This is my SQ5 thread. There are many like it, but this one is mine. [Archive]

phillyquattro

04-19-2019, 03:24 PM

I've had the car for almost a month now so I figured it's about time I get one of these started for this vehicle. Coming from a 2016 S3 that handled like a go kart it's certainly taking me some getting used to (please 034, make me some suspension parts). While it's wildly different from my previous car, I absolutely love it. It doesn't have that low end jump that I love, but it's also not useless above 80MPH. Love the sound of the engine and can't wait to get the AWE exhaust in the near future to really amplify it.

First the car specs:

2019 SQ5 Premium Plus
Quantum Gray
Black Napa interior
Black optics
Carbon inlays
Bang & Olufsen
Sport package
Dynamic steering

Straight from the factory she's pretty damn close to perfect, but I'm not one to leave things alone. Here's the list of mods so far:

35% tint on front windows
Cete suspension controller
034 Dogbone insert
034 Trans mount insert
Full black badging set
Tinted tail lights and markers
WeatherTech floor mats and trunk liner
BC Forged 21x10 ET30 wheels with MPSS 285/35/21 tires
Paint matched reflectors
AWE exhaust with resonated downpipes
AWE AirGate Intake
AWE ColdFront Intercooler
Forge atmospheric dump valve
Brembo GT BBK with matching rear rotors
Carbnlab CF mirror caps
Redstar high flow cat

As if any of you care about words, you're only here for the pics, so here you go.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/40679587583_c3d6b02148_h.jpg
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/33768802688_4e8a54492c_h.jpg
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/40679587643_256f465c65_h.jpg

More soon, I promise.

jackhelmhold

04-19-2019, 03:26 PM

pic of tinted tail lights?

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phillyquattro

04-19-2019, 03:39 PM

pic of tinted tail lights?

I knew that would be the first request. LOL. I'll get you one this weekend after a wash. She's filthy right now. Also I'm going to have the tail lights redone as it came out too dark for my taste. I like them, but I'd like them more if they were a bit lighter like what I did with my S3.

buggravy

04-19-2019, 05:22 PM

Looks killer. Are you doing BC Forged?

Treeskier

04-19-2019, 06:22 PM

Wait, I thought this thread was about an audi... I only see VW Beetles and maybe Bumblebee in the background...

Drop looks perfect; wheels will complete it.

Sent from...somewhere.

Mops@Nemesis

04-19-2019, 07:09 PM

Looking good Brandon! That is honestly a great ride height. I need to tint my markers too, and PPF the front cover and carbon caps.

Did you personally pull the grille badge? I need to try and pull mine, and see if my MOPS badge will fit. Thinking I might do the stock wheels in full satin black.

Hugely excited to see the new wheels mounted. 😎

will13k7

04-19-2019, 08:02 PM

you made the leap! love quantum gray, nice choice!

MK2SQ

04-19-2019, 08:57 PM

Perfect specked car and awesome list of modifications. Also interested in the tinted rear light pictures and information. Was thinking of doing light tint on hatch mounted light and darker tint on bumper light however can’t decide right now. Might just do it and see the results

phillyquattro

04-19-2019, 09:33 PM

Looks killer. Are you doing BC Forged?

Yup! Build time on my first choice wheels was way too long and I was feeling impatient. BCF was about 5 weeks, which I can deal with. So I'll keep the first choice as a potential back up for the future.

Wait, I thought this thread was about an audi... I only see VW Beetles and maybe Bumblebee in the background...

Drop looks perfect; wheels will complete it.

Haha, yea they had a few Beetles that are getting restored. All the cool cars were in different parts of the shop or out front. Totally agree that wheels will basically complete it. Shows just how good looking this car is from the factory. Wheels and a drop gets you 95% of the way done.

Looking good Brandon! That is honestly a great ride height. I need to tint my markers too, and PPF the front cover and carbon caps.

Did you personally pull the grille badge? I need to try and pull mine, and see if my MOPS badge will fit. Thinking I might do the stock wheels in full satin black.

Hugely excited to see the new wheels mounted. 😎

Carbon caps are on my future list as well. Yea I did all the badging myself. Trim pry kit for the front rings and the front model badge. The whole plate comes off for that particular one. Tell me more about this MOPS badge?

you made the leap! love quantum gray, nice choice!

Yea finally pulled the trigger after seeing a Quantum Q with black optics in the local Safeway parking lot. Made me fall back in love with this model. For far too long you couldn't get black optics and there wasn't Audi Exclusive so the color I wanted wasn't a possibility. Then they offered BO finally and even made it in a color that's pretty close to what I wanted. How could I say no?

Perfect specked car and awesome list of modifications. Also interested in the tinted rear light pictures and information. Was thinking of doing light tint on hatch mounted light and darker tint on bumper light however can’t decide right now. Might just do it and see the results

I will take some pics of the tails this weekend. They're too dark for my taste. I tinted them a few weeks ago and have given myself plenty of time to decide if I liked them or not. This is the "light" tint that the shop had. If I remember correctly it's about 23% or 25%. It's by no means "light". Something in the 35-40% range would be perfect I think. A darker red, but not black at all, still would allow you to easily see all the nice details in the lights themselves.

buggravy

04-19-2019, 09:42 PM

Yup! Build time on my first choice wheels was way too long and I was feeling impatient. BCF was about 5 weeks, which I can deal with. So I'll keep the first choice as a potential back up for the future.

Nice! My experience with BCF, both with the purchase process, and the wheels themselves, has been very very positive. Feel like sharing details of what you got? I understand if not.

phillyquattro

04-19-2019, 09:58 PM

Nice! My experience with BCF, both with the purchase process, and the wheels themselves, has been very very positive. Feel like sharing details of what you got? I understand if not.

They're a 2 piece forged wheel. That's all I'll share for now. :P

bbrough07

04-20-2019, 08:50 AM

Congrats on the new whip! Hope to see it around soon. We Bay Area AZers need a meet up lol

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Mops@Nemesis

04-20-2019, 10:41 AM

Carbon caps are on my future list as well. Yea I did all the badging myself. Trim pry kit for the front rings and the front model badge. The whole plate comes off for that particular one. Tell me more about this MOPS badge?
.

I have the OEM carbon caps now. Hit up Nima when you're ready if you'd like us to source them for you. [up]

Gotcha! I'll try and remove it when I get around to detailing the SQ. A forum member here made it for me many years ago for the A5. He used the OEM plate, and custom machined the badge from aluminum and attached it to the plate with tiny fasteners. I just spent 30 minutes looking for it without success. I'll tear the house apart if it comes to it lol. I wanted to take some pics of it. Here is it mounted and dipped in black -

https://live.staticflickr.com/7672/18058711352_d5624893f5_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/tvMBJh)

I'll remove that pic later today [up]

phillyquattro

04-20-2019, 10:58 PM

Congrats on the new whip! Hope to see it around soon. We Bay Area AZers need a meet up lol

Thanks! Look up audigruppe_siliconvalley on Insta. They also have a FB page I believe (don't have FB, can't confirm). They do a ton of meets tho they're usually more localized to the South Bay area, which is even a pain for me to attend a lot of them. They're always a lot of fun tho. Plenty of nice drives too.

I have the OEM carbon caps now. Hit up Nima when you're ready if you'd like us to source them for you. [up]

Gotcha! I'll try and remove it when I get around to detailing the SQ. A forum member here made it for me many years ago for the A5. He used the OEM plate, and custom machined the badge from aluminum and attached it to the plate with tiny fasteners. I just spent 30 minutes looking for it without success. I'll tear the house apart if it comes to it lol. I wanted to take some pics of it. Here is it mounted and dipped in black -
I'll remove that pic later today [up]

That's so coo! You don't need to remove that picture, it's dope. Tear that house apart man! Be careful with the garage tho, don't tear it up too much. Who's Nima?

phillyquattro

04-20-2019, 11:22 PM

Here's a few pics of the rear with the tinted tails/markers. I fucked up the spacing on the SQ5 badging. Lesson learned, never trust the template as it comes. Luckily I bought 2; one for the car, one for the garage tool cabinets. The more I look at the rear the more I honestly consider completely debadging it, or maybe running just the "S". I don't know. The internal struggle is real. Speaking of cleaning up the rear; how useful is the rear wiper? It's not really rainy here right now and there's a decent chance at this point that I won't see real rain fall again until the late fall. The reason I ask is because I'm curious if a rear wiper delete would be a bad idea? It sure as hell would look good! LOL.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/40689892193_6032260bc5_h.jpg
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/32713890377_5e71f502b2_h.jpg
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/32713890197_64e9737c2b_h.jpg

MK2SQ

04-21-2019, 07:35 AM

This looks sick, very nice

I de badged my and think like it looks 100% better. I’m also looking in to the wiper delete Let me know if you gone do it.

wrcardon

04-21-2019, 08:15 AM

How do they tint the rear lights? Are they removed? What product did you have applied? Looks sharp.

JD S4

04-21-2019, 11:37 AM

Car looks awesome, Brother

Sent from my [emoji390]

Bezlar

04-21-2019, 11:56 AM

Nice!!

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phillyquattro

04-21-2019, 01:05 PM

This looks sick, very nice

I de badged my and think like it looks 100% better. I’m also looking in to the wiper delete Let me know if you gone do it.

I struggle with the de-badging decision on "S" cars. If it were an "A" model, I wouldn't hesitate to remove them as it just looks so much cleaner. Something about that little red rhombus though. I just love the tiny pop of color against the neutral body paint. I know it'll look good without it tho. I'll make a decision in the next week or so while I wait for the body shop to finish painting my extra set of amber markers in the front. Give myself a little more time to think things over.

Not sure about the wiper delete yet. I've never had a hatch before so don't know much about them. Gotta look around for a kit and get some feedback on how often people use that rear wiper.

How do they tint the rear lights? Are they removed? What product did you have applied? Looks sharp.

It's a vinyl wrap. You can certainly remove them and it'll make the wrap job easier, but it also costs more due to time to remove/re-install. The shops that I've used on this and previous cars all offered that option but let me know they could do just as good of a job without having to remove them. I do not know the name of the product but if you call any local place that does car wraps there is a very good chance they offer tinting your tail lights via wrap too.

