A4 Centaur's Build Thread

[Alpha Ice]

I just got my DV last week! I'm waiting for warmer weather to raise the car up again lol

Sent from my HTC6500LVW using Tapatalk

[A4 Centaur]

The DV and improved plugs and coils are gonna blow your mind! Changes this anemic 2.0 TFSI into something special.

[gohan]

For the cost, I think it is a worthwhile mod. Between the upgraded DV and this mod. I am mad I didn't do this last year.

what DV did you get?

[Alpha Ice]

I got the go fast bits DV+ after A4 Centaurs and many others good review. It replaces the ok parts of the stock system and makes it better. But leaves the great ecu and fast response from the oem. They have some good info about it on the forums. Check it out

Sent from my HTC6500LVW using Tapatalk

[A4 Centaur]

I got the DV product: http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...o-Fast-Bits-DV

Transforms the throttle and pick up.

[gohan]

I got the DV product: http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...o-Fast-Bits-DV

Transforms the throttle and pick up.

Thanks fellas, will def pick one up.

[A4 Centaur]

Updates this week are to the FMIC which I have been thinking about since Context.ex from Norway posted up his discovery a while back. The A7 Tdi and others have the same Part # so I went to Rockauto and got one for less than $200 which I think is a deal!

Context.ex says his IC temps are around 10 degrees Celsius cooler, which is quite a bit compared to the lousy stock IC.The IC looks small in the pic but is much larger than the stock IC.



As most of you have gathered I am a brake fiend and love everything about better braking including MTB and motorcycles. Recently added Brembo M4's to my Ducati which transformed the performance using EBC HH pads:



In between the removal of my snow tire set-up I detailed the rear dust shields and calipers with Krylon Bright Silver because the Colorado winter took a bit of a toll on the finish



I will post up the Tdi FMIC stuff as soon as possible

[Alpha Ice]

Ive heard good things about the tdi, it's a bit thicker but still doesn't give you the 2.5" turbo outlet like the EC FMIC does. I'm happy with mine and I believe you have the 2.25" outlet setup so you are ahead there

Sent from my HTC6500LVW using Tapatalk

[A4 Centaur]

Got rammed at the Tire Dealer on Friday and the whole front end is getting replaced. Lost a drivers side headlight in the incident and was thinking about doing the upgrade to Euro spec Bi-Zenons.

the stock US Spec that was damaged is over $853.00 for one light, so the price of a Euro pair is pretty doable.

Anyone familiar with this P/N#: Model: 8K0941029H

Wondering how quick I could get them in so I could switch balasts and bulbs while its getting painted and new fender and facia and hood put on?

[A4 Centaur]

Well. two months after my car was hit at the tire store everything is back to normal. Been driving around for almost a month now, and waiting for the time for the latest "cheap" mod to go on. As I have mentioned before I purchased a Nissens FMIC from Rock Auto. The part was only around $181.00 so I ordered up one.

Got around to installing it yesterday:



As you can see the difference between a 6 Liter and 8 Liter FMIC is not huge, but certainly noticeable.



As others have mentioned the shrouds around the old FMIC need to be trimmed. I used sheet metal snips since the plastic is pretty tough and I didn't want to pull them off to cut.






A great mod for the budget minded 'ziner. Couldn't justify spending another $900-1000 on an aftermarket part that wouldn't "give" me anything, but would free up some wasted energy. And this mod certainly does. I didn't log my new temps, but like the others have commented on, this mod is certainly a must.
I little bit more lag but the engine breathes a bit deeper if that makes sense.

[A4 Centaur]

Updates for the month:

Installed the Folding Mirror Package that Alex at had on the recent GB. Great and cool mod for sure! Thanks again Alex and the write up by David_B8!! Could not have done it without you both.

Put in the MJM adapters while the mirrors were being put on as well:



They went in without issue and would highly recommend them for the front installation! Stock B&O speakers are certainly very weak looking. This Infinity 6500cs was the way to go. They are inexpensive and only cost $80.00 for the pair and have a 93db sensitivity rating. They are 6 1/2 in diameter and fit like a glove!



This is a picture before the sound dampening material went on. They look and sound the business! You can't go wrong for $80.00

Unbelievable how cobby the stock B&O are compared to these aftermarket speakers.

[A4 Centaur]

Added the 5000k from HID concepts and love the new color. However, the cut-off i still crappy so I might look at getting the Euro-Spec housings shortly. Winter is here so I am shopping for new Dunlop 3Ds.

