Lensch09 - 2016 Daytona Grey B8.5 S4 Build (6MT)

[Lensch09]

For some reason, my photos are not posting in the correct orientation, even though they look correct in the hoster... Oh well.

Next up, ECS carbon fiber mirror covers

DO NOT ATTEMPT this job unless you have a trim removal set... Also, I found some issues with the ECS covers and some differences in the bores between the stock B8.5 housings and the aftermarket housings. I had to modify them to get them to fit. But, as I was in process, I didn't snap any pictures.

Again, DO NOT ATTEMPT unless you have a nylon/plastic trim removal kit, or YOU WILL HATE YOUR LIFE. I have the Schwaben kit, it's awesome



Comparo... Daytona Grey Pearl with Xpel film applied (top), ECS bottom



On the car with the stocker



The ECS pieces installed on that car. They look great!





Continued in next post....

-

DL

[Lensch09]

Lastly, the OEM Piano Black cluster/MMI surround trim.

For this install, be sure you have a nylon/plastic trim removal kit or YOU WILL HATE YOUR LIFE...

Again with the Schwaben... Such a GREAT tool kit. Every DIYer should have this...



Stock surround with the silver plastic. It has been driving me nuts since day one of ownership. It literally matches NOTHING in the interior or anything in the rest of the car. Not sure why Audi NA made this decision (especially with those who opted for Carbon Atlas Inlays). But, I digress...Yes, my carpets look like a dumpster fire...Winter in the midwest...it sucks..



Side by side comparo



After the install... I'm extremely happy. The interior literally looks like the inside of Darth Vader's helmet at night...





And the final shots of the exterior... More in the next few weeks. Thanks for viewing!!!





Stay Tuned!!!

-

DL

[Lensch09]

As it turns out, I worked the following deal:

-Xpel installation shop will re-apply Xpel Ultimate to the full front-bumper.

-Since I'll be bringing in a naked bumper which saves them on the labor, they will also be throwing in fresh Xpel covers for my new CF mirrors (installed), and covering the top (under the trunk-opening) of my freshly refinished rear bumper to protect from golf-bag/luggage/keg removal...

Thanks to MOPS@SupremePowerParts, my Deval CF diffuser is currently tracking via UPS, and should be here sometime next week. I'm removing the bumper-covers myself, and taking them to a local VW/Audi certified shop. Should be complete in the next 10 days (I'll post pictures of the work).

NEW DEVELOPMENTS:
-Worked with Sean@Tag, Kevin@Lichty Auto, Alex@GIAC, and AWE to strike up tuning options. Big thanks to all involved! I've been EXTREMELY impressed by all, especially TAG, they're johnny on the spot with everything, and keep their cool when I call them/email them dozens of times a day.
-STGII GIAC V2 Software, STGII AWE-Supercharger Pulley, AWE STGII Supercharger Belt, and AWE Supercharger pulley removal tool
-Local GIAC tuner will be Kevin Lichty at Lichty Auto in Waterloo - (319) 296-2994

STAY TUNED!!!

-

Dan Lensch

[Lensch09]

Updates:
Got the summer wheels/tires out and cleaned them up to get them ready for clay/top coat:



Had the Xpel removed from the front-end in preparation for the front-bumper re-finish. Began pulling apart the front (I'll also be going AWE pulley while it's apart)



Front bumper all stipped down and ready to go to paint. All grilles (4) have been removed. Body shop requested me to "turn it in" with the washer and toe-hook covers intact.



Rear bumper removed and stripped down. Air-bag sensors were left in since they do not need to be removed for paint (mask). I did remove the park assist sensors and the rear valence. New Carbon Fiber Deval valence should be arriving sometime mid-next week (hopefully, the UPS tracking is responding funny).



Cleaned up my exhaust a bit with mothers polish and some light steel wool. Good lord they were BLACK...wonder if that has anything to do with the emissions scandal? Also, I'd really like to thank Audi for painting the rear crashbar black, but never painting the front.... (sarcasm)



The tips are etched... I may need to order new ones... Oh well, another day another dollar.


