To S/C or not to S/C....that is the question

[A4 Effort]

Okay, so i need a little help....

I've got a bead on a used G1 Supercharger for my 2.8, and i'm really indecisive as to whether or not i want to move forward with this project. I don't want this to be an impulsive buy just to say that, "i'm supercharged", and i want the purchase to be the right one for ME. (note: "me")

Now i know the knee-jerk reaction/consesus would probably be "do it", "go for it", etc., but my car is a daily-driver (around 40 miles a day), all on country roads. I don't do a lot of highway driving, but on occasions, i like to drive with some spirit (for which my current setup is fine for). I would love to have it, but again, i need to either justify the purchase or save my money and go with what i have (2.8 w/chip).

Given the circumstances with my DD routine, would this be a wise investment or would i just be throwing my money away? (yeah, i know i could always resell it, and yes, the S/C performance is great)

Any other things i should take into consideration? My car has 133k on the clock and runs solid.

I've done some quick math, and i'm looking at around $3k for this project, inc. the S/C. Thoughts/comments? Thanks all!

[bigmerle]

^x2

[pipe7284]

if you are not into performance modding, dont waste your money, but if you really like to feel of sinking in your seat when you go WOT, then go for it.

[Insomniac]

At 133K just trade it for car with more mod-friendly engine (eg, 2.7)

I think I'd be thinking the same thing. You've already got 133k on the motor, why not trade it for something different.. or do a motor swap? A vr6 would be my swap of choice but I don't know if you can do that with 3k.

[German Driver]

Pass

[fred2ka4]

S/C's are very reliable and so you will not have to worry about driving your car every day. If I were in your shoes, I would do it if you are not thinking about selling your car.

[A4 Effort]

Unfortunately, selling the car isn't an option at this point. Besides, the car runs great and it is in excellent shape, both in & out, so i would hate to part with my baby.

$3k is a drop in the bucket compared to what i really want, a B6 S4 Avant, so the cost savings alone between the two lean me towards getting the G1 - if that's what i decide to do.

As i mentioned - i don't want this to be an impulsive buy as i need to weigh all factors, pro & con, before i decide. So i wanted to turn to this forum to assist with my decision.

I appreciate your input thus far

[Siena]

So why must you deny being a racist?

Dude, it's his signature, let's not turn this thread into a political debate.

@ topic: I personally would go the SC route, fitting is easy, and if you did decide to sell your car, it's easily removed, and sold on.

[biketsai]

IMO, unless you are going to be doing spirited driving 24/7 and track racing, then no. If you really think about it, do you want to spend $3k just so you can get up to speed quicker? Im sure for your driving on the way to work you dont need your car to accelerate fast assuming that you are already going high speeds. I have a BT setup and I NEVER use it, its fun, but when you put $3-4k into it, it gets questionable if it even was worth it.

[le91688]

i would... Sounds so nasty

if u dont , let me get that "bead" on the G1

[A4 Effort]

IMO, unless you are going to be doing spirited driving 24/7 and track racing, then no. If you really think about it, do you want to spend $3k just so you can get up to speed quicker? Im sure for your driving on the way to work you dont need your car to accelerate fast assuming that you are already going high speeds. I have a BT setup and I NEVER use it, its fun, but when you put $3-4k into it, it gets questionable if it even was worth it.

Thanks Bike - Getting to the next stop light quicker certainly isn't worth $3k to me. And since i won't track the car, i too wonder how often i would use it.

@ topic: I personally would go the SC route, fitting is easy, and if you did decide to sell your car, it's easily removed, and sold on.

Damn you Siena! You make a very valid counter-point, as well. I could easily get back a decent percentage of my investment.

if u dont , let me get that "bead" on the G1

Check scaudi.com - in the classifieds, it's the G1 that's listed about 3/4 of the page down...... $2k

UGH!! You guys are no help what so ever!! j/k I really didn't think this decision would be that hard

[silveravnt]

I say go for it. I have a b5 avant and I love it. As soon as I have a weekend where I can lift things (pulled a back muscle) and the temps are below 90° I will be doing a timing belt and a G2 install. I figured my car is paid for and for $3k I can haul ass in the car I love.

[t1demont1]

If you love the car, and dont plan on selling go for it. the g1 will give you enough power to keep you satisfied until those b6 a4s come down in price ;) Plus the sound of a SC whining is freakin sweet.

