Just Got 1997 A4 2.7 Quattro - Daily Driver

[Rex32]

Hey Guys,

My Dad finally got a new car and he gave me his old 1997 Audi A4 2.8 Quattro. I currently have a WRX that is pretty heavily modified and I plan on driving that significantly less and primarily driving the A4. The car currently has 186,XXX miles - nuts huh!?

I'm looking to upgrade and spruce up the car to make it a bit more lively and fun to drive. First off I need to get a Panzer plate, I have been scrapping the oil pan 5 to 10 times a day on these hilly roads around my house. A friend of mine in HS had a B5 A4 and he went through two oil pans... Definitely don't want to have to do the same. I also need to get some new tires, the ones on there now are pretty beat and not aggressive at all. Any recommendations?

The suspension is also pretty creaky, not sure exactly what it is but it kind of sounds like the front sway bar just needs to be lubed up. I wouldn't be against doing some more extensive suspension upgrades. Are there any decent and cost effective things I can do to increase the handling characteristics? I'm thinking F/R Sway Bars, Springs & Struts - recommendations? - and whatever else you guys can think of.

I would also like to fix up the exterior a little bit. This car has been a city car to my parents in Baltimore so the front and rear bumpers are pretty bashed up. I'm not concerned with the bumpers but I am missing some of the lower grill pieces that I need to replace, should I just source those on Ebay? I would also really REALLY like to upgrade to some nice S4 Xenon headlights. I'm really picky about headlights and don't want some off brand that is going to fog up, turn yellow, etc... I remember the best headlight upgrade years ago was doing the B5 S4 Xenons, is this still an option? Any idea on cost and where to get these and whatever else I would need to go from A4 halogen to S4 Xenon?

Any interior improvements? I'm thinking about wrapping the trim in 3M Di-Noc CF weave. I did this in the WRX and it really looks great... Does anyone know how to remove the front trim from around the radio and climate controls? It looks like someone tried to remove this piece before but didn't know how to as the top of it is pulled off a bit.

I think that is enough for one post - and my first post at that on AudiWorld!

Again, any and all recommendations would be greatly appreciated.


-Mike

[Silverstreak98]

Hey Guys,



I think that is enough for one post - and my first post at that on AudiWorld!


-Mike

FAIL

Lol welcome to AUDIZINE.

I would definitely recommend upgrading to the S4 Xenons, they are a massive improvement over the prefacelift headlights you currently have. You do have to slightly trim the inside fender, but it really isn't too big of a deal. Heres a good DIY that I remember using: LINK

[pearlescent]

Welcome and fail

[blackhat]

Lol failboat!, welcome to the audi scene

[Kerschera4]

Hey Guys,

I think that is enough for one post - and my first post at that on AudiWorld!

-Mike

[Altech75]

Hey Guys,

I'm looking to upgrade and spruce up the car to make it a bit more lively and fun to drive. First off I need to get a Panzer plate, I have been scrapping the oil pan 5 to 10 times a day on these hilly roads around my house. A friend of mine in HS had a B5 A4 and he went through two oil pans... Definitely don't want to have to do the same. I also need to get some new tires, the ones on there now are pretty beat and not aggressive at all. Any recommendations?

I'm gonna recommend the Evolution Thor Skid plate instead due to the fact that it helps cover the transmission pan (which is an even bigger pain in the ass than the oil pan) and it's cheaper as well. Clicky Clicky

The suspension is also pretty creaky, not sure exactly what it is but it kind of sounds like the front sway bar just needs to be lubed up. I wouldn't be against doing some more extensive suspension upgrades. Are there any decent and cost effective things I can do to increase the handling characteristics? I'm thinking F/R Sway Bars, Springs & Struts - recommendations? - and whatever else you guys can think of.

Your front sway bar could need some lube but I think it's much more likely to be another of the other assorted parts of the steering n' whatnot assembly. Tie rod ends, control arms and the like. Here's a link to the package 034 has. I recommend you check to see what's broken or may need replacing, but replacing all isn't exactly a bad thing, or all that expensive. More Clicky Clicky

As a side note, removing your front sway bar will increase your handling, so buying one of the smaller rear sway bars with the reinforcement brackets will give you notably better control. You might end up careening off the road when dodging a squirrel though, which is what your front sway bar is actually there to keep you from doing.

