2012 S4 conservative built.

[ebarberena]

I just got this 2012 S4 with 13k miles a little over a week ago.



This is going to be my DD. I've been DDing an 2008 S3 for 6 years. It was modded by the original owner with a VF Engineering big turbo kit plus several other bits. The S3 has been a lot of fun but it's been a nightmare reliability wise and very expensive to run.

Because of this past experience, I will be very conservative modding my S4. I will focus on bolt-ons that can be easily undone if they cause any trouble, will enhance the car's performance and looks but never at the expense of drivability .

I will be making a list of all the mods with parts description, parts number and vendor on this first post so its easy to follow-up on the built.

I will be making new post for each mod or group of mods made with specific comments and will update them if necessary with my experience.

This will be a boring built for the hardcore and experienced members but I intend it to be a guide for beginners like me.

So here we go!

Mods so far:

February 26: Car collected, 300ml Liqui Moly Ceratec oil additive (P. #3721) and 355ml Red Line Water Wetter (P. #80204) added. Both bought on Amazon.
March 2: Oil dip stick (Audi P. #06E115611H) and SS pedal set (Audi P. #8K1064205B) installed. Both bought at local Audi dealer.
March 8: aFe Pro Dry S air filter (P. #11-10121). Bought on Amazon.
March 9: H&R wheel spacers installed. 15mm front (P. #3055665), 20mm rear (P. #4055665) with ECS 45mm ball seat bolts front (P. #S17D45-ZNNITT), 47mm rear (P. #S17D47-ZNNITT) and 47mm locking bolts (P. #003901ECS47BB). I had to cut 5mm off the front locking bolts in order for them to fit. All bought form ECS Tuning.
ECS Complete Rear Differential Mount Insert Kit P. # 008288ECS01KT.
March 11: Stock H-11 fog light bulbs replaced with Phillips CrystalVision Ultra (P. #12362CVB2). Bought at my local Autozone.
March 30: Porsche 911 oil (P. #99110747501) & expansion tank (P. #99110645701) caps. Bought at ECS.
Relak Rtech paddle extensions, aluminum. Bought direct http://www.relakhq.com/Rtech-Paddles...m-RtechAlu.htm
Cup holder ashtray. Ebay http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ashtray-Ash-...item2eed68f41b
April 4: CR-15 Upper Strut Tower Brace. Bought directly from James http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...ictures-inside
April 7: 245/45-18 Michelin PSS bought locally.
April 25: Ferodo Racing DS Performance brake pads, #FDS4044 front set, #FDS405 rare set. Bought locally at http://autocompeticion.com.mx/
Goodridge brake lines, #3008. Bought at Sparktec Motorsports through Amazon.
Motul RBF 600 brake fluid. Bought at Amazon.
Slot Milling on OEM rotors done locally. CAD drawings and CNC programs available.
May 2: Got it detailed and debadged.
May 30: 034 Motorsports Silicone inlet hose part #034-112-6005. Bought from Urotuning.com
June 15: OEM Shift Knob/Boot 8K1713139SNOA. Bought at local Audi dealer.
Ziza LED Interior Lighting Kit. ECS Tuning ES#2210291
June 17: 034 Motorsports rear ASB #034-402-1005. Bought from Europa Parts
June 22 : New OEM battery part #000915105DK. Bought and installed at local Audi dealer.
August 18: Ross-Tech HEX-USB-CAN interfase. Bought from Europa Parts #000035
Reverse Philips 921 Bright White Vision LED bulbs (P. #12841B2). Bought on Amazon


Upcoming (on order or waiting install):

EPL Stage 1 ECU tune.
Wheel refurbishing.
Red bezel Start/Stop button.


Maybe in the future:
Autostyle custom mats (no heel plate!)
TCU tune
Girodisc two piece front rotors.
Q5 front calipers

[ebarberena]

The day I picked up my car I added some Liqui Moly Ceratec oil additive and some Red Line Water Wetter coolant additive. A little snake oil never hurt anyone .

