Meet Blizzard, A4 Avant S-Line, Stasis Challenge Spec, ongoing build thread

[QUA77RO]

Sorry I haven't updated this in awhile. I have been crazy busy. But I do have some new mods/photos/videos/anecdotes to share.

Let's just say that the past several months have been somewhat of an adventure with regards to the Avant.

I'll start getting photos up tonight of at least one of my new mods as well as the details of that mods undertaking.

New track videos will take a few days at least...as time permits.


IMG_2784crop by QuattroChallenge, on Flickr

[QUA77RO]

Before:



After:


IMG_2668 by QuattroChallenge, on Flickr

Picked up a set of 2013 post-refresh LED Avant tail lights from the Europrice GB.


The Nightmare Begins:

I had Eurotech install the lights using the pdf directions that I had recieved from Europrice and printed out (that's important in a sec). The first issue we ran into was a direction that called for tapping a Blue/Grey wire on the Black T17 plug on the BCM module. We tapped it and then moved on to the next direction. Remember the note about I printed the pdf?.... Well my printer was apparently out of brown ink and completely left out an instruction about the next tap being on , you guessed it, a brown T17. Needless to say we tapped a wire on the wrong plug. Later that night I met up with AK47 as he was gracious enough to let me use his VCDS cable and laptop to have DavidB8 code my lights. Obviously, the incorrect wiring made coding the lights correctly, impossible. Fortunately, Ak and I had the benefit of his Avant to compare the wiring.

Immediately it was apparent that while the plugs are the same, the wiring varies by car. I have seen 2 other Avant BCM's and helped with another of these installs on tingman's Avant. None of us have the same wiring on our BCM's. BUT, the wiring you need for this mod IS there. The more options on your car, the more wiring you have to your BCM module. Figuring out the wire that was supposed to be on the brown T17 plug was simple as soon as AK pulled out his tablet and brought up the PDF. Immediately I was like whoa what's that instruction in brown...never seen that. One down. The other wire was not so simple. David B8 was sure that I must be tapped to the wrong wire. I told him I was tapped on the Blue/Grey wire on the Black T17. As the hours went by. Between Ak and myself, we must have looked at the wiring on my car and his until our eyes hurt. At some point we noticed that the Blue/grey wire on my module was a much larger gauge than the wire on AK's Avant BCM module and in a different location on the plug. I started pulling all the wiring apart one wire at a time. It's really tight in there. Eventually I discovered a bundle of fine gauge wiring surrounded by larger gauge wiring. In that bundle of angel hair wiring I found ANOTHER Blue/grey wire. We tapped to that one and Voila DavidB8 was able to get me coded and soon I was all set....for awhile.

IIRC, it was 2days later... I went to a father/son event at my son's school. Came out and the Avant would not start. At this point the story starts taking so many twists and I've probably bored you to death already so I'll cut out several "comedy of errors". Audi tried to tow it twice, Epic Fail!. Audi sent a tech to try and get the car out of Park. As I see him coming, I tried to start the car again and it fired right up. Error messages: Ignition Lock Failure!! Proceed to dealer immediately. I followed the tech back to the dealership. Once they shut the car off in a bay... they couldn't restart it for 3 weeks. Eventually I got my car back after some serious expense and a new BCM. Dealership claimed that the light install "killed" the BCM. Jury is still out on that one. I'm sending the BCM to David B8 for possible diagnosis. I just don't see how the problem happens 2 days after the fact...but the B8 does incorporate several modules that were separate into the BCM module. One of those module controls the advanced key authentication...who knows....

Once I got the car back, with a new BCM but no tail lights, I had to start the install process all over again. This time you would think that it would be much simpler knowing which wire to tap, how to release panels, etc. Murphy's Law stepped in at EVERY turn. The dealership tech had really damaged the wiring harness adapters that Europrice includes with the lights. Every time I found and fixed one wire, another would fail. Eventually I got everything repaired long enough to have DavidB8 recode my new BCM. Everything worked for a day before the wiring again became a problem. I have basically rebuilt the harnesses temporarily and everything is working. Had to recrimp several wires last week but at least I know that once the harnesses are replaced, it should all be completely fine.

