S4 Mod progression. What order did you modify your S4? What was the best value?

[rulaxin12]

I've had my 2013, 6 spd, for a little over a year now. I bought it with 17k on the odometer and it was fully stock.

(winter tire setup)

When i first got it, i said, i'll wait till my warranty expires. Then i went for a ride in a stage 2 S4 and everything changed. I was still on the fence as it was seemingly big risk, but my local audi dealer has a motorsports division and they will handle warranty work if needed and reflash back to stock at no charge.

I did my mods in stages because i like to see how each changes the driving dynamics and driving experience.

1. 19k miles. Got 19" ti rotors with michelin pss and lowered on HR OE springs.
the difference from the stock 18 all seasons to summers and lowered was very noticeable. It was difficult to get the wheels to lose traction with the summers and more road feel was translated through the steering.

2. 23k miles. Added APR stage 1 and USP intake.
The intake makes for a loud supercharger whine which I liked and the stage 1 upgrade made rowing through gears at higher rpms very fun.

3. 30k miles. Added APR stage 2.
This increased throttle response and increased overall power. Now i was getting the pin you in your seat type acceleration at lower rpms, but also the ability to stay in 6th gear on the highway and not have to downshift to pass.

4. 35k miles. AK brace and eurocode ss.
The short shifter really makes shifting more precise and provides great feedback to the driver. The AK brace helped with quicker turn in, but not as noticeable as I had expected. I will see once i get my summers back on.

The best bang for my buck mod IMO was the short shifter. It was not as expensive as the other mods, made me feel like I was driving a new car, and really made rowing through gears fun.

The mod that provided the biggest change in driving experience was the tires and lowering springs. This is pretty common knowledge as tires always make a huge difference but if you are torn between stage 2 or a summer setup, I would do this first.

I've had no issues yet with my car, except for a weird wiper motor burning out(fixed under warranty) but aside from that it has been great.

How have others modded their S4s?

[HRa]

The mod that provided the biggest change in driving experience was the tires and lowering springs. This is pretty common knowledge as tires always make a huge difference but if you are torn between stage 2 or a summer setup, I would do this first.

Totally agree with the tires, suspension and springs. The difference it makes in so many situations can't be expressed on a dyno

[Maitre Absolut]

1) Is definitely exhaust for me. I don't get to open up the car much (lots of city driving) but I always enjoy listening to the rumble and pops the AWE makes.

2) KW HAS - Can't stand stock height cars

[UberBrute]

rulaxin12, what dealer do you use? feel free to PM if you prefer

[golfinz]

Order:
1) bought wheels (new)
2) bought car (16k miles)
3) black optic grill (used)
4) coilovers (used)

Best value: coilovers (used)

[Habber]

Just wondering if any of you guys did mods on a leased car or are they all owned (or financed)?

[Race Shooter]

Just wondering if any of you guys did mods on a leased car or are they all owned (or financed)?

My car is leased. I lowered it cause I couldnt stand the look of it in stock form. I'm also going to do wheels, which is no biggie. I'll just remove the springs before turning the car in if that is the route I go.

I dont plan on much else since I dont want any warranty issues and the car is plenty fast as it is. The only other thing I'd like is an exhaust, but cant justify the costs of those for just sound.

[AKPS4]

Just wondering if any of you guys did mods on a leased car or are they all owned (or financed)?

My car was leased and every mod listed was installed during the lease period. Just bought the car out last week. If I knew I was trading it at the end of the lease I would have not had a single mod.

[VenturiRS]

When i first got it, i said, i'll wait till my warranty expires. Then i went for a ride in a stage 2 S4 and everything changed. I was still on the fence as it was seemingly big risk, but my local audi dealer has a motorsports division and they will handle warranty work if needed and reflash back to stock at no charge.

I have staved the tune because I've yet to ride in a Stage 2.

Where is this dealership with its own motorsports division. If my dealership had that kind of setup, (free flashbacks) I'd have done it already. I'm just being a panzy because I don't have the (up to) 12k for the worst case scenario of the car blowing up.

[richib86]

I've had my 2013, 6 spd, for a little over a year now. I bought it with 17k on the odometer and it was fully stock.

(winter tire setup)

When i first got it, i said, i'll wait till my warranty expires. Then i went for a ride in a stage 2 S4 and everything changed. I was still on the fence as it was seemingly big risk, but my local audi dealer has a motorsports division and they will handle warranty work if needed and reflash back to stock at no charge.

I did my mods in stages because i like to see how each changes the driving dynamics and driving experience.

1. 19k miles. Got 19" ti rotors with michelin pss and lowered on HR OE springs.
the difference from the stock 18 all seasons to summers and lowered was very noticeable. It was difficult to get the wheels to lose traction with the summers and more road feel was translated through the steering.

2. 23k miles. Added APR stage 1 and USP intake.
The intake makes for a loud supercharger whine which I liked and the stage 1 upgrade made rowing through gears at higher rpms very fun.

