Video: Stratmosphere intake on my stock B8 S4

[Rabbit222]

Hi guys,

Not sure if anybody has posted a video yet of a stock S4 with intake...here's my contribution[:)]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LFY5XJUMw18

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v664/Rabbit222/My%20Ibis%20White%20B8%20S4/DSC00310.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v664/Rabbit222/My%20Ibis%20White%20B8%20S4/DSC00311.jpg

[HyperM3]

Cool BUT, has anyone ever noticed in every video of intake or exhaust, the driver seems to STOP accelerating by the time they get to the camera? So the idea of getting a "drive by" sound is never there.

[Deep Sea S4]

Intresting video.

Am I the only one who is torn on this modification? Part of me says its sounds intresting and gives the engine a "cool" sounds and I want to go out and order one for my S4 and another part of me thinks its too much and that S/C whine would become annoying after the weekend?

I don't know. I want the engine and exhaust to have a little more life as this is my biggest complaint on this car. They hit a lot of great pints on this car but they missed out by making it sound like a pussy cat.

It makes an IS250 seem more aggressive

[Rabbit222]

Am I the only one who is torn on this modification? Part of me says its sounds intresting and gives the engine a "cool" sounds and I want to go out and order one for my S4 and another part of me thinks its too much and that S/C whine would become annoying after the weekend?

I felt the same way after installing it. I actually told two of my mates that I may get a bit annoyed with the whine BUT after a few days of driving it I am starting to love it...

[Mick4]

Cool BUT, has anyone ever noticed in every video of intake or exhaust, the driver seems to STOP accelerating by the time they get to the camera? So the idea of getting a "drive by" sound is never there.


http://www.youtube.com/user/stratmospheredotcom#p/a/u/1/TigUyxEhZBc

This has been posted in other threads, the last half of the video may or may not give you what you are looking for in a drive by?

[ZO6S4]

Very nice indeed. The whine from the SC at WOT is music to the ears.

[nick71692]

I like the sound but it seems to be screaming to much, I love the sound of the 03 cobra's, maybe the s4 has a smaller supercharger and thats why it sounds that way, just my two cents.

[Mick4]

Sound is a matter of taste of course, but that noise is by no means a constant in the cabin. The reality is that for better or worse, you really have to get on it to hear the SC, and could conceivably drive someone around all day without them ever hearing any whine at all. Also, when you do stomp the throttle, the whine is significantly louder outside the vehicle than what you hear inside.

[S|Quattro|4]

Sounds great, but IMO it's not worth the money. You get minimal gains on a mod that's worth 400$. Also, Audi makes some pretty damn good intakes for their cars. If you haven't taken your stock intake apart, do so and see for yourself. The filter is completely sealed away from any heat, and the strat isn't. I'm not bashing strat at all, I'm sure the quality is top notch, but I just can't see the reason in spending 4 bills on that.

On a lighter note, it does sound insane! If this intake was 200$ I would definitely buy one and I'm sure many more members would so too, and if there were to be a group buy at that price I'm positive the list would be huge. I really think strt would make more money pricing this thing lower than higher.

[drvolkl]

I like the sound but it seems to be screaming to much, I love the sound of the 03 cobra's, maybe the s4 has a smaller supercharger and thats why it sounds that way, just my two cents.

It's the same style as the ZR-1 Vette... that's all I know.

It doesn't make hardly a sound at all unless you stomp on the throttle... and as stated before, it makes way more sound outside of the car. Inside with the radio playing, I can hardly hear it. I personally love it. Makes the car way more aggressive sounding.... I'll have some videos up (with help from NWS4Guy) in a few weeks that should really help people out. Inside/outside, etc etc.

[NWS4Guy]

Same style, Eaton TVS, but smaller displacement. Ours is a 1.34L displacement, the vetta has one larger, 1.7L if I recall.

[HyperM3]

On a lighter note, it does sound insane! If this intake was 200$ I would definitely buy one and I'm sure many more members would so too, and if there were to be a group buy at that price I'm positive the list would be huge. I really think strt would make more money pricing this thing lower than higher.

Yeah, Im having a hard time justifying $400+ on a pipe, cone filter and some shielding. Its not like its a whole sealed carbon fiber box or anything.

[Nvius]

We'll see it come down in price just like Strat's Milltek exhaust has come down in price once competition has come out.

[drvolkl]

Yeah, Im having a hard time justifying $400+ on a pipe, cone filter and some shielding. Its not like its a whole sealed carbon fiber box or anything.

