The first 5 modifications every new S4 owner should do

[JD S4]

EDIT!!

I have tallied the votes from about 40 different voters in this thread. Essentially what I did was went through the entire thread and copied all of the responses (that weren't one off) into a spreadsheet. I then took the modification recommended and put them into a modification "bucket". For ease of use - I grouped like/similar modifications into buckets (removed brand preferences, etc).. The results are pretty cool. I've visualized them into a chart for easy reading. Essentially - AZ members believe that you should 1. Stage 2 then 2. Intake then 3. Coilovers / Springs then 4. Exhaust then 5. Drivetrain inserts. I've removed a lot of the onesy twosy options and left only modification recommendations that had more than a couple of votes. It's pretty cool to see this trended out..

So - if you're new to the B8/B8.5 and are looking for the mods that are proven and AZ members love the most, here they are.


https://s18.postimg.org/5pn9g3su1/S4_Top_5_Tally.png

END EDIT - Back to your original post


Original Post
Let's keep this fun and light. I know this type of thread has been done before (yes, I searched) but this platform is continuing to improve and so many tuners are continuing to push out new products.

What are those top 3-5 modifications you've done that every new S4 owner should consider. Post the mod, the rough price and what the outcome was.

Example only
Intake ~$250, SC whine makes spiriting driving more enjoyable
Rear Sway Bar ~$250 locks in the understeer and nose push
VAGCOM ~ etc etc etc
X-Brace etc etc etc

What are those 5 first things that Audi should have added from the factory, etc..


And yes, I know. Everyone would love dual pulley type performance from the factory. :-)

[brunogomes]

1. Suspension/Spacers (Lowering a bit and sitting flush)
2. Wheels
3. VAG-COM
4. E-codes (if US spec)
5. RS mesh grille

and of course stage2+ but since you left that out I will also leave it out.

[DontHait]

1. Drivetrain inserts
2. Rear sway bar
3. Intake for fun sounds

[yjypm]

1. Drivetrain inserts
2. Rear sway bar
3. Intake for fun sounds

Agree with 1 and 2
Also,
3. CR15
4. Car should sit a bit lower, too much is not needed, just be like rs5
5. Definitely a louder and deeper exhaust note, the stock exhaust is too boring

I think these are the things Audi should do from the factory

[plev72]

1. short throw shifter
2. cai
3. cat-back exhaust
4. drivetrain inserts
5. pulley and stage 2+ tune

[DontHait]

Agree with 1 and 2
Also,
3. CR15
4. Car should sit a bit lower, too much is not needed, just be like rs5
5. Definitely a louder and a deeper exhaust, the stock exhaust is too boring

What is a cr15?

I agree that it should be lower, I was thinking sub $500 mods. Good coil overs costs 600+, same goes with exhaust.

[Seattle996]

Best bang for the buck top 5.. IMO

1. Chipwerkes Software (Most bang for the buck!)
2. ECS Intake (My personal preference)
3. Exhaust Mod (Resonated Xpipe for Baby DPs and straight pipe Center Resonator)
4. Bluetooth Dongle (if you cant stream music with stock MMI)
5. H&R OE Springs (Dont need new shocks but others would disagree, mine drives just fine)

Enjoy!!

[yjypm]

What is a cr15?

I agree that it should be lower, I was thinking sub $500 mods. Good coil overs costs 600+, same goes with exhaust.

It's a upper tower bar, forum member U2Nelson makes it for a very reasonable price. Everyone loves it, be sure to check it out.
I can't say much about coils, but you can go for custom exhaust, which might cost below $500

[AudiSTL]

1. get rid of the chrome!!!!!!!!!!
1. Suspension
2. Wheels
3. rs mesh grille. if you dont have black optic grille or exhaust if you have black otic grille
4. stage 1 or 2
5. intake

[SwankP3RF3ct10n]

You have understeer with the rear sport diff? In my opinion, an AK is about the only thing Audi should have done stock. That and Stage 1 flash... lol

Mine:
AK
Trans/Diff (top/bottom/carrier) Inserts
AWE Intake hose w/AFE filter in modified OEM box
Stage 1

[Silverbullet S4]

1. Stage II (any vendor - don't waste your time/$ with Stage I)
2. Intake
3. Exhaust
4. Coilovers
5. Cosmetic (RS grill, wheels, diffuser, tasteful spoiler, etc.)

