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

[Blake P]

You passed that 458, fvck yeah!

[QUA77RO]

You passed that 458, fvck yeah!

Hell! I passed him at least 3 times over the weekend. Lapped him once.

[QUA77RO]

Ciao Bella Italia! by QuattroChallenge, on Flickr

Keep waving that fist...

It's all in good fun. I'd be cautious if I just picked up a beauty like that. Can't blame the guy. It was a cold 30 degrees F in the morning not accounting for wind chill and getting grip in tires was tough. iirc, I didn't exceed 156 F which is easily a good 100 F less than Summer temps. He would have been better off bringing his tastefully modified R8 out in the cold. But it did have that glorious Ferrari wail when he would get on it or revving in the pits. She screams like she means it.

[Highlander1010]

I love the fact that you're out there running with those cars and doing well. Driver skill really matters! I'd better get some of that some day.

[K1_Builder]

I love the splitter but...$800!!!!

[Blake P]

I love the splitter but...$800!!!!

Yeah, but the added downforce allows you to lap Ferrari's.

[Highlander1010]

Yeah, but the added downforce allows you to lap Ferrari's.

LOL! And an aftermarket muffler will make our cars sound like one too!

[QUA77RO]

I love the fact that you're out there running with those cars and doing well. Driver skill really matters! I'd better get some of that some day.

I special ordered my skills from Skip Barber, Bob Bondurant, and years of Formula Ford and Dodge seat time.

Skills....Get some sooner than later. It seems to be in short supply with our DMV handing out licenses...

I love the splitter but...$800!!!!

Gotta pay to play... every other splitter I looked at was dead weight. Not going on my car... The Deval lip was not cheap. I did get it for a fair amount less than $800 and in a custom weave to match my other CF bits. Worth it to me for a pre-preg CF part that I can hold up with my little finger.

Yeah, but the added downforce allows you to lap Ferrari's.

makes it sound like a serious bargain!

LOL! And an aftermarket muffler will make our cars sound like one too!

mmmmm... my sarcasm meter just exploded! I have a CD of Ferrari exhaust sounds that I sometimes play while I am waiting on the grid. Does that count? Otherwise I'm usually getting psyched up with a drum and bass massage.

[QUA77RO]

My heat cycled Toyo R888's finally arrived. 265/30/19


IMG_7074_ps1 by QuattroChallenge, on Flickr


IMG_7080_ps by QuattroChallenge, on Flickr

This setup should provide a nice reduction in gearing through it's smaller diameter for a bit more punch out of the corners. Considering that I am consistently finding lateral g's at the track in the 1.5-6g range with 1.8-9 g's with topographical compression on street tires, I am excited to see what the wagon can pull on the R-comps.

[Okan509]

damn that looks sexy! love the beef

[PaperishPlastic]

car looks amazing.

[westwest888]

I saw that Ferrari too. He didn't appreciate me driving so close to his car.

[QUA77RO]

damn that looks sexy! love the beef

car looks amazing.

Thanks. I'm amazed at how much this "wagon" does for me visually and viscerally.

I saw that Ferrari too. He didn't appreciate me driving so close to his car.

Maybe he was worried that you were trying to dock the four refueling bungs on your grill with his exhaust pipes.

Here's a shot of you being chased over T5 by the Katech Carbon Edition track special beast.

169 by QuattroChallenge, on Flickr

Here's a shot I just finished editing of Ron's Katech modified Carbon Edition Z06. This is the car that blows by me on the straight in the video above. BEAST!


IMG_6932_CarbonZ001 by QuattroChallenge, on Flickr

[westwest888]

Why am I always two wheels on dirt :)

[hyperunion]

Hell! I passed him at least 3 times over the weekend. Lapped him once.

Your Car always inspires me, for i just have extensive AutoX experience with my previous ko4 b6, I had just had a question regarding your ride height and alignment specs...do you have various settings for different tracks? And can you post your settings...I planning also planing to go with largest bbk i can to use with 18 inch wheels...Thanks Qua770!!!

Love the look of the r888s....

[Mops@Nemesis]

Great thread and your avant is so badass!!! That lip is a very nice piece and the new wheels/rubber look great. I would spray the s-line valence satin black if it were mine.