Car looks awesome, Brother

Nice!!

Thanks guys! [:D]

Mops@Nemesis

04-21-2019, 05:17 PM

That's so coo! You don't need to remove that picture, it's dope. Tear that house apart man! Be careful with the garage tho, don't tear it up too much. Who's Nima?

Found it LOLOL [emoji23]

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20190422/afc363bd7b26d3a9476ac53a84fcfff0.jpg

MOPS on the Move! [emoji593]

Mops@Nemesis

04-21-2019, 06:51 PM

Welp I gotta tint mah rear lenses now. Looks good. And damn that is some shiny paint!

@tcm glx did the wiper delete on his B8.

I was so mad washing around the SQ5 gate badge today 😛 Audi forgot to remove it. And they said they'll not remove my RS5 lid badge 😂

phillyquattro

04-22-2019, 02:10 PM

Found it LOLOL [emoji23]

Hiding in plain sight! LOL.

Welp I gotta tint mah rear lenses now. Looks good. And damn that is some shiny paint!

@tcm glx did the wiper delete on his B8.

I was so mad washing around the SQ5 gate badge today 😛 Audi forgot to remove it. And they said they'll not remove my RS5 lid badge 😂

The paint does look extra shiny in those pics. Good thing about badges is that they're easy to remove yourself when the dealership forgets or refuses. :)

P.S. It's Monday and I still don't see LMs on your car. Y U NO PUT LMS ON CAR YET?!?!?!

jamesj2k

05-20-2019, 11:35 AM

phillyquattro

05-22-2019, 12:09 PM

Love the tail light tint. I went to a reputable tinting place that does vinyl and tinting and other cosmetic upgrades. They tried vinyl and called me and said they were not able to get it wrapped because of the curvature of the middle "bump". I even tried vinyl and was unsuccessful (I have tinted other cars with less intricate bumps/curves).

Was your tail light vinyl ONE piece or did they have to do multiple pieces?

I didn't ask but looking at it just now I don't see any seams or cuts. They did ask me before they started if I wanted to make that "bump" a different darkness than the rest, and if so they could cut a separate piece for it. I did not want to do that, but that lends a little bit of evidence towards it being multi-piece. If it's indeed multi-piece, they did a hell of a job hiding any evidence of seams/cuts. If you're opposed to multiple pieces you could always get them sprayed, but obviously that's a lot more permanent.

phillyquattro

05-22-2019, 12:22 PM

To quote Mops: "Sexy time as fuk".

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/46992203435_f95cdd1d12_o.jpg

KillerQuattro

05-22-2019, 12:34 PM

Oh man, this is gunna be good. Congrats!

MK2SQ

05-22-2019, 12:41 PM

Wow can’t wait to see them mounted

Bezlar

05-22-2019, 03:11 PM

[emoji106][emoji106]

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Mops@Nemesis

05-22-2019, 06:26 PM

To quote Mops: "Sexy time as fuk".

I type out what first comes to mind. 😁

phillyquattro

05-31-2019, 01:42 PM

https://scontent-sjc3-1.cdninstagram.com/vp/7b4ca97e9495ca2476a66f5f32e1ecd3/5D9AFD51/t51.2885-15/e35/s1080x1080/60722544_2480604885503772_4482012705241635829_n.jp g?_nc_ht=scontent-sjc3-1.cdninstagram.com
https://scontent-sjc3-1.cdninstagram.com/vp/26fe86e77423a6f3c9f0380e28290d85/5D8FBD83/t51.2885-15/e35/s1080x1080/61230111_815354878843323_4449874466061700059_n.jpg ?_nc_ht=scontent-sjc3-1.cdninstagram.com
https://scontent-sjc3-1.cdninstagram.com/vp/cb24692554d71c95abd3ff5d8059094e/5D93B8F6/t51.2885-15/e35/s1080x1080/61710936_160541008321655_8787759607352973110_n.jpg ?_nc_ht=scontent-sjc3-1.cdninstagram.com
https://scontent-sjc3-1.cdninstagram.com/vp/c5d6f6a05e7155e5294a205708288ad2/5D9DCDC5/t51.2885-15/e35/s1080x1080/61661419_481384889272590_925227485282094080_n.jpg? _nc_ht=scontent-sjc3-1.cdninstagram.com
https://i.kym-cdn.com/photos/images/newsfeed/000/117/021/enhanced-buzz-28895-1301694293-0.jpg

Mops@Nemesis

05-31-2019, 01:44 PM

This is going to be really good Brandon! Liking how those rubbers fit too.

phillyquattro

05-31-2019, 01:53 PM

This is going to be really good Brandon! Liking how those rubbers fit too.

Can't wait to get them cleaned up and detailed this weekend. Also excited to take the curviest, hilliest road on my way home and test out the new lateral grip. If I don't update this post again you'll know that my confidence outweighed the grip and I'm probably dead in a valley or stuck in a tree somewhere. LOL.

Mops@Nemesis

05-31-2019, 02:17 PM

Can't wait to get them cleaned up and detailed this weekend. Also excited to take the curviest, hilliest road on my way home and test out the new lateral grip. If I don't update this post again you'll know that my confidence outweighed the grip and I'm probably dead in a valley or stuck in a tree somewhere. LOL.

Dibs on the wheels! [emoji14]

MOPS on the Move! [emoji593]

phillyquattro

05-31-2019, 02:57 PM

Dibs on the wheels! [emoji14]

That's cold man. LOL!

VezSQ5

05-31-2019, 07:18 PM

Very nice!! Cant wait to see them on

Mops@Nemesis

05-31-2019, 08:14 PM

Very nice!! Cant wait to see them on

😎

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47976167193_1dc9dc3b2a_k.jpg (https://flic.kr/p/2g6up3r)

phillyquattro

05-31-2019, 10:26 PM

And a few more...

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47976889976_e230cccdcd_h.jpg
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47976842813_31cf581859_h.jpg
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https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47976842838_c15d81b149_h.jpg
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47976842828_24750c20b6_h.jpg
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47976842808_c94743b939_h.jpg

These turned out so much better than I could have hoped. Thanks again Mops!!!!

Will have paint matched reflectors in a few more days. So long horrible amber!

JD S4

06-01-2019, 02:08 AM

Looks amazing

Sent from my [emoji390]

phillyquattro

06-01-2019, 08:07 AM

Looks amazing

Gracias!

JD S4

06-01-2019, 08:52 AM

What’s the wheel and tire specs

Sent from my [emoji390]

MadDawg

06-01-2019, 10:43 AM

What’s the wheel and tire specs

Sent from my [emoji390]

Did someone say wheels?

BC Forged HBR7. 21x10, matte bronze face, gloss brushed bronze lip, black hardware, ET30.
Tres are MPSS 285/35/21.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47976836562_518d95df39_h.jpg

Looks very nice, love both the wheel & Quantum colors! [up]

phillyquattro

06-02-2019, 09:44 AM

Looks very nice, love both the wheel & Quantum colors! [up]

Thanks! I'm super happy with how the color combo turned out.

DiscoDan

06-02-2019, 09:52 AM

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/47976842808_c94743b939_h.jpg

That original B2 Quattro in the background looks awesome too

DiscoDan

06-02-2019, 09:53 AM

Curious man... what percent is the tint/wrap on your rear lights?

I'm ordering a quantum gray SQ this summer and need to talk to my detail shop for tint/PPF/ceramic coating and figure I'll inquire on getting the rear lights darkened as well

phillyquattro

06-02-2019, 10:05 AM

That original B2 Quattro in the background looks awesome too

That coupe is beautiful. It's very well cared for.

Curious man... what percent is the tint/wrap on your rear lights?

I'm ordering a quantum gray SQ this summer and need to talk to my detail shop for tint/PPF/ceramic coating and figure I'll inquire on getting the rear lights darkened as well

I'm pretty sure they are either 25% or 28%. I can't remember which exactly. I'm going to get them re-done eventually because it's just a bit too dark for my taste. I think something in the 35% range would be perfect.

Amit82

06-07-2019, 03:03 PM

Really nice man. Very tastefully done

2016 SQ5

chip_

06-07-2019, 03:38 PM

Looks great man!

phillyquattro

06-07-2019, 10:03 PM

Really nice man. Very tastefully done

Looks great man!

Thanks! I'm pretty psyched with how things are progressing so far. :-)

QwertyD

06-07-2019, 10:53 PM

Do the tail light tint make the back up lights harder to see? I wanted to get my lights tinted and maybe cut out where the backup lights so the lights are easier to see. Still debating though.

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phillyquattro

06-07-2019, 10:58 PM

Do the tail light tint make the back up lights harder to see? I wanted to get my lights tinted and maybe cut out where the backup lights so the lights are easier to see. Still debating though.

The reverse lights are cut out, so no issues with brightness.

QwertyD

06-07-2019, 11:05 PM

Perfect! That's exactly what I wanted to do lol. Your's does look a little dark though. I'll probably go for a little lighter. Thanks!

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xtotalanarcoix

06-11-2019, 07:37 PM

man so sad quantum and optics package weren't an option when I ordered, no doubt the best combo!

DiscoDan

06-12-2019, 08:24 AM

man so sad quantum and optics package weren't an option when I ordered, no doubt the best combo!

Same here... but ordering one soon with this

turbojayc

06-12-2019, 01:31 PM

WOW!!! This is badass. Well done sir.

DC321

06-12-2019, 05:41 PM

<3 it!

phillyquattro

06-12-2019, 08:45 PM

man so sad quantum and optics package weren't an option when I ordered, no doubt the best combo!

I had moved on from the SQ and from Audi as a whole. I wanted an SQ back in 17/early 18 but no black optics available and no Audi exclusive paint (I wanted to get Porsche Sport Classic Grey with BO package). After a year of them not offering BO I gave up and was waiting on the new Macan GTS to be released. Then I saw some random person with a Quantum SQ with BO in my local grocery store parking lot and I was back in love.

<3 it!