That same day I ordered a dipstick (just can't trust a sensor on something like this) and some SS pedals. The car's cockpit looked way to plain with out them. I received them the next week and install them right away. They were very easy to install, fit perfectly (to be expected) and look great. Just don't follow the instructions on the supplied booklet for the dead pedal. I didn't want to remove all those interior panels and start breaking brackets. I just pried the old one out, push the new one into place and used a broad, blunt painters spatula to push the left side lip under the hood release lever panel (when you see the part you will know what I mean).

[chopz33]

13k miles. Very nice

[RoadRage]

brake
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[ebarberena]

brake
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brake

Thanks! Post has been edited.

[ebarberena]

I received a bunch of stuff from ECS Tuning and Amazon today. The parts will get installed in the next few days.

I did manage to install the aFe air filter. This is my first experience with a product from them. I've used K&N several times in the past. I decided to go with aFe because I wanted to try a dry filter and because I liked the added filter area on their inverted cone top design. When I removed the intake pipe I found a K&N. That gave me the opportunity to to compare both. The filters look very similar quality wise, the K&N has a closed top compared to the inverted cone top on the aFe and is oiled, the aFe being dry.

Where the K&N was much better was on its attaching hardware. The K&N had metric black threaded studs, flat washers and nylon lock nuts. The afe featured SAE, yes SAE! threaded studs with silver coating and some very low budget nuts with star safety washers. I had to dig deep into my tool box to fine some deep SAE sockets. The silver studs are way to long and don't look very nice coming out of the filter/pipe flange. aFe please change the hardware on this filter.

I haven't test driven it but I am hoping I get a little more induction sound because of the extra filter area. We'll see.

[BlownOne]

Nice find! There's not a whole lot to modify performance wise...get an intake, ecu/tcu stage1 and enjoy it.

Interested in the Porsche oil and coolant caps...link or pics?

[Rocket Tech]

Do a search for chipwerke and read up! Low cost effective way to near stage 1 performance.

How do you "slut mill" rotors?

[blackfunk]

brake
brake
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Harsh dude. English might not be his first language, LOL.

[ebarberena]

Nice find! There's not a whole lot to modify performance wise...get an intake, ecu/tcu stage1 and enjoy it.

Interested in the Porsche oil and coolant caps...link or pics?

You can get them at ECS. I already have them on my S3 and they look really nice.

Oil cap Porche P. #99110747501 https://www.ecstuning.com/ES2717932/
Coolan cap Porche P. #99110645701 https://www.ecstuning.com/ES2218865/

[ebarberena]

Do a search for chipwerke and read up! Low cost effective way to near stage 1 performance.

How do you "slut mill" rotors?

I work on a machine tool shop so I have access to a CNC mill. Its pretty simple, just make sure you mill the slots with a ball (not flat) end mill. I don't know how deep or where I am milling the slots but once I've done it I can e-mail the CAD drawings and CNC program to anyone who is interested. I am sure your local CNC shop can do it. You can even mill them on an old Bridgeport. No rocket science here.

[Rocket Tech]

I was making a joke about your spelling ;)

[ebarberena]

Harsh dude. English might not be his first language, LOL.

Thanks for standing up for me blackfunk but its fine, he is helping me get better with my English.

[blackfunk]

Bet you your English is better than my Spanish. LOL, I felt he was busting your chops so I figured I give him hell too. All in good fun.

[ebarberena]

Got you Rocket tech! I guess I need to get used to posts like this.

[ebarberena]

I installed my H&R spacers and ECS diff mount inserts this morning. Can only comment on the install as I have only driven the car for 3km today.

The spacers fitted like a glove with no play at all on the self centering lips. None between hub and spacer or between spacer and wheel. I used 45mm bolts front and 47mm rear. The 47mm lock nuts were too long for the fronts (I bought a set of 4) so I shorten them by 5mm. I'll color code the front and rear bolts with nail polish so they don't get mixed on my next tire change. The car looks much better now. I posted some pictures on the wheel spacer thread http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...4#post11461814.



The front diff mount is very easy to install and took all of 3 minutes. The rear ones took a little longer. An 18mm ratcheting wrench would have helped made the install much easier. The space is very tight for a standard ratchet and socket, more so for the left one. The supplied instructions a very good except maybe for not recommending an 18mm ratcheting wrench on the tool list. All parts fitted perfectly.