I can provide photos of all this but don't want to bore you with the process if you only care about the end result... If anyone undertakes this mod and needs any clarification or up close photos, feel free to PM and I can email you whatever you need.

I'd rather share the good parts of the mod and move on to showing pics of the diff lighting config. Before I do that I have some people that I need to thank. There are many people that were involved with this mod/project but the following folks deserve special recognition.

THANKS to:

Alex at Europrice: constantly worked with me to try to find solutions.

DavidB8: for all his patience and troubleshooting assistance. This mod would not be possible without him.

Eurotech Motors: Jose and his techs did a great job. They busted their butts to get me on the road intime to get across L.A. for my initial coding session.

AK47: All round cool dude and Audiziner who was incredibly patient during hours of troubleshooting. Glad to have met you!

Tingman: Another very cool dude who came out to my place so we could get his lights installed and coded. Glad to have met you! Thanks for keeping your cool when we were "done" and your Avant wouldn't start. Problem turned out to be that a plug on the BCM was not fully seated even though the locking tab appeared locked. I think we were both more scared than we wanted to admit. Me especially, considering the nightmare I had just been through, I was terrified that I had just helped him kill his BCM. Glad it all worked out for you man. In fact DavidB8 was able to code his car in less than 15 minutes and went on to do some other VCDS mods for him.

1000 apologies if I am forgetting anyone. I'm still reeling from heatstroke from yesterdays adventure.

For now, here's a parting shot of just the running lights and rear fogs on.


IMG_2719 by QuattroChallenge, on Flickr

[quattroforlife]

are you by any chance in the thousand oaks area? i could have sworn i saw your car the other day...

[TCHUN003]

I saw how amazing those tail lights look on Tingman's and AK's avants. Wish I could've met you too! I'm not going to lie....those tail lights look like they were worth the trouble.

[Wah]

Lights look killer!

[Highlander1010]

The tails are awesome. Not a criticism at all, but with all the stickers, are you sponsored? That would be pretty cool.

[QUA77RO]

are you by any chance in the thousand oaks area? i could have sworn i saw your car the other day...

You aren't a cop or a process server right?

I live down the fwy from you, in AH. I am rarely in T.O. but last Sunday and Monday I was getting last minute stuff before I headed to Monterey so it's possible you saw me on one of those trips. Were you driving at the time? I have been amazed at how many Ibis Avants with dark tink and GM or black wheels there are in our area. If Avants are rare, you wouldn't know it between Malibu and T.O.

[quattroforlife]

haha im not a cop believe me...the other day i was wondering whether a laser jammer is worth it haha

i went to a place called Aaron Brother which is framing and stuff in the Janns Marketplace. its next to movie theaters and a sprint store i think.

I was pulling out of the parking lot and noticed your car. i stopped in the middle of the spot aisle, put my car in park, got out and did a walk around of your car (no creeper)

congradulations...your beaultiful car couldd have caused an accident

[QUA77RO]

I saw how amazing those tail lights look on Tingman's and AK's avants. Wish I could've met you too! I'm not going to lie....those tail lights look like they were worth the trouble.

I look at the extra costs incurred as part and parcel of being one of the first few people to try a new mod. The fact that the result is wicked cool looking helps with my rationalization.

Lights look killer!

Thanks man! I'm loving them Wait til you see the rest of the light photos!

The tails are awesome. Not a criticism at all, but with all the stickers, are you sponsored? That would be pretty cool.

WHAT?! Are you calling me a sticker whore? It's ok I've got thick skin left from when I used to ride/slide crotch rockets.

All kidding aside, if you are referring to the "before" photo, the call out list and European Car vinyl was just some of the stickers that were put on the Avant before it ran Targa Trophy. It actually had even more during the event. The call out list covers items/mods for which I received "consideration" not "sponsorship". The only exception to that would the Forgestar vinyl I ran at TT.