Thanks!

phillyquattro

06-22-2019, 10:23 PM

Broke out the real camera for the first time in....well honestly I'm not sure. It's been a long time. Lighting at noon is awful for shooting cars (at least on a wide open air strip), but beggars can't be choosers. All in all a nice little Saturday drive with a ton of other Audis from NorCal and SoCal. Also managed to pick up my first speeding ticket. Only took me 24 years. LOL.

Oh yeah, I paint matched the reflectors.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48111598907_e1dc9933f7_h.jpg
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JD S4

06-23-2019, 08:09 AM

Looks hard

Sent from my [emoji390]

Bezlar

06-23-2019, 11:06 AM

Looks great!!

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

DiscoDan

06-23-2019, 03:22 PM

sexy time

1S32K16

07-03-2019, 10:19 PM

Car looks awesome. Just picked up a 2019 quantum grey myself. Are your painted badges from TAG?

phillyquattro

07-04-2019, 04:52 PM

Car looks awesome. Just picked up a 2019 quantum grey myself. Are your painted badges from TAG?

Thanks! The black front model badge is from TAG as that's the only place to get them. The rings, front and back, are OEM. The rear model badge is from an Insta seller. I actually have an extra black front model badge with the red parallelogram and an extra black set of rings. PM me if you're interested in either.

phillyquattro

07-26-2019, 11:25 AM

VezSQ5

07-26-2019, 05:51 PM

Nice. Let us here the wooooooshh :)

phillyquattro

07-28-2019, 08:06 PM

Installed the AWE resonated system yesterday and the Forge valve earlier today. The SQ definitely sounds more alive. Install on the AWE system was pretty easy and straight forward. Getting to the downpipes is a bitch but other than that it's pretty gravy. The resonated system had both resonated and non-resonated mid pipes to go along with the resonated downpipes. I figured I'd start louder and work my way quieter if needed, so non-resonated mid pipes it is. The location of the cat does make me wonder about eventually swapping it out once a stage 2 tune becomes available. I imagine that it is going to be a pain in the ass due to its location. Oh well, future problems for future days.

The Forge valve was a piece of cake to install. Took me maybe 20-25 mins. I gotta say I was a bit worried about the noise and whether or not I'd quickly get annoyed by it, but after driving around a bunch today you don't really ever hear it in typical driving scenarios. You really have to induce it. I want to say that I feel a difference with it, but it was 103 here today, so pretty much the opposite of boost weather and everything felt sluggish. So just not a good comparison day unfortunately. I'll try to grab some clips later this week.

Mops@Nemesis

07-28-2019, 08:10 PM

I gotta say I was a bit worried about the noise and whether or not I'd quickly get annoyed by it, but after driving around a bunch today you don't really ever hear it in typical driving scenarios. You really have to induce it.

Yep, you really do. Only a quick lift will bring the drama lol. Which is also pretty fun at times. 😁

phillyquattro

07-28-2019, 08:36 PM

Yep, you really do. Only a quick lift will bring the drama lol. Which is also pretty fun at times. 😁

Totally agree, it's definitely a lot of fun to induce that drama. lol

phillyquattro

08-03-2019, 10:31 PM

1S32K16

08-03-2019, 10:42 PM

After getting denied on my first custom plate request (DMV doesn't deny you immediately, takes them about 2 months to send the denial letter) my second go at customization finally arrived. Spent Friday morning at the DMV and magically was in and out of there in 10 mins (probably a CA record). A beautiful Sepang blue B8.5 heavily modded S4 had parked next to me in the lot, but I wasn't about to stick around the DMV waiting for them to come out. For all I know, they're still at the DMV right now because that's how f'd the DMV in CA is.

Anyways, new plate. +5hp for irony.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48432111462_4759253eef_b.jpg

Looks great! Seriously DMV is the worst, I am waiting for my plates to arrive so I can go and get my black custom plates switched from my now returned S3 since I want to keep them for the SQ5.

If you ever make it to SoCal let me know I want to check out your car in person it’s 🔥🔥🔥🔥

4-ring-sleepers

08-04-2019, 06:43 AM

DiscoDan

08-04-2019, 09:02 AM

phillyquattro

08-04-2019, 09:40 AM

to be specific. its a "red Rhombus" that audi uses [cool]

Oh god, you're one of those. I'm glad I didn't make any grammar mistakes in that post. Wait...did I make any? [:p]

It's not just the DMV; CA is just f'd in general.

Get photos of this S4?

CA is far from f'd. Sure it's got it's issues, every single place does, but what it offers is unmatched. I do wish it were cheaper tho...cause then I could buy more car parts, or maybe a whole other car and car parts for it. LOL.

I didn't take any pics of the S4. Can pretty much guarantee they're here on AZ tho with the amount of mods they had on their car. Carbon all the things, exhaust, suspension, HRE wheels, Brembo kit with matching rear rotors, and I'm sure a whole lot under the hood. I'm trying to track them down as it would be cool to know someone else local.

sandjunkie

10-17-2019, 04:53 AM

Your SQ5 looks amazing. In your first pics when it was lowered with Rotors, did you have spacers on it as well?

subaruski

10-17-2019, 07:25 AM

What is the BMC Air Filter that you're running? Is that just a drop in filter? Any changes in sound?

1S32K16

10-17-2019, 08:41 AM

What is the BMC Air Filter that you're running? Is that just a drop in filter? Any changes in sound?

I have the BMC filter, it is a drop in filter. Maybe a slight noise change.

Niko702

11-04-2019, 08:26 AM

I just got a 2019 sq5 prestige black with black optics package. I would like to lower it. I'm not familiar with the cete suspension controller. Does it void the warranty

phillyquattro

11-04-2019, 02:42 PM

Your SQ5 looks amazing. In your first pics when it was lowered with Rotors, did you have spacers on it as well?

Thanks! No spacers. I wasn't planning on running those wheels for more than a couple weeks while I waited for my BC Forged wheels to be made, so no need for spacers. I may buy some in the future as I'll likely throw some snow tires on the OEM wheels for winter trips. Talk to Mops about what spacers to run.

I just got a 2019 sq5 prestige black with black optics package. I would like to lower it. I'm not familiar with the cete suspension controller. Does it void the warranty

I would imagine it voids any suspension parts warranty as it is lowering the car below factory specs and they could easily claim you're putting undo strain on the suspension. This claim could easily be made with any suspension modification. That being said; the Cete controller is awesome and highly recommended. As with any after market part; be prepared to void warranty for at minimum the specific part you're changing if not many more parts and maybe even the whole vehicle. Pay to play and all that jazz.

MSq5

11-05-2019, 01:26 PM

Installing this Forge valve and an AWE resonated system this weekend. Just waiting for the SQ to get back from the body shop later today so the fun can begin (a few weeks ago some dumb ass lady backed into me in a parking lot and annihilated my rear driver side door).

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/48381808061_e5b8fe5b14_b.jpg

Do they still have that turkey gobbler sound when the valve opens and closes? I hope they found a way to do something about that. Forge valves have been notorious for making strange sounds rather than just a woooosh. I guess it's just a matter of taste. I'm just not much for noisemakers, especially on high-end cars.

phillyquattro

11-06-2019, 12:06 PM

Do they still have that turkey gobbler sound when the valve opens and closes? I hope they found a way to do something about that. Forge valves have been notorious for making strange sounds rather than just a woooosh. I guess it's just a matter of taste. I'm just not much for noisemakers, especially on high-end cars.

My vehicle definitely doesn't sound like a turkey, just a wooosh. I'm not normally a fan of noisemakers either but it's not excessive and really only triggers when you're being aggressive and then let off the gas.

Mops@Nemesis

11-06-2019, 03:06 PM

My vehicle definitely doesn't sound like a turkey, just a wooosh. I'm not normally a fan of noisemakers either but it's not excessive and really only triggers when you're being aggressive and then let off the gas.

Installed the Forge Recirc today. Check mah thread. [emoji1360]

MOPS on the Move! [emoji593]

MSq5

11-06-2019, 04:46 PM

My vehicle definitely doesn't sound like a turkey, just a wooosh. I'm not normally a fan of noisemakers either but it's not excessive and really only triggers when you're being aggressive and then let off the gas.

Good to know. I was afraid it might sound like their bypass valve for the VW/Audi 2.0 Turbo.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=2EdDflM5Osk

phillyquattro

11-06-2019, 06:52 PM

Good to know. I was afraid it might sound like their bypass valve for the VW/Audi 2.0 Turbo.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=2EdDflM5Osk

Sounds terrible on that 2.0 for sure. Has a flat and "wobbly" sound to it. You do get that "wobble" fluctuation in the sound on the SQ occasionally, but the over all sound is much sharper/crisp. Here's the only video I could find of it, but it's not really a good video as it's standing right next to the valve with the hood open (also running additional boost with the JB4). So not really representative of what you hear, especially while driving. I rarely hear it very much over my music. It's definitely no where even close to as noticeable as that terrible VW 2.0 vid. I'm about to add the AWE intake, so depending on the volume increase that brings I may or may not switch to the recirculation valve. Will have updates in a couple weeks once all my parts arrive and get around to the install.

phillyquattro

12-15-2019, 11:31 PM

Been a minute since I posted anything. Was finally able to wash the girl yesterday and decided to pull the camera out as well. Got a handful of other snaps but haven't finished touching them up yet. Soon...

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49226624821_1bb6d67094_b.jpg

BklynSQ5

12-16-2019, 08:08 AM

This build is amazing. Absolutely stunning! Nicely done man.

mkasperzak

12-16-2019, 01:12 PM

beautiful shot. Are your BCF's matte bronze centers and brushed bronze barrels?

phillyquattro

12-16-2019, 06:39 PM

This build is amazing. Absolutely stunning! Nicely done man.

Thanks!

beautiful shot. Are your BCF's matte bronze centers and brushed bronze barrels?

Thanks! Yup, you nailed the color/finish combo. Matte bronze face, brushed bronze barrel, exposed black hardware.

phillyquattro

12-21-2019, 09:32 AM

Few more pics from last week.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49253613533_edb6cb696c_b.jpg
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49254088381_53e60da2cd_b.jpg
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49254088771_bf833b16bf_b.jpg

RoofRails

12-21-2019, 09:46 AM

That looks great! I love the Bronze look on your ride.

