I've got a fun dilemma, but a dilemma none the less...

[PMAZ7]

Ok, I've got an 01 Audi A6 2.7t with a GIAC flash. It's cashmere in color and completely stock suspension wise. It only has 50k in milage, but... (this is where the dilemma comes in) the clear coat is starting to fade. Audi clear coat is no match for the AZ sun. I just replace the headlamps with brand new OEM lights ($1k) and I'm not ready to throw in the towel just yet! I'm going to get it re sprayed. I'm planning on going in for the long haul with this one. My issue is that I'm having a hard time deciding what else to do with her. I'm thinking about just an Eibach Pro-Kit for the suspension, but I'm really having a hard time coming up with some ideas on wheels. I rarely see any A6s in this country done right with a really good looking set of wheels. So basically I'm looking for some ideas from you guys regarding not only wheels but any other things you can think of that would really make this Audi a fun and attractive car to last me at least the next five years. Any and all ideas are appreciated, and I thank you if you've made it this far through this thread! I've also posted this in other forums, so if you've seen it before that is why.


Pete

[PMAZ7]

Wow, no response on an ALL AUDI forum??? Come on guys, I want to hear from true Audi enthusiasts!

[Gigi]

hey dude here are some opinions/ideas
First do springs AND shocks
Hsport sway bars will significantly improve handling, dive, and roll therefore increase he fun factor.
Vast piggy pipes for HP and TQ plus reliability.
Now stop better with Goodriche SS brake lines and hawks HPS pads.
Wheels: matter of taste but simple and clean is key on a6 IMO. I like the rS6 reps, Oeringer Re, BBS RSGT... Depends on money too.
S6 door blades and RS6 lip spoiler..... See my sig :-)
Good luck

[oc-drop]

try getting the car fully detailed/clay bared and polished before you paint.. it might save you a respray

you can always look at old posts here to get ideas

[RomanA6]

I say go all out

what do you want from the car?

save the money and don't get springs/shocks, buy coilovers and some Hotchkis Sway bars; maybe a heavy duty control arm kit (it changes everything in the front)

get some nice wheels - if you want to race it, something like a set of 16-17's would be perfect

if not and going for more show, some 19-20's

your engine-wise mod list can really go a long way, all in how much $$$ you want to spend

as for wheel brands, my favorites are: Fikse FM10, HRE, DPE, Work, or a set of Kinesis wheels

[wofman]

what was wrong with headlamps????? I need lenses!

Pro-kits are nice (w. new shocks), not as agressive as coils, not as expensive. Yes to sways.

A good question I'm curious about is Vast piggies vs. AWE free-flows. I have gutted right now, but there's a reason for emission laws. Any opinions out there on that dilemma?

You'll see a ton of pix in last 10 or so threads, I'm sure, for external mods. Ignore the yellow RS6. And, of course the forum user rdes (start from last page) and gallery pages. And tomorrow you'll see my door blades!

wofman

[RomanA6]

what was wrong with headlamps????? I need lenses!

Pro-kits are nice (w. new shocks), not as agressive as coils, not as expensive. Yes to sways.

A good question I'm curious about is Vast piggies vs. AWE free-flows. I have gutted right now, but there's a reason for emission laws. Any opinions out there on that dilemma?

You'll see a ton of pix in last 10 or so threads, I'm sure, for external mods. Ignore the yellow RS6. And, of course the forum user rdes (start from last page) and gallery pages. And tomorrow you'll see my door blades!

wofman

well with AWE's, obviously you get to say that you have AWE's

I'm not sure (as in too lazy to look up) what they are made of, and what stock ones are made off; so AWE's might be a little better then stock gutted ones temperature wise; and in all honesty, I don't think that you will see that much difference between the two - because you probably aren't going to be using their manifolds in the first place

I don't remember if they are any bigger then Piggies, but keep in mind, that in the end, they still go down to 2.5" to be used with stock exhaust - and if I remembe correctly, stock DP's on 2.7T's are 2.5" already, so enjoy your piggies and spend the $$$ elsewhere (like buy a set of coilovers! or get a re-flash for your ECU or buy a set of sway bars or who knows what else )

[wofman]

Thanks for response -- and apologies if this constitutes a hijack -- hadn't considered issue of temp (please explain). But if AWE yields same HP boost as gutting and serves to remove emission problem.... Expensive, though. After down pipes isn't it (mostly) just a matter of sound? Striking balance of too wide a bore vs choking the flow. I assume everybody reduces to 2.5" though I think I saw something on AZ about 3" design.

wofman

[Gigi]

Second Roman's opinion
piggies are plenty good and affordable, waste to spend more cash to get AWE's IMO.