If you are referring to the Michelin Man on the sides of my rear bumper, the truth is that they cover some minor scuffs from parking lots. I knew if I removed the stickers and saw the rubs, I'd end up repainting the rear bumper so I've just left them on.

All I can say about the appearance of the car is that it is constantly changing. In fact the photos of the lights are a week or so old and the car is already wearing ....different attire.... but that'll come later... I have lots of catching up to do on this build thread. You'll see as soon as I have some more free time to get it all up.

[QUA77RO]

haha im not a cop believe me...the other day i was wondering whether a laser jammer is worth it haha

i went to a place called Aaron Brother which is framing and stuff in the Janns Marketplace. its next to movie theaters and a sprint store i think.

I was pulling out of the parking lot and noticed your car. i stopped in the middle of the spot aisle, put my car in park, got out and did a walk around of your car (no creeper)

congradulations...your beaultiful car couldd have caused an accident

Thanks for the compliment. I remember going into the "Sprint" Store there once recently. Turns out it's actually a Radio Shack inside. Don't ask....Giant Sprint sign and no Radio Shack sign must have confused me.

If, like me, you accidentally exceed the speed limit on occasion, countermeasures are worth every penny (it's a LOT of pennies actually but still cheaper than a ticket and the additional costs). The V1 adds situational awareness which is priceless. CHP runs mostly Ka in the canyons but occasionally you see a guy set up using laser. I haven't seen any of the local sheriffs using laser yet though but lots of Ka band radar, front/rear facing.

[MiracleWhips]

Damnit, now I want these too.

What I don't want is to spend the coin and go through the install hassle.

[bsully1850]

This lights look great, I'm putting this on my list too.

[QUA77RO]

Damnit, now I want these too.

What I don't want is to spend the coin and go through the install hassle.

It's certainly was not a cheap mod but I think that I've taken one for the team as far as the install hassle. I think I've discovered every hiccup that can occur with this install and more importantly how to avoid them. I am willing to help guide anyone through the process if they need a hand. I had been concerned that every install would end up a wiring/coding nightmare but after helping with Tingman's install on his Avant, I honestly think the problems of the early-adopters are out of the way. The only part that I still consider a bit tricky (tingman's kit didn't have the option) is the rear fog light wiring if you choose that option. Routing the two wires safely away from the Avant rear hatch hinges, requires getting into the rear roof panel area and then you need to route and fix the wiring so that under no circumstance can the action of the hatch rising and falling, pinch, pull, or cut the wires. If you don't do the rear fogs then the install has become fairly straight forward.

This lights look great, I'm putting this on my list too.

Thanks. I'll get more shots up in the next hour. They might bump it up your list.

[QUA77RO]

I'll be using the follow abbreviations:
RL = Running Lights
TS = Turn Signals (actually the hazard flasher to light both)
BL = Brake Lights
RF = Rear Fog Lights

Unfortunately I have yet to get any shots of the reverse lights.

Enjoy!

RL's only


IMG_2690 by QuattroChallenge, on Flickr

RL's and RF's


IMG_2722 by QuattroChallenge, on Flickr


IMG_2724 by QuattroChallenge, on Flickr

RL's, RF's, and BL's


IMG_2726 by QuattroChallenge, on Flickr


IMG_2731 by QuattroChallenge, on Flickr

RL's RF's, BL's and TS'...everything lit except reverse


IMG_2737 by QuattroChallenge, on Flickr


IMG_2733 by QuattroChallenge, on Flickr

[Highlander1010]

RL's only


IMG_2690 by QuattroChallenge, on Flickr

So frickin' sweet! I wish the refresh tails were PnP on the sedans too. I just can't see buying a new trunk to get the lights.

[QUA77RO]

^^^ Thanks man.

I understand regarding the sedan dilemma. The lights themselves are pushing it for a cosmetic mod. Having to replace a trunk lid just so you can fit these lights would be pretty extreme.... now, If someone rear ended you and their insurance was paying for a new trunk lid anyway.... well, that would be a terrible thing to be in an accident but at least you would be able to find positive way to look at it....

[Wah]

I need to get those lights! WOW!