3. 30k miles. Added APR stage 2.
This increased throttle response and increased overall power. Now i was getting the pin you in your seat type acceleration at lower rpms, but also the ability to stay in 6th gear on the highway and not have to downshift to pass.

4. 35k miles. AK brace and eurocode ss.
The short shifter really makes shifting more precise and provides great feedback to the driver. The AK brace helped with quicker turn in, but not as noticeable as I had expected. I will see once i get my summers back on.

The best bang for my buck mod IMO was the short shifter. It was not as expensive as the other mods, made me feel like I was driving a new car, and really made rowing through gears fun.

The mod that provided the biggest change in driving experience was the tires and lowering springs. This is pretty common knowledge as tires always make a huge difference but if you are torn between stage 2 or a summer setup, I would do this first.

I've had no issues yet with my car, except for a weird wiper motor burning out(fixed under warranty) but aside from that it has been great.

How have others modded their S4s?

im assuming the dealer you used is the dealer i worked for... skip them for the motorsport tuning as you will be RIPPED off. go to Eurotech and tell Danek Rich sent you and he will set you up!

[rulaxin12]

im assuming the dealer you used is the dealer i worked for... skip them for the motorsport tuning as you will be RIPPED off. go to Eurotech and tell Danek Rich sent you and he will set you up!

Hey Richi, Thanks for the heads up! I've gone to Eurotech for my previous car and for my 2013, the wheels, springs, shifter and brace installation were done by them. They are awesome and really take care of their customers. I had a B6 S4 and would ask Danek and Ryan, what else i should do for preventative maintenance and where most other shops would try to make a quick buck, they would stop me from doing unnecessary work!

I go to my dealer because, I had inherited audicare, so they will make sure i'm not flagged TD1. The price was more than other shops, but that tradeoff for the peace of mind of warranty is worth it.

[nick71692]

mine's leased....definitely the exhaust

[richib86]

my current s4 is a lease and so was my last, swapped all my parts(that fit) from the old car to the new

[mpv314]

The best bang for your buck is finding some of the more expensive things (wheels, exhaust, suspension, etc.) lightly used. Talk to the sellers and you may be able to figure out if they still have a standing warranty. If so, you're golden.

My example: On my B7 A4, bought a set of 18X8 O.Z. Ultraleggera wheels for $670. On tire rack they're roughly $350 per wheel

[MerkurRS]

The best bang for your buck is finding some of the more expensive things (wheels, exhaust, suspension, etc.) lightly used. Talk to the sellers and you may be able to figure out if they still have a standing warranty. If so, you're golden.

My example: On my B7 A4, bought a set of 18X8 O.Z. Ultraleggera wheels for $670. On tire rack they're roughly $350 per wheel

Agreed!
Almost everything I've upgraded has been "previously enjoyed" and I've saved $$$$$.
Two month-old Borla, not $1900, but $900.
Almost new flat bottom wheel w/extended paddles and air bag, not $1800, but $1100.
Upgraded MMI 3g+ just $1200, not $2000.
Smaller stuff; P3 guage, Roc-Euro intake, B8.5 switches all new and on sale. Very happy with all mods....thankfully it's not a lease, so I'll be keeping her for a while.

[Mops@Nemesis]

The best bang for your buck is finding some of the more expensive things (wheels, exhaust, suspension, etc.) lightly used. Talk to the sellers and you may be able to figure out if they still have a standing warranty. If so, you're golden.

My example: On my B7 A4, bought a set of 18X8 O.Z. Ultraleggera wheels for $670. On tire rack they're roughly $350 per wheel

For many items I agree for sure. You also win on the tail end, as your cost to "use" the parts is also much less. Say a set wheels were $3,000 new. OP uses them for a year, and gets $1,900. Well the next guy might get $1,500, so only $400 to run. Same with your OZ. You'll get $600 easy when you sell.

[PatDelaney7]

For many items I agree for sure. You also win on the tail end, as your cost to "use" the parts is also much less. Say a set wheels were $3,000 new. OP uses them for a year, and gets $1,900. Well the next guy might get $1,500, so only $400 to run. Same with your OZ. You'll get $600 easy when you sell.

beauty and brains Mops

[Mops@Nemesis]

beauty and brains Mops

Awwww shucks Patrick I've personally bought and sold a ton of parts, and help others do the same often. Still selling under Nemesis, and learn a lot on that end as well.

[ENV²]

1. Tint + HID fogs + interior LEDs
2. H&R springs
3. Miltek Exhaust + AWE S-Flo
4. EC AK, EC sways, and EC end links
5. Switched from stock 18 to stock 19 peelers
6. Opened headlights and wrapped amber lens
7. RS4 front grille + ETMS dash surround in piano black
8. Eurocode STS
9. Deval front and rear diffusers
10. Apikol red rear diff mount

11. Next week if all goes well it will be going in for APR or GIAC stage 2 with pulley, 034 Transmission mount, new HID Fogs, and possibly SS lines and brake fluid flush, then some time after that if I can find nice wheels in my budget Ill do those as well

[Hugonzalez01]

1st - intake system
2nd- Rs grill
3rd- stage 2/pulley Apr
4th- stage 3 clutch Master Clutch oe Luk flywheel
5th-VMR wheels 19" x9.5"
et 40
6th- H&R oe Sport springs
7th- passport 9500ci
More to come I hope


B8 2011 imola . 6MT, prestige, blck Interior, Stock 19" peelers
Stock stance, APR stage II + pulley, Injen Blck Cold Air Intake, 034 Test Pipes Cat delete, C-master Stage 3 kevlar Clutch, custom fited exaust with stock tips, RS replica Grill.