Anyways, later this week, I'll be claying and coating my wheels (either glanz-wax, XMT 180, or Cquartz, not sure yet), removing the stock pulley, waiting for bumpers to get back from paint, and generally moving this thing forward.

STAY TUNED!!!

-

Dan Lensch

[Dubious]

I don't see the "damage" to the front bumper. Also missed why you are respraying the rear bumper cover? Love the build!

[Lensch09]

I don't see the "damage" to the front bumper. Also missed why you are respraying the rear bumper cover? Love the build!

There's a scar under the drivers side headlight.

There is a small knick/dent in the rear bumper. It isn't that noticeable, but it bothers me.

-

DL

[Lensch09]

The finish is definitely failing





I'll try to get ahold of someone.

[Lensch09]

Contacted AWE to see if I could warranty out my tips with the failing coating. I'm confident that they will take care of everything.

More spring cleaning stuff showed up:

TONS of Optimum ID/Gloss Enhancer for maintenance washes. Also a hand pump and a bunch of mixer bottles



Included in my $100 mystery box from Autogeek was a tub of McKee's 37 Wheel Glaze. Figured I would clay down my wheels to remove any remaining toxins/debris, then give the new coating a shot. It looks nice, we'll see how it holds up. Smells good, too (like grapes).



Inner barrel cleaned, sprayed down with Iron-X, clayed, and coated with the McKee's 37. You can really see the "hand-brushed clearcoat" in this picture. It's really an amazing finish in person (Bespoke III Brushed Grigio)



And the outside of the wheel



My Deval Carbon Fiber rear diffuser also showed up. Big thanks to Mops @ SupremePowerParts. If you need anything, get ahold of him, great guy to deal with! Fast shipping, too!





Now I'm just waiting on bumpers to finish up. Maybe Thursday? Looks like my AWE pulley, GIAC program switcher, smaller supercharger belt, and pulley-removal tool should be arriving late Thursday. Should turn out to be a great weekend!

STAY TUNED!!!

-

Dan Lensch

[Lensch09]

Bumpers are done. Should be going back on the car tonight.... hopefully







More pictures coming tonight/tomorrow of the pulley upgrade!

-DL

[4RCFED]

Im thinking in spring I'll have my front done. If you don't mind, how much was just the front(you can PM) thx

[Jv218]

what bolts are those on the awe tips i'm trying to figure out the right tool to pull my tips outward, great build btw love your AG wheels

[Lensch09]

Im thinking in spring I'll have my front done. If you don't mind, how much was just the front(you can PM) thx

I paid $892 for both. I brought in naked bumpers (as pictured). Grilles, parking sensors, etc. all removed. Shop asked me to leave in tow-hook covers and wiper-flaps. I brought the parking sensors with me as requested on the off chance that the paint didn't match. However, it did.

-DL

- - - Updated - - -

what bolts are those on the awe tips i'm trying to figure out the right tool to pull my tips outward, great build btw love your AG wheels

Some rusty junk. I think they were either 10mm or 11mm carriage bolt. Pretty sure there's no way I'm getting them back apart in one piece.

Thanks for the kind words.

-Dan Lensch

[Jv218]

I paid $892 for both. I brought in naked bumpers (as pictured). Grilles, parking sensors, etc. all removed. Shop asked me to leave in tow-hook covers and wiper-flaps. I brought the parking sensors with me as requested on the off chance that the paint didn't match. However, it did.

-DL

- - - Updated - - -



Some rusty junk. I think they were either 10mm or 11mm carriage bolt. Pretty sure there's no way I'm getting them back apart in one piece.

Thanks for the kind words.

-Dan Lensch

Yeah my bolts are rusted up as well I'm trying to pull them right now


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Lensch09]

Install started tonight. Freshly painted rear bumper cover due to a small, barely noticeable battle scar received during a Hawkeye football tailgate in the snow late last year (I shoulda brought my truck). Fresh Deval CF splitter from Mops@SupremePowerParts as well (thanks buddy!).