[Highlander1010]

^^^ Thanks man.

I understand regarding the sedan dilemma. The lights themselves are pushing it for a cosmetic mod. Having to replace a trunk lid just so you can fit these lights would be pretty extreme.... now, If someone rear ended you and their insurance was paying for a new trunk lid anyway.... well, that would be a terrible thing to be in an accident but at least you would be able to find positive way to look at it....

Funny since I thought the same thing. But then I realized I don't want my car hurt and if it did get hurt I'd rather I can walk away and it is totaled so I get a new one

[cory_can]

Sorry to see that your install went so rough. My set was the very first to be done and it went quite smooth. They are a great improvement to B8 Avants, I get compliments all the time.

[QUA77RO]

Sorry to see that your install went so rough. My set was the very first to be done and it went quite smooth. They are a great improvement to B8 Avants, I get compliments all the time.

It's all your fault! If I hadn't seen how awesome they looked on your Avant, I wouldn't have taken the plunge. Thanks for being first. Wasn't David actually able to come to your car to code it though? I felt SO bad for him having to try and troubleshoot remotely...especially when I was sure that the wiring was right. Just goes to show that 6th time is the charm... I just can't believe how harsh the Service Tech at Auto Gallery Audi in Woodland Hills was with the Europrice harnesses. When they eventually got my car running again and I got it back, I found wiring that looked like it had literally been forcibly ripped out. I think someone took their frustrations at not being able to get the car out of the service bay for 3 weeks, out on the poor wiring. I would have expected to see something like that in dash if a thief ripped the stereo out.

Anyways, it's been an adventure but I'm glad I stuck with it until a positive conclusion. Now I seriously need some nice white license plate led lights to complete the look in the rear.

I know what you mean about the compliments. People don't even notice my carbon fiber front splitter or other mods. Most compliments from casual passers-by are related to the wheels or new tail lights.

Did I mention wheels? ....ouch...editing photos/video this evening.

[cory_can]

^ Yes, David was able to be present for the install. It was absolutely a huge advantage having his experience on-hand, and programming was greatly simplified, enabling him to actually see what he was doing . Previously I worked with him on re-coding my original lights and at times that was tedious enough having to relay status back and forth. I suspect your situation would have been much more difficult.

For me the most complimented attribute of the lights is absolutely the turn signals. They are awesome and really stand-out on the street.

The only downside to this mod is that we rarely get to enjoy them ourselves.

[QUA77RO]

The only downside to this mod is that we rarely get to enjoy them ourselves.

at least when we are ...

[QUA77RO]

Had a great time at the Private Buttonwillow Track Event last Saturday. I felt a vibration under cornering and decided to call it a day. I had already had a number of good sessions, my last session being just shy of 80 minutes long. I only ended that session since I was running low on fuel. I have never run a street car on a track for that long at a stretch...not in over 20 years of tearing up West Coast tracks. The Michelin Pilot Super Sports did start overheating and getting greasy but the track surface temp was between 130F and 140F with ambient shade temps of 108F. So I think the tires did a great job. The Carbotech XP20 brake pads were phenomenal. Never experienced any fade. If anything, the brakes almost seemed to keep getting better. The Alcon calipers show that LOTS of heat was being generated. They gold color is really popping now!

So I get on the freeway and head home in caravan behind a new friend and I barely hit cruising speed when the vibration is back but significantly worse. I pulled over and could see nothing wrong. Pulled on the tire, testing for a loose tie rod, etc... nothing. No visual problem. I had already checked lug tq at the track before leaving and had come to the conclusion that I had warped a rotor. I got going again and had my friend pull along side. The vibration came and went then wham!! I luckily was exiting already at the first exit South of the track. I pulled over and discovered what you see in the photo below.


IMG_2969 by QuattroChallenge, on Flickr

To make a long story short (I'll skip telling you about the 3hours we spent baking in our skulls while AAA went in every wrong direction and we had to keep caling and telling the driver to make a u-turn), I had it transported by flat bed back to L.A. Shop says that the shop that installed my track pads the week before, overtorqued all mu lugs on that wheel. When they pulled the remaining 3 lugs, the splintered threads dropped out of the hub. Result is I need a new hub/bearing assembly, new brake rotors and a new wheel. I guess I'll be stuck back on the OEM peelers while I try to get a replacement from Forgestar.