[Rhynolite]

If you were closer I'd give you a ride in the 2.8 G2.. make it even harder for ya.

[FACT]

IMO, unless you are going to be doing spirited driving 24/7 and track racing, then no. If you really think about it, do you want to spend $3k just so you can get up to speed quicker? Im sure for your driving on the way to work you dont need your car to accelerate fast assuming that you are already going high speeds. I have a BT setup and I NEVER use it, its fun, but when you put $3-4k into it, it gets questionable if it even was worth it.

I never really thought about that before, but I have a question for az members: How many of you with non-stock turbo / supercharger setups actually track your car? My impression was that people on here upgrade their cars for the ability to go fast just in short bursts or accelerate quickly on the street. I always find myself driving in my stock a4 and thinking how fun it would be to have some power under the hood, without really having intention to take the car to the track.

[ricebeater]

I never really thought about that before, but I have a question for az members: How many of you with non-stock turbo / supercharger setups actually track your car? My impression was that people on here upgrade their cars for the ability to go fast just in short bursts or accelerate quickly on the street. I always find myself driving in my stock a4 and thinking how fun it would be to have some power under the hood, without really having intention to take the car to the track.

I plan on going gt2871r before october and I have no intention of taking it on the track. That doesnt mean it wont happen, I just dont see myself at the track.

[Oricle]

I never really thought about that before, but I have a question for az members: How many of you with non-stock turbo / supercharger setups actually track your car? My impression was that people on here upgrade their cars for the ability to go fast just in short bursts or accelerate quickly on the street. I always find myself driving in my stock a4 and thinking how fun it would be to have some power under the hood, without really having intention to take the car to the track.

I have yet to take my car to a track.
When it comes down to it would I go big turbo again? I don't know. It was a lot of money spent and I'm not sure what for. There are rarely any cars around here that are even worth trying to race. I always hit rush hour so never even a chance to open my car up most of the time. When I do get the chance to drive it hard, within a few days I'm thinking "fuck this things slow again."

[CycloSteve]

Another G2 owner here...get the charger and enjoy.

With the G1, just be sure to change the plugs before bolting on the charger, as it has to come out to change the plugs, ugh.

The big benefit with the G1 over the G2 is that you can run an intercooler.

It looks like you have already been to the scaudi.com site...check out the moderators' ride "4Rings", a custom G1 install with an intercooler, built engine, etc...yes some of us do go overboard looking for power; 12psi = 2.8 destruction.

[docurley]

I had a G2 2.8 and I test drove a G1 when I went to the US to pick my G2 up and I now have a 1.8T so I'm in a good position to give you some feed back. Also as Siena stated you will pull back most if not all your money back when you go to sell it plus the G1 is rare.


Right lets get down to it, In general the PES kits are a great every day option as it just enhances the 30v smooth power and just slaps on about 70-80bhp on top. The thing just pulls like a steam train all the way to redline without any issues. The only thing that stops the power is the rev limiter as the car just feels like it would keep pulling, if you did not have the rev limiter I'm sure it would pull to 9000 rpm before you reached it limit although I'm sure the engine might have something to say about that.


G1 pro: great kit with the ability of IC it which is a bonus
Cons: Thing sound like the power steering pump with no fluid in it on full lock constantly even at idle.

G2 Pro: So Quiet that a idle you cant even here it and even on the run it un intrusive. Easy to work on as it sits on top of the engine.
Cons: You can't IC it so heat soak can be a issue.

I did track days in my car on a few occasions and I loved it, only down side was heat soak which on occasions caused pinking but I never got this on my day to day aggressive driving.

In all this was a great setup and you would love it for sure making those 40 miles such a pleasure and it requires no more general servicing then stock.

[black00A4]

Docurley, why did you decide to sell your superchargerd A4?

[docurley]

In the quest for more and economy, Fuel cost cut it half with the 1.8T but I do miss the 2.8.

[A4 Effort]

Great feedback guys - appreciate it. I'm still researching some things on my end, but i'm hoping to make a decision sometime later this week.

I do have a 'noob' question, however. The ECU that comes with the G1 is from his '98 non-DBW car. I'm assuming my '99 is also non-DBW (AHA engine), and i'm wondering if a direct swap of ECU's would be okay?