Sent from my SHT-W09 using Audizine mobile app (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=87676)

Bezlar

12-21-2019, 01:21 PM

[emoji15][emoji106]

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

phillyquattro

04-22-2020, 11:51 AM

Been going out and shooting a lot lately as there really isn't much else to do (not an actual complaint). I've only gotten around to cleaning up a few images tho thus far, so here's a couple new ones.

New shit: Brembo GT kit and matching rear rotors finally installed. 😁
Coming soon: CF mirror caps, but I think they may be Covid delayed for a bit. 😷
Debating: Get APR tune now or wait till stage 2 file releases and get that and hi-flow cat all at once. 🤔

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49806573181_21f757c419_h.jpg
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49806885607_4362896d4d_h.jpg

itsmatt33

04-23-2020, 09:07 AM

Mops@Nemesis

04-23-2020, 06:23 PM

Looking good B! Had a chance to stand on the GT kit yet?

HurrayFive

04-23-2020, 06:28 PM

Looking good B! Had a chance to stand on the GT kit yet?

What this man said, whip is looking great! I've also been eyeballing that GT kit myself, as repeated bludgeoning of the factory brakes does begin to show their limitations (especially so once you've added a lot of power over stock), curious how you like it!

Mops@Nemesis

04-23-2020, 06:32 PM

What this man said, whip is looking great! I've also been eyeballing that GT kit myself, as repeated bludgeoning of the factory brakes does begin to show their limitations (especially so once you've added a lot of power over stock), curious how you like it!

Man, they take a beating without complaint. Our roads are nuts... standing on them every ~5 seconds over and over and over. The pedal/feel remains.

phillyquattro

04-24-2020, 04:44 PM

I haven't had the chance to really abuse them much. Every time I've been on long stretches of twisty roads I've had passengers or my dog with me, so I tend to scale back how aggressively I drive so as not to either make them puke, or in the case of my dog, send his poor goofy ass all over the trunk.

phillyquattro

04-29-2020, 12:07 PM

More thirst traps for this week. I love how easy it is to see the difference in how Quantum looks in full sun vs no sun between this weeks photos and last weeks.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49834061463_fa05692725_k.jpg
https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49834598506_e8c5983f1a_k.jpg

phillyquattro

05-06-2020, 06:53 PM

Working on my Lightroom skills. Getting better, but still got a ways to go before I'm fully happy with photography. Gonna have to reteach myself Photoshop to really get where I want to go.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49865062046_c608a1e41a_k.jpg

Mops@Nemesis

05-06-2020, 07:09 PM

Like that one a lot! I would pull some color from the lamp housing and ground. Maybe darken the windshield.

phillyquattro

05-06-2020, 09:30 PM

Like that one a lot! I would pull some color from the lamp housing and ground. Maybe darken the windshield.

Ohhh interesting tips. When you say pull some color from those areas, do you mean desaturate them a bit?

Mops@Nemesis

05-07-2020, 07:43 AM

Ohhh interesting tips. When you say pull some color from those areas, do you mean desaturate them a bit?

Yup! Brush and remove some of the yellow/orange from ground. Will allow your wheels and QG to pop more. And your lamps housings have some color too. But I love the brown/orange on the structure. Just my preference which isn't important at all haha. Love the photo.

phillyquattro

05-07-2020, 01:58 PM

Yup! Brush and remove some of the yellow/orange from ground. Will allow your wheels and QG to pop more. And your lamps housings have some color too. But I love the brown/orange on the structure. Just my preference which isn't important at all haha. Love the photo.

I appreciate the tips for sure. Definitely looking for ways to kind of make the car pop out of the background more so I'll give that tip a try on my next edit. Finally bit the bullet and added Photoshop to my Creative Cloud account cause Lightroom is just so slow once you get to a certain level of edits. Watching a bunch of tutorials on YouTube it looks like most people recommend using both for various purposes, which makes sense. Been a solid decade since I've done any real work in Photoshop so it'll be fun re-learning it and taking things to the next level. There are a number of things I would have done differently in that last photo if I'd A) had Photoshop and B) had Photoshop skillz. Haha. As always; thanks, Ben!

Bezlar

05-07-2020, 04:32 PM

Dude your sq is spot on. I likey very much. Makes me want different wheels. What are your cete settings and do you drive that low. I might need to dial mine down a bit. [emoji106]

Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

phillyquattro

05-08-2020, 11:40 AM

Dude your sq is spot on. I likey very much. Makes me want different wheels. What are your cete settings and do you drive that low. I might need to dial mine down a bit. [emoji106]

Thanks! I believe my settings are -40 in the front and -36 in the rear in both Dynamic and Comfort mode. I really only ever use Dynamic tho and left the other two modes untouched. The picture is taken in "show mode" which is all the way down at -55 front and rear. The vehicle won't actually let you drive at that height, it will self adjust. I think Mops might run his standard drive height around the -50 mark if I recall. Must have pristine beautiful roads in NC. Lucky guy.

phillyquattro

05-13-2020, 09:58 AM

subaruski

05-13-2020, 11:19 AM

Chris.green

05-13-2020, 11:38 AM

phillyquattro

05-13-2020, 02:12 PM

Quantum on point phillyquattro!

What black rings did you go with? Are those the over lay ones or did you remove and replace the chrome ones?

How about the front black SQ5 badge? Where did you source?

Thanks! The rings are OEM front and rear. The rear model badge I got from Instahero jzwecker_s4. I bought front rings and rear rings from him too, but the front rings didn't quite fit (one tab was a couple mm off...no one else seems to have had that problem when sourcing front rings from him), so then I bought the OEM ones. Front model badge is from TAG. There wasn't (maybe still isn't) anywhere else to source that from. I believe you can buy the smaller front badge sized letters in black, but you gotta be suuuuuuper careful trying to take off the existing chrome ones from the plastic backing plate they're on. While I waited for my front model badge to arrive I removed the chrome letters (didn't match with the black rings I had on and I'm too OCD to stand that for even a moment) and in the process very much warped the backing plate with the heat gun. It is not very thick and in hindsight you don't want to use a heat gun to take those letters off if you go that route.

I liked it on Instagram and I like it here too! 👍🏻

Haha, thanks! I didn't do the before/after shots like I did on Insta here, but it looks much nicer here in full res and hopefully on computers as opposed to phones. Insta is a gift and a curse. Everyone is walking around with their displays in the 30-40% range for brightness and photos all just look like shit. Plus Instas compression ruins things further. I'm just bitching. LOL.

[email protected]

05-13-2020, 03:09 PM

Looked great on IG and sadly yes, IG ruins the quality of good photos...

phillyquattro

05-14-2020, 12:04 PM

https://scontent-sjc3-1.cdninstagram.com/v/t51.2885-15/e35/97594096_683977012439104_4777607134032908325_n.jpg ?_nc_ht=scontent-sjc3-1.cdninstagram.com&_nc_cat=104&_nc_ohc=Lu46OmpAGagAX9vdEMI&oh=f01527e28616d3ec672ae8c2d8190a4d&oe=5EE6731A

Coming soon...

svltrack

05-31-2020, 10:18 AM

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49891423532_7740a0916c_k.jpg

Working on them Photoshop skills. Reflections are a bitch, which just means I'm going to modify how/when I shoot the car in order to reduce reflections in the shot and hence reduce the number of reflections that need working on in post production. Pretty happy with how this one came out. Spent a lot more time in Photoshop than I did in Lightroom this time around. Mostly just trial and error on reflection removal techniques. Probably should have spent a bit more time in Lightroom, but I was over looking at this shot and was ready to move on. Maybe I'll go back in a couple weeks and touch it up a bit more. 🤷🏻*♂️

Look into a circular polarizing filter for reflection removal in camera. B+W is the best quality to not sacrifice resolution, or damage colors (I can tell you this as I literally ordered the top ten on the market I could find, and ran them on my colorchecker video to compare at 1000%). If you use a tripod, you can also lay up multiple stacked images with masks, and paint off reflections from each. I’d also recommend having one baseline image without the filter, as even though the colors are not modified, their saturation levels are.

Also, while I have used this technique for years... 99.9% of people will never notice reflections, unless they are god awful bad. Inversely, do any local adjustments incorrectly, like clone, stamp, content fill, gradient, etc, and you are guaranteed to get someone’s attention quick..

One last thought.. reflections, like shadows and highlights, create dimension. Deleting them comes only from robbing Peter to pay Paul..

phillyquattro

06-01-2020, 11:30 AM

Look into a circular polarizing filter for reflection removal in camera. B+W is the best quality to not sacrifice resolution, or damage colors (I can tell you this as I literally ordered the top ten on the market I could find, and ran them on my colorchecker video to compare at 1000%). If you use a tripod, you can also lay up multiple stacked images with masks, and paint off reflections from each. I’d also recommend having one baseline image without the filter, as even though the colors are not modified, their saturation levels are.

Also, while I have used this technique for years... 99.9% of people will never notice reflections, unless they are god awful bad. Inversely, do any local adjustments incorrectly, like clone, stamp, content fill, gradient, etc, and you are guaranteed to get someone’s attention quick..

One last thought.. reflections, like shadows and highlights, create dimension. Deleting them comes only from robbing Peter to pay Paul..