Moral of the story, don't let anyone use an impact gun to tighten your lugs. Hand thread/tighten with hand tools only. I have seen this last year on a B8 S4 so it's not an isolated thing.

I'll post track video soon.

If anyone is interested, here is the link to my photos of other cars at the event... and some shots of the roadside spot where we suffered heat stroke and sunburns.

[Blake P]

Ugh, were they just some random bolts supplied with the wheels or did you buy quality lugs?

[QUA77RO]

Ugh, were they just some random bolts supplied with the wheels or did you buy quality lugs?

"random bolts supplied with the wheels" Chrome-moly narrow head bolts. Not sure I follow what you are asking? I don't see how it would matter whether they were stock or TiKore Titanium lug bolts. It's not the bolt threads that stripped it's the hub threads that stripped out. I have seen the exact same thing happen to a B8 S4 on Champion Motorsports forged wheels with RAD lug bolts.

The aftermarket shop claimed that the bolts should have broken if they were so over-torqued. The dealer was incredulous at that and said that he's never seen a lug bolt break on a B8 but he's seen many hubs where the threads stripped out.

According to the dealer, they have been seeing more and more stripped hubs of late. Personally,I think the hub metallurgy must be poor if this is happening even semi-frequently.


Anyway, I don't think the problem was related to the wheel or the lug bolts but more likely just technician error (overuse of an impact gun).

I know back in the...well, a long time, on my first few cars, I never used a TQ wrench and I never had any issues....Old American Iron and Swedish Steel could take whatever I threw at them... Thanks alot Blake for making me reminisce about how they don't build 'em like they used to....

[Blake P]

Sorry, I totally misread and thought the bolts were the issue. I agree that cheaply made hubs are likely part of the problem... along with too much impact gun!

[cory_can]

Did you remove the "brake shields" from behind your front BBK or are they just "hiding"? If so, wasn't it providing some heat protection to the components inside the brake rotors?

Also, have you been happy with the quality/weight of your Forgestar wheels? I'm considering a different setup/look for my Avant (from BBS RG-R's) but want to maintain a lighter weight but still strong wheel. I'm considering the CF-10's.....I also have a shout-out to ADV.1 for pricing.

[Highlander1010]

Looks like a great time. Glad you and your ride are ok and the damage never got any worse.

[QUA77RO]

Sorry, I totally misread and thought the bolts were the issue. I agree that cheaply made hubs are likely part of the problem... along with too much impact gun!

No worries bud, reading it over, I realize I wasn't exactly clear about which threads came out when the lugs were removed. I just can't believe that this happened since the shop owner and I were in the office talking and he was telling me that one of his new guys was on "probation" for being too trigger happy with the impact gun. IDK if the same guy put my wheels back on but man.. the timing of that conversation and the subsequent failure of the hub... ouch. At least the shop owner is being good about it and he's taking care of the bill for the hub and bearing assembly. I'm gonna eat it on the new Alcon hats/rotors and one wheel.... assuming I can get a replacement. The dealer put it back on the OEM peelers today.... Hopefully it won't be too long...

[QUA77RO]

Sorry for posting separate replies. Multi-quoting doesn't seem to be working in my browser right now....lots of little x's instead of buttons...

Did you remove the "brake shields" from behind your front BBK or are they just "hiding"? If so, wasn't it providing some heat protection to the components inside the brake rotors?

Also, have you been happy with the quality/weight of your Forgestar wheels? I'm considering a different setup/look for my Avant (from BBS RG-R's) but want to maintain a lighter weight but still strong wheel. I'm considering the CF-10's.....I also have a shout-out to ADV.1 for pricing.

the "brake shields" are long gone. No way that they will fit with a BBK. I've had to remove them from every car I've ever done BBK's on. My understanding is that it is more of a splash shield than heat shield. Regardless, if it was being used as heat shielding, it may have been more for protecting soft parts (ie. rubber brake lines) from radiant heat.

