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View Full Version : Ideas for visual/performance mods B5 Avant? :D



98b5
01-18-2014, 03:17 PM
I cleaned my pride and joy today and I realized something... I've already put more money than the things worth in maintenance costs, and I'm ok with it.

My car as of today:
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7324/12019666443_cd6aae9310_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/tyler_fernandez/12019666443/)
WP_000608 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/tyler_fernandez/12019666443/) by Tyler1403 (http://www.flickr.com/people/tyler_fernandez/), on Flickr

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2816/12020209326_19ce38698e_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/tyler_fernandez/12020209326/)
WP_000609 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/tyler_fernandez/12020209326/) by Tyler1403 (http://www.flickr.com/people/tyler_fernandez/), on Flickr

I love this car and even though money's tight for me right now, I find that I am happy after spending money on this old thing -- weird [:p]. Anyways I want to make it my own (more or less), I've looked around and this is what I have come to as my dream, and most realistic, set up:

Coilovers: Racelands (http://www.racelandus.com/coilovers/audi-a4-b5-quattro-coilovers.html) - $369

Wheels & Tires: 18​" Alzo​re 030's (http://www.ecstuning.com/ES2713038/) ($400) with Fuzion UHP All-Season Rubber (http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Fuzion&tireModel=UHP) in 225/40/18 ($284)

Exhaust: OBX Cat-Back (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005YDZ71K/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=15F3QYQCWLHHO&coliid=IVNX5FYGVS03G) - $340 (OBX in action (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gb_TLiIemkk&list=FLzZTjLgYGFNCCtd71-TEN5g&index=1))

Speakers: Polk Audio 5.25" Fronts (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000P0PF8C/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=15F3QYQCWLHHO&coliid=I2NCAIS9W7P3T9) ($57) & Polk Audio 6.5" Rears (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000P0PF9G/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=15F3QYQCWLHHO&coliid=I24GT3ZCUPV9DR) ($67) -- note: P.O. installed a JL Audio 8" sub and Amp (http://www.flickr.com/photos/tyler_fernandez/8746972786/) back in the day (lol)

ALSO, not forgetting my very important maintenance stuff: http://amzn.com/w/J1Z6TQUV0DRA
note: the above amazon list does not include the $800 quote I have from Pep Boys on a clutch replacement, and an as-of-now not quoted timing belt replacement, although I may attempt that on my own.

Let me know what you guys think (like if I should run spacers on the wheels) or anything else I've forgotten. Thanks, my Audi-brethren! [:D]

b6Hate4
01-18-2014, 04:26 PM
I would not trust pepboys to do a clutch.

seanj130
01-18-2014, 04:33 PM
Pass on the tires, see if you can get something better for a little more.

You can probably get your clutch installed by a local shop for a lot less.

Coilovers, A great option for the price!


I cleaned my pride and joy today and I realized something... I've already put more money than the things worth in maintenance costs, and I'm ok with it.

My car as of today:
http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7324/12019666443_cd6aae9310_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/tyler_fernandez/12019666443/)
WP_000608 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/tyler_fernandez/12019666443/) by Tyler1403 (http://www.flickr.com/people/tyler_fernandez/), on Flickr

http://farm3.staticflickr.com/2816/12020209326_19ce38698e_b.jpg (http://www.flickr.com/photos/tyler_fernandez/12020209326/)
WP_000609 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/tyler_fernandez/12020209326/) by Tyler1403 (http://www.flickr.com/people/tyler_fernandez/), on Flickr

I love this car and even though money's tight for me right now, I find that I am happy after spending money on this old thing -- weird [:p]. Anyways I want to make it my own (more or less), I've looked around and this is what I have come to as my dream, and most realistic, set up:

Coilovers: Racelands (http://www.racelandus.com/coilovers/audi-a4-b5-quattro-coilovers.html) - $369

Wheels & Tires: 18​" Alzo​re 030's (http://www.ecstuning.com/ES2713038/) ($400) with Fuzion UHP All-Season Rubber (http://www.tirerack.com/tires/tires.jsp?tireMake=Fuzion&tireModel=UHP) in 225/40/18 ($284)

Exhaust: OBX Cat-Back (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005YDZ71K/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_S_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=15F3QYQCWLHHO&coliid=IVNX5FYGVS03G) - $340 (OBX in action (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gb_TLiIemkk&list=FLzZTjLgYGFNCCtd71-TEN5g&index=1))

Speakers: Polk Audio 5.25" Fronts (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000P0PF8C/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=15F3QYQCWLHHO&coliid=I2NCAIS9W7P3T9) ($57) & Polk Audio 6.5" Rears (http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000P0PF9G/ref=wl_it_dp_o_pC_nS_ttl?_encoding=UTF8&colid=15F3QYQCWLHHO&coliid=I24GT3ZCUPV9DR) ($67) -- note: P.O. installed a JL Audio 8" sub and Amp (http://www.flickr.com/photos/tyler_fernandez/8746972786/) back in the day (lol)

ALSO, not forgetting my very important maintenance stuff: http://amzn.com/w/J1Z6TQUV0DRA
note: the above amazon list does not include the $800 quote I have from Pep Boys on a clutch replacement, and an as-of-now not quoted timing belt replacement, although I may attempt that on my own.