Installed. I can't stress how important it is to take your time installing this thing. Even the stock valance is a pain in the ass to remove because the tabs are so stubborn. However, this CF piece is even more difficult to put back in because IT DOES NOT FLEX. The last tabs of each side MUST GO IN FIRST, NO EXCEPTIONS. Work slowly, remembering that the bumper will flex more than the CF valence, continue to take your time, and eventually, you'll get it.



Looks Awesome.



Looks real sharp. Something about the sun today and the way the fresh spring grass really brought out the pearl in the Daytona Grey. Maybe I just don't remember how gorgeous this color is under warm sun?





Perspective picture in my parents garage (where all of my tools still are even after returning from Germany). Still have the winter wheels on too. Deciding whether or not to change that tomorrow. Coin flip it overnight and see what mood I wake up in tomorrow.



STAY TUNED!!!

-Dan Lensch

[Lensch09]

AWE underdrive Pulley, AWE pulley-puller tool, OEM undersized belt (I assume it's undersized), GIAC handheld program-switcher, GIAC software code, a bunch of blow-pops, and my new BD toaster oven (required for the install) showed up! Big thanks to Todd @ AWE and Sean Doyle at TAG Motorsports. Great guys!









Can't believe AWE actually patterned the blow-pop into the foam. These guys are hilarious, and EVERYTHING (including the packaging) is TOP NOTCH!!!



As many of you know, our TVS1320 blowers utilize an interference/press fit for the pulley. Here's a picture "bakin" the AWE pulley in my new toaster oven (yes, I did buy it just for this). AWE recommends 375 F at 1 hour for the correct thermal expansion to take place. At 400 F, the coating (I'm guessing powder or E-coat) can be compromised. Again, take your time, enjoy the labor of love, wait for the pulley to heat correctly and thoroughly, and generally accept that your car is gonna have more power real soon...



The B8.5 doesn't have long bolts installed underneath the core support (at least I didn't care to look more than a few minutes for them). Regardless, AWE is kind enough to include long bolts in the kit so that you can remove the 16mm core support to frame-rail bolts, re-install the new AWE-supplied long bolts, and slide out the core support. THANK YOU (I was looking in my bolt bucket for long bolts before I realized AWE included them)!



B8.5s (and maybe the B8) use a new style of washer line connector. As it turns out, once disconnecting the headlight washers, the system can self-contain/close-loop the res. without draining all of the contents on the floor, all without using a CAP!!! This is awesome. After pulling core supports on Audis for the last 13 years, I can finally say that on this trip, I only lost about .2L of washer fluid on the floor this time while I "figured it out." Awesome....



A picture of the stock supercharger belt routing (could come in handy for a few)



Core-support pulled away from the frame



Cap removed from the stock charger pulley and stock belt removed



AWE puller-tool on the stock pulley. Make sure you use AMPLE amounts of anti-sieze on the jam-bolt. JAM_ON!



Stocker pulley removed!!!



Here's a quick shot of what the stock TVS1320 input shaft looks like, naked (oh my!) without any pulley.



AWE pulley installed (and capped) comparo photo with the stocker



I actually installed the pulley twice thinking it wasn't "bottomed out." However, this appears to be normal. Again, AWE pulley installed (and capped) comparo photo with the stocker being held in my hand.



New belt installed (make sure you get the routing correct, not real difficult).



How I left it for the night. I'll re-install the front bumper tomorrow, maybe install the summer wheels/tires, and possibly clay down, then final polish, and then wax/seal the car. Supposedly, there's a car show in the area on Saturday. With 41 F and rain/wintery "mix" in the forecast, I may just leave this thing sitting in the garage the next few days and drive my truck...



Test start, warm up, and a few revs! I'll Vag-Com out the bulb out errors tomorrow. ECS Luft-Tecnik cover is still off of the airbox (audible goodness, and I might actually leave it this way). Listen to that blower sing!