[DontHait]

You have understeer with the rear sport diff? In my opinion, an AK is about the only thing Audi should have done stock. That and Stage 1 flash... lol

Mine:
AK
Trans/Diff (top/bottom/carrier) Inserts
AWE Intake hose w/AFE filter in modified OEM box
Stage 1

I have the sports diff and the rear sway made it even more fun. Yes there's still some understeer stock

[BaumerS4]

1. APR "Ultra"
The End

[;)]

[Silverbullet S4]

1. APR "Ultra"
The End

[;)]

Oooh, do tell! What is it, where can we buy it, dyno, 1/4 mile, how much? Oh yeah...nevermind.[;)]

[DBL R]

1. APR "Ultra"
The End

[;)]

Lol

[JD S4]

Damn!! It was an Audizine miracle.. We were on track, no flaming, good nature.. and BOOM.. Gotta drag APR's dick in the dirt..

in 2 weeks

[golfinz]

1) Coilovers
2) Wheels
3) BO grill
4) Intake
5) Exhaust

Can flip 4/5 around.

[dls11b8]

1. Dipstick
2. Brakes (I hated the feel of stock pads)
3. Intake
4. CR-15
5. Tune

At least, that's my plan. I'm patiently waiting for #4.

[chopz33]

these were the first 5 i did in order

1. lower
2. intake
3. RS4 grille
4. LED interior
5. AWE exhaust/transmission mount

[TexasDfwS4]

Good Friday humor

1. Tune
2. de-badge
3. CAI

[DBL R]

1. Window tint
2. Intake
3. Cr-15
4. Tune of some kind
5. Change interior/exterior lights to LED.

[gottlobfrege]

Interested to hear everyone's thoughts on this. Of the mods I've done, my five favorite (not considering cost, so this is not necessarily "bang for the buck") are:

(1) Stage 2 Tune + Pulley
(2) Exhaust
(3) Wheels
(4) Short-throw Shifter
(5) Rear Sway Bar

[S4Flyer]

My 5:

- 35% ceramic tint ($300)
- Black out red sections of badging and grey strips on front grill ($40-80)
- Swap Peelers and Conti's for Rotors and PSS' ($1000)
- Replace OEM squealer brake pads with silent Akebono's ($200)
- Sub upgrade ($80 w/dynamat)

$1,650.00 total

[JD S4]

Great thread! Let's clean up the APR bashing, keep it on topic and make it a sticky!!

[soptic425]

(1) Stage 2 Tune + Pulley

(2) S-Flo intake (got it cheap off a friend)

(3) HR OE springs

(4) AWE Track exhaust

(5) AMS cooler (should've done before tune)


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine mobile app

[jmeenach]

1. RS4 badge
2-5. See #1.

Hahaha I kid I kid [:p]

[ptper]

1) Save your mod money and get into an M, AMG, or P-car


/thread [:p]


But, if you're going to stay, IMHO:

1) Tint
2) Suspension (lower)
3) Wheels
4) Intake / Stage 2 Tune / Exhaust (*cause once you start modding, there is no such thing as 'first five', lol)

[na_v]

Best bang for the buck top 5.. IMO

1. Chipwerkes Software (Most bang for the buck!)
2. ECS Intake (My personal preference)
3. Exhaust Mod (Resonated Xpipe for Baby DPs and straight pipe Center Resonator)
4. Bluetooth Dongle (if you cant stream music with stock MMI)
5. H&R OE Springs (Dont need new shocks but others would disagree, mine drives just fine)

Enjoy!!

1 & 3
1) Supercharge Badges
2) Black Optics Grille or RS4 Grille
3) Coilovers

[darkstarghost]

1)tint
2)supercharged badges
3)intake
4)exhaust
5)radar detector and laser jammers.