I've never heard so many people bitch about prices on such an expensive car. You're driving a $50k car and you're complaining about a couple hundred bucks? I'm sure if you wait a year, there will be plenty of eBay crap out there...

My carbonio intake cost a tad less, was made of CF and sucked a$$. That crappy thing gave me more headaches than it was worth... god damn if I could barely get my hood closed.

Right now you're paying for R&D... If you can wait a few months, I'm sure there will be plenty of other options out there.... of course to copy is easy... and by not supporting your cool Audi vendors we all lose.


It's pretty simple... if you want it now, pay a bit more... if not, wait and I'm sure you'll get a break.

[Nvius]

Call me cheap, but I really don't think it makes sense when people say "You have a $50k car, what's $100 bucks?". It's more of the principle than the price. It's knowing that the intake is overpriced because it's the only one out and has a corner on the market at the moment. Some people don't like paying premiums to be early adopters. They don't need the coolest/newest thing and would rather wait it out and purchase when the market balances out as you suggested. And who's saying us "penny pinchers" are waiting for eBay crap? I'm 100% sure there will be quality products in the future that will be good alternatives which cost less and/or drive Strat's pricing down. I guess, what us "cheapos" want is more competition, which is never ever a bad thing.

Bottom line, Strat makes a great intake which is a little more expensive than what some people are willing to spend. You don't need to bash the more frugal enthusiasts (including myself who has graduate school tuition to save up for) and push your views on us to justify your purchase. Your purchase is a great one because you love it and it sounds sick as hell! Period.

[Phantom S5]

I went ahead and ordered the intake last night. I'm already having the AWE exhaust installed within the next few weeks but I couldn't resist the temptation. I'll be sure to get some pics and video..

[HyperM3]

Call me cheap, but I really don't think it makes sense when people say "You have a $50k car, what's $100 bucks?". It's more of the principle than the price. It's knowing that the intake is overpriced because it's the only one out and has a corner on the market at the moment. Some people don't like paying premiums to be early adopters. They don't need the coolest/newest thing and would rather wait it out and purchase when the market balances out as you suggested. And who's saying us "penny pinchers" are waiting for eBay crap? I'm 100% sure there will be quality products in the future that will be good alternatives which cost less and/or drive Strat's pricing down. I guess, what us "cheapos" want is more competition, which is never ever a bad thing.

Bottom line, Strat makes a great intake which is a little more expensive than what some people are willing to spend. You don't need to bash the more frugal enthusiasts (including myself who has graduate school tuition to save up for) and push your views on us to justify your purchase. Your purchase is a great one because you love it and it sounds sick as hell! Period.

Yeah, I take offense to that retort. Its not like theres a GTR tax being applied to these mods because of exclusivity(check that forum for outrageous pricing). And yes, its only a 50k car and yeah I do care where my $100 goes. Thats because I couldnt afford the 100k car I really wanted. So when I think about all the mods Ive done to my cars in the past 20 yrs, this one ranks as overpriced for what you get. Taking into account all the intakes for my 335 out there ranged from $179-$379 and the more expensive ones being quite elaborate, I find $429 for a pipe, filter and plastic shroud very expensive, R&D or not.

As for the early adopters, I have no problem spending on electronics to be an early adopter(I just dropped 5 bills on a Nexus One). An intake though? Please.

[S|Quattro|4]

Call me cheap, but I really don't think it makes sense when people say "You have a $50k car, what's $100 bucks?". It's more of the principle than the price. It's knowing that the intake is overpriced because it's the only one out and has a corner on the market at the moment. Some people don't like paying premiums to be early adopters. They don't need the coolest/newest thing and would rather wait it out and purchase when the market balances out as you suggested. And who's saying us "penny pinchers" are waiting for eBay crap? I'm 100% sure there will be quality products in the future that will be good alternatives which cost less and/or drive Strat's pricing down. I guess, what us "cheapos" want is more competition, which is never ever a bad thing.

Bottom line, Strat makes a great intake which is a little more expensive than what some people are willing to spend. You don't need to bash the more frugal enthusiasts (including myself who has graduate school tuition to save up for) and push your views on us to justify your purchase. Your purchase is a great one because you love it and it sounds sick as hell! Period.

Nicely put!