[RomanA6]

Thanks for response -- and apologies if this constitutes a hijack -- hadn't considered issue of temp (please explain). But if AWE yields same HP boost as gutting and serves to remove emission problem.... Expensive, though. After down pipes isn't it (mostly) just a matter of sound? Striking balance of too wide a bore vs choking the flow. I assume everybody reduces to 2.5" though I think I saw something on AZ about 3" design.

wofman

I am pretty sure that if you have seen 3" DP's they must have been custom; may not even be a bad idea, especially if you go with bigger turbo's

but if you are staying within a K03/K04 range, a stock DP's gutted - aka Piggies - should be MORE then plenty

you will hear "more noise" with piggies, and difference won't be much, if any, as any other DP set

like I said before - I am not sure what material the stock ones are made of, or how prone they are to rusting/heat resistance, but the difference can't be that much then that of AWE/APR set of DP's

now, if you plan to go big turbo, then I'd say get a nice set of DP's from either place, or custom, get some exhaust manifolds for sure, and so on

within K04 range, for a daily driver and occasional DE/Auto-Cross racer, there is really no need

better off saving your money and spending/saving it for something else

I mean, the price difference between the APR/AWE and Piggies is VERY significant - it's about as much as going with a Tune and updating your Tune to account for new perfomance parts

[wofman]

stock DP's gutted - aka Piggies

better off saving your money and spending/saving it for something else

I mean, the price difference between the APR/AWE and Piggies is VERY significant - it's about as much as going with a Tune and updating your Tune to account for new perfomance parts

stock "gutted" are not same as VAST, if that was what you're saying. I have "gutted" as opposed to inclusion of free flow cats of AWE or VAST (gutted yields around same power maybe). But as you note the price difference is huge -- and I don't understand any AWE advantage. Curiously in ad, VAST suggests pairing their Piggies with free-flow cats and then use cat-back from AWE (for S4). Anyway I'd like to have power boost and scrub the emissions -- want it all! And cheap, please.

[RomanA6]

well when you get Piggies isn't the 02 sensor relocated or whatever? so you clear emissions

and all Piggie pipes are, or atleast used to be when it all started out, was just a set of stock downpipes that were gutted

and again, the biggest difference would be material, name, and the fact that AWE and APR MIGHT start out as a 3" pipe and then go down into 2.5" pipe to fit stock exhaust system - why I don't know, seems pretty useless to me

that's wh Piggies are the better option

[wofman]

Well, I maybe I'm not explaining this right. I don't just want to "clear emisions" with O-2 that isn't triggered dy downpipes/"piggies" that are gutted. I want cats that really do not throw out emissions and are as free-flowing as the gutted approach. Green AND mean.

And, of course, all that still leaves question of VAST vs. AWE in doing so.

Anyway, thanks for responding, Roman. I'm going to look into this matter further.

wofman

[RomanA6]

I am probably just not understanding what you are asking lol

head over to B5 S4/RS4 forum and ask those guys, they share same engine/transmission and everything with us

[PMAZ7]

ok, well I've taken it to two different body shops in the area (very good body shops too) and one of them actually said that they could fix it. They took the wheel to it and it did look good for about a week, now it looks terrible! Anyway I think the respray is inevitable... As far as the wheels, I was going to go with an 18" RS4 look but with a gloss black finish. I actually saw them in an earlier thread by alloy r us (any opinions on those?). Should I know anything about offset being different or any other issues with going with those? Also what size tire should I go with on an 18x8 wheel? and to wofman, I have the old lenses still. They were just starting to degrade a bit and I really like the super crystal look of the new lenses (as I'm sure we all do!) so I went with OEM brand new lenses and it wasn't cheap! $1k is a bit much to pay for lenses, but I've never been known for my smarts. If there is something that you might need from my old lenses let me know and maybe we can work something out, otherwise I might just try a "blacked out" reflector project with them just for the hell of it. Thanks guys for all your input and if you get a chance to keep answering some of my questions, it is much appreciated!