The whole thing took me a little over an hour to complete.

[LordMagnet]

Are those Ecodes? Or is that the headlight that comes in Mexico? Mcodes?

Congrats on the new car, by the way.

[torinalth]

sure the porsche caps will fit our cars? not listed via either engine or model as compatible.

[ebarberena]

sure the porsche caps will fit our cars? not listed via either engine or model as compatible.

Not 100% sure. I haven't received them yet and my S3 is in the shop so I don't have them handy to double check. They should though. My Audi dealer calls out the same part number for both caps on S3 8P and S4 B8. I will update once I've fitted them.

You might want to cross reference part numbers/interchangeability between an 2012-2013 Golf R (same drive train as my S3 8P) and an S4 B8. ECS says the Golf R is not only compatible with the Porsche caps but also with the R8's (very nice caps by the way but much more expensive than Porsche's). I don't see how an R8 interchanges some parts with a Golf and not with an S4. I would like to think my S4 is closer to an R8 than a Golf is.

- - - Updated - - -

Are those Ecodes? Or is that the headlight that comes in Mexico? Mcodes?

Congrats on the new car, by the way.

Thanks!

Those are the standard light the car comes with here in Mexico. I guess they are the same they use in Europe (would that make them Ecodes?).

[Lamprey]

sure the porsche caps will fit our cars? not listed via either engine or model as compatible.

I thought I had read that Porsche ones do not fit. But, I cannot confirm that. if you look at the pics of the Porsche one vs the R8 they are slightly different (Oil Caps):

Porsche


R8

[ebarberena]

I thought I had read that Porsche ones do not fit. But, I cannot confirm that. if you look at the pics of the Porsche one vs the R8 they are slightly different (Oil Caps):

I guess the Porsche cap has a smaller flange diameter and it fits deeper on the head opening. (see ECS picture on a VW head)

The Porsche cap is shorter which means it has a lower center of gravity and is probably lighter so there is a performance advantage to it!



I will know for sure when I fit it next week and will report back.

[Lamprey]

I guess the Porsche cap has a smaller flange diameter and it fits deeper on the head opening. (see ECS picture on a VW head)

The Porsche cap is shorter which means it has a lower center of gravity and is probably lighter so there is a performance advantage to it!

That outa gain you about 5hp..

[ebarberena]

That outa gain you about 5hp..

I was thinking more like 10hp

[ebarberena]

I installed my LED H-11 fog light bulbs tonight (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01...ilpage_o04_s00). They didn't work (should have known, Chinese junk seldom does). Their front projection design cast a round beam instead of the flat one required for fog lights. Returning them and trying Phillips CrystalVision Ultra.

[ebarberena]

I installed my LED H-11 fog light bulbs tonight (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01...ilpage_o04_s00). They didn't work (should have known, Chinese junk seldom does). Their front projection design cast a round beam instead of the flat one required for fog lights. Returning them and trying Phillips CrystalVision Ultra.

Phillips CrystalVision Ultra bulbs installed. Correct beam pattern. Not quite as white as the Xenon but closer than the stock bulbs. They are supposed to give 100% longer light too. We'll see...

[S4Drew]

Nice ride man!! Impressive to find a 2012 with such low milage too.

Some tasteful mods you've listed as well. I would add tint to your list, as it will really set off the chrome trim around the windows. Personal preference ;)

Looking forward to watching your build over time!

[ebarberena]

Nice ride man!! Impressive to find a 2012 with such low milage too.

Some tasteful mods you've listed as well. I would add tint to your list, as it will really set off the chrome trim around the windows. Personal preference ;)

Looking forward to watching your build over time!

Thanks Drew.

[40ventiller]

I can confirm that R8 and Porsche oil/coolant caps fit B8.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[ebarberena]

A bunch a of parts arrived yesterday. First in were the Porsche caps. Both fitted perfectly. The coolant tank cap looks great. Not so sure about the oil cap, tough. The part is great but it does look a little out of place seating so deep on the head cover. I would buy it if I was not buying it to match the coolant tank cap.