[skiptowncat]

1) fluffy dice
2) neon underfloor lighting
3) stretch tyres
4) mad camber
5) straight through exhaust

[Victor Newman]

what i did in order:

1) brakes
2) wheel spacers
3) SRP pedals for heel / toe
4) rs grille
5) tint / taillight tint / black out side trim

planned:

1) delay valve delete clutch line
2) x-pipe mod
3) wrap mirrors
4) re-finish wheels

[jsh139]

Here are my 5:

1. Roc Euro intake
2. Carista mods
3. Stage 1 software
4. CTS S/C Pulley and Stage 2 software
5. Akebono brake pads

[DEEZ]

1. Stage II (any vendor - don't waste your time/$ with Stage I)
2. Intake
3. Exhaust
4. Coilovers
5. Cosmetic (RS grill, wheels, diffuser, tasteful spoiler, etc.)

[up] This.

[DFS4]

My 1st 5
1) Brake pads & Fluid
2) Tires
3) ChipWerke Pro
4) CR-15
5) Coilovers

Its a toss-up for the fluffy dice vs the underbody neon as next!

[absolutarin]

Subbed!!
My car is 3 months old & stock (didn't want to touch anything before 5k). Thank you for starting this thread...I'll definitely need some help with the upgrades very soon.


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine mobile app

[will13k7]

haha, damn, everyone's different. here's my order:

1. Stance: coilovers + spacers.
2. Power: stage2.
3. Stopping: front BBK.
4. Noise: Intake and Exhaust.
5. Further reduction in body roll: sways, end-links, drivetrain stabilizer, diff/trans inserts.

[onlyaudis]

You have understeer with the rear sport diff? In my opinion, an AK is about the only thing Audi should have done stock. That and Stage 1 flash... lol

Mine:
AK
Trans/Diff (top/bottom/carrier) Inserts
AWE Intake hose w/AFE filter in modified OEM box
Stage 1

Too funny, my car is set up nearly exactly like yours. you are like the only other poster here that thinks these cars with the sports dif do not need a rear sway bar besides me.

[SwankP3RF3ct10n]

Too funny, my car is set up nearly exactly like yours. you are like the only other poster here that thinks these cars with the sports dif do not need a rear sway bar besides me.

That's because people don't push it enough. They go into a turn what they think is too hot and then let off and of course the car will feel like it's going to push... it's heavy. But if you'd just keep on pressing the accelerator even more, you'll feel this weird rotation sensation from the back and you just go right around the turn without an issue, but you do have to have the balls to do it the first time because the car will hold a turn a lot faster and if you have PSS tires on it, it'll hold an even higher speed than you think it can. I don't think most people push the sport diff enough for it to really kick in.

[roadkillrob]

Didn't see anyone mention this, but #1 on my list if you have a B8 DSG is to replace the pontiac shift knob with a B8.5 one!

[Wiredin]

my 5...

already tuned when I bought it to stage 2+. already have new alloys


1. Tint
2. LED Lighting kit from deautokey
3. lowering springs

planned:

4. black optics grill (or RS style grill)

5. change shift knob from B8 to B8.5

6. Flat bottom wheel

[MrFunk]

EXAUST fist hands down. The car does everything pretty good from factory except it sounds lame.


Everything else is up to debate.

[Dr GP]

1. Dipstick
2) Screen for radiator and IC radiator
3) Remove V6T badge and replace with SC badge(or not)
4) Modify the grill or replace it.
5) Ceramic Brake pads

[Dirt]

1. MMI interface so you can stream music from your phone (bluetooth or hard wire)
2. Tint
3. Radar detector/laser jammer
4. Stereo upgrades
5. Tune

.

[omegis83]

Cheap route:
1. CR-15
2. Stage 1 Tune
3. Airbox mod
4. Akebono brakes
5. Radar detector

"I've got money to blow" route:
1. Stage 2 tune
2. Wheels/tires
3. Intake
4. Cooling upgrade
5. Radar detector

[xuandatou]

Clear bra and crystal fusion FIRST !!!