I always shoot with a B+W circular polarizer. I haven't shot anything with a tripod yet, hence why I haven't tried stacking any images. I may give that a go next time just to see what kind of results I can get. Good idea of having a non-filtered baseline, I'll try incorporating that as well. Might be tricky getting the filter on and off, and rotating it between shots without moving the camera at all, but I'll see what I can do. 👍

Definitely not trying to get rid of all reflections. As you noted, they add a lot to the photo of a car. I'm just trying to reduce them where they're not needed and simplify complex/distracting reflections. Here's the original, out of camera shot from above. You'll see the type of elements I've removed from the environment as well as the reflection points I've removed or cleaned up. I definitely want to keep a fair amount of reflections. Without them, cars start to look flat or fake or like a rendering VERY quickly.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49960296838_14a97bed29_b.jpg

svltrack

06-01-2020, 04:28 PM

I always shoot with a B+W circular polarizer. I haven't shot anything with a tripod yet, hence why I haven't tried stacking any images. I may give that a go next time just to see what kind of results I can get. Good idea of having a non-filtered baseline, I'll try incorporating that as well. Might be tricky getting the filter on and off, and rotating it between shots without moving the camera at all, but I'll see what I can do. 👍

Definitely not trying to get rid of all reflections. As you noted, they add a lot to the photo of a car. I'm just trying to reduce them where they're not needed and simplify complex/distracting reflections. Here's the original, out of camera shot from above. You'll see the type of elements I've removed from the environment as well as the reflection points I've removed or cleaned up. I definitely want to keep a fair amount of reflections. Without them, cars start to look flat or fake or like a rendering VERY quickly.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49960296838_14a97bed29_b.jpg

Sorry, most people don’t know about CPLs, that was an assumption on my part. I really like your edits en masse! Definitely like the spot on top of the roof you removed, and I LOVE how you added to, and used the large reflection on the side of the car as a highlight to pull our attention right to the focal point. I also like your selective color tweaks.. removing some of the green from the glass, but adding some to the calipers. Solid work for sure..

phillyquattro

06-01-2020, 10:52 PM

Sorry, most people don’t know about CPLs, that was an assumption on my part. I really like your edits en masse! Definitely like the spot on top of the roof you removed, and I LOVE how you added to, and used the large reflection on the side of the car as a highlight to pull our attention right to the focal point. I also like your selective color tweaks.. removing some of the green from the glass, but adding some to the calipers. Solid work for sure..

Thanks! I appreciate the kind words as this was my first go at touching up a car and honestly at using Photoshop in probably 8 years. Mostly happy with how it came out, but being my own worst critic I see some areas for improvement and some things I would try differently in the future. I was pretty happy with that large reflection on the side. The original is really broken up and overly distracting. Simplifying it was a bitch, but I think it turned out pretty good for a first go. Mops gets all the credit for reducing the green/blue from the windshield. Good tip from him on looking for that added color on windshields and headlights.

Thanks again for the kind words and the tips. Truly appreciated and gets me excited to shoot/edit more. [az]

svltrack

06-02-2020, 05:36 AM

Thanks! I appreciate the kind words as this was my first go at touching up a car and honestly at using Photoshop in probably 8 years. Mostly happy with how it came out, but being my own worst critic I see some areas for improvement and some things I would try differently in the future. I was pretty happy with that large reflection on the side. The original is really broken up and overly distracting. Simplifying it was a bitch, but I think it turned out pretty good for a first go. Mops gets all the credit for reducing the green/blue from the windshield. Good tip from him on looking for that added color on windshields and headlights.

Thanks again for the kind words and the tips. Truly appreciated and gets me excited to shoot/edit more. [az]

No doubt. I just read through a few posts up, and see you are just getting familiar with PS again. May I suggest three other things then (provided you are not doing these already). Invest the time in learning the new raw editor, pickup a colorchecker passport, and live and breathe curves..

I used to do most of my edits in PS, but now short of having to use scripts, advanced local tools, or layers, I live in raw. It is a fantastic way to tweak things non-destructively, while leveraging the full dynamic range of your sensor. The colorchecker was a game changer for nailing colors/white balance without having any second thoughts, and is cheap. Learning how to use curves was the single most important thing in regard to post processing, bar none. Photographs go from interesting, to having true 3D dimension with the use of curves..

djsnowman777

06-02-2020, 06:22 AM

whats up dude i got a quantam grey 2019 sq5 2 weeks ago and i love it! def getting some clean ideas from your build! i was wondering how you replaced the front reflectors? trying to find a good easy solution

Sent from my iPhone using Audizine (http://r.tapatalk.com/byo?rid=87676)

subaruski

06-02-2020, 07:54 AM

Tag sells them prepainted.
https://tagmotorsports.com/audi-18-sq5-painted-front-reflector-package
https://tagmotorsports.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/600x420/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/q/7/q7_painted_reflector_tagmotorsports_2_2.jpg

Or you can purchase non oem ones and have them painted.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/FITS-AUDI-Q5-2018-2019-RIGHT-LEFT-FRONT-SIDE-REFLECTORS-MARKER-LIGHT-LAMP-PAIR/362411768495
https://i.ebayimg.com/images/g/7GQAAOSwq-Bd-FbW/s-l1600.jpg

whats up dude i got a quantam grey 2019 sq5 2 weeks ago and i love it! def getting some clean ideas from your build! i was wondering how you replaced the front reflectors? trying to find a good easy solution

phillyquattro

06-02-2020, 10:52 AM

No doubt. I just read through a few posts up, and see you are just getting familiar with PS again. May I suggest three other things then (provided you are not doing these already). Invest the time in learning the new raw editor, pickup a colorchecker passport, and live and breathe curves..

I used to do most of my edits in PS, but now short of having to use scripts, advanced local tools, or layers, I live in raw. It is a fantastic way to tweak things non-destructively, while leveraging the full dynamic range of your sensor. The colorchecker was a game changer for nailing colors/white balance without having any second thoughts, and is cheap. Learning how to use curves was the single most important thing in regard to post processing, bar none. Photographs go from interesting, to having true 3D dimension with the use of curves..

Ah those are great tips. I'm not doing/using any of those yet. I've been doing all my destructive edits in Photoshop (element removal, healing, reflection work, etc) and non-destructive edits in Lightroom. I'll look into the RAW editor as I wasn't aware of that. Is that included as part of Photoshop? I definitely need to get more comfortable with curves. I'll get there with time and totally agree that it can have the biggest impact once you understand how to use them. Is this the passport checker (https://xritephoto.com/colorchecker-passport-photo2) you're referring to?

whats up dude i got a quantam grey 2019 sq5 2 weeks ago and i love it! def getting some clean ideas from your build! i was wondering how you replaced the front reflectors? trying to find a good easy solution

Welcome to the Quantum family! As Subaruski mentioned; you can either buy already painted ones from TAG, or you can buy a set of unpainted ones and take them to a body shop for painting. I did the later as TAG didn't have painted reflectors at the time I did mine. The cost basically ends up being the same, or damn close, so honestly I'd just get them from TAG as it's going to be quicker.

svltrack

06-02-2020, 08:07 PM

Ah those are great tips. I'm not doing/using any of those yet. I've been doing all my destructive edits in Photoshop (element removal, healing, reflection work, etc) and non-destructive edits in Lightroom. I'll look into the RAW editor as I wasn't aware of that. Is that included as part of Photoshop? I definitely need to get more comfortable with curves. I'll get there with time and totally agree that it can have the biggest impact once you understand how to use them. Is this the passport checker (https://xritephoto.com/colorchecker-passport-photo2) you're referring to?

Yes, that is the exact colorchecker I use daily. Fits in your pocket, durable, and properly calibrates colors/white balance without having any doubts.

There is a fantastic book on color correction/curves, though I’ll warn you, it is way way way way way over the top: Professional Photoshop: The Classic Guide to Color Correction 5th Edition. by Dan Margulis. Best/most challenging kindle read available on post production. Funny as it is really dated now, but the basic theory is just as critical.

As far as raw goes, first, set your camera to record in the raw format (typically people choose raw+jpeg). When you load the raw capture images into photoshop, it recognizes them, and opens the raw editor. It is essentially like lightroom, where the edits are non-destructive, and it allows for camera/lens profile corrections, color space edits, and a whole slew of other tweaks, including curves. You can batch edit, and sync adjustments from one baseline, to a hundred similar shots. The only major shortcoming I have found is the lack of levels, but there are ways to overcome this. Raw is all about wholesale changes to the image, and has very few local change options, no problem though, since once you are done with a batch of images, they get opened to photoshop for the final polish work.

What camera/lens(s) are you using?

phillyquattro

06-03-2020, 12:48 PM

Yes, that is the exact colorchecker I use daily. Fits in your pocket, durable, and properly calibrates colors/white balance without having any doubts.

There is a fantastic book on color correction/curves, though I’ll warn you, it is way way way way way over the top: Professional Photoshop: The Classic Guide to Color Correction 5th Edition. by Dan Margulis. Best/most challenging kindle read available on post production. Funny as it is really dated now, but the basic theory is just as critical.

As far as raw goes, first, set your camera to record in the raw format (typically people choose raw+jpeg). When you load the raw capture images into photoshop, it recognizes them, and opens the raw editor. It is essentially like lightroom, where the edits are non-destructive, and it allows for camera/lens profile corrections, color space edits, and a whole slew of other tweaks, including curves. You can batch edit, and sync adjustments from one baseline, to a hundred similar shots. The only major shortcoming I have found is the lack of levels, but there are ways to overcome this. Raw is all about wholesale changes to the image, and has very few local change options, no problem though, since once you are done with a batch of images, they get opened to photoshop for the final polish work.

What camera/lens(s) are you using?

Awesome. Thanks for that color checker tip. I'll pick one of those up and figure out how to use it. Thanks for the book recommendation as well. I'll give it a read.

Ahhh that's probably why I haven't encountered the RAW editor. I typically open my photo in Lightroom first, do a couple baseline tweaks, then roll over to Photoshop for the more in-depth edits, then come back to Lightroom to finish off. Next batch I shoot I'll try going into Photoshop first and giving that RAW editor a go. I do shoot both RAW + JPG, but only ever edit the RAW files. I have the +JPG version just in case I happen to shoot something that I want to share immediately without edits. For the most part, those JPG files are simply taking up space on my memory card. Ha.