Oh - one other question. If i go G1, is a BBK install necessary (or recommended) even though i won't be tracking the car?

[onemoremile]

Alright, I cleaned up some of the poo. Stop ragging on the dude's sig.


I'd go for it for several reasons.
1) The biggest reason - if you don't like it or have buyer's remorse you can resell it for at least what you paid. Your only true obligation is the install time.
2) Sharp throttle response and linear power. Mmmmmm good stuff.
3) It will keep you from throwing a wad of cash at a V8 Avant with much higher running costs, insurance, etc..
4) It sounds like you want to keep the car and anything that lets you enjoy it more is worth it - especially compared to the expense of that V8 Avant.
5) Last and pretty much least, you can tell people that your Audi is supercharged.

Here are some of the arguments I use with my wife:
I said I'd put 200k miles on the car - not that it would stay stock.
Would you rather I buy a fun motorcycle and put myself at risk or put that money into improving an already safe car and sharing the fun with the family?


Tracking the car has nothing to do with it. You would learn more on the track with less power anyway. My K04 makes maybe 170-180 whp and beat a 300whp Galant VR4 with a lot of nice work done to it. Guess which one of us should be really embarrassed. Power is not a substitute for talent.

[onemoremile]

A big brake kit is totally unnecessary. If you really want an inexpensive brake upgrade you can go with the A8 rotor upgrade or just install some good ceramic pads, ATE Typ200 fluid, and maybe some Goodrich lines. The only reason to upgrade calipers is feel and the only reason to upgrade rotors is heat capacity.

[biketsai]

Despite what I had said earlier, just remember that you only live once and that if you wanted to get rid of it you wouldn't lose much.

[Sigma 3]

Alot of pros and cons, but a small warning I guarantee that you will like it. I grinned for a week after I installed y g2. the problem is trying to get more after that. An intercooler can be added to the g1, wich i highly recomend. use the stock pulley unless you are willing to risk a piston. For some power is addictive so you must be careful trying to get to much out of that 2.8 mill considering the miles on your car. Do a compression test, if thats goodd and you do an install watch for black smoke once the boost starts to build.

As far as drivability, Power delivery is not instant, infact its doesnt start to get interesting until about 4200 rpms. With that being said its a great commuter car because you can do those 40 miles and save lots of gas, or drive it like you stole it.

So why the warning about liking it???
because my motor and sc are coming out in favor of the 2.7 tt, i warned you its addicting!!!

gl!!!

[20A4Audi1.8t01]

I upgraded my daily because I wanted something to get into traffic quicker (damn FL drivers can be a pita) also I drive quite a bit with it as well so I wanted something more pleasurable to drive. So before I made the decision to upgrade I was looking at differant cars S4, B6 A4... but had low miles on mine and ran solid so I upgraded and love it! I dont always drive fast but when you have that desire the power is thier!

Id say go for it you'll enjoy the daily that much more!

[A4 Effort]

My fellow enthusiasts - i would like to first thank everyone for their input (both for & against) regarding my decision to buy a G1. It was nice to see a lot of positive feedback from many of you, and especially from those that have either owned, or are current owners, of the G1 or G2. Your feedback really weighed into my decision.

After much deliberation, i have to come to a final decision...........VROOOM, VROOOM!!

See you on the streets!

-Jeff

[docurley]

LOL good choice

[Sigma 3]

good move

[A4 Effort]

Thanks guys - i can't wait!!

[le91688]

post lots of pics

[A4 Effort]

^ but of course. my car is such the photo whore

[hossified]

Good decision, post pics of the install

[biketsai]

Not only pictures, videos!

[01audia4]

Jeff--Its two grand you love your car Do it :)

If i werent trying to buy a 600GSXR and still keep cash for the wifey and mant. on my car i would buy it no problem.

Best part about the G1 is that you can put a IC on it.

[hiwords1]

ahh i was gonna say don't do it but i'll take it lol. let's get some pix of the sucker. congrats man. i'll be waiting for install pix and vids

[onemoremile]

For 2 grand it isn't even a question.

[A4 Effort]

^ yeah it was a good deal, and hard to pass up. He had to piece the kit together himself, but it's complete and was running fine when he took it off. He recommended i ditch the grey-top injectors and grab a set of red-top S4s for it; which i will no doubt do.