesting to see how my next oil change looks after 2000km with a bit of hard driving.

[q20v]

Theatrical trailer of the build... movie coming soon

[S4James]

Ready to race me yet?

[q20v]

Bring it on!

[q20v]

Well the car is officially parked for the winter. Took it for a final drive yesterday and changed the oil and poked around underneath to make sure everything was in order. Still no leaks, all good.

I had installed my girlfriends winter tires a week ago and am storing her summer setup, so I decided to see how they look on my car. I'm kind of really liking it. Unfortunately a bit too big for me, I could probably get them to fit better with careful selection of spacers and adjusting the ride height, but I think 19" wheels are a bit too much for B5s (they also make my brakes look tiny lol). 18" is perfect IMO.

IMG_2339 by barry.goss, on Flickr

IMG_2335 by barry.goss, on Flickr

IMG_2345 by barry.goss, on Flickr

IMG_2338 by barry.goss, on Flickr

IMG_2336 by barry.goss, on Flickr

[AudiAR01]

Yeah I agree with 19s being too much. I have a set of 19s for my A6 build. And they fit flush and tuck nicely. But they just look to big. So I'm gonna sell em and go with 18s. I've always had a liking for the Konig Oversteer in Matte Black. So that's I'm getting. I have the Konig Lace on my 8P A3. In a 18 and they look great. But they're gloss black. Which looks good against the Red. But my A6 is the fastest color "silver" lol so I want the black to be Matte. And they have wife gaps between the spokes on the Oversteer. Which will show off the MB Sport 230 slotted rotors and 17Z's pretty well. Just got my heads back from the shop. Waiting on the block and crank from the Raceshop. Then I can finally start the engine assembly. Both my wife and I got hit with covid. And it out a complete hold on the build. My wife was down for over a week. With a bad fever and everything. I didn't get the fever. But man it's rough on your body. The aches and pains and it just drains you completely of any energy. But we are finally getting better. I wouldn't wish this crap on anyone. It's horrid. I've been sick sick before. But nothing like this stuff. I enjoyed watching and following your build man. Great thread and build. Capture%2B_2021-01-31-10-02-58.jpg

2003 A6 2.7T 6spd Stage 1+ (motor pulled for stage 3+ upgrades)

2001 Allroad TIP Stage 1
2006 A3 2.0T 6spd Stage 1

[q20v]

Hey guys,

I took the car out of storage about three weeks ago and have been driving it a lot. It’s working really well still.

Met up with my tuner Tyler Ward (Ward Performance Tuning) for a checkup and all was well. We talked about the next step which will likely be a mix of 94 octane and E85 to make E30-40. I’d install the walbro 450 / GFB FPR / Flex Fuel Sensor and re-tune. This way I wouldn’t have to rely on the boostane. He pointed out a location fairly close to home that sells E85 so I’d just load up a few jerry cans at a time.

Last night I finished installing the RS style bumper grills that Anthony Cardoso makes. I’ll upload some pictures later today when I get the car out of the garage.

Took a few friends out for joy rides and had some great reactions. The car pulls hard from zero to as fast as you’re comfortable going.

My mom’s reaction never disappoints 😂

https://youtu.be/Y0RlwXUQTHo

[CELison]

Why mix to get E40 when you can just put E85 in?

[q20v]

Main reason is the E85 is located about an hour away, so if I can stretch out what I pick up in the cans then that's less trips to fill up. Another reason is I'm using a B7 RS4 clutch, so I know I'd be pushing it on full E85.

[S4James]

ha, i forgot about you. The only other s4 in town thats not a dumpster fire. good to see you are still around.

[q20v]

Glad to hear I hold a special place in your heart. Have you been out to any cars and coffee on Sunday mornings? I haven't been this year but may try and pop out this weekend if the weather cooperates.

[S4James]

yeah a few. more of a friday night guy normally.