I'm shooting with a Fuji XT-3. For lenses I have the following:

Fuji XF 18-135mm f3.5-5.6 (https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1461783-REG/fujifilm_xf_18_135mm_f_3_5_5_6_r.html/?ap=y&ap=y&smp=y&smp=y&lsft=BI%3A514&gclid=Cj0KCQjwlN32BRCCARIsADZ-J4u4nhzMskFXZzN-RWEVhyONGbCPFFAwZt-xqxzI8jobKLcX7SMw1GEaAi7qEALw_wcB)
Fuji XF 16mm f1.4 R (https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1454483-REG/fujifilm_xf_16mm_f_1_4_r.html/?ap=y&ap=y&smp=y&smp=y&lsft=BI%3A514&gclid=Cj0KCQjwlN32BRCCARIsADZ-J4vg2YhBK9waoKt5Vcqkoqt-MRclGr9urYTBzpj34j-x5CLo3Pd3k20aAgJOEALw_wcB)
Fuji XF 56mm f1.2 R (https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1455610-REG/fujifilm_xf_56mm_f_1_2_r.html/?ap=y&ap=y&smp=y&smp=y&lsft=BI%3A514&gclid=Cj0KCQjwlN32BRCCARIsADZ-J4uSlaoS8P9Ef_ies5PJVMtyvgT687kJm9_MSba_8ug-QAC_nUDaWjoaApGwEALw_wcB)
Fuji XF 23mm f2 R (https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1454479-REG/fujifilm_xf_23mm_f_2_r.html/?ap=y&ap=y&smp=y&smp=y&lsft=BI%3A514&gclid=Cj0KCQjwlN32BRCCARIsADZ-J4tlar5N_MjjGCl62qKSqhlbwG0zy8LSBONyOgDwUFXUKGH3CQ QPw5saArcXEALw_wcB)

The extreme majority of car shoots I do with the 18-135 zoom as the versatility of that particular lens is hard to beat and in past shoots I typically have just been bringing a camera and not any additional equipment/lenses. I should switch it up tho and try some others for future shoots.

svltrack

06-03-2020, 07:19 PM

Awesome. Thanks for that color checker tip. I'll pick one of those up and figure out how to use it. Thanks for the book recommendation as well. I'll give it a read.

Ahhh that's probably why I haven't encountered the RAW editor. I typically open my photo in Lightroom first, do a couple baseline tweaks, then roll over to Photoshop for the more in-depth edits, then come back to Lightroom to finish off. Next batch I shoot I'll try going into Photoshop first and giving that RAW editor a go. I do shoot both RAW + JPG, but only ever edit the RAW files. I have the +JPG version just in case I happen to shoot something that I want to share immediately without edits. For the most part, those JPG files are simply taking up space on my memory card. Ha.

I'm shooting with a Fuji XT-3. For lenses I have the following:

Fuji XF 18-135mm f3.5-5.6 (https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1461783-REG/fujifilm_xf_18_135mm_f_3_5_5_6_r.html/?ap=y&ap=y&smp=y&smp=y&lsft=BI%3A514&gclid=Cj0KCQjwlN32BRCCARIsADZ-J4u4nhzMskFXZzN-RWEVhyONGbCPFFAwZt-xqxzI8jobKLcX7SMw1GEaAi7qEALw_wcB)
Fuji XF 16mm f1.4 R (https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1454483-REG/fujifilm_xf_16mm_f_1_4_r.html/?ap=y&ap=y&smp=y&smp=y&lsft=BI%3A514&gclid=Cj0KCQjwlN32BRCCARIsADZ-J4vg2YhBK9waoKt5Vcqkoqt-MRclGr9urYTBzpj34j-x5CLo3Pd3k20aAgJOEALw_wcB)
Fuji XF 56mm f1.2 R (https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1455610-REG/fujifilm_xf_56mm_f_1_2_r.html/?ap=y&ap=y&smp=y&smp=y&lsft=BI%3A514&gclid=Cj0KCQjwlN32BRCCARIsADZ-J4uSlaoS8P9Ef_ies5PJVMtyvgT687kJm9_MSba_8ug-QAC_nUDaWjoaApGwEALw_wcB)
Fuji XF 23mm f2 R (https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1454479-REG/fujifilm_xf_23mm_f_2_r.html/?ap=y&ap=y&smp=y&smp=y&lsft=BI%3A514&gclid=Cj0KCQjwlN32BRCCARIsADZ-J4tlar5N_MjjGCl62qKSqhlbwG0zy8LSBONyOgDwUFXUKGH3CQ QPw5saArcXEALw_wcB)

The extreme majority of car shoots I do with the 18-135 zoom as the versatility of that particular lens is hard to beat and in past shoots I typically have just been bringing a camera and not any additional equipment/lenses. I should switch it up tho and try some others for future shoots.

Fuji Xt3 is a great camera, that XTrans sensor is incredible! I’ve never used the 18-135 lens, but in my experience typically the more versatile, the more image sacrifice you have to make. Just for shits n’ giggles, take a test shot with it, and compare at the same focal length as one of your primes. I bet the prime is night and day different. If it is not, then you are really only giving up aperture/depth of field isolation.

For a tripod, here is what I use for travel/backup setup: https://www.amazon.com/Leofoto-LS-365C-Travel-Tripod-Section/dp/B0815RG3SY Though coming in at $450, it gets you a quality piece that will last many years. You’ll be able to do panorama work, use ND filters for amazing waterfalls/beaches/water, build reflection layered removal images with your cpl, astrophotography, hdr stacking, macro work, focus stacking, shoot in super low light scenes, paint with light, family portraits with you included, etc etc. if you like shooting birds, I’ll give a different recommendation for a setup better for big ass telephoto lenses..

phillyquattro

06-04-2020, 09:40 AM

Fuji Xt3 is a great camera, that XTrans sensor is incredible! I’ve never used the 18-135 lens, but in my experience typically the more versatile, the more image sacrifice you have to make. Just for shits n’ giggles, take a test shot with it, and compare at the same focal length as one of your primes. I bet the prime is night and day different. If it is not, then you are really only giving up aperture/depth of field isolation.

For a tripod, here is what I use for travel/backup setup: https://www.amazon.com/Leofoto-LS-365C-Travel-Tripod-Section/dp/B0815RG3SY Though coming in at $450, it gets you a quality piece that will last many years. You’ll be able to do panorama work, use ND filters for amazing waterfalls/beaches/water, build reflection layered removal images with your cpl, astrophotography, hdr stacking, macro work, focus stacking, shoot in super low light scenes, paint with light, family portraits with you included, etc etc. if you like shooting birds, I’ll give a different recommendation for a setup better for big ass telephoto lenses..

That's a good point about versatility coming at the cost of image quality. I should shoot more with the prime lenses, especially considering that's what Fuji is known for. I'll play around with those more next time. For a tripod I have this Sirui one (https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1024704-REG/sirui_bsret2204_carbon_fiber_tripod.html/?ap=y&ap=y&smp=y&smp=y&lsft=BI%3A514&gclid=CjwKCAjwt-L2BRA_EiwAacX32fA-61AAtgaNiysgbIQHDvPNydVO5FNHgcGMbF48WuRuZvaZUBFimx oCyOUQAvD_BwE). I got it because it's moderately light, so if I need to strap it to a bag while hiking around, it's not going to kill me. I'll try to do some stacking next time. See if I can make my post production life a bit easier by stacking images with different glare reduction from the CP filter. I don't have any big telephoto lenses yet, tho I've been toying with the idea of getting one. I'll wait until my next trip somewhere tho and rent one to give it a go.

phillyquattro

06-04-2020, 05:58 PM

OK, new photo time. Learned a bit more from both shooting this and editing it. Time to find a new location and do it all again. Here's the original (https://www.flickr.com/photos/fractionofawhole/49971083602/sizes/k/) for anyone interested.

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/49971545868_b8e4292c69_k.jpg

highPSI-S4

06-05-2020, 03:00 AM

SQ5 is looking soo good, great build thread!

Question, on the CETE module, does it allow you to air out or offer a show mode like some other platforms?

phillyquattro

06-05-2020, 10:00 AM

SQ5 is looking soo good, great build thread!

Question, on the CETE module, does it allow you to air out or offer a show mode like some other platforms?

Thanks! There is a show mode which drops it to -55mm below the stock ride height. All my pictures are taken in this mode. It basically lowers the car to the point where the fenders are just about touching the rubber. That's as low as it gets for the factory system with the Cete module.

[email protected]

06-05-2020, 10:55 AM

Love this rig[drool]

phillyquattro

07-15-2020, 12:06 PM

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50128122171_5d87d3f19f_h.jpg

Little sunset shot I grabbed while doing a shoot. Probably should buy an ND filter to get some more range in these type of shots. Getting better/faster with the reflection clean up in Photoshop. Could have bumped the exposure up a bit more on the car to make it jump out from the picture. I'm always pretty averse to over doing it in those scenarios, but I think with everyone's screens being so dim by default, especially phones, it's probably the right way to go for future edits. Here's the original (https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50116767042_aec443384f_h.jpg) for anyone interested.

I need to get out more and find some new non-parking garage spots to shoot at.

Oh yeah, I installed the Carbnlab CF mirror caps...but you can't tell in this particular shot. Ha

Mops@Nemesis

07-15-2020, 06:07 PM

[IMG]Oh yeah, I installed the Carbnlab CF mirror caps...but you can't tell in this particular shot. Ha

First thing I looked for 😆 Amazing capture. I wish you were close - we could create an epic photo shoot.

phillyquattro

07-15-2020, 07:05 PM

First thing I looked for 😆 Amazing capture. I wish you were close - we could create an epic photo shoot.

Thank you sir! I took a bunch of other shots before it got to dark that show the mirror caps...but I wasn't happy with them after looking at them on a screen bigger than the camera back. So just gotta wait till next time I guess. Would be fun to do an epic shoot for sure. What's 3000 miles between enthusiasts? Meet you in Oklahoma! LOL.

Bezlar

07-15-2020, 07:57 PM

Thank you sir! I took a bunch of other shots before it got to dark that show the mirror caps...but I wasn't happy with them after looking at them on a screen bigger than the camera back. So just gotta wait till next time I guess. Would be fun to do an epic shoot for sure. What's 3000 miles between enthusiasts? Meet you in Oklahoma! LOL.

I’m in the middle. Have a great pool and pretty good with the traeger. You all invited. Let’s get this photo shoot done. [emoji40]

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phillyquattro

07-16-2020, 09:30 AM

I’m in the middle. Have a great pool and pretty good with the traeger. You all invited. Let’s get this photo shoot done. [emoji40]

Perfect! Be over around 3PM!