Oil change and differential this week. Seems smoother all the way around now.



Her is a pic of the HID bulb after installation:



Here is before:



The new lamps throw much more light now. Quite difficult getting night shots to show the difference. HID concepts has some good examples. Thanks much to Mike!

[junchen]

How's the vogtlands coilovers 2 yrs on? :)

[A4 Centaur]

They are holding up much better than the Koni versions I had on my B7. Quite impressed actually. I was thinking the other day the same question.

[junchen]

Cools... Cos I'm thinking of swapping out my ads suspension for vogtlands or h&r. The vogtlands obviously are slightly cheaper (300 usd), and the money saved can go into buying the bloody kw DCC cancellor module. Am edging towards the vogtlands ever so slightly. []

[A4 Centaur]

Placed an order for a set of Forgestar CF5's in 19x9.5 with an ET of 40 from Alan at Modbargains.

I have to give credit to QUA77RO for the idea a few years ago: http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...is-B8-A4-Avant!

His car was looking good with those rims, and they will weigh around 23-24 Lbs, which is a lot less than the stock Ti-Rotors. Proly gonna sell the VMR RS4 Reps. Its gonna take a while to get them in, so in the meantime I am just enjoying the APR BETA Stage 2+ I got installed at Bluewater performance last month.

This file is impressive! as many on this forum with the Beta File can attest to.

[A4 Centaur]

Well, they are in but not on the car yet. They are quite light as well. Probably around 23 lbs. for 19x 9.5 ET 40. Friggen ridiculous!



Thanks to Alan at Mod Bargains! WOOT!



Plenty of clearance!

Learned an important lesson this month regarding snow tires and switching over to summer skins: You can't take them off until May in Colorado. You just can't.

I thought I would be ok with the new Michelin Pilot AS tires. I was wrong. And almost wadded the car. Quattro intervened but I seriously had one scary event after another in spring snow conditions. I will not make that mistake again.

[S4BlackCab]

A4 Centaur-

Sent you a PM.

[A4 Centaur]

Finally got around to mounting up my Forgesatr CF5's in 19x9.5 ET 41 I got from Alan at Mod Bargains. Great service and support throughout the process. Took me way too long to mount up but the wait was worth it!

The pics are lousy but there are plans to get a photo shoot together later when it stops raining here in Colorado. The rims weigh only 23 Lbs. and are flow formed which hopefully will make them a bit more durable. Sold the VMR RS4 reps since I wanted a different look. The stock turbine S-Line wheels will be dedicated winter for now.

Waiting on Crash's experience with the Loba kit to see if I should make the plunge with a turbo upgrade.



[/URL

[TCHUN003]

Those wheels look great!

[A4 Centaur]

Decided to clean up the dingy looking calipers this weekend:



I ordered some sticker from Amazon and will have to decide on either:

RS

Audi Sport

Not sure at this point.

[auditd0rk]

Looks good. My ST60s are looking as if they need a touch-up, too. The paint has bubbled up around the bleeder screw.

I think black Audi rings could look good on there.

[Smellie]

Got any pics farther away? I'm debating on yellow or lime green for calipers haha

[B G 8er]

Decided to clean up the dingy looking calipers this weekend:



I ordered some sticker from Amazon and will have to decide on either:

RS

Audi Sport

Not sure at this point.

I've seen this 2014 TAG S4 SEMA car in person and thought the calipers looked amazing. Kinda poser to put RS decals on Stoptech calipers imho but it would look amazing with the yellow. Meanwhile, after contemplating yellow myself, I just recently added new Stoptech ST40s in silver. I'm hoping the finish is going to hold up but then I have no intentions on taking my car to the track. Stoptech advises sticking only with black or red for the best colors to hold up to the major heat from tracking, though I've sen many of the reds turn to pink or brown.



+1 on the Forgestars, I have always been a fan of those wheels though i liked all three of your wheels, the OEM Titanium winter's and the RS4 reps as well.

[A4 Centaur]

Yea, I'll go with the Audi Sport based on the advice. The RS would be a stretch I guess. Plus the stickers are smaller and probably wouldn't look as balanced on the calipers. I don't really like the Stoptech logo but I love the brakes. Will go with them when I buy a 4S down the road.

Also, getting the new software flash today and the Gen 3 PCV fix at 50k. Will report back my impressions, but obviously the software should smooth out the stumbling at 2700-3000 RPM's

[A4 Centaur]

Update for today:

Dealer will update new software and stated they will remove the TD1. Haha! Now that is funny.