Let me know what you guys think (like if I should run spacers on the wheels) or anything else I've forgotten. Thanks, my Audi-brethren! [:D]

Cgoon009
01-18-2014, 05:22 PM
save up for coilovers and tires. Tires is a safety thing and coils is a quality thing. STs are only a few hundred more, and they seem to do well with the guys here

98b5
01-18-2014, 05:39 PM
The only reason why I am kinda scrimping on those things is for 1 main reason: that I live in Los Angeles. The roads are butter here, and I don't drive like a maniac (all the time ;D), so I figured that "meh" tires and "meh" coilovers (with "limited" warranties, mind you) would not be such a bad thing. I've done some homework, and the tires are rated pretty well (http://www.tirebuyer.com/tires/fuzion/uhp/p/style/49843#.UtsrBmTTkdU) and Tirerack offers a Road Hazard Warranty (http://www.tirerack.com/tires/roadHazard/trhp.jsp) for $10 a corner. The coilovers from Raceland (http://www.racelandus.com/coilovers/audi-a4-b5-quattro-coilovers.html) are sold with "an unmatched 2-year warranty". Correct me if I'm being ignorant, but why would sellers offer warranties for products that are shoddily made?

DD_16
01-18-2014, 09:24 PM
My Avant is very stock as well. I just ordered E-code headlights. Hopefully by the end of the month I'll order some coilovers.

I really like the Alzor rims. 621s are the ones I want
http://www.ecstuning.com/ES2143387/

Other things to do are s4 bumpers and side skirts.

RallyeBourne
01-18-2014, 10:27 PM
Our cars are twins! I have a prefacelift B5 A4 Avant, silver, in SoCal. Same wheels, too. :) Except, my paint isn't anywhere near as pretty. :( and it looks like that's a 2.8 badge, I have 1.8T.

wesS4
01-19-2014, 12:51 AM
The coilovers from Raceland (http://www.racelandus.com/coilovers/audi-a4-b5-quattro-coilovers.html) are sold with "an unmatched 2-year warranty". Correct me if I'm being ignorant, but why would sellers offer warranties for products that are shoddily made?

I dunno but, my ST's came with a 5 year warranty....

98b5
01-19-2014, 02:49 AM
@ DD_16... I saw those rims as well, but I think they're better looking on a sedan b5 as opposed to our cars, but thats just my opinion.

@ RallyeBourne... Sweet! Yeah my car is a 30v 5speed :), let me know when youre down here, I'd love to compare rides! :D

@ wesS4... Interesting... I wonder why Raceland chose to use the word "unmatched". Did you pay retail for your ST's?

Lunchboxhero
01-19-2014, 12:18 PM
@ DD_16... I saw those rims as well, but I think they're better looking on a sedan b5 as opposed to our cars, but thats just my opinion.

@ RallyeBourne... Sweet! Yeah my car is a 30v 5speed :), let me know when youre down here, I'd love to compare rides! :D

@ wesS4... Interesting... I wonder why Raceland chose to use the word "unmatched". Did you pay retail for your ST's?

KW also offers a lifetime warranty on their coilovers, and for the price, that is hard to beat in itself.

DeathKing
01-19-2014, 01:24 PM
I think your stock wheels look great, looks like 225/50 rubber? I think you should keep them and just do the STs. Plus the ride will be nice and plush.

The rest of your options look great but I would def shop around more with the clutch install. Or does that include the price of the clutch?

Emdawg
01-19-2014, 01:51 PM
I've got my sound system set up and it's pretty awesome with the hatchback. I've got JL 4" in the front, 6.5" Polk audio speakers for my rears and two 12" JL subs.
It sounds pretty awesome. I'm looking into slamming my car to the ground and putting new intake and exhaust on it.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

ballinb5
01-19-2014, 02:00 PM
i would recommend some 1 piece headlights with clear corners and maybe an s4 grill from someone parting their s4. usually can be had for cheap

rage385
01-19-2014, 02:06 PM
Very clean man! I put STs on my S4 and I am running the stock wheels and tire combo. I concur with the suggestion of sticking with the stock wheels. Once your tires wear down, then go aftermarket.

I have a 2000 A4 as well. Once I wear the tires on it, I will put the S4 wheels on that then get some VMRs for my S4.

Good luck man, B5s are awesome!

98b5
01-19-2014, 03:59 PM
I think your stock wheels look great, looks like 225/50 rubber? I think you should keep them and just do the STs. Plus the ride will be nice and plush.

The rest of your options look great but I would def shop around more with the clutch install. Or does that include the price of the clutch?