Mops@Nemesis

07-16-2020, 09:39 AM

Can I bring my clubs? Are we gonna do boners for the shoot?

Mops on the Move [emoji593]

Chris.green

07-16-2020, 09:58 AM

Can I bring my clubs? Are we gonna do boners for the shoot?

Mops on the Move [emoji593]

I lol’d

itsmatt33

07-16-2020, 10:17 AM

I lol’d

x2 ahahaha

phillyquattro

07-16-2020, 10:36 AM

Can I bring my clubs? Are we gonna do boners for the shoot?

😂😂😂😂😂

Bezlar

07-16-2020, 04:28 PM

Boners indeed. Neighbor ladies will be camped out in lawn chairs like the 4th of July. [emoji51][emoji15]

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Chris.green

07-16-2020, 04:41 PM

This photo shoot sounds like it’s turning into a chippendales event

phillyquattro

07-16-2020, 05:20 PM

This photo shoot sounds like it’s turning into a chippendales event

Don't try to put restrictions on our photoshoot!

Mops@Nemesis

07-16-2020, 05:41 PM

Sounds like someone is jealous... CHRIS !

We're going to need small Audizine flags 😆

Chris.green

07-16-2020, 05:44 PM

Sounds like someone is jealous... CHRIS !

We're going to need small Audizine flags 😆

I am jealous I wasn’t invited [:(]

Bezlar

07-17-2020, 09:33 AM

Sounds like someone is jealous... CHRIS !

We're going to need small Audizine flags [emoji38]

Or a nemesis bumper sticker for the big guys.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

phillyquattro

07-17-2020, 11:21 AM

Anyone ever hear this sound when turning your wheels? Gotta setup an appointment at the ole stealership. Sounds like maybe clunky end links? Hopefully nothing with the control arm.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YCzts9HlaSI

itsmatt33

07-19-2020, 12:48 PM

Had my photog buddy do a quick edit with the photo above using lightroom..... and boy i smell an AZ calendar cover....https://i.ibb.co/z2kZFxs/IMG-6824.jpg

SLYCAT

07-19-2020, 05:51 PM

Had my photog buddy do a quick edit with the photo above using lightroom..... and boy i smell an AZ calendar cover....https://i.ibb.co/z2kZFxs/IMG-6824.jpg

So so good looking!!! I agree, certainly cover material.

Bezlar

07-19-2020, 09:27 PM

[emoji15][emoji15]wow that looks great.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

arjunS3

07-22-2020, 09:52 AM

Thanks! The black front model badge is from TAG as that's the only place to get them. The rings, front and back, are OEM. The rear model badge is from an Insta seller. I actually have an extra black front model badge with the red parallelogram and an extra black set of rings. PM me if you're interested in either.

Hi! Car looks great man! I just picked up a similarly spec’d with quantum grey too! For the front SQ5 badges, how did you remove them? I’ve searched extensively and am getting some conflicting info on the removal process.. let me know. And do you still have the mode badge available. I may end up having to buy one given the one I bought from eBay most likely won’t fit the bracket on the grill..188720

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itsmatt33

07-22-2020, 10:02 AM

arjunS3

07-22-2020, 10:22 AM

I thought they were just clips on the back side of the emblem. probably need to remove the cowl to access. Nice another quantum in the bay area. you dont have black and yellow legacy plates do you? i have seen only one other quantum grey in SF.

Hahha yes we do. But we haven’t installed the plates yet since they are getting transferred from the older car.. you know with DMV taking extra long with everything, hopefully I’ll have the plates on by end of year lol.
So another one in SF with legacy plates- that’s really cool!
Re: the badge, yeah that’s what I’ve gathered as well, will need to remove that top cover to access from behind. I’ve heard that the badge backplate which sits on the inside of the grill- it’s glued on to the grill (not sure how accurate that is) but if that’s the case then I may need to just spend $150 or so and get the badge from TAG...bummer

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itsmatt33

07-22-2020, 10:48 AM

Hahha yes we do. But we haven’t installed the plates yet since they are getting transferred from the older car.. you know with DMV taking extra long with everything, hopefully I’ll have the plates on by end of year lol.
So another one in SF with legacy plates- that’s really cool!
Re: the badge, yeah that’s what I’ve gathered as well, will need to remove that top cover to access from behind. I’ve heard that the badge backplate which sits on the inside of the grill- it’s glued on to the grill (not sure how accurate that is) but if that’s the case then I may need to just spend $150 or so and get the badge from TAG...bummer

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yea the three of us should get together for a shoot one day.

not sure what you mean. but you should just be able to reach through one of the grille holes and carefully pop off the metal clips that holds in the sq5 badge without letting them fall into bumper.

arjunS3

07-22-2020, 12:01 PM

yea the three of us should get together for a shoot one day.

not sure what you mean. but you should just be able to reach through one of the grille holes and carefully pop off the metal clips that holds in the sq5 badge without letting them fall into bumper.

Yessir totally down!

I’m planning on doing a minor correction this weekend- dealership did their pre delivery detail which is always a disaster. Going to try and do the blackout badges then!

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phillyquattro

07-22-2020, 06:13 PM

Hi! Car looks great man! I just picked up a similarly spec’d with quantum grey too! For the front SQ5 badges, how did you remove them? I’ve searched extensively and am getting some conflicting info on the removal process.. let me know. And do you still have the mode badge available. I may end up having to buy one given the one I bought from eBay most likely won’t fit the bracket on the grill.

Thanks! 100% would spend the money on the tag version of the front model badge. I'm not exactly sure how they expect that ebay one to mount up as the OEM one is a clip that locks in place. I imagine, like many ebay shortcuts, it'll look a bit off. But depending on your level of OCD that may not matter. As for removal; I just got a trim pry tool set and used that to remove both the front rings and the front model badge. Took a little extra pulling because as noted there is a tiny amount of glue in there, but I didn't care about either the chrome rings or chrome model badge breaking or bending, so that made my removal process that much easier. You can remove the cowl as Matt noted to help get in behind the grill area a bit.

arjunS3

07-23-2020, 01:30 PM

Thanks! 100% would spend the money on the tag version of the front model badge. I'm not exactly sure how they expect that ebay one to mount up as the OEM one is a clip that locks in place. I imagine, like many ebay shortcuts, it'll look a bit off. But depending on your level of OCD that may not matter. As for removal; I just got a trim pry tool set and used that to remove both the front rings and the front model badge. Took a little extra pulling because as noted there is a tiny amount of glue in there, but I didn't care about either the chrome rings or chrome model badge breaking or bending, so that made my removal process that much easier. You can remove the cowl as Matt noted to help get in behind the grill area a bit.

Yep, I’m pretty sure as soon as I get the ebay one I’ll end up ordering the one from tag. Just not comfortable with how the eBay one is going look with the screws and just overall figment..
thanks for the info!

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Maplescarson

07-25-2020, 09:13 PM

Hi, you have no spacers just the BC wheel size and tire specs you posted with the CETE?

phillyquattro

07-26-2020, 12:00 AM

Hi, you have no spacers just the BC wheel size and tire specs you posted with the CETE?

Correct. No spacers.

phillyquattro

08-08-2020, 05:53 PM

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50204525002_a19871bbed_h.jpg

Forgot to put it in show mode so didn't spend a ton of time on this edit. Doh!

DiscoDan

08-08-2020, 06:53 PM

Ehhhh... not bad.... fix that forked up rear badge though

phillyquattro

08-08-2020, 10:10 PM

Ehhhh... not bad.... fix that forked up rear badge though

LOL Wut?

nandofumi

08-09-2020, 01:34 AM

LOL Wut?

I believe he’s referring to the spacing between your “Q” and “5”. The looser spacing is supposed to be between the “S” and the “Q”... Believe it or not a lot of people make this mistake by not referencing a photo and just applying the aftermarket emblem as shipped on the transfer tape...

phillyquattro

08-10-2020, 09:29 AM

I believe he’s referring to the spacing between your “Q” and “5”. The looser spacing is supposed to be between the “S” and the “Q”... Believe it or not a lot of people make this mistake by not referencing a photo and just applying the aftermarket emblem as shipped on the transfer tape...

Ahh gotcha. I can't stand the kerning in the factory placement of the SQ5 badge. It looks like they had a design intern adjust it. No one says "S Q5", everyone says "SQ5". So I just fixed the kerning for them so that it looks like it's written and spoken. They should have treated the Qs like they did the TT IMO. They also should have tweaked their "Q" so it doesn't create such a large gap between the following character. Now I'm just getting nit picky.

nandofumi

08-10-2020, 10:37 PM

Ahh gotcha. I can't stand the kerning in the factory placement of the SQ5 badge. It looks like they had a design intern adjust it. No one says "S Q5", everyone says "SQ5". So I just fixed the kerning for them so that it looks like it's written and spoken. They should have treated the Qs like they did the TT IMO. They also should have tweaked their "Q" so it doesn't create such a large gap between the following character. Now I'm just getting nit picky.

Oh I’m with you. I did mine with equal kerning between all three characters for feng shui purposes despite being SOL with the front emblem. Haha. I hated the gap so I got rid of it. Only gaps I like are thigh gaps. Lol. Also the trick to get the proper kerning between the Q and the 5 is that the bottom edge of the Q slash bit has to be level with the bottom of the Q itself. If you look at the front grill emblem you’ll see... Only the S square should hang lower. Most aftermarket or eBay black emblems don’t have this set correctly for whatever reason so you really do have to use painters tape to template and set the letters and that slash individually... Also most eBay black emblems have a slightly thinner font which is why the Q slash is extended so the overall emblem is as wide as OE and not scrunched. Lastly the one thing most people forget to do in their rush to put on the new emblem is to actually polish the area after OEM badge removal with a proper polishing pad and cutting compound. Looks a lot better when the glossy paint finish is in all the small cracks of the emblems as Goo Gone can dull the finish a little...