[DonnieDark0]

Just got done reading the entire thread. I have to say this is definitely the most satisfying build I have ever seen! The before / after stuff is the chefs kiss!
BTW the videos you made are a huge help to the community so thank you for that and also thank you for all the effort you put in on documenting everything. You have inspired my future builds for sure. The powder coating and deep cleaning really make a huge difference. I will for sure try to emulate your vision and effort.

Will keep a close eye on this thread from now on!

[q20v]

Thanks DonnieDark0! I appreciate the kind words and it's good to know you find the information useful. It was a really fun project and I'm twitching to start the next.

[euro4sho]

Thanks DonnieDark0! I appreciate the kind words and it's good to know you find the information useful. It was a really fun project and I'm twitching to start the next.

love seeing this thread continue. Now that my car is fully sorted its tie to attack the exterior.

[q20v]

Quick update:

Issues that I've come across lately:

- Power steering has still plagued the car. I have tried 4 (? lost count) pumps and they would all work for about 10 minutes then PS assist would disappear. I sourced a used pump from an Allroad at the junk yard, and my buddy Sean hooked me up with a known-working rack. Swapped those in over the past few days, thoroughly flushed the system, filled and bled....... and it works. I want to put some more miles on it before announcing the party but having PS again, after over a year without it, is simply amazing. I'll finally be able to push the suspension and test out the chassis.

- During hard acceleration from a stop light, my Throttle Body Boot blew off. I limped home and sorted that out.

- During another hard acceleration run in second gear, heard what sounded like the crankshaft being ejected from under the car. Thought for sure I had some major issues, but the car was still running / driving fine. Got home and inspected, and I must have run something over, my oil pan, subframe, and DTS bar are marked up. So not really an issue but definitely a scare at the moment.

- The Wilwood parking brake calipers, they seem to engage slowly as they heat up or something and make a rubbing / squeaking noise at slow speeds after I've driven for a while. I backed out the adjustment to prevent this, but now my parking brake doesn't hold the car on much of an incline. I still need to dig into this. They have a return spring for the cable but it seems like the piston is doing its own thing in there.

Recent work:

- Power steering! haha

- Finished the RS style bumper grill installation. I think they look great. I have a RS4 hood grill but honestly prefer the stock grill. I probably should paint those vertical supports behind the grill.

- Swapped in a new door switch surround and better condition trim.

IMG_4237 by barry.goss, on Flickr

IMG_4235 by barry.goss, on Flickr

IMG_4236 by barry.goss, on Flickr

IMG_4386 by barry.goss, on Flickr

IMG_4389 by barry.goss, on Flickr

[euro4sho]

looks great and happy to hear the PS is finally back. I am searching far and wide for that door switch surround. passenger and rear and mint but drivers needs help on mine...WHO HAS A MINT ONE =)

[S4James]

he might be simply refinishing them.. Barry that the case? I put a scratch on one some time ago... Plastidip is not my favorite stuff to use..

[q20v]

I picked up the switch surround from Jens (lowestA4) a while ago, just finally getting around to installing it.

[q20v]

Got the car in for my final alignment. Here are the changes I made since the alignment last year:

- Took the car to a flat space and measured ground-fender distance. Measurements ranged 24.75 - 25", so I brought all corners up to 25". I had previously taken measurements in my garage which clearly isn't level (I had figured it was "close enough")
- Replaced steering rack, so front toe was out.
- Tried shifting the front subframe since the camber wasn't equal on both sides. I was marginally successful in this, it's now -2 degrees on one side, -1.5 on the other, so close enough.

With the power steering working and the car aligned, it drives like a new car. Super happy with the results.

BTW for anyone local, Rodgers Performance is where I take my cars and they do great work. Highly recommend them!

IMG_4680 by barry.goss, on Flickr

IMG_4679 by barry.goss, on Flickr

IMG_4678 by barry.goss, on Flickr

IMG_4675 by barry.goss, on Flickr

IMG_4676 by barry.goss, on Flickr

IMG_4677 by barry.goss, on Flickr