Coilovers will give you what you're looking for handling and height wise. Springs and struts are cheaper and will get you there with the right combination but most people find the coilovers are the easiest solution with the best resale value. There are countless threads over what different brands and settings will give you what. Search and if you can't find an answer, maybe start another thread? Lots of people like H&R a lot.

I would also like to fix up the exterior a little bit. This car has been a city car to my parents in Baltimore so the front and rear bumpers are pretty bashed up. I'm not concerned with the bumpers but I am missing some of the lower grill pieces that I need to replace, should I just source those on Ebay? I would also really REALLY like to upgrade to some nice S4 Xenon headlights. I'm really picky about headlights and don't want some off brand that is going to fog up, turn yellow, etc... I remember the best headlight upgrade years ago was doing the B5 S4 Xenons, is this still an option? Any idea on cost and where to get these and whatever else I would need to go from A4 halogen to S4 Xenon?

Plenty of exterior things can get sourced off of ebay, the lower grill pieces among them. Search for headlights on the forum, also plenty of threads about it. Probably some group buys going on along as well. I don't keep tabs on what's going on like I should.

Remember, 034 is your friend. Even More Gosh Darn Clicky

Again, any and all recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

You're welcome.

[Rex32]

Alright you caught me... My buddy is pretty active on the Audi forums and I posted this on Audi World initially last night. My buddy said Audizine was the way to go and I didn't even re-read the post haha.


My bad guys!


-Mike

[Rex32]

Guys thanks for all of the great advice!

I'll definitely order that front component kit and get that swapped out. As for the headlights, is there a cheaper option than purchasing the Eurocode S4 headlights from 034? http://www.034motorsport.com/product...ducts_id=13358

I saw some on Ebay that were around $400 and said they were OEM Audi components... I will find a link. They weren't Xenon's but they were projector and I could add a nice high quality HID kit to it. I'm not too concerned with clear corners, although it would be nice and I am completely fine with having to trim the fender.


Thanks,

Mike

[stack]

if your suspension is creaking check it out.
mine is creaking and now its squeaking alot.
the rubber housing around the strut tends to peel off. so my springs are rubbing agianst my strut =)

[Rex32]

I really like that front suspension kit, the handling is very sluggish... The ride is still super smooth but the steering input just seems rather delayed and boring, think that is what I need?


Thanks,

Mike

[QuattrOZZy]

first off i dont want to offend all my fellow audi guys(and girls) but compared to a WRX the audi suspension is going to feel heavier, slower and less responsive, largely due to the complex multi controll arm setup, this also makes our suspension buttery smooth. i would not call it boring, but if you compare your fathers stock high milage audi to your "heavily moddified" WRX, i'm sure theres something left to be desired.

i would definately suggest a new front controll arm kit (with sway links and HD tie rod ends), if you can/want to affod it look at the CCP adkjustable uppers, or equivelent. having the ability to make REAL alignment adjustments can dramaticaly effect the handling (for better or for worse). definately COIL OVERS, now adays you can get a set of decent entry level hight adjustable only coil overs for the same price as shocks/struts. you can get cheapys for as little as 300-400, but they get "mixed reviews", a better set will be more expensive but probably worth your money. H&R and KONI come highly recomended

also try picking up a set of 17" or 18" wheels with any luck you can pick up a set you like in the classifieds with good tires for the same price as you would spend on brand new tires for your 16"s. this will definately up the handling as well as the exterior beauty

and for extirior mods, S4 xenons are expensive yes, but top noch, check the different styles on eBay, i'd only recomend the ones made by "DEPOT" the other ones made by SOLEX are junk. PAINT YOUR LOWERS, if you can get the right color in a spray can, and you are any good at masking stuff off this is one of the best bang for your buck exterior mods for any VW/AUDI, also look into getting a new grille, S4 grilles are slightly differet and ez to come by, and there are many nice aftermarket options to choose from, but the OEM RS4 grille, though pricey is about the best you can get.