Only thing I was planning to get was a slightly beefier rear ring emblem and black 3D Quattro lettering so it would stand out from the crowd. Looked into it but was like $500 for the CAD setup and another $450 to get them made in gloss black... I like the SQ5...but not that much. Used to be the only one in my neck of the woods with a Quantum Gray Black Optics SQ5...as you can’t get the QG BO SQ5 in Canada...but then started to see QG S-Line BO Q5s popping up everywhere... Literally 3 of those owners told me they bought theirs specifically because they saw mine parked somewhere in the neighborhood looking fire in the sunlight. Lol.

DiscoDan

08-11-2020, 06:11 PM

Yep... all the ass pain with installing black rear lift gate badging I opted to just de-badge completely. Much cleaner look IMO.

phillyquattro

08-13-2020, 03:48 PM

Oh I’m with you. I did mine with equal kerning between all three characters for feng shui purposes despite being SOL with the front emblem. Haha. I hated the gap so I got rid of it. Only gaps I like are thigh gaps. Lol. Also the trick to get the proper kerning between the Q and the 5 is that the bottom edge of the Q slash bit has to be level with the bottom of the Q itself. If you look at the front grill emblem you’ll see... Only the S square should hang lower. Most aftermarket or eBay black emblems don’t have this set correctly for whatever reason so you really do have to use painters tape to template and set the letters and that slash individually... Also most eBay black emblems have a slightly thinner font which is why the Q slash is extended so the overall emblem is as wide as OE and not scrunched. Lastly the one thing most people forget to do in their rush to put on the new emblem is to actually polish the area after OEM badge removal with a proper polishing pad and cutting compound. Looks a lot better when the glossy paint finish is in all the small cracks of the emblems as Goo Gone can dull the finish a little...

Only thing I was planning to get was a slightly beefier rear ring emblem and black 3D Quattro lettering so it would stand out from the crowd. Looked into it but was like $500 for the CAD setup and another $450 to get them made in gloss black... I like the SQ5...but not that much. Used to be the only one in my neck of the woods with a Quantum Gray Black Optics SQ5...as you can’t get the QG BO SQ5 in Canada...but then started to see QG S-Line BO Q5s popping up everywhere... Literally 3 of those owners told me they bought theirs specifically because they saw mine parked somewhere in the neighborhood looking fire in the sunlight. Lol.

LOL. I bought mine because I saw a QG BO one in the local grocery store lot one night and was like "holy shit is this a a wrap?" Walked over and creeped on this persons car to determine it was in fact not a wrap and not black vinyl on the chrome trim. I had looked at getting an SQ when the B9 first came out but the lack of BO package kept me away at the time. Once I saw one with BO and extra bonus of coming in an awesome light grey color I was all in.

I've been debating just debadging the rear from almost the point that I put the black badges on it. Without any badging it makes the rear look a bit wider as you don't have that dumb badge breaking up the view. Buuuuut, that dumb badge does add a lovely little splash of color to a color combination that is devoid of color. Classic rock and a hard place decision for me. I'll probably end up deciding to remove it right before I end up selling it. LOL.

Yep... all the ass pain with installing black rear lift gate badging I opted to just de-badge completely. Much cleaner look IMO.

I can't disagree at all. The rings are easy to get right, but the model badging requires much more finesse to get factory setting right and even then it looks kinda wrong just because of how Audi did the kerning. It just always looks wrong no matter what you do with a Q badge. I really wish they had handled the Qs like they did the TT. Oh well.

phillyquattro

08-22-2020, 08:54 PM

https://live.staticflickr.com/65535/50257261966_441dd03518_h.jpg

Screwing around with a throw away shot I took a couple weeks ago while scouting a location. Forgot to bring the polarizer so there are reflections galore.

Took the SQ in to get the lower ball joints replaced on Friday so I won't have that dumb clicking noise when turning the wheel. When putting the tie rods back on they ended up cracking the aluminum casing that houses the steering rack while torquing down the tie rod nut. Insert wtf face here. They're pretty confident they can just weld back the little piece that snapped, so we'll see how that goes on Monday. Fingers crossed. [headbang]

Chris.green

08-22-2020, 09:11 PM

Is this a replaceable part? I wouldn’t be cool with them welding it if it is.

phillyquattro

08-22-2020, 09:55 PM

Is this a replaceable part? I wouldn’t be cool with them welding it if it is.

All parts are replaceable. Haha. Sure, I could get a new one, but I'm ok with giving the weld a shot first and at least taking a look at it.

1S32K16

08-23-2020, 06:55 AM

All parts are replaceable. Haha. Sure, I could get a new one, but I'm ok with giving the weld a shot first and at least taking a look at it.

Is this the Audi Dealer or a 3rd party shop?

BarneyM

08-23-2020, 07:58 AM

If they are planning to weld the part while it is still on the car I would be very leary.... With all the electronics on these things they could do some very expensive damage not only to the ECU but the many controllers on board also. Just saying.

phillyquattro

08-23-2020, 10:55 AM

Is this the Audi Dealer or a 3rd party shop?

Very reputable 3rd party

If they are planning to weld the part while it is still on the car I would be very leary.... With all the electronics on these things they could do some very expensive damage not only to the ECU but the many controllers on board also. Just saying.

Definitely not being welded while on the car.

rj124104

09-03-2020, 12:16 PM

DiscoDan

09-03-2020, 03:35 PM

You guys with air suspension and dynamic steering, did you drive a macan gts? I'm shopping between it and a loaded SQ5 and haven't found an SQ5 spec'd to drive. I like the extra room of the SQ5 and tech, but like the styling of the macan more... if the SQ5 is close I'd swing that way. I drove an SQ5 without the air suspension or dynamic and it felt very unresponsive.

I love the Macan, but if I'm going to buy a Porsche it will only be a 911. Styling cues are the biggest difference between the two when spec'ed similarly. Go with the SQ5 with air suspension if the extra power is not selling point for you.

phillyquattro

09-04-2020, 02:37 PM

You guys with air suspension and dynamic steering, did you drive a macan gts? I'm shopping between it and a loaded SQ5 and haven't found an SQ5 spec'd to drive. I like the extra room of the SQ5 and tech, but like the styling of the macan more... if the SQ5 is close I'd swing that way. I drove an SQ5 without the air suspension or dynamic and it felt very unresponsive.

I came very very close to pulling the trigger on a Macan GTS but at the end of the day I couldn't let my first Porsche purchase be anything short of a 911 or maybe a GT4. The Macan GTS is better in every way besides space and the number of buttons that have been vomited all over the cockpit. Also where I live Macans are a dime a dozen. The SQ, while not exactly rare, is certainly less common to see on the road.

Chris.green

09-04-2020, 02:49 PM

I came very very close to pulling the trigger on a Macan GTS but at the end of the day I couldn't let my first Porsche purchase be anything short of a 911 or maybe a GT4. The Macan GTS is better in every way besides space and the number of buttons that have been vomited all over the cockpit. Also where I live Macans are a dime a dozen. The SQ, while not exactly rare, is certainly less common to see on the road.

A big reason why I didn’t go for the GTS was the hideous center console lol

phillyquattro

09-04-2020, 02:55 PM

A big reason why I didn’t go for the GTS was the hideous center console lol

Yeah, that console is out of control. It's like the interior designer thought every single feature was important enough to have it's own button. Also hate the thick slab of CF above the glove box. Feel like they coulda done something better with that space.

phillyquattro

09-29-2022, 08:42 AM

Wooo it's been a minute or two since I posted here.

Recently traded the SQ and wondering if there's a market for the OEM SQ5 brakes I have sitting in my home. Front calipers, front & rear rotors, front & rear pads, all with about 5,000 miles on them. Looked in the classified section and only could find Anthony's "wanted" post looking for a set, but seems that likely was resolved back in June.

Yeah, just curious if it's worth trying to sell these things or just save myself the headache and dump'em.

robb1887

09-29-2022, 09:13 AM

Before you dump them I may want the beauty covers for the rears, I think one of mine is scratched pretty good.

phillyquattro

09-29-2022, 01:00 PM

Before you dump them I may want the beauty covers for the rears, I think one of mine is scratched pretty good.

Don't have anything related to the rear calipers. Sorry.

robb1887

09-29-2022, 01:21 PM

Don't have anything related to the rear calipers. Sorry.

Yup.... misread that. All good. Thanks

MoralMiscreant

09-29-2022, 03:47 PM

Before you dump them I may want the beauty covers for the rears, I think one of mine is scratched pretty good.

You can actually order these from the dealer parts department. I think a single one was around $50. Maybe not worth it if it's just scratched but, I was actually missing one so had to order one.

DiscoDan

09-29-2022, 06:10 PM

You can actually order these from the dealer parts department. I think a single one was around $50. Maybe not worth it if it's just scratched but, I was actually missing one so had to order one.

Wait... I can get the rear cover w/ logo for my 2020 which didn't come with them?

MoralMiscreant

09-29-2022, 07:26 PM

Wait... I can get the rear cover w/ logo for my 2020 which didn't come with them?

Dunno. I have a 2018 so the covers were standard. If the 2020 has the holes, the part should fit. Surprisingly cheap for a piece of painted OEM metal and you can install them without taking the wheels off.

subaruski

09-30-2022, 08:22 AM

Its been discussed before that you need the entire 2018 rear caliper for the beauty covers. You can not simply put the covers on a 2019+ rear caliper.

DiscoDan

09-30-2022, 03:37 PM

Its been discussed before that you need the entire 2018 rear caliper for the beauty covers. You can not simply put the covers on a 2019+ rear caliper.

double farts

MoralMiscreant

09-30-2022, 05:46 PM

double farts

I have to think it would be pretty easy to source some used 2018 rear calipers at this point. They are pretty accessible parts and unlikely to be damaged in an accident since they are basically sitting in a strong metal cage. If I didn't already have the nicer 2018 calipers, I'd definitely look at ebay or even a junkyard pick. If you have thinly spoked wheels, it's a pretty big visual upgrade.

JonnyBravo!

09-30-2022, 07:33 PM

phillyquattro

10-02-2022, 08:26 PM

Hmm, I have thought about swapping my black calipers for the reds...

If you want just the front calipers I'm cool with splitting everything up. Shoot me a PM with an offer if you're interested.

urban.quattro

06-24-2024, 09:40 PM