[Hugonzalez01]

Ha forgot 034 test pipes were done with clutch.


B8 2011 imola . 6MT, prestige, blck Interior, Stock 19" peelers
Stock stance, APR stage II + pulley, Injen Blck Cold Air Intake, 034 Test Pipes Cat delete, C-master Stage 3 kevlar Clutch, custom fited exaust with stock tips, RS replica Grill.

[Jay@JXB]

Not going to bother with the order I did things in. I'll just rank them in order I'd do them in if starting fresh:

Performance:
1. Stage 2+ kit (pulley swap and tune). I went with Unitronic because of good reviews of it vs. APR, AWE, etc. This will make your car sooo much faster, which makes it sooo much more fun day to day.
2. Eurocode USS kit (sway bars, aluminum endlinks, and Alu Kreuz) - I initially just got the sway bars and Alu Kreuz since they work with stock end links. BIG MISTAKE. Did absolutely nothing. The stock end links are PLASTIC!! I just added the endlinks today and the difference is HUGE! Body roll is almost nonexistent and steering is ultra-responsive and has an entirely different feel.
3. Intake! Doesn't matter too much which one you get. I did Roc-Euro because everybody seemed to think it's the loudest. It will put a smile on your face every time you put your foot down! Gains are minimal to none but that sound!

Things still on the list: Coilovers, exhaust, brakes, and SS brake lines/fluid change, maybe cooling system. Exhaust from what I hear is a lot like the intake but more expensive. Just makes it sound better but no real gains. Brakes and coilovers will come for me when I finish the driver mod and want to progress in autocross/track days.

Looks:
1. Tint
2. Wheels
3. Paint/plastidip that awful grey rear diffuser
4. Suspension
5. Mesh grill

I can't say it enough, Stage 2 and USS system are hands down IMO the best bang for your buck mods.

[BillyG]

Not going to bother with the order I did things in. I'll just rank them in order I'd do them in if starting fresh:

Performance:
1. Stage 2+ kit (pulley swap and tune). I went with Unitronic because of good reviews of it vs. APR, AWE, etc. This will make your car sooo much faster, which makes it sooo much more fun day to day.
2. Eurocode USS kit (sway bars, aluminum endlinks, and Alu Kreuz) - I initially just got the sway bars and Alu Kreuz since they work with stock end links. BIG MISTAKE. Did absolutely nothing. The stock end links are PLASTIC!! I just added the endlinks today and the difference is HUGE! Body roll is almost nonexistent and steering is ultra-responsive and has an entirely different feel.
3. Intake! Doesn't matter too much which one you get. I did Roc-Euro because everybody seemed to think it's the loudest. It will put a smile on your face every time you put your foot down! Gains are minimal to none but that sound!

Things still on the list: Coilovers, exhaust, brakes, and SS brake lines/fluid change, maybe cooling system. Exhaust from what I hear is a lot like the intake but more expensive. Just makes it sound better but no real gains. Brakes and coilovers will come for me when I finish the driver mod and want to progress in autocross/track days.

Looks:
1. Tint
2. Wheels
3. Paint/plastidip that awful grey rear diffuser
4. Suspension
5. Mesh grill

I can't say it enough, Stage 2 and USS system are hands down IMO the best bang for your buck mods.

Disclaimer: I do not have an S4 now, but had a 2010 for almost 5 years, and have a 2015 on order.

I agree with jbulling2 very much so. Stage 2 tune and Eurocode sways and end links turn the S4 into a BEAST!!! I was stock until about 20K miles, then went stage 1 APR. I went stage 2 around 30K miles, and around that time added the Alu Kreuz. Shortly after that I added the sways and end links, and that was a wicked combination, now it handled the way I thought it should. Also, I think for the 6MTs out there, a short shifter is a must. I had the JHM, but switched to the Eurocode when that came out. I also switched to aftermarket wheels with Michelin PSS and added tint along the way.

For the new 2015 that's on order, I'll be dropping some $$$ at Eurocode during their March Madness sale: buying the sways, end links, Alu Kreuz, and short shifter for sure. I'll probably order some 19s with PSS and have them waiting for the new car. I will go stage 2 again, probably APR as I have an APR dealer about 10 miles from me, but I'll give the engine some time to break in first, probably 10K miles or so.

[Li ls4]

My mod order

1- tints (done)
2- awe exhaust with resonated dp (done)
3- coilovers (ordered)
4- adjustable control arms (need to order asap)
5- wheels (also need to order asap)

after all that is done then im looking to do
-rs4 grill
-few carbon fiber stuff
-more suspension stuff