[ebarberena]

Next, some interior parts:

A cup ashtray bought on ebay from a Chinese vendor. It looks fine and cost 1/5 of what my local dealer wants. The only thing I didn't like is that the hidge does not lock on the open position (my wife's Toyota minivan's does!). Next time I'm at the dealer I will compare it with the original and report back.



And a set of Relak paddle extensions. The finish could be better. There are some flow/mold surface marks on the parts but once installed you can't see them. The color match is not perfect either but more than acceptable. As an example, the ashtray lid finish is better than the paddles'. I haven't used them yet so no opinion on how they they perform.

[40ventiller]

A bunch a of parts arrived yesterday. First in were the Porsche caps. Both fitted perfectly. The coolant tank cap looks great. Not so sure about the oil cap, tough. The part is great but it does look a little out of place on the head cover. I would buy it if I was not buying it to match the coolant tank cap.

These caps have two pieces. You can separate them to get them lined up.

Here's how mine look like.

[ebarberena]

Installed my CR-15 bar on Saturday. What a nicely made part. It fits perfectly.

[ebarberena]

Michelin PSS 245/45-18 were mounted today. When I bought the car it had brand new Pirelli P Zero Rosso 245/40-18 tires. Although they were fine on dry roads I've read awful reviews on Tire Rack regarding their wet performance (I haven't driven them the wet) so i decided to go with PSS which I've used in the past and have performed flawlessly (I have to admit I'm little of a tire snub). I also wanted to put as little miles as possible on the Pirellis as not to hurt their resale value much.

Have only drive some city street miles today so can't comment much on the performance. They definitely fill more complaint compared to the lower profile Pirellis.

I also like the way they look. They fill the wheel arches much better. I am having a small rub on the rear tires (I had none with the Pirellis) so I will remove 1-2mm from the rear wheel spaces (I have 20mm installed in the back).

[IMG][IMG][/IMG]

[sacandagaD]

Next, some interior parts:

A cup ashtray bought on ebay from a Chinese vendor. It looks fine and cost 1/5 of what my local dealer wants. The only thing I didn't like is that the hidge does not lock on the open position (my wife's Toyota minivan's does!). Next time I'm at the dealer I will compare it with the original and report back.





And a set of Relak paddle extensions. The finish could be better. There are some flow/mold surface marks on the parts but once installed you can't see them. The color match is not perfect either but more than acceptable. As an example, the ashtray lid finish is better than the paddles'. I haven't used them yet so no opinion on how they they perform.

Suggestion: Change out that Pontiac Bonneville shifter, with either a heat and twist fit or direct fit knob!

[mmm def]

45 sidewall? Should be 245/40 18.That's probably the reason you're rubbing on the PSS and not the Pirelli. Why not stick with oem size?

[ebarberena]

45 sidewall? Should be 245/40 18.That's probably the reason you're rubbing on the PSS and not the Pirelli. Why not stick with oem size?

I went with a 45 side wall on purpose. Streets and roads are awful here in Mexico so a 45 spec ration gives me better ride and better protection from road hazards. I understand I now have a larger diameter tire and this might be whats causing the rubbing.

[ebarberena]

Suggestion: Change out that Pontiac Bonneville shifter, with either a heat and twist fit or direct fit knob!

I kind of like it, it reminds me of an Oldsmobile Cutlass my father used to own. Seriously, I don't dislike it that much. I do like the B8.5 shift knob much better. I've seen some post of people retrofitting B8.5 knobs on B8's but I don have the nerve to do that work. Can you refer me to an easy/safe knob upgrade?

[4RCFED]

Black Forest industries shift knob, do a quick search for the thread.

[sacandagaD]

I kind of like it, it reminds me of an Oldsmobile Cutlass my father used to own.

Exactly, lol! Seriously, that baby will burn your hand after getting in after it sits in the hot sun.

I went with the S-line shifter on mine. Straight 10-15 minute swap out. See post # 433 on this thread for same one I have. http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...ob+replacement

[ebarberena]

Exactly, lol! Seriously, that baby will burn your hand after getting in after it sits in the hot sun.

I went with the S-line shifter on mine. Straight 10-15 minute swap out. See post # 433 on this thread for same one I have. http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...ob+replacement

It looks great! Where did you get yours? Do you have a part number or something so I can search for it?