Moonlight SQ5

[Critter1]

As posted in the new members forum-
'Good morning all! I just took delivery of my 2016 SQ5! I'm in love... I'm a car guy, so I want to modify and upgrade EVERYTHING! No doubt I'll do the same with the SQ5, but its pretty 'close' to perfect as is. I'm into vintage VWs, I have a 64 notchback with a 2194cc motor and taking up my garage space. I look forward to getting to know folks around here and maybe around my area of Nor-Cal."

So that^ was my introduction I'll use this thread to post questions and updates regarding my SQ5. I think the first thing I'd like to do is upgrade the various bushings or "smushings" as they seem to be, as well as larger sway bars. As I drove the 200 miles after leaving the dealership to get to know the car, the one thing that stood out was the body roll, flex, lean.. all that. After browsing around I see that there's a few companies that offer such upgrades; 034 Motor Sports, ECS Tuning, Euro Code, etc... It seems to me (without having done much research) that 034 has their stuff together! Can I get some weigh ins on the subject of which company is "better"? I know this is very subjective, but...

[TJay74]

I did the 3 main rear bushing from 034 Motorsports, it seems to have helped with driveline slop for sure. Plan is to eventually put the H&R springs on it down the road to drop it an inch or so. I am also thinking about the rear swaybar as well, most reports say it really helps with body roll especially if you have the sunroof.

[bmoreS4]

Very nice, I'm also a Vw fan.

[SQive]

It only needs the rear sway-bar. Stiffening the front sway only increases under-steer. 034 Motorsport has a number of inserts for the stock mounts. They are affordable and easily installed. There is also the X-Brace, which is also simple to install yourself. They claim it is more rigid that the Alu Kruez, but I haven't had the AK, so I can't confirm this. 034 also has a silicon intake hose, another easy install, that really helps it breathe, and allows just a slight amount of induction noise (SC whine). If you really like the whine, you could go with one of the other intakes, but it gets a little obnoxious IMO. There has been a growing number of mods available for the Q's, with exhaust, suspension, wheels, tires, and spacers. I agree with you though; it's nearly perfect as is.

[turbojayc]

Congrats on the new SQ. Just from my personal experience. Dropping my SQ on H&R springs made the handling a hell of a lot better

[Critter1]

Thanks for the comments! I forgot to mention, I ordered the silicone intake hose from 034 the day I picked up the SQ. SQive, you're right, it'll be a simple install.. and I do want to hear the whine a little more. Extra breathability is nice too.

Good to know on leaving the front sway bar alone. Perhaps upgrading just the front sway bar bushings and end links?

I also plan on getting the Manaflow exhaust. I've heard it and its subtle enough to not be annoying, but rumbly enough to satisfy my ear. I do also have plans for a set of 5x130 20" wheels, but I'll need to do some more research to see if what I'm after is still available....

[SQ5LIFE]

Thanks for the comments! I forgot to mention, I ordered the silicone intake hose from 034 the day I picked up the SQ. SQive, you're right, it'll be a simple install.. and I do want to hear the whine a little more. Extra breathability is nice too.

Good to know on leaving the front sway bar alone. Perhaps upgrading just the front sway bar bushings and end links?

I also plan on getting the Manaflow exhaust. I've heard it and its subtle enough to not be annoying, but rumbly enough to satisfy my ear. I do also have plans for a set of 5x130 20" wheels, but I'll need to do some more research to see if what I'm after is still available....

Magnaflow is def a good choice. Love them. Congrats on the new SQ. If you are looking for a little more sound AWE is a good choice as well, no drone, assuming no downpipes. the KW HAS is great for lowing, better than H&R..... even though i have H&R lol but air suspension is the way to go. Keep up the good work.

[SQive]

Thanks for the comments! I forgot to mention, I ordered the silicone intake hose from 034 the day I picked up the SQ. SQive, you're right, it'll be a simple install.. and I do want to hear the whine a little more. Extra breathability is nice too.

Good to know on leaving the front sway bar alone. Perhaps upgrading just the front sway bar bushings and end links?

I also plan on getting the Manaflow exhaust. I've heard it and its subtle enough to not be annoying, but rumbly enough to satisfy my ear. I do also have plans for a set of 5x130 20" wheels, but I'll need to do some more research to see if what I'm after is still available....

Nope. . .not without some adapters.
The S/Q's wheels are 5x112.
There's a lot of options out there. . .happy hunting!

[drumnjuny]

Solid list! Same as my mods list, basically. Haha


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[Critter1]

Nope. . .not without some adapters.
The S/Q's wheels are 5x112.
There's a lot of options out there. . .happy hunting!

Oh I realize i'll need adaptors, knew that. HUGE range of wheel options out there.

[Mops@Nemesis]

Welcome, and congrats! Moonlight with the black pack looks super good. I've run the 034 goodies on my A5 and now the SQ. Great parts, great company.

[rusq5]

Welcome, and congrats! Moonlight with the black pack looks super good. I've run the 034 goodies on my A5 and now the SQ. Great parts, great company.