Since I want heat to be shed ASAP from the heatsink/rotor, I don't want anything anywhere near the rotor surface that does not contribute to deceleration or cooling. I have seen guys modify the factory heat shields on other cars to accommodate cooling hoses... mainly on Porsches (as far as set ups like that which I have seen)


I have been very impressed with the Forgestar CF5's. I forget offhand what they weigh. Must be around 24-24.5 lbs. My current tire/wheel weight is 11-12lbs less than with the stock 19x 8.5 peelers and Continental SportContact3's. I think the Michelin's are a few pounds lighter but most of the weight savings is the wheels.

You can get less weight but the less you want, the more you gotta pay... I wanted a good set of track wheels and liked them so much that I ended up running them on the street as well. The CF10 is sharp looking and like any wheel, more, smaller spokes usually equates to less weight than a 5 spoke rim like I run. I just prefer the simple lines of a 5 spoke star and it's inherent easy cleaning.

As far as strong.... They have been amazing. Some of the canyons have gnarly surprises waiting around the corner. I have hit a few pot holes similar to one that bent the factory rim and shredded the tire of our Jetta GLI. Hasn't phased the Forgeline CF5's or Michelins. If they weren't strong, they would never stand up to the way I ride berms at the track either. No problems...aside from all the compliments.

[QUA77RO]

Looks like a great time. Glad you and your ride are ok and the damage never got any worse.

Thanks. I'm equally glad that it's just parts. My guardian angel was working overtime last Saturday. I spent plenty of time in the sun thinking about all the what-if scenarios like "what if that wheel had come off on the freeway and caused a major pileup of innocent motorists or at the track while braking from triple digits for a turn....not the time you want to see your wheel/tire making the turn sharper than your car as it rolls off into the infield.

And a great time it was! Here's a little video of a few laps.

In order of appearance, Mustang GT, Mustang Shelby Cobra, Porsche 996TT with extreme mods.



I should mention that this was my first time at Buttonwillow so if anyone has experience and cares to comment on lines braking points etc., it would be appreciated. Compared to the tracks I'm used to, which are more technical with significant elevation changes, Buttonwillow seemed simple but it has some flat-out points that can bite you if you aren't paying attention.

108F ambient, 130-140F track temp. Not exactly turbo friendly But I had fun nonetheless. There were a few spins and minor off track excursions by some but the main attrition factor was heat. While almost everyone ended up sidelined with overheating or approaching-overheating conditions, the Avant kept its cool and so did I... more on that tomorrow.

[Highlander1010]

The more I look at your Alcons and experience, the more I'm leaning to those as my BBK instead of StopTech. Now I only have to wait until she who owns the budget to open the purse strings of 2013 at the end of the year.

[QUA77RO]

for some reason the video appears/disappears depending on which computer I log in with...

If you can't see the track video from post #111,

hope this works better

[QUA77RO]

Now I only have to wait until she who owns the budget to open the purse strings of 2013 at the end of the year.

I know how that goes.

The nice thing about the Alcons (applies to any BBK) is that one can always bring up the safety rationale... ECU tunes, big turbos, etc....harder sell. (so, I've heard)

Hope it helps

[Highlander1010]

She's down with the BBK for sure. Just have to keep everything in perspective since we just did a major home remodel and we're making sure to stay debt free.

[QUA77RO]

The Avant is still in the shop...waiting on new hats/rotors. I don't mind getting new rotors. Even if there had been no issue with the hub, I had planned to replace the rotors since I had noticed a good amount of fine thermal cracks. Not as bad as some cars that were out at Buttonwillow...but, I wanted to come back, order a set, and then send them out for cryogenic treatment and then an anti-corrosion coating.