[wofman]

Time for some pix, PMA27. Yes to pro-kit, reread Gigi's suggestions (eg, shocks, rims, sways). If you're doing black wheels on tan car, try black door blades and grille. Don't forget you'll need timing belt, water pump maintenance pretty soon (cont'l arms?). I've only had mine less than year and really enjoy power of GIAC and down pipes mod (mine are gutted only but I'm going to change that soon). And with Eibach and sways it's pretty hard to even get the tires to squeal, it handles so well. 235x40x18 seems right.
G'nite.

[PMAZ7]

Alright, I finally got some pictures. I don't know if you wanted to see pictures of the entire car, or just the terrible clear coat (I hate AZ). Anyway, here is the clear coat issue I'm having.

What do you guys think about doing a plain black "wrap" (gloss vinyl piece) on the roof to cover the ugly clear? I'm also thinking about doing a carbon fiber hood too. I know most would say it's to ricey or something like that, but I think if it's done tastefully it might look good. I also have clear issues on the hood and that is why I'm thinking about the hood. Let me know, and if you need to see other pictures, let me know. I have the pro-kit ordered already and wheels will not be far behind (RS4 style, either gloss black, or hyper silver). Thanks guys!

[wofman]

isn't it simpler, nicer, about same price to have a paint job?

[PMAZ7]

isn't it simpler, nicer, about same price to have a paint job?

I was quoted $976 for just the roof, that doesn't include the hood. I can get a VIS cf hood for about $700 and the wrap for free from my race team's graphic guy. I figure it would be at least half the price of the paint. Do you really think it would look bad?

[pit viper]

Hey, we should meet up some time and talk about our A6's. :)
Where do you live in AZ? I'm in Phoenix, and just picked up a 2000 2.7 A6. I've got the front suspension stripped apart in my car port right now, installing new front control arms, Hotchkis sways, Koni FSD struts, springs, and new brakes.

[wofman]

I figure it would be at least half the price of the paint. Do you really think it would look bad?

Do a photoshop. Don't think I like two tone idea, but hey, I'm a geezer.

[PMAZ7]

I figure it would be at least half the price of the paint. Do you really think it would look bad?

Do a photoshop. Don't think I like two tone idea, but hey, I'm a geezer.

Either do I! It's being painted on Monday... Now for some wheels. (Pro kit coming for free...)

[Blitzkrieg989]

your opportunities are endless. Piggies i would say next. Rim wise BBS's look sexy. Or Rs4 Reps problem is that im starting to feel RS4 reps are overplayed (this includes myself owning a pair) if your gonna do the suspension go big with Coilovers.

[PMAZ7]

your opportunities are endless. Piggies i would say next. Rim wise BBS's look sexy. Or Rs4 Reps problem is that im starting to feel RS4 reps are overplayed (this includes myself owning a pair) if your gonna do the suspension go big with Coilovers.

Problem is on the coilovers that I'm getting the ProKit for free. As far as "piggies" go, what are those? Down pipes? I'm unfamiliar, I know "search the forum", I'm just quickly replying!

[PMAZ7]

Plus, remember, we're dealing with a poor man's salary!

[Blitzkrieg989]

ok then forget the Coilovers if your trying to run low on the dough. At the same time Rims/Tires arent cheep either. BBS are very expensive but very nice looking. Try Ebay for some RS4 Reps. I put sumitomo all seasons and the ride is very smooth. Piggies are gutted down pipes so yes you are correct. Honestly IMO take it slow and save your money for the nicer looking stuff. AKA nice rims and good set of shoes (tires).

[PMAZ7]

ok then forget the Coilovers if your trying to run low on the dough. At the same time Rims/Tires arent cheep either. BBS are very expensive but very nice looking. Try Ebay for some RS4 Reps. I put sumitomo all seasons and the ride is very smooth. Piggies are gutted down pipes so yes you are correct. Honestly IMO take it slow and save your money for the nicer looking stuff. AKA nice rims and good set of shoes (tires).

Well it kinda comes down to the wheels. I've got the tires lined up for free too (sponsorship has it's privileges!) And I'm really considering the RS4 reproductions. I've got some OZ F1 Cup Wheels, but they're 17x7 and I think the offset is off (by the way, what is the proper offset to go with on the new wheels?) plus they're too narrow. Ebay for the piggies? You guys are a ton of help! Thanks, and much respect.