Then:
1. STG 2 Tune
2. CAI
3. 034 Insert Setup
4. Eurocode Suspension Setup w/ CR-15
5. Vag-com

[bayonet14]

Tune
LEDs
VAGCOM
Lowering Springs
Exhaust mods

[cjw]

Which rear swaybar should I be looking at?

[14S4GWM]

Which rear swaybar should I be looking at?

Eurocode or 034

[thorfinn]

I've only had my 2011 S4 for 4 months. Bought used so, already tinted.

Done/paid for:
1) Wheels: Light weight with PSS
2) Stage 2 (Aug 29th)


Planned:
3) Protection of intercooler (with grill from ECS)
4) Intake: leaning CTS
5) Break Pads: the OEM break dust is unreal

Questions:
1) sway bar that needed?
2) what break pads? hate the dust of OEM
3) I keep reading about many different transmission and link mounts... Please educate me on the need/benefit?
4) would a vented hood (or spacers on hood) help the heat of super charger? that freaking thing is hot for long time

sorry drinking some rum... rum speak.

-Keith

[14S4GWM]

^ Eurocode or 034 rear sway, Eurocode has front and rear, get some Moog endlinks.

Akebono ceramic pads, literally no dust

[bayonet14]

^ Eurocode or 034 rear sway, Eurocode has front and rear, get some Moog endlinks.

Akebono ceramic pads, literally no dust


I second the Akebono pads - did my front and really enjoy the almost maintenance free for my front - may do the weekly trial w/Carista App to do my rear brakes

[4DOORFUN]

Completely agree with this. I'm coming from a RWD car that easily over steered. My S4 plows into a turn UNTIL I hammer the throttle. Then it transforms into a RWD feeling with the sports diff. It is actually quite amazing.

As for mods, I'm not sure the car needs much if you don't plan on tracking it. I would say the first mod would be winter tires deepening on where you live.


That's because people don't push it enough. They go into a turn what they think is too hot and then let off and of course the car will feel like it's going to push... it's heavy. But if you'd just keep on pressing the accelerator even more, you'll feel this weird rotation sensation from the back and you just go right around the turn without an issue, but you do have to have the balls to do it the first time because the car will hold a turn a lot faster and if you have PSS tires on it, it'll hold an even higher speed than you think it can. I don't think most people push the sport diff enough for it to really kick in.

[EuroJunk]

1- Tints
2- Exhaust
3- Black grill/diffuser
4- Intake
5- suspension

[Silverbullet S4]

Amending my #1: remove the stupid V6T badge, then comes everything else....

[chilort]

The two most enjoyable things I've done so far:
1. Front and rear sway bars with Moog end links
2. CR15

Everything else I've done has been for my tastes and was probably fine from the factory.

Things I haven't yet done but will try to sneak into the budget once I pass 100k miles and am no longer covered by the CPO warranty are
1. More power
2. Exhaust note

[S4Flyer]

Completely agree with this. I'm coming from a RWD car that easily over steered. My S4 plows into a turn UNTIL I hammer the throttle. Then it transforms into a RWD feeling with the sports diff. It is actually quite amazing.


The problem with pushing the car to max turning performance, to the point where the sport diff makes the difference, is that if you lose grip at that point, there's nothing keeping you from going off the road.

I'd love to find the grip limits on a rally course, but I don't have the balls to do it on an on ramp.

[SDBolts]

Akebono pads are good, but I would vote for Carbotech. I've been using them for years on Subarus and their combination of feel, light dust and lifespan is outstanding.

[JD S4]

Bump - I've tallied the votes from about 40 different users and aggregated them in the first post..

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/721919-The-first-5-modifications-every-new-S4-owner-should-do?p=11845504&viewfull=1#post11845504

Good stuff! Thanks for contributing.

Maybe a mod would consider this a sticky?