Since I was running the Stage 2+ Beta File I will need to get back over to Bluewater for the permanent file. Also, I am going to go with the GEN 3 PCV assembly and they have insisted on an updated cam seal since there will allegedly be more pressure in the crankcase. : /

So, that will be the new baseline I guess and will see what the results are.

[A4 Centaur]

Drives like a different car with the updated map. Thanks to Crash!

Car pulls clean all over now. Put the meat back in the middle of the powerband.

[A4 Centaur]

Well, the stumbling at 2700 RPM's is back and I threw another CEL, which came up engine and HVAC.

I need to get the car back over to Bluewater for that permanent Stage II+file. On another note you guys have seen my thoughts on the new EFR Turbo kit from APR. Since Audi NA doesn't appear to want to bring the B9 Avant to North America I am gonna do the following with help from Alex at Europrice:

1. B8.5 Front End Conversion w/ E-codes
2. OEM LED Tail Lights
3. RS4/ RS5 rear brakes
4. OEM Alcantara Steering Wheel
5. APR EFR Turbo Kit
6. Other speaker upgrades and interior mods

It's a lot of money but since it looks like I will have the Avant for some time, I think this will help keep me smiling and enjoying her for a long while!

[crash1121]

I'm sorry the software update didn't permanently fix the issue. I hope they'll be able to figure out the problem with your car soon. And if it makes you feel better, I had a software update and it fixed my issue temporarily, but the random stuttering/hesitation feeling came back... My car will be taken to Apikol in the morning to have compression & leak down tests completed, as well as a boost test to see if the turbo is the culprit...

Wow, you seriously have big plans for the Avant. Best of luck, and I'll definitely stay tuned!

[A4 Centaur]

Crash, thanks much!

Looks like the Avant will be a keeper, but I need to get the power levels up and the APR EFR route will be the clear path so far.

The mod wish list is extensive but not unlike any others on the B7 RS4, S4 and A4 forums etc. I just need to get the funds together and pull the trigger when Arin and the folks at APR release the EFR Kit.

Just thinking about those power levels gets me stoked!

[crash1121]

Right on — definitely something to be stoked about!

Your Avant is definitely worthy of being a keeper. I'll be honest, I miss my old A4 Avant quite a bit. The AR has many bonuses, but the way they both drive are quite different, and the Avant was much more agile and fun to drive. Imagining a big ass turbo on it just puts a smile on my face. Keep rocking that rare beast!

[A4 Centaur]

Crash, thanks again!

Put on the 034 Motorsports Street Density Engine Mounts.



Love them! So much firmer than stock or rather a car with 50k on the clock now.



Also added the the Quattro stickers on the lower rear door panels but I put them parallel to the rocker since the curve of the accent on the door made them look funny. Not sure if I'll keep them, but I do like how all the new Audi's with the Sport Package have the stickers as well.



Also mounted up the Dunlop 3D's and I am thinking of ordering H&R wheel studs since I seem to be taking wheels off and on pretty frequently. Another Idea I am thinking about powder coating the OEM turbine wheels in gloss black.
I noticed a while back some German versions of those wheels come that way from the factory? Anyway, just bored waiting till the APR goodies come our way. Also still waiting on the Audi Sport stickers for the brakes. The versions I ordered from Croatia came in too small for the 380 BBK.

Hoping Arin and the boys at APR will get us release info on the Stage III kit. Pretty stocked to finally get some HP which will net some 100hp gains!

[crash1121]

Looking fantastic per usual, and I love the quattro sticker touch too.

Can't wait to see this turn into a true build. I'll be living vicariously through you since I ruined my chance to experience BIG power with my old Avant, so I'm antsy as hell to see the fun begin!

[QUA77RO]

Placed an order for a set of Forgestar CF5's in 19x9.5 with an ET of 40 from Alan at Modbargains.

I have to give credit to QUA77RO for the idea a few years ago: http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...is-B8-A4-Avant!

His car was looking good with those rims, and they will weigh around 23-24 Lbs

Of the 6 sets of wheels I've run on Blizz, I still think the Forgestar CF5's looked the best. I was bummed when quattro4life rolled off with them. Mine ended up slightly heavier at 25 lbs even. Possibly due to ET42..