[Blitzkrieg989]

Well it kinda comes down to the wheels. I've got the tires lined up for free too (sponsorship has it's privileges!) And I'm really considering the RS4 reproductions. I've got some OZ F1 Cup Wheels, but they're 17x7 and I think the offset is off (by the way, what is the proper offset to go with on the new wheels?) plus they're too narrow. Ebay for the piggies? You guys are a ton of help! Thanks, and much respect.

i have 18x18.5s no rub no spacers. and i get complemented for them all the time... also giving us good rep is a good way to show your appreciation ;) haha

[Blitzkrieg989]

can i ask what this sponsership is? I mean this in no offense what so ever, but how is your car sponsored when all you have done right now is GIAC flash. Did I miss something?

[PMAZ7]

can i ask what this sponsership is? I mean this in no offense what so ever, but how is your car sponsored when all you have done right now is GIAC flash. Did I miss something?

The car isn't sponsored, just the driver. Sponsorship has absolutely nothing to do with the car. No offense taken at all.

[Blitzkrieg989]

The car isn't sponsored, just the driver. Sponsorship has absolutely nothing to do with the car. No offense taken at all.

ahh well thats a horse of a different color lol

[PMAZ7]

i have 18x18.5s no rub no spacers. and i get complemented for them all the time... also giving us good rep is a good way to show your appreciation ;) haha

appropriate rep has been noted and more importantly given!

[Gigi]

19 or 18 X 8.5 ET 35 is a good size for our car. Wheels will sit close to fender's edge. 8" wide will work too. Won't stretch tire as much.
RS6 Reps (5 spokes) look phenomanal on our cars. I prefer 18 for daily driving but it ISA matter if taste. I have the RS4 DTM reps and like them a lot.
RH RAT looks awesome on A6 but is pricier at $600+ a wheel and no one has them. My
Yfriend is selling is like new condition with tires for only 1600.
BBS RG or RSGT are awesome but pricey.

[Gigi]

forgot piggies are your stock DPs gutted and with two relocated O2 bungs so you can plug in your O2 sensors past the precat and not throw a cell and pass emission.
VAST Performance did mine for 335 then when APR Wanted like $1600 for their DPs!!!!! Mike at Vast even redid my flanges and all. Love them. Good perf upgrade and lower temperature behind the turbos so more reliable IMO

[PMAZ7]

forgot piggies are your stock DPs gutted and with two relocated O2 bungs so you can plug in your O2 sensors past the precat and not throw a cell and pass emission.
VAST Performance did mine for 335 then when APR Wanted like $1600 for their DPs!!!!! Mike at Vast even redid my flanges and all. Love them. Good perf upgrade and lower temperature behind the turbos so more reliable IMO

Please explain more (to an idiot that really doesn't know much!). Thanks.

[wofman]

"Gutting" downpipes is removing catalytic converters. Sensors then indicate the resulting emission problems, but performance is boosted, of course. I believe you will also run too rich since ECU is not working right with O2 sensor signals, you get check engine light.
VAST is company that does this (can do it yourself, too) and you trade your (stock) downpipes for their gutted (stock) ones aka "piggies" and I think they put a pipe inside the cat housing so you don't waste evacuation filling up the extra volume. They move the sensors to fool the emission test.
AWE makes free-flow cats in all new downpipes, larger SS 2.5" diameter pipes, excellent workmanship, more expensive, guaranteed to meet emission and give the power of no cats.
Roughly right guys?

[PMAZ7]

ok, so I think I'm going with 18x8.5 wheels with 35 offset... if that doesn't sound right to you 01 2.7T "vets", then please let me know ASAP! Still trying to figure out which wheel.

"eenie meenie miny moe"...

[PMAZ7]

Ok, more for the experts! I'm going to go with 18x8.5 wheels and I'm going to go with 245-45-18 tires... does that sound right? Thanks again

[wofman]

here you go! Found wheels for you:

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=241105

should be nice on A6, with some lip, 9" wide -- go for it!

[PMAZ7]

here you go! Found wheels for you:

http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php?t=241105

should be nice on A6, with some lip, 9" wide -- go for it!

Just a bit too pricey for me. On a brighter note, I got my A6 back from the painters today and it looks PERFECT!