[JD S4]

TTT for new owners

[kdn0789]

For me since I don't want to void warranty, I'm planning on:
1. RS4 Grill
2. Wheels
3. Springs
4. Intake
5. Exhaust

Want those CF front lip and rear diffuser too! T_T

[silverf0x]

Sorry but what's a Drivetrain Insert?

[sacandagaD]

B8 basic upgrades

1. Wheels/Tires
2. Chipwerke (the gateway drug to tuning )
3. Replace DSG shifter
4. Ceramic pads
5. Hardwire Radar Detector

[14S4GWM]

Sorry but what's a Drivetrain Insert?

https://store.034motorsport.com/034motorsport-drivetrain-mount-insert-package-b8-audi-a4-s4-rs4-a5-s5-rs5-q5-sq5-billet-aluminum.html

[JD S4]

Sorry but what's a Drivetrain Insert?

A rollup of a lot of suggestions. CR15, endlinks, transmission/motor mounts, etc..

Essentially if it wasn't springs/coilovers or actual sway bars - I lumped them together.

[jareds941]

Feels like a recipe for disaster to make this nearly 2 ton car go faster and not upgrade the incredibly under-sized/under-performing brakes at the same time / first. I'm stock on engine/tranny and a BBK was a mandatory addition. I can't imagine having all that extra Go with the stock level of Stop.

Also, the first mod really should be a track day with driver skills...mod the driver then mod the car.

[snowmuch]

For me
1.xpipe
2.supercharger badge
3.led light

incoming:
tune
intake
cr 15 and sway bars

[johnstah]

My top 5 must have mods.

1. Front and rear sway bars / endlinks (IMO - these are better upgrades vs getting brand new suspensions unless you track, and is cheaper alternative)
2. Alu Kreuz drivetrain stabilizer
3. APR Stage 2
4. CR15 , sold by a member on this forum
5. Intake (definitely NOT roc euro or you'll be waiting for monthsS)

[14S4GWM]

A rollup of a lot of suggestions. CR15, endlinks, transmission/motor mounts, etc..

Essentially if it wasn't springs/coilovers or actual sway bars - I lumped them together.

What I linked is the drive train insert

[kdn0789]

Is chipwerke detectable? I have warranty still and really wanted this!

[14S4GWM]

Is chipwerke detectable? I have warranty still and really wanted this!

Audi released a document that says they now can.

[kdn0789]

Audi released a document that says they now can.

Ahh.... yeah... thought so! I'll just wait for when my warranty is up! Thanks!

[deAutoLED.com]

my 5...

already tuned when I bought it to stage 2+. already have new alloys


1. Tint
2. LED Lighting kit from deautokey
3. lowering springs

planned:

4. black optics grill (or RS style grill)

5. change shift knob from B8 to B8.5

6. Flat bottom wheel

Thanks - we appreciate it.

We say LEDs should be the first mod (not just because we sell them). There is a few reasons:
-Gives a more modern look to your car (how it should come from the factory)
-Quick easy do it yourself Mod
-Inexpensive
-Safer


http://deautokey.com/category/shop-by-car-model-audi-a4-s4-rs4-b5-b6-b7-b8-b8-5-b9-allroad

[BlownOne]

This was the order I happened to do my car in...

1. Tinted windows and sunroof with 5% on everything except the driver/pass which have 35%

1.5. Bluetooth wireless audio streaming

2. Rs4 replica grill

3. Intake- Lots to choose from, but since we dont have a maf, I made my own.

4. Cr-15 strut bar

5. Stage1 ecu/tcu tunes- Lots to choose from, but I'm in NorCal so I went with 034.

6. Lowered with H&R sport springs

7. Bfi dsg shift knob

8. Plasti dipped the mmi dash surround and rims

9. Tinted tail lights and debaged trunk

10. Stoptech Bbk

11. Deval cf front lip

12. Eurocode Ak and rear sway w/endlinks

13. 034 drivetrain insert kit

14. Hre 20x9.5

15. 034 Stage2 ecu/tcu tunes

16. Serviced the drivetrain- Rear diff, internal/external dsg filter and fluid, engine oil and filter.

17. Serviced the ignition system- Ignition coils and plugs

18. Ported the throttle body

19. Flat bottom steering wheel from Fly Designs

20. KI 194mm crank pulley

21. Plm heat exchanger with reservoir

22. 034 stage3 custom tune, but ran out of fuel

23. Autotech hpfp

24. Interior led and rear plate happened somewhere

25. Tinted amber markers in headlights happened somewhere

[waxxonMTL]

This was the order I happened to do my car in...

