fc3
08-07-2011, 09:13 PM
I've posted on Audiworld a few times, but got a lot more information here about mods so I thought I'd post up some thoughts here. I got my 2010 S4 6MT in January 2010. After reading about carbon buildup in some other models I decided to lease this vehicle to leave myself an easy way out if needed. I've had the water pump and thermostat replaced under warranty before they caused any trouble, and other than that have had no issues with this vehicle. I was on the fence about getting the APR ECU tune yet - was thinking about waiting until my lease was up and I purchased the car, but then they came out with the pulley, and I couldn't resist. And since everything was on sale in late July for around 10% off I went ahead and got the Milltek non-resonated exhaust and the strat short shifter as well.
They were installed by Autohaus in Boulder, great guys if anyone is looking for an APR dealer in the Denver/Boulder area. The work was done a little over two weeks ago; I wanted to give it some time before posting a review. And I hate to disappoint, this seems to be a very data-driven forum, but all I have to offer is my own anecdotal experience.
I have to admit my first impression was a bit of disappointment, probably the inevitable buyer's remorse that comes with parting with a good bit of money. I had also just returned from a family trip to San Diego, where my kids talked me into upgrading our rental to a Challenger R/T. Totally different car I know, but still a hard act to follow - there is just no way to replicate the visceral feel and sound of that V8. I'm also much happier with forced induction at our altitude.
I noticed an increase in power in the higher end of the RPM range right away but really didn't have much of a chance to run it hard the first day I picked it up. I was also a little gunshy about the exhaust being obnoxious (it is not obnoxious, but it definitely can draw more attention if you let it).
The second day, on my way to work, I got a speeding ticket. At this point I was getting a little careless and just running up the rpm to hear the exhaust, and didn't slow down fast enough where the speed limit changed. Stupid. That made me a lot more cautious - I also sent in my 10 year old Valentine one to get it checked out because it has been malfunctioning.
After a few days it was apparent that there was quite a bit more power on tap throughout the rpm range. I had read that it could take several days for the ECU to adapt, and I believe this has been my experience as well.
Now after about 2 weeks in, all I can say is I find the combination of increased power and the exhaust note absolutely intoxicating. I look for a reason to drive a little more. Gotta be careful about the speed, but I generally keep it in lower gear just to rev it higher and hear the exhaust. My initial buyer's remorse has turned to complete satisfaction. This is a completely different car now, one which I hope to keep for a long time. I don't have any comparative thoughts about other exhausts, as all I heard was what's posted online (thanks to all who have done this). I can say that I am not bothered by drone with the non-resonated Milltek.
Fred
They were installed by Autohaus in Boulder, great guys if anyone is looking for an APR dealer in the Denver/Boulder area. The work was done a little over two weeks ago; I wanted to give it some time before posting a review. And I hate to disappoint, this seems to be a very data-driven forum, but all I have to offer is my own anecdotal experience.
I have to admit my first impression was a bit of disappointment, probably the inevitable buyer's remorse that comes with parting with a good bit of money. I had also just returned from a family trip to San Diego, where my kids talked me into upgrading our rental to a Challenger R/T. Totally different car I know, but still a hard act to follow - there is just no way to replicate the visceral feel and sound of that V8. I'm also much happier with forced induction at our altitude.
I noticed an increase in power in the higher end of the RPM range right away but really didn't have much of a chance to run it hard the first day I picked it up. I was also a little gunshy about the exhaust being obnoxious (it is not obnoxious, but it definitely can draw more attention if you let it).
The second day, on my way to work, I got a speeding ticket. At this point I was getting a little careless and just running up the rpm to hear the exhaust, and didn't slow down fast enough where the speed limit changed. Stupid. That made me a lot more cautious - I also sent in my 10 year old Valentine one to get it checked out because it has been malfunctioning.
After a few days it was apparent that there was quite a bit more power on tap throughout the rpm range. I had read that it could take several days for the ECU to adapt, and I believe this has been my experience as well.
Now after about 2 weeks in, all I can say is I find the combination of increased power and the exhaust note absolutely intoxicating. I look for a reason to drive a little more. Gotta be careful about the speed, but I generally keep it in lower gear just to rev it higher and hear the exhaust. My initial buyer's remorse has turned to complete satisfaction. This is a completely different car now, one which I hope to keep for a long time. I don't have any comparative thoughts about other exhausts, as all I heard was what's posted online (thanks to all who have done this). I can say that I am not bothered by drone with the non-resonated Milltek.
Fred