GOOD luck and welcome to audiZINE

[Rex32]

Thanks again for all the advice guys, here is what I'm going to start off with I think.

I'm going to get the front suspension package from 034.
I want to get a Snub Mount and D.T.S - I know exactly what these are meant to cure as the clunk when shifting above 3500 RPM is so annoying. A good friend of mine had a 2.8 B5 in HS and I vaguely remember installing the D.T.S...
I also read that the Timing Belts should be replaced on these bad boys after 120k miles, I'll put a call into the "Audi Guy" who has been working on this car for years and see when that was last replaced. In addition it seems to be a general consensus to just replace all of the belts, rollers, tensioners, and the waterpump. I'm not even sure what all that stuff is, worth looking into?

As for the headlights, my friend in HS had an endless amount of trouble with budget projector lights. I remember him pulling over all the time to pop his corner lights back in ALL the time... I definitely do NOT want to have to deal with that. What do you think of this set? http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/NEW-1...Q5fAccessories

Seems reasonably priced and I could get an actual D2S HID setup rather than some rebased bulb, correct? I could just splice the OE connector from the stock harness into the HID kit, I'm fine at wiring stuff.

What about a keyfob? Is it possible to upgrade to one of the newer, flip out "switchblade" type keys and fobs on a 97?


Thanks again for all of the help guys, I can't tell you how much I appreciate it!


-Mike

[Rex32]

Or would these be better? http://www.ecstuning.com/Audi-B5_A4-...ghts/ES261515/

$100 cheaper too... I guess I would need to get an H7 HID kit then.

Also, I've read about slim ballast kits and I just ran across a kit on Ebay that fits perfectly under the OEM A4 headlights. What kit would you guys recommend in conjunction with the Depo or Valeo projector one-piece headlight assembly?


-Mike

[Rex32]

Anyone have any more input on my mod list, esp the headlights? I'd like to get this stuff ordered ASAP.


Thanks,

Mike

[ADNpro]

Get the headlights you posted from ECS.

As for the HID kit, go with a DDM tuning slim 55w kit. And I would suggest either 4500k or 5000k, nothing above 5000k. Clicky Clicky

Timing belt kit is definitely worth looking into. Better to be safe than sorry. Clicky Clicky

[Rex32]

Thought of a few more things that might be worthwhile to do... The engine sounds like a lawn mower, which is fine since it does have 190k miles, but I think it might help to get some of those cleaners and put them in - do they actually do anything? Perhaps fuel injector cleaner, and whatever other cleaners they have at Pepboys...

I ordered some Continental ExtremeContact DWS tires to put on the stock 16" wheels, what do you guys think? Good move?

Lastly, I really need to get a spare set of keys as I only have the one now. Can I upgrade to the newer switchblade style key?


Thanks,

Mike

[pearlescent]

Can I upgrade to the newer switchblade style key?

Yes, one of two ways.

1) get the OEM switch blade from a facelift and figure out how to program it (I know is has been done, no personal experience though)

2) Go the route I went, buy a replica switchblade kit here: http://www.rclick.co.uk/product_info...roducts_id=671 This kit works like common aftermarket systems except the key and fob are integrated into one like an OEM switch blade. The wiring is similar to a Viper keyless system, very basic and simple. With regards to the key itself, since you have a 97, your key can be cut very easily by a local locksmith. (kit comes with blanks)

*if you have any questions about the Right Click kit, PM, ill help you out

[Rex32]

Thanks for the great advice on the key! I'll look into programing the stock one now and see if I can find it - if so, I'll post DIY when I do it.

Any ideas on how to make the engine not sound so tiny and on the brink of death?


Thanks,

Mike

[SantorinRocks]

Any ideas on how to make the engine not sound so tiny and on the brink of death?

need more info than this. does it perhaps sound like an exhaust leak? Or maybe a clogged cat?