1. Tinted windows and sunroof with 5% on everything except the driver/pass which have 35%
1.5. Bluetooth wireless audio streaming
2. Rs4 replica grill
3. Intake- Lots to choose from, but since we dont have a maf, I made my own.
4. Cr-15 strut bar
5. Stage1 ecu/tcu tunes- Lots to choose from, but I'm in NorCal so I went with 034.
6. Lowered with H&R sport springs
7. Bfi dsg shift knob
8. Plasti dipped the mmi dash surround
9. Tinted tail lights and debaged trunk
10. Stoptech Bbk
11. Deval cf front lip
12. Eurocode Ak and rear sway w/endlinks
13. 034 drivetrain insert kit
14. Hre 20x9.5
15. 034 Stage2 ecu/tcu tunes
16. Serviced the drivetrain- Rear diff, internal/external dsg filter and fluid, engine oil and filter.
17. Serviced the ignition system- Ignition coils and plugs
18. Ported the throttle body
19. Flat bottom steering wheel from Fly Designs
20. KI 194mm crank pulley
21. Plm heat exchanger with reservoir
22. 034 stage3 custom tune, but ran out of fuel
23. Autotech hpfp
24. Interior led and rear plate happened somewhere
25. Tinted amber markers in headlights happened somewhere

thats not 5.. you failed to read the thread :D lolll

[BlownOne]

thats not 5.. you failed to read the thread :D lolll

I'm a mod addict, I couldn't stop at 5 hahaha

[ojmcneill]

Audi released a document that says they now can.

I'm not buying the 'audi can detect the chipwerke unit'. Someone posted a long time ago that Audi could but I saw no verification it was actually from Audi and I've never seen or heard of an actual member/owner receiving a TD1 from having the chipwerke installed. You would think by now someone would have forgotten they had it installed on the car and taken it in for service even. I can't help but think this rumor was started by someone with a vested interest in tuning to freak people out about the cheaper, more powerful at times chipwerke. I've run mine for the last 3-4000 miles and love it. No it's not as refined as a tune but it's literally a quarter of the cost and I control putting it on and taking it off. I don't have to go to my tuner to go back to stock just to have warranty work done. Hands down, the best mod I've done to my s4.

Hey, I'll admit though, everyone's different and to each their own but I wouldn't not buy the chipwerke because your scared of losing warranty.

[14S4GWM]

I'm not buying the 'audi can detect the chipwerke unit'. Someone posted a long time ago that Audi could but I saw no verification it was actually from Audi.

The document from Audi is legit and was posted here. Im with you on the rest of your post.

[sacandagaD]

Audi released a document that says they now can.

I'm also another one that is going to disagree (respectfully ) with you on this, at least until I see or hear proof that it has occurred.

[whiped]

I'm not buying the 'audi can detect the chipwerke unit'. Someone posted a long time ago that Audi could but I saw no verification it was actually from Audi and I've never seen or heard of an actual member/owner receiving a TD1 from having the chipwerke installed. You would think by now someone would have forgotten they had it installed on the car and taken it in for service even. I can't help but think this rumor was started by someone with a vested interest in tuning to freak people out about the cheaper, more powerful at times chipwerke. I've run mine for the last 3-4000 miles and love it. No it's not as refined as a tune but it's literally a quarter of the cost and I control putting it on and taking it off. I don't have to go to my tuner to go back to stock just to have warranty work done. Hands down, the best mod I've done to my s4.

Hey, I'll admit though, everyone's different and to each their own but I wouldn't not buy the chipwerke because your scared of losing warranty.