Will probably talk to Lichty about possibly doing the GIAC V2 STGII reflash sometime early next week.

STAY TUNED!!!

-Dan Lensch

[Lensch09]

Well, got the front bumper cover/grill all prepped up and ready for install.



Right around this point in the day, I figured it was high-time for a bit of lunch... Some Iowa pork shoulder steaks, marinated for about 12 hours... Good stuff. Man-meal...



Got the front end slapped back together, and then threw on the summer wheels. Wiped down the car with Optimum Gloss Enhancer/ID cut 1:3 water. I love this particular Optimum product!





I drove out to one of my favorite photo spots, only to find out the garage wasn't empty (oh well). I am driving the car easy with the underdrive pulley right now due to the stock tune. I hope to get out to Lichty Auto for the GIAC reflash sometime early next week if he has availability. He's enjoying some family time in Florida right now (good for him). Reflash and the other supporting mods should put the car up in the high 400s to the crank.







Will try to get some more video once I'm re-flashed.

STAY TUNED!!!

-

Dan Lensch

[Acejam]

Awesome build!

[NY_Quattro]

Been following your build on Autogeek but will follow here now. Great build! Can't wait to hear your impressions of the GAIC Stg 2 tune.


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine mobile app

[Lensch09]

First Drive after reflash



First few pulls!



Wound up getting a DTC on the drive home during some more adaptation. More on that later.

STAY TUNED!!!

-

Dan Lensch

[Lensch09]

At a rooftop hang over the weekend.... Cold weather, but, getting better!



Working on the FLASH





Handheld Flash Loader!



Wound up throwing a DTC/CEL on the way home...



Plugged in Vag-Com and pulled codes.



As it turns out, I was throwing a code for the fuel metering unit. According to the read-out, it was an intermittent reading and the freeze frame stated that the occurrence was only once.



Car never hit limp mode, and still seemed to drive okay. I emailed John Voss @ AWE today and got his feedback on the DTC. He had stated that 1 out of 12 cars that they FLASH will reset "soft settings" that are typically learned by the ECU overtime. I drove the car to work today, around at lunch, and back and forth to the bank (3+ key cycles), and the light still hasn't come back on. Car definitely moves more, now.

STAY TUNED!!!

-

Dan Lensch

[VenturiRS]

Just want to reiterate, that it indeed does go down in the DM.

[Lensch09]

Just want to reiterate, that it indeed does go down in the DM.

Correct. HAHAHA.

-DL

[SacAudi]

Correct. HAHAHA.

-DL

If you screen shot, you the police!

[deewan]

Great build Lensch09. I'm originally from the Cedar Falls/Waterloo area and I wasn't aware until reading this thread there was a good Audi shop in the area. When I buy my wife's S4 I'll have to keep Litchy's shop in mind. Keep the pics coming. Serves as inspiration for a lot of us. :)

[GT3_BBK]

Very nice!!

[85Coupe]

Beautiful car, Dan.

[Lensch09]

As per usual, Germany was awesome





Went to a local meet with a MASSIVE variety of stuff (Skylines, jacked-up coal-rollers, BMW made a good showing, other various JDMS, etc). Just a few pictures with a few Euro buddies:





New Philips X-treme Vision bulbs... This probably represents the last step in my quest for additional light prior to swapping out the projector lenses (actual lenses, I already have E-code housing-assemblies)



Had to pull the intake apart to remove the passenger side lamp. Got bored and jet-lagged as all get out so decided to snap a picture with my phone...



A comparo of the stock bulb and the new Philips. I couldn't believe the the stockers were from Harison (a lesser known "value" lower-quality Japanese company)





So, I was starting to question if my ecodes had some cheap-o bulbs thrown in them prior to shipment from the distributor (I bought them fully loaded with electronics and bulbs brand new while still on expat assignment in Germany). So, I decided to grab my NA spec housings and have a look at the factory bulbs. Sure enough, our cars use el-cheapo Japanese bulbs from the factory. Sad.