There is no question of the effectiveness of the STaSIS Alcon BBK but I have never seen a set of rotor rust so fast in my life. The STaSIS Alcon rotors were rusting within days of installation and yet the Brembo BBK on my AMG parked next to the Avant is still rust free 5 years after installation. That is unnaceptable for me so I guess I'll order a second set when I pick up the car so I can have them treated and ready before I need them. The rust never interferes with braking and only affects unswept areas of the rotor but is an eyesore especially compared to the pristine Brembos next to them. Obviously, Brembo takes the time to treat their discs with an anti-corrosion coating, a step skipped by STaSIS. Fine for a track or race car but otherwise, seriously unacceptable.

At least Pacific Audi hooked me up with a new Q5 loaner while I'm waiting for the Avant. Apparently all the parts are in now except the rotors...



Made it easy to drop off the OEM 19 inch wheels last week. I'm going to be bummed to be back on stock wheels until I can get my Forgestar CF5's sorted...actually considering a new color scheme as well.... We'll see. I'm going to pick up the Forgestar wheels from the dealer tomorrow and get that ball rolling.



I never thought I'd end up back on those again...even temporarily... Oh well, could be worse. At least I know that they will clear the calipers.



Too funny! I dug up that photo and I had forgotten what the calipers looked like when they were silver.

[CloseEncounters]

Sorry I haven't updated this in awhile. I have been crazy busy. But I do have some new mods/photos/videos/anecdotes to share.

Let's just say that the past several months have been somewhat of an adventure with regards to the Avant.

I'll start getting photos up tonight of at least one of my new mods as well as the details of that mods undertaking.

New track videos will take a few days at least...as time permits.


IMG_2784crop by QuattroChallenge, on Flickr

Looks like the adventure has really been worth it. Car looks awesome and oh so sexy...Great Job...your Avant HAS been one of my inspirations :-) The pulls on the track are really amazing. Thanks for the inspiration and posting. You 'Cali' boys just have all the fun.

[aaron1085]

I noticed that my Alcon calipers have begun to turn gold as well...I guess that's a good thing. Hahaha!

You racking up the miles on your car by now? Also,mi see you don't use painters tape or anything when on the track. I use painters tape due to finding new rubber marks on the front or lower sides of my car from track debris. Sucks.

[QUA77RO]

Looks like the adventure has really been worth it. Car looks awesome and oh so sexy...Great Job...your Avant HAS been one of my inspirations :-) The pulls on the track are really amazing. Thanks for the inspiration and posting. You 'Cali' boys just have all the fun.

Thank you! Wouldn't be worth posting if it wasn't appreciated or if not that, at least somewhat useful. I'll have new track footage up next week from AudiFest at infineon. Just got a new high speed HD cam today that might yield some interesting shots.

I noticed that my Alcon calipers have begun to turn gold as well...I guess that's a good thing. Hahaha!

You racking up the miles on your car by now? Also,mi see you don't use painters tape or anything when on the track. I use painters tape due to finding new rubber marks on the front or lower sides of my car from track debris. Sucks.

I am somewhere between 35 and 38k miles...iirc

Congrats on the gold! What pad compound are you running?

No tape because the Avant has a full 3M clear bra including sides, rear, etc.. Nasty black track rubber marks wipe right off the clear bra film with any decent detail spray and a microfiber cloth. At least that has been my experience thus far. Just about every thing that marks the clear bra wipes right off and is invisible... aside from one nasty yellow bug that hit my lower valence. His guts dyed the clear bra yellow in a bug splatter shape. At least when I peel it off, it's perfect ibis paint underneath aside from the one nick on the hood from a large bolt on the freeway. Bounced off the hood and nailed the lower windshield. cut a small piece of the bra and nicked off the topcoat. Rocks and other debris have had no effect on the clear bra material.

I tried using Venture Shield which is a clearer film but it's too thin and not as durable as the standard 3M clear bra material. The standard 3M does get a faint yellow cast over several years...really minor compared to how bad most of the clear bras used to be.

[QUA77RO]

UPS came early today...



At least the wifi app works awesome with my Galaxy S3... Now if GoPro would just hurry up and get their app up, I should be able to run all of them from the phone as well as see what is being recorded which meant going to each cam and mounting the video back before...pita.