There was nothing from Audi posted about the subject.

Tony@EPL posted a screenshot from a different VAG car showing that it can detect the modchip.

My understanding, the car in question likely can tell that the input has been manipulated and flips a switch in the ECU.

Our cars at least with the current ECU software do not have this feature. Many have and are running the CW without issue.

It is worth noting that you should scan your car after you remove the CW and before going to the dealer.

It occasionally will throw some DTCs for me. Better off just clearing them than having AoA investigate it [:)]

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

As for mods:

1. Stage I
2. Intake
3. Exhaust

Everything else is personal preference.

My mod list in a nutshell:
1. Stage I
2. Intake
3. LED Lights (Interior, reverse, fogs)
4. CR 15
5. Drive train inserts
6. SC badges
7. Tail-light tint
8. Black badges
9. Exhaust
10. AWE Coldfront
11. RS4 Grille
12. Stage II
13. Headlights

I'm sure I am missing some but that should give you an idea.

[Victor Newman]

That's because people don't push it enough. They go into a turn what they think is too hot and then let off and of course the car will feel like it's going to push... it's heavy. But if you'd just keep on pressing the accelerator even more, you'll feel this weird rotation sensation from the back and you just go right around the turn without an issue, but you do have to have the balls to do it the first time because the car will hold a turn a lot faster and if you have PSS tires on it, it'll hold an even higher speed than you think it can. I don't think most people push the sport diff enough for it to really kick in.

+1, you can add one of two things to get a sport diff car to rotate:

1) add throttle as needed, and the sport diff will rotate the rear
2) add brake, and the fronts will bite, the rear will go light, and rotate

Really the only time where the car feels heavy or pushy to me is coasting neutrally around a curve. I think that's where the rear bar would take out some understeer and the nose-heavy feeling. But if you avoid that "no throttle or brake" area then you're not going to get understeer

[Victor Newman]

The problem with pushing the car to max turning performance, to the point where the sport diff makes the difference, is that if you lose grip at that point, there's nothing keeping you from going off the road.

I'd love to find the grip limits on a rally course, but I don't have the balls to do it on an on ramp.

sport diff makes the difference well before you lose grip

[Victor Newman]

Feels like a recipe for disaster to make this nearly 2 ton car go faster and not upgrade the incredibly under-sized/under-performing brakes at the same time / first. I'm stock on engine/tranny and a BBK was a mandatory addition. I can't imagine having all that extra Go with the stock level of Stop.

Also, the first mod really should be a track day with driver skills...mod the driver then mod the car.

Couldn't agree more. No tune and BBK first for me too.

[acsgp]

1. Lightweight wheels and tires
2. Lightweight BBK (not necessarily bigger, but lighter)
3. DSG tune
4. Chrome delete (unless you have a blue or black car)

Can't think of anything else which I think is necessary.

[JD S4]

Bump for Boz-Man


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[BozMan-S4]

Bump for Boz-Man


Sent from my [emoji390]

This is great...thanks for bumping [emoji1303]


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[RacrX]

1. ECU upgrade (any of them are better than stock)
2. Rear ARB if money is an issue, otherwise skip to #3
3. Coilovers - biggest difference so far other than #1
4. Tires - good ones make all the difference, especially once your suspension is upgraded
5. Brakes - Upgraded pads at the very least, pads and rotors, next, BBK, next - depending on budget

[S4'ed]

1) Upgraded Front and Rear anti-roll bars
2) CR15 upper brace
3) Akebono brake pads
4) Michelin Pilot SuperSport tires
5) ECU tune

[Dannydyn]

The handling out of the factory sucks balls.

Must have in my opinion are:

19" wheels (if you ordered the car with 18s)
Springs/shocks/coilovers
Sway bars + links
X brace
CR15 brace

Transforms the car like you wouldn't believe it.