[S|Quattro|4]

Yeah, I take offense to that retort. Its not like theres a GTR tax being applied to these mods because of exclusivity(check that forum for outrageous pricing). And yes, its only a 50k car and yeah I do care where my $100 goes. Thats because I couldnt afford the 100k car I really wanted. So when I think about all the mods Ive done to my cars in the past 20 yrs, this one ranks as overpriced for what you get. Taking into account all the intakes for my 335 out there ranged from $179-$379 and the more expensive ones being quite elaborate, I find $429 for a pipe, filter and plastic shroud very expensive, R&D or not.

As for the early adopters, I have no problem spending on electronics to be an early adopter(I just dropped 5 bills on a Nexus One). An intake though? Please.

Same with me. The 335 isn't much cheaper than this car, and every mod was reasonably priced. Im willing to pay a little more for this car because I know it is an exclusive limited car... But paying 430$ on an intake that gives you minimal gains is a little absurd. I really hope the prices start coming down. Also, again, if prices were lower, im positive more people would be driving around with them... isn't that better for R&D? Just as an FYI, my chip on my 335 was $280 and it added ~70whp, talk about a bargain for what you get.

[Mick4]

But paying 430$ on an intake that gives you minimal gains is a little absurd. I wasn't necessarily chasing power with the intake. To be totally honest, what happened is that I went to test drive the new short shifter on a vehicle that was outfitted with the intake and exhaust as well - the combination of all of those things enhanced my driving experience as to give me a bit of a boner. Though we may have different prioritization on what pushes those buttons for us, unless your racing...most mods don't make sense outside the framework of just making our rides more fun. KW V3's are next for me....my wife thinks I'm absurd. (I probably am.)

[S|Quattro|4]

I wasn't necessarily chasing power with the intake. To be totally honest, what happened is that I went to test drive the new short shifter on a vehicle that was outfitted with the intake and exhaust as well - the combination of all of those things enhanced my driving experience as to give me a bit of a boner. Though we may have different prioritization on what pushes those buttons for us, unless your racing...most mods don't make sense outside the framework of just making our rides more fun. KW V3's are next for me....my wife thinks I'm absurd. (I probably am.)

Youre right, the reason I want an intake is to be able to hear the s/c. But at the same time, I want to make sure that by doing so, I wont hinder the power output of the car. Back the the 335 for example, there were multiple intakes for the car. They ranged from under 100$ and up to 400$. The ones that were 100$ were just slap on filters, but it gave the the sound of the turbos and a cheap price and minimal gains. The ones that were 400$ were more advanced and Im sure they gave you better gains, but you still got the same sound. So really it was up to you, wether you.

I know this is a different car... Ive had an exclusive car before (B6 S4) and I know how much mods can run you and the lack of how many mods there are. I just really hope that tuners wont be ripping us off. I hope they do us a favor and give us quality products at a comparable price. It would really be a shame if this car has some ridiculously over priced mods now and in the future.

[Mick4]

OT but...I do have a fear we are going to get raped on the ECU tuning for a bit. Hopefully not, I smell something soon.

[drvolkl]

Call me cheap, but I really don't think it makes sense when people say "You have a $50k car, what's $100 bucks?". It's more of the principle than the price. It's knowing that the intake is overpriced because it's the only one out and has a corner on the market at the moment. Some people don't like paying premiums to be early adopters. They don't need the coolest/newest thing and would rather wait it out and purchase when the market balances out as you suggested. And who's saying us "penny pinchers" are waiting for eBay crap? I'm 100% sure there will be quality products in the future that will be good alternatives which cost less and/or drive Strat's pricing down. I guess, what us "cheapos" want is more competition, which is never ever a bad thing.

Bottom line, Strat makes a great intake which is a little more expensive than what some people are willing to spend. You don't need to bash the more frugal enthusiasts (including myself who has graduate school tuition to save up for) and push your views on us to justify your purchase. Your purchase is a great one because you love it and it sounds sick as hell! Period.

I'm not calling you cheap, but perhaps you can not insult vendors out there by saying "I don't want to pay XXX for something so "simple"". You're implying that their intake is "cheap" to produce. Perhaps you can keep comments like that to yourself, or simply state that you plan on waiting for "other options".

This isn't a mass produced car like a civic or even a 335. Any vendor out there who is producing parts for this car isn't going to sell a ton of them. Is it worth it to them, or why should they even bother? If I came out with a new product that no one else had, I'd find it rather insulting if people penny pinched me.. But hey, that's fine... part of being innovative I guess. Again, wait a year and you'll probably be able to get the same intake for $320.

[NWS4Guy]

OT but...I do have a fear we are going to get raped on the ECU tuning for a bit. Hopefully not, I smell something soon.