[QUA77RO]

Why am I always two wheels on dirt :)

Hmmmmmm...

I'm sure I could show you. Just have to sort through the videos...

Your Car always inspires me, for i just have extensive AutoX experience with my previous ko4 b6, I had just had a question regarding your ride height and alignment specs...do you have various settings for different tracks? And can you post your settings...I planning also planing to go with largest bbk i can to use with 18 inch wheels...Thanks Qua770!!!

Love the look of the r888s....

Thanks!

Are you interested in fender heights? I have not changed alignment specs from street. I have been constantly changing other elements of the equation. I try not to make more than one change at a time, aside from tire pressures which are adjusted as necessary throughout the day according to temp/pressure data. There is no question that my data gleaned from each track could be used effectively to design ideal alignment specs on a per track basis. But...I have also been waiting for a better alternative (for track use) than the current market offerings for adjustable control arms. I'm not knocking either that is out there but have been looking for something that will see a bit more extreme use...

Per Toyo, the R888's will function best with -3 degrees camber. SO... I am going to have to start considering the current offerings...
Here's a photo of my alignment specs as of the other day.


IMG_7064 by QuattroChallenge, on Flickr

Great thread and your avant is so badass!!! That lip is a very nice piece and the new wheels/rubber look great. I would spray the s-line valence satin black if it were mine.

Thanks! I know what you mean about the rear valance. I haven't done anything with it for three reasons. First, I haven't seen any paints that will tolerate the heat in the exhaust cutout very well. I have 4 inch tips that leave very little gap. Second, I have been hoping to find a nice carbon fiber rear valance that I wouldn't have to have cut out in order to fit my system... I suppose it's that...or change the tips, in which case a host of options opens up. Personally, I am partial to black oval tips ala option RS4 Avant tips. The third reason that the rear valance has not been changed yet is that it works really well in 3/4 when the gunmetal CF5's are mounted. It ties the gunmetal into the car especially now that the grey oem S-Line grill is gone. I think if I change the rear valance to anything other than carbon fiber (2x2 twill only) it will not work with the overall subtle OEM + type of look that I am trying to achieve.

When Blizzard is done, I want it to appear as if it's an Avant that could have been ordered from quattro GmbHas an extreme track day request of that time honored subsidiary.

[Mops@Nemesis]

Yea, all that makes perfect sense. I really like how you really think things through:). Not many of us left.

That being said I have a very tight fit as well. 90mm quads with the S5 valence and I found a paint that has held up very very well. Either way, love your avant!!


Sent from my iPhone

[QUA77RO]

^ For future reference, what paint are you using?

Here's a shot of the 3/4 and how they tie together. Better than my poor description.


IMG_7099_R888 by QuattroChallenge, on Flickr

[quattroforlife]

Lookin good as always!

[Audacious]

love your car dude, 265 rubber looks mean.

[auditd0rk]

How do you keep those exhaust tips so clean? Heck, even the insides are clean

[QUA77RO]

Lookin good as always!

Thanks bud. Missed you down at the show today.

love your car dude, 265 rubber looks mean.

Thanks! I'm already considering 275 next time.... maybe in a Pirelli Trofeo or race slick to keep the weight down.

How do you keep those exhaust tips so clean? Heck, even the insides are clean

One word... Lavaggio

They wash it every day that it's not raining and detail it after trackday events. They know I like the tips wiped clean inside and out. A couple of times a month, I use metal polish wadding and clean the tips inside and out for a bit of extra shine. Obsessive maybe..worth it? for me, yes. I guess, I'm not the only person that notices.

[Okan509]

love your car dude, 265 rubber looks mean.

only way to go IMO

[Mops@Nemesis]

^ For future reference, what paint are you using?

Here's a shot of the 3/4 and how they tie together. Better than my poor description.


IMG_7099_R888 by QuattroChallenge, on Flickr

Had the same struggle. The guys in the 5 chatterbox can vouch I worried them over going black for 6 months. I have the BO grille and splitter and thought it made perfect sense. Finally did it and LOVE it. Have since gone to matte black window trim. Cannot remember what the paint is. I will let you know tomorrow.



Let me know when you see this and I will remove the pic from your thread.

With window trims...