Yeah thats a good point. These tires seem like they have a lot more life in them. And yes, the Pep Boys price includes a new flywheel, pressure plate, and clutch plate. Good price imo, but I'll see if I can find anything better

Lornnn
01-19-2014, 05:36 PM
The only reason why I am kinda scrimping on those things is for 1 main reason: that I live in Los Angeles. The roads are butter here, and I don't drive like a maniac (all the time ;D), so I figured that "meh" tires and "meh" coilovers (with "limited" warranties, mind you) would not be such a bad thing. I've done some homework, and the tires are rated pretty well (http://www.tirebuyer.com/tires/fuzion/uhp/p/style/49843#.UtsrBmTTkdU) and Tirerack offers a Road Hazard Warranty (http://www.tirerack.com/tires/roadHazard/trhp.jsp) for $10 a corner. The coilovers from Raceland (http://www.racelandus.com/coilovers/audi-a4-b5-quattro-coilovers.html) are sold with "an unmatched 2-year warranty". Correct me if I'm being ignorant, but why would sellers offer warranties for products that are shoddily made?

'Meh' is the last thing I think of when it comes to handling or ride feel.

98b5
01-19-2014, 07:19 PM
That's a good point, but people have said mostly good things about both the coilovers and the tires. Also, I am a college student and money devoted to my car is somewhat limited... I wish I could get Michelin pilots and ST coilovers, but it's simply not realistic for me right now.

Sent from my Lumia 900 using Tapatalk

Lornnn
01-19-2014, 08:37 PM
That's a good point, but people have said mostly good things about both the coilovers and the tires. Also, I am a college student and money devoted to my car is somewhat limited... I wish I could get Michelin pilots and ST coilovers, but it's simply not realistic for me right now.

Sent from my Lumia 900 using Tapatalk

I hear you man but I really think you'll thank yourself in the long run if you skip the speakers + exhaust for now and set yourself up with some ST's + a cheap but nice set of OEM wheels off of Craigslist or the classifieds.

Either way you've got a great start. Those wheels you have now are classics imo. Just a few .02 cents from a guy who's owned two 2.8 B5's and now a 3.0 B6.

w4xm4n
01-19-2014, 08:38 PM
save up for coilovers and tires. Tires is a safety thing and coils is a quality thing. STs are only a few hundred more, and they seem to do well with the guys here
[up]

I know various people that have them, and for the price and quality they offer you cannot go wrong

w4xm4n
01-19-2014, 08:39 PM
This is an amazing cosmetic upgrade, and the headlight itself is a much better unit.

rage385
01-19-2014, 08:51 PM
If you are a college student, then I think you need to roll around as is. you never know when something is going to break. Then you graduate, then you can get the coilovers and wheels as a graduation gift.

w4xm4n
01-19-2014, 09:15 PM
Also, I would not trust pep boys.

Ps. What is the Mileage, and has the timing belt, water pump, thermostat been done?

98b5
01-19-2014, 09:30 PM
Also, I would not trust pep boys.

Ps. What is the Mileage, and has the timing belt, water pump, thermostat been done?

Mileage is 155K right now, I've had the car for only 5K and I haven't changed any of those things and I'm not sure when the PO did... however I do know he spent a lot of money on this thing with maintenance from what Carfax says. And, I know I've been saying warranty "this and that", PepBoys offers a warranty for their work and parts.

I'm so conflicted... you guys bring up some very good points, and I'm not so sure about this stuff anymore. However: I do have my maintenence (http://amzn.com/w/J1Z6TQUV0DRA) things in order to do first, as a car that has coilovers and nice speakers is no good to you if its got "Christmas Tree Lights" and is running on 5 cylinders... My plan is to get it as good as I can get it to showroom mechanical condition on my budget before I go into mods.

About how much is the average timing belt replacement with labor/parts here in SoCal?

98b5
01-19-2014, 10:40 PM
What does everybody think of FK's? They're TÜV and DIN EN ISO 9001-2001 certified (what ever that means [:p]) Price is steep, but do-able for me, what's the consensus?

http://www.ecstuning.com/Audi-B5_A4-Quattro-V6_30v/Suspension/Coilovers/ES257698/

rage385
01-19-2014, 11:12 PM
you can get STs for 200 more....figured might as well right ;)

DeltaAlpha9
01-19-2014, 11:32 PM
If the timing belt is an unknown I would be more than a little concerned driving it around.

98b5
01-20-2014, 01:30 PM
Yeah maybe I should stick it out for STs... keep my stock wheels and tires for a while and troll craigslist and the audizine classifieds for some slightly used ST's. And yeah I think timing belt is now high if not first on my list of maintenance... should I try doing it myself or try to find someone to do it for me? Is it too difficult for a guy who has trouble doing sparkplugs with out his dad (me)? lol

ballinb5
01-20-2014, 02:40 PM
prob too difficult to do yourself if you cant do spark plugs. I usually try to do all work myself but I had it done at a shop for 800 parts and labor. I am sure you can find it cheaper and have the peace of mind which is worth it to me.

DeltaAlpha9
01-20-2014, 03:36 PM
Wow, $800 for parts and labour is pretty good. I think I spent $500 on just the timing belt kit from ECS.