[BozMan-S4]

I see a lot of people list Coilover kits as a MUST. I’m afraid to change things out and lose the comfort I have left. I’ve done just about everything less the coil overs at this point. Am I missing out on a lot of gain in handling? I’m 99% DD so just curious if it’s worth the investment for me. Thanks


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[GandalfTheIbis]

I see you're in Michigan... I'm sure it differs by the area, but based on my experience with the roads in general in Michigan I'd say only swap out for coilovers if you're willing to adjust your ride height by the season and if you plan to buy KW or Bilstein. Otherwise, not a chance I'd recommend a coilover setup to a daily driver Michigan car.

[USAF_Danny]

I see you're in Michigan... I'm sure it differs by the area, but based on my experience with the roads in general in Michigan I'd say only swap out for coilovers if you're willing to adjust your ride height by the season and if you plan to buy KW or Bilstein. Otherwise, not a chance I'd recommend a coilover setup to a daily driver Michigan car.

I daily my car year round. There’s no issue in the snow.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180618/00bf1639bb5bed9a90aaf45e77090d71.heic


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[GandalfTheIbis]

With the low quality of roads in Michigan, I’d be raising my ride height up not so much because of a fear of getting stuck... but a fear of hitting the unseen that is hidden by the snow.


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[USAF_Danny]

With the low quality of roads in Michigan, I’d be raising my ride height up not so much because of a fear of getting stuck... but a fear of hitting the unseen that is hidden by the snow.


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Fair enough! [emoji1360]


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[Fresh.S4]

I daily my car year round. There’s no issue in the snow.

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20180618/00bf1639bb5bed9a90aaf45e77090d71.heic


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What's your ftg? I'm trying to flip my set of those wheels but daaaaaamn you rock them hard.

[USAF_Danny]

What's your ftg? I'm trying to flip my set of those wheels but daaaaaamn you rock them hard.

What's an FTG? lol

Hahaha it's a love/hate relationship with these wheels. I run AG M580s in the summer and these in the winter since my all season tires are on them. People love the peelers, but us drivers dislike them lol. With spacers, they wouldn't look so bad.

[GandalfTheIbis]

Fender To Ground measurement


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[USAF_Danny]

Fender To Ground measurement


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Ah thanks for the clarification. Idk but I’ll have to measure it.


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[BozMan-S4]

I see you're in Michigan... I'm sure it differs by the area, but based on my experience with the roads in general in Michigan I'd say only swap out for coilovers if you're willing to adjust your ride height by the season and if you plan to buy KW or Bilstein. Otherwise, not a chance I'd recommend a coilover setup to a daily driver Michigan car.

Thanks for the response. I actually added aluminum street & trans shields for that very reason. Those ice chunks falling from semi trucks are like icebergs to our cars. I don’t really want a lowered look but if the performance was worth it I might consider it. I think I’ll stay with my “4x4” look as some call it lol.


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[GandalfTheIbis]

I revamped my suspension all at once so it’s hard for me to say precisely which mod did what, but with stasis coilovers, stasis fear sway bar, eurocode x brace, and cr-15 on my sport diff car, I’m yet to break it loose. The limits of this car on my Re71r are now pretty far out there. I am yet to find them. Driving the car to its limits in stock form was a common occurrence to me. So far the car rarely shows signs of being close to overdriven even with dual pulley power level. I’m just cautious with braking as I’m still on the stock config there.


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[Silver Streakin]

1. Helmet
2. Track pads and brake fluid
3. DE with ACNA or PCA
4. more tires
5. more brake pads

Add more mods as you outgrow turn, stop, go.

[sholzy]

Good info


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[John@IE]

1. IE ECU Software
2. IE DSG Software
3. IE Intake
4. IE Mid Pipes
5. IE Double Pulleys




hmm. I might be slightly biased though. [>_<]

[SconnieRoadie]

1. Spoiler
2. Wheels/PS4S
3. Tint
4. EPL 93 DP Tune/XLR8 196.5 crank pulley
5. PLM HX

To come: intake (ECS Kohlewhatsit); H&R OE springs, ECS strut tower brace, rear sway bar, SRP heel and toe pedals. Also got the seasucker roof rack and love that "sucker" ;).

Sconnie