_MG_0854 by Audiyos, on Flickr

[Blake P]

Black valence owns. That is all.

[westwest888]

Yeah, get that dialed in. Here's what I went with, and to be honest I think I could have gone -2.8 front and -2.2 rear.

[QUA77RO]

only way to go IMO

There is no question that the B8 was designed with some deeeeep wheel wells. Might as well take advantage of it.

Had the same struggle. The guys in the 5 chatterbox can vouch I worried them over going black for 6 months. I have the BO grille and splitter and thought it made perfect sense. Finally did it and LOVE it. Have since gone to matte black window trim. Cannot remember what the paint is. I will let you know tomorrow.



Let me know when you see this and I will remove the pic from your thread.

With window trims...


_MG_0854 by Audiyos, on Flickr

I've seen it but no need to remove it from the thread. I think it adds to the thread by illustrating what you had been describing. I must admit that it looks damn good in black. I'm still curious about the brand/type of paint you are using and it's heat durability. Any closer shots around the tip area? Do you track the car? Very sharp!

Black valence owns. That is all.

A man of few words...
I guess what you are saying is...that you know what you like when you see it... Sounds good to me.

[Blake P]

Just hoping to sway your decision. I had my valence painted flat black before replacing it with the DEVAL. It really sharpens up the rear end, making it look even more aggressive. Promise.

[QUA77RO]

Yeah, get that dialed in. Here's what I went with, and to be honest I think I could have gone -2.8 front and -2.2 rear.

That's just it... I need adjustable control arms to achieve that kind of negative camber in the front. I want -3 to possibly as aggressive as -3.2 degrees on the front and -2.0 rear. In your S4, you have the rear torque vectoring diff as well as a few other minor suspension geometry and weight balance differences from my platform such that the same numbers won't be ideal for both of us. My predicament is that the current market offerings for adjustable control arms are stretched to the limit to provide the camber I need in front. Not exactly much of a threshold for change if they are immediately cranked all the way down to begin with. It's only become an issue for the R-comps and eventually slicks that are meant to be run with this much camber. The Michelin Pilot Super Sports and just about any other street tire will get chewed up in daily us at these camber angles.

With 200 lbs. more over the rear axle, an Avant begins with a better weight balance than the B8 A4 or S4. But without a torque vectoring rear diff, I have two choices. First, I can leave traction control on and let the computer use the rear brakes to balance the roll and yaw of the chassis when cornering. It will give you very consistent lap times and does a great job at maintaining a stable chassis during transitions. The downside to that method is that your rear brake pads get chewed up and you must dial your driving back to no more than 5/10's or you will "panic" the system into thinking that you are about to slide off the road and it will abruptly kill power and brake to stabilize the chassis.
So, I'm left with option 2, which is to turn off all of the electronic traction aids and hope for the best. When I get it right, I can make Blizzard fly...when I get it wrong, well.... I'm looking for that video from my first lap in the last session at TH.

Let's just say that Blizzard needs minor cosmetic surgery...photos coming It's all part of going to the track.

[Mops@Nemesis]

I've seen it but no need to remove it from the thread. I think it adds to the thread by illustrating what you had been describing. I must admit that it looks damn good in black. I'm still curious about the brand/type of paint you are using and it's heat durability. Any closer shots around the tip area? Do you track the car? Very sharp!

Ok, cool...and thank you:) Here is the product...

http://www.eeuroparts.com/Parts/6608...aint-15oz-SBP/

I can get better pics for you later today if you would like. I have not tracked the car but drive it very hard for long periods of time. I live in a rural mountain area with great roads every direction. But no, not any issues thus far. It has also on my front splitter for 2 years. Not one chip, only some pitting and that is a hot spot. Let me know if I can help further

Woot woot, found one...
I can still get a specific pic for you.


IMG_0224 by Audiyos, on Flickr

[QUA77RO]

Just hoping to sway your decision. I had my valence painted flat black before replacing it with the DEVAL. It really sharpens up the rear end, making it look even more aggressive. Promise.

Ok. You have twisted my arm. As long as I can say, "but, you promised..."