Anyways, I'm gonna let these new bulbs burn in for a bit. I'm relocating to California this week, and driving this thing out there. So, there should be plenty of burn-in time. I'll slap in a swap bulb at some point between the relo and the new job and try to get a comparo picture of the wider beam given by the Philips.

Thanks for looking. Stay Tuned!

-Dan Lensch

[Jv218]

is your ac line rubbing on the intake tube by any chance?

[Lensch09]

is your ac line rubbing on the intake tube by any chance?

AC line, no. However, there is a fuel line that goes up and over.

-DL

[Lensch09]

Well folks, I made the 2,000 mile drive out to my new home in Central Valley, NorCal. Some interesting tidbits:

-I can definitely feel the difference between 5000+ ft. power and 100 - ft power
-I drove through crap roads on summer performance tires. While not ideal, the correct alignment settings and a good bit of attention towards the road will get a person through safely
-Denver is fun, and full of interesting people
-I don't care for Vegas. There are MANY other places I'd rather be on "vacation."
-I love NORCAL!!!
-I LOVE THIS CAR!!!!

Car performed flawlessly loaded down with 400+ lbs of things, through EVERY weather combination and elevation combination thinkable. Props to GIAC/AWE!

Up in the Rockies...





No pictures of Vegas. I had it valeted. Mandalay Bay actually parked the car up front of the garage right next to a pearleasant grey McClaren P1 riding on bronze/gold ADV1 wheels.

When I got to the valley, the car needed a clean. My place has an HMA which doesn't allow handwashing. The solution: Call Epic Detail. They did a great handwash... Later on now being tied to a full on paint correction/LSP by yours truly.

Engine Bay cleaned up!





Removing the front bumper to repaint the crashbar. I had used standard Rustoleum bedliner (crap). The 3M professional series comes out MUCH different and seems to be a better coating.



Interior is also now cleaned!







I'll be tweaking the paint with a 7424XP (hopefully won't have to bust out the Rupes), some Pinnacle stuff, and some Menzerna stuff. My god, does this DGP paint sure ever pop in this California sun!

Stay Tuned!!!

-

DL

[Rshane]

Wow, just read this thread from start to finish...great build. I love the Daytona Grey; shines so nice in the sun. You have given me a number of ideas for my S4...thinking about the carbon bits.

[Pilfer]

Well folks, I made the 2,000 mile drive out to my new home in Central Valley, NorCal. Some interesting tidbits:

-I can definitely feel the difference between 5000+ ft. power and 100 - ft power
-I drove through crap roads on summer performance tires. While not ideal, the correct alignment settings and a good bit of attention towards the road will get a person through safely
-Denver is fun, and full of interesting people
-I don't care for Vegas. There are MANY other places I'd rather be on "vacation."
-I love NORCAL!!!
-I LOVE THIS CAR!!!!

Car performed flawlessly loaded down with 400+ lbs of things, through EVERY weather combination and elevation combination thinkable. Props to GIAC/AWE!

Up in the Rockies...





No pictures of Vegas. I had it valeted. Mandalay Bay actually parked the car up front of the garage right next to a pearleasant grey McClaren P1 riding on bronze/gold ADV1 wheels.

When I got to the valley, the car needed a clean. My place has an HMA which doesn't allow handwashing. The solution: Call Epic Detail. They did a great handwash... Later on now being tied to a full on paint correction/LSP by yours truly.

Engine Bay cleaned up!





Removing the front bumper to repaint the crashbar. I had used standard Rustoleum bedliner (crap). The 3M professional series comes out MUCH different and seems to be a better coating.



Interior is also now cleaned!







I'll be tweaking the paint with a 7424XP (hopefully won't have to bust out the Rupes), some Pinnacle stuff, and some Menzerna stuff. My god, does this DGP paint sure ever pop in this California sun!

Stay Tuned!!!