Hah you mean worse than the 3-4K that MTM wants for something as limited in tuning potential as a piggy back? Nah, GIAC is close, since they detune their version for Stasis - who is promising Spring of 2010, which ends June 21 :)

[Rabbit222]

Soooooooooooooo this intake whineeeeeeeeeeeeeeees like a mofo. Did you guys like the video :P

[Nvius]

"Perhaps you can keep comments like that to yourself". Please take a look at what you wrote to your fellow forum members...

"I've never heard so many people bitch about prices on such an expensive car. You're driving a $50k car and you're complaining about a couple hundred bucks? I'm sure if you wait a year, there will be plenty of eBay crap out there... "

"of course to copy is easy... and by not supporting your cool Audi vendors we all lose. "

You're making a lot of assumptions about what type of people we (the people who want to wait) are, Drvolk. I also don't see how I'm insulting Strat. More like suggesting forum members to wait if they are on the fence. However, you aren't suggesting, you are calling out the "naysayers" that we like to "bitch", "want ebay crap", everything after Strat's intake is a copy therefore not as "genuine", and that we aren't supporting our Audi vendors and Audi community. Wow, that's a loaded assumption you got there!

You should take your own advice.

[StratJohn]

Gentlemen, gentlemen. Lets not get carried away or too hostile towards anyone here.

I appreciate that there is some distinct 'love' for my product.
I understand the hesitation of others.
This is the way the world works. It is not new.

The main point here is that first product to market sets the tone. So naturally some people are going to get right on board right away. Some people will wait until there is competition. Some people will wait for the inevitable blatantly copied mass-production version.
Some people will wait long enough that they move on to another car instead. None of this is new to anyone.

If you like something, ANYTHING, get it. Today, tomorrow, when there's a sale, whenever. But lets not judge others for their opinions on value. Value is an opinion. Don't hate on opinions.

[Mick4]

Hey stratjohn...why don't you go take a ride on your mandrel pipe bender, nobody asked for your mediation skill-set here.

...I kid, I kid. Peace and love.

[StratJohn]

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4010/4497937074_039accf827_m.jpg

[drvolkl]

"Perhaps you can keep comments like that to yourself". Please take a look at what you wrote to your fellow forum members...

"I've never heard so many people bitch about prices on such an expensive car. You're driving a $50k car and you're complaining about a couple hundred bucks? I'm sure if you wait a year, there will be plenty of eBay crap out there... "

"of course to copy is easy... and by not supporting your cool Audi vendors we all lose. "

You're making a lot of assumptions about what type of people we (the people who want to wait) are, Drvolk. I also don't see how I'm insulting Strat. More like suggesting forum members to wait if they are on the fence. However, you aren't suggesting, you are calling out the "naysayers" that we like to "bitch", "want ebay crap", everything after Strat's intake is a copy therefore not as "genuine", and that we aren't supporting our Audi vendors and Audi community. Wow, that's a loaded assumption you got there!

You should take your own advice.

I'm sorry, I'm calling it like it is... and you're bitching about the price. All I suggested is that you wait and perhaps not complain about vendors offerings. .... Sorry if I offended you, I was just trying to stick up for companies who I know are busting their butts to get us parts as quickly as possible. Again, you've used the word "overpriced".... yet you then look for sympathy while you "save for grad school" while driving your brand new Audi S4. Huh...

I don't think they've cornered the market at all... as I've already seen there is a homemade solution.

[Nvius]

Let's just leave it how it is. I still don't appreciate you saying I'm "bitching" about the subject, but if that's the way you see it, I can't change that. It's who you are.

We agree to disagree.

[drvolkl]

Let's just leave it how it is. I still don't appreciate you saying I'm "bitching" about the subject, but if that's the way you see it, I can't change that. It's who you are.

We agree to disagree.

Fair enough. BTW- Meteor Gray is probably my favorite color. Nice work!

[asandyz]

Intresting video.

Am I the only one who is torn on this modification? Part of me says its sounds intresting and gives the engine a "cool" sounds and I want to go out and order one for my S4 and another part of me thinks its too much and that S/C whine would become annoying after the weekend?

I don't know. I want the engine and exhaust to have a little more life as this is my biggest complaint on this car. They hit a lot of great pints on this car but they missed out by making it sound like a pussy cat.

It makes an IS250 seem more aggressive

You have the option to listen to the supercharger or not. When I drive with my wife you can hardly hear it because I don't excellerate as much. So it is up to you...hear it or not...