Ok, cool...and thank you:) Here is the product...

http://www.eeuroparts.com/Parts/6608...aint-15oz-SBP/

I can get better pics for you later today if you would like. I have not tracked the car but drive it very hard for long periods of time. I live in a rural mountain area with great roads every direction. But no, not any issues thus far. It has also on my front splitter for 2 years. Not one chip, only some pitting and that is a hot spot. Let me know if I can help further

Woot woot, found one...
I can still get a specific pic for you.


IMG_0224 by Audiyos, on Flickr

That looks great. Wurth makes good stuff. I could rationalize that the satin black valence would complement the black canopy of tinted windows... My wife was just commenting last night that I am very good at rationalizing when it comes to cars. She would know... she's an expert at rationalizing when it comes to gold....

You guys are just trying to keep me busy... Thanks alot!

[westwest888]

That's just it... I need adjustable control arms to achieve that kind of negative camber in the front. I want -3 to possibly as aggressive as -3.2 degrees on the front and -2.0 rear. In your S4, you have the rear torque vectoring diff as well as a few other minor suspension geometry and weight balance differences from my platform such that the same numbers won't be ideal for both of us. My predicament is that the current market offerings for adjustable control arms are stretched to the limit to provide the camber I need in front. Not exactly much of a threshold for change if they are immediately cranked all the way down to begin with. It's only become an issue for the R-comps and eventually slicks that are meant to be run with this much camber. The Michelin Pilot Super Sports and just about any other street tire will get chewed up in daily us at these camber angles.

I think the 034 kit would get your car done no problem. The kit gets "stretched" when someone has their car dropped to the floor and they want -1.1 camber again. There's not enough threads to do that. Going to -3.0 lowered should be absolutely 0 issue for you. I'm -2.6 with plenty of clearance on OEM ride height and springs. I understand that the A5 body is a tad more crammed and sometimes there isn't room for the arm without cutting away the wheel liner.

[QUA77RO]

I think the 034 kit would get your car done no problem. The kit gets "stretched" when someone has their car dropped to the floor and they want -1.1 camber again. There's not enough threads to do that. Going to -3.0 lowered should be absolutely 0 issue for you. I'm -2.6 with plenty of clearance on OEM ride height and springs. I understand that the A5 body is a tad more crammed and sometimes there isn't room for the arm without cutting away the wheel liner.

What is a wheel well liner?


IMG_7010 by QuattroChallenge, on Flickr

[Mops@Nemesis]

That looks great. Wurth makes good stuff. I could rationalize that the satin black valence would complement the black canopy of tinted windows... My wife was just commenting last night that I am very good at rationalizing when it comes to cars. She would know... she's an expert at rationalizing when it comes to gold....

You guys are just trying to keep me busy... Thanks alot!

Yes, they do make good stuff. I can picture it looking very nice! With my silver car, there was not enough contrast between the cover and s-line valence. Now the cover and lid are more defined. Really a great look IMO. Over many years of modding these cars, I to have become very good at rationalizing and even better at justifying Happy to help, haha! And from your pics I feel that my tips are tucked even tighter (can barely loop a sock around them to clean) so you should be good. Forget my name if you dont like the look but it's gonna look sweet;)

[hyperunion]

What is a wheel well liner?


IMG_7010 by QuattroChallenge, on Flickr

Thanks alot Qua770....i have some baselines specs at least untill you get your adjustable arms to dial in more front camber....i live around 10min away from the PA. Pocono Raceway track, i have done just 3 half oval and half infield track days but not in my own car ...Look forward for doing some more track time....If ever my way look me up.......

[QUA77RO]

Thanks alot Qua770....i have some baselines specs at least until you get your adjustable arms to dial in more front camber....i live around 10min away from the PA. Pocono Raceway track, i have done just 3 half oval and half infield track days but not in my own car ...Look forward for doing some more track time....If ever my way look me up.......

Always happy to share what I can. The B8 platform is quite adaptable to track work. Don't forget to share some video when you track your car.
PA...brrrr...cold...good turbo weather!

[QUA77RO]

5 bonus points if you can identify the source of the track rash...video coming soon...


IMG_6943_Track rash by QuattroChallenge, on Flickr

[tgofsweden]

^^^ a flying cone ;) ^^^

[Highlander1010]

^^^ a flying cone ;) ^^^

Agreed - cone.