-

DL

I did a similar drive from Milwaukee to SF about 18 months ago. I left right after thanksgiving and saw less snow at the continental divide than you did lol. Denver was 70 degress when I got there. I did the drive on snow tires with all my belongings in the car. I should have told you to go through Capital Reef National Park. Someone recommended it to me. It was phenomenal. Hope to see you on May 14th

[SteveYem]

Thanks for all of the detailed info on your car modifications, but based on your latest photos now I'm more curious about your house/neighborhood. Pics please.

[riptide101]

Is it me or are there no pics?

[deewan]

I think its you. I can see all of them. If you are at work a firewall may be blocking them.

[Lensch09]

That's my sister's place. She lives in the Del Rio area of Modesto. Nice area.

I'm still waiting for my townhouse down in Turlock, CA to be finished. Maybe next week?

-DL

[deewan]

I was wondering if I could get your opinion on a few things....

Audi "guard" mats installed. Confirmed to support golf clubs and gain respect/comments from fellow golfers

Our S4 does contain golf clubs and golf shoes with the plastic cleats. How is the mat holding up?

Next mod is/are USP Motorsports LED reverse lights. They are DAMN awesome....

Did you have any of the typical error codes about a burnt out bulbs after installing these LEDs?

And my last question, I live in Cedar Rapids and am considering using Litchty up in Waterloo? Still have a glowing review of their service and workmanship?

Thanks for any input you can provide.

[Lensch09]

I was wondering if I could get your opinion on a few things....



Our S4 does contain golf clubs and golf shoes with the plastic cleats. How is the mat holding up?




Did you have any of the typical error codes about a burnt out bulbs after installing these LEDs?

And my last question, I live in Cedar Rapids and am considering using Litchty up in Waterloo? Still have a glowing review of their service and workmanship?

Thanks for any input you can provide.

I don't live in Cedar Rapids anymore. I live out in the central valley in California. DEFINITELY go to Lichty, wouldn't take my car anywhere else for maintenance/GIAC/AWE. Tell him I (Dan Lensch) sent ya. Kevin is a stand up guy who has the knowledge, the experience, and the specialized tools to get you taken care of.

If you would rather go APR, call Andy Falkner at Performance 2ning in Dubuque.

As far as the golf clubs, the mat has definitely held up! I've played dozens of rounds and the mat still looks new. My only complaint is that the mat did not come with holes installed for the hooks to use a cargo net. I've thought about fixing that with a razor blade, just haven't cared enough yet.

-Dan

[TITAN738]

Slick build......I have a 2015 Daytona Grey S4 with the full Napa Leather interior with brushed aluminum trim....it had all options checked off from the Prestige model but whoever ordered it before I bought it started with a Premium Plus model =p I definitely like the CF diffuser and the wheels.......I was told about the Enlaes CF trim pieces and I am looking at their trunk lip spoiler......I don't think that there are a lot of Daytona Gray S4's out there and that's how I like it......but yours is on point!!!!

[deewan]

I don't live in Cedar Rapids anymore. I live out in the central valley in California. DEFINITELY go to Lichty, wouldn't take my car anywhere else for maintenance/GIAC/AWE. Tell him I (Dan Lensch) sent ya. Kevin is a stand up guy who has the knowledge, the experience, and the specialized tools to get you taken care of.

If you would rather go APR, call Andy Falkner at Performance 2ning in Dubuque.

As far as the golf clubs, the mat has definitely held up! I've played dozens of rounds and the mat still looks new. My only complaint is that the mat did not come with holes installed for the hooks to use a cargo net. I've thought about fixing that with a razor blade, just haven't cared enough yet.

-Dan

Thanks Dan. I was also considering Andy in the Dubuque area, but he us currently charging $1299 for the flash and $260 for the labor. Kevin has a MSRP of $1200, which I believe is out the door cost. Next time I speak to Kevin, I'll drop your name. I'm not above that. :)

Did your backup LED's cause any error codes?