Miss that concave sweep of the rims
6V2A4230mv by Marcel V., on Flickr

1. B8.5 Front End Conversion w/ E-codes
2. OEM LED Tail Lights
3. RS4/ RS5 rear brakes
4. OEM Alcantara Steering Wheel
5. APR EFR Turbo Kit
6. Other speaker upgrades and interior mods

It's a lot of money but since it looks like I will have the Avant for some time, I think this will help keep me smiling and enjoying her for a long while!

Wow, that's some dedication. Props to you.
With all that you would spend on the front clip conversion, why not go that next step and do the RS4 conversion?

It'd be cheaper and easier than dii's custom RS4 bodied sedan since the parts are already meant for the Avant...

[A4 Centaur]

^ Great to hear from you! So glad you are having the time to be on this forum. I have really admired your skills and adventure and the lessons you have given from time to time!! So cool.

I have made the decision to keep the Avant. After getting a very TEPID response from Audi NA before the Tdi Skandal broke, I would imagine their reluctance to bring anything which costs them more money will be zero for the foreseeable future. I have toyed with the idea of doing the Tdi upgrade from an A7 etc. but its gonna be too much work and I love the Avant so much it would be hard to sell her just to start a project anew.

So the goal is to go full retard (I know you never go full retard) and do the APR Stage III with APR FMIC and exhaust.

As far as body goes I love the idea of a body kit but I need to get a job as I am finishing my BA in 4 weeks. SO I need to work first. That may be the fly in the ointment for my mod plans.

I do want Alex at Europrice to be on speed dial and get some OEM parts going finally but again I got to get a job first. Got my BA in Poly Sci in 2.5 years so I am hungry to start earning money again so I can spend it on my passion.

I have a feeling the A4 2.0 with the APR Stage III will give S4's some serious trouble. Well, at least I will!! Haha!

[19birel]

Really nice build! I always love seeing Avants getting love. Can't wait to see your future APR stage 3 plans begin to materialize!

A couple quick questions, where did you source those speakers? How do they compare to the factory B&O setup in terms of sound quality?

[TCHUN003]

Your thread gets me super excited. How difficult was the motor mount install on the driver side? Any tips?

[jaycurn]

Your thread gets me super excited.

^^^THIS^^^

Also, how are you liking the TDI intercooler? Have you had a chance to run any logs or have you noticed any notable improvements as a result of the slightly larger core?

[QUA77RO]

^ Great to hear from you! So glad you are having the time to be on this forum. I have really admired your skills and adventure and the lessons you have given from time to time!! So cool.

I have made the decision to keep the Avant. After getting a very TEPID response from Audi NA before the Tdi Skandal broke, I would imagine their reluctance to bring anything which costs them more money will be zero for the foreseeable future. I have toyed with the idea of doing the Tdi upgrade from an A7 etc. but its gonna be too much work and I love the Avant so much it would be hard to sell her just to start a project anew.

So the goal is to go full retard (I know you never go full retard) and do the APR Stage III with APR FMIC and exhaust.

As far as body goes I love the idea of a body kit but I need to get a job as I am finishing my BA in 4 weeks. SO I need to work first. That may be the fly in the ointment for my mod plans.

I do want Alex at Europrice to be on speed dial and get some OEM parts going finally but again I got to get a job first. Got my BA in Poly Sci in 2.5 years so I am hungry to start earning money again so I can spend it on my passion.

I have a feeling the A4 2.0 with the APR Stage III will give S4's some serious trouble. Well, at least I will!! Haha!

Thanks. I try to contribute what I can when time permits. I completely understand your situation. Gotta pay to play so get that money bud.

Don't worry about going full retard... that was reserved for the only A4 Avant/S4 conversion done a few years ago. I was told that registering it was a major hurdle. Audi wouldn't acknowledge the car as an S4 Avant so DMV didn't know what to do and labeled both VIN as SALVAGE.... That was FULL retard!

Assuming APR's Stage III is close to what I'm running, stock B8/8.5's are snacks.

[A4 Centaur]

Your thread gets me super excited. How difficult was the motor mount install on the driver side? Any tips?

Drivers side was (as described by others) as easier. The connector to the alternator removed and some ingenious rotation of the engine mount, and she does go in easier than the passenger side.

I removed the entire fender liner for both sides, just so I could have the visual I need. While in there I was looking at that stupid "Soundkator" and would have removed it but couldn't find a plug or cover that would suffice.

Crash and I are gonna link up in Boulder very soon and a few more things will occur at the shop there!! Lips are sealed until then.