I agree 100%. Moonlight with BO is great (I'm not biased at all).

I can also give a recommendation to the 034 parts. I've got nearly all their bits and goodies on mine and its a totally different beast now. Their rear sway is amazing.

Your planned mod list is excellent and will really take the car from SUV to car in terms of handling.

[Critter1]

I agree 100%. Moonlight with BO is great (I'm not biased at all).

I can also give a recommendation to the 034 parts. I've got nearly all their bits and goodies on mine and its a totally different beast now. Their rear sway is amazing.

Your planned mod list is excellent and will really take the car from SUV to car in terms of handling.

Thanks Doom! I'm looking forward to tinkering with it. I'd like it to take the corners like my GTI did.
There's a few VAGCOM things I'd like to dig into as well. Do you or someone else in the Bay Area or Sac Area have a cable, and willing to help out? I can't stand the "door open" and "seatbelt" beeps! There may be a couple other things I'm not thinking of right now too.

[Critter1]

Magnaflow #19238 has been ordered! I've read through the exhaust threads....exhausting! I'll straight pipe the center resonator and add Magnaflow #11385 in place of the down pipe resonators.

I ordered the MF-19238 through Hottexhaust.com. I emailed asking for a better price and received an email back with a one-day/one-use coupon code knocking a significant amount off the listed price of $1523. I panicked and ordered it right away! Maybe they hand the discounts out like crazy, I don't know, but it was a good enough deal for me to not pass up.

[Chris@EPL]

The Moonlight looks great. LMK when you want to do a tune. We have stage 1, stage 2, dual pulley, E85 and more and with our cable you can flash at home and flash back to stock at home.

[rusq5]

Thanks Doom! I'm looking forward to tinkering with it. I'd like it to take the corners like my GTI did.
There's a few VAGCOM things I'd like to dig into as well. Do you or someone else in the Bay Area or Sac Area have a cable, and willing to help out? I can't stand the "door open" and "seatbelt" beeps! There may be a couple other things I'm not thinking of right now too.

I am about to pull the trigger on vagcom myself. I've got a couple codes due to the e-codes i want to clear.

I'll let you know when it comes.

[SQive]

The Moonlight looks great. LMK when you want to do a tune. We have stage 1, stage 2, dual pulley, E85 and more and with our cable you can flash at home and flash back to stock at home.

...and how much might that dual-pulley tune and home flash setup run me?

[Chris@EPL]

...and how much might that dual-pulley tune and home flash setup run me?

PM sent
[email protected]

[rusq5]

PM sent
[email protected]

You should post in the tuning thread. I'd love to see some #s and hear some details.

Sorry for thread jacking OP

[Critter1]

I am about to pull the trigger on vagcom myself. I've got a couple codes due to the e-codes i want to clear.

I'll let you know when it comes.

Thanks Russ, that'd be great! No worries on the thread jack.. I'd be glad to drive to the Bay to link up and bring a 6-pak of your favorite beverage.

[Critter1]

The 034 silicone intake hose came in today (haven't installed it yet).

Is there a drop in filter upgrade someone can point me to? I found this filter from ET, but, based on their description, I can't decide if its a fit for my SQ5 or not. Says its for use inside the factory air box. Is this correct for my application?

http://www.eurotechms.com/trufit-air...e-b8-s4-and-s5

[colby7]

Hey pal, I'm in EDH and have a VAG COM cable you can use. Lemme know when you wanna roll by. I can show you what I'm doing with my Moonlight Blue Metallic Q5. I'm tuned too, so you can see what that feels like.

[Chris@EPL]

Hey pal, I'm in EDH and have a VAG COM cable you can use. Lemme know when you wanna roll by. I can show you what I'm doing with my Moonlight Blue Metallic Q5. I'm tuned too, so you can see what that feels like.

Take him for a ride and see what he thinks. ;)

[Critter1]

Hey pal, I'm in EDH and have a VAG COM cable you can use. Lemme know when you wanna roll by. I can show you what I'm doing with my Moonlight Blue Metallic Q5. I'm tuned too, so you can see what that feels like.

Colby, that's awesome! I rarely see any other SQ5s around Sac area. I'll definitely take you up on that offer. We'll set something up.

[N3MO]

Hey awesome color, probably the most unique color for a Q! If your interested in selling the stock exhaust after you put on the magnaflow's please let me know. I've been looking for a setup but everything is so far away. I'm in Northern California as well

[Critter1]

Hey awesome color, probably the most unique color for a Q! If your interested in selling the stock exhaust after you put on the magnaflow's please let me know. I've been looking for a setup but everything is so far away. I'm in Northern California as well

N3EMO... I plan on holding on to everything I take off. Sorry my man.

[rusq5]

Thanks Russ, that'd be great! No worries on the thread jack.. I'd be glad to drive to the Bay to link up and bring a 6-pak of your favorite beverage.

I'll be around the weekend after next (21-22) if you want to do some coding. You can also test out how the 034 sway feels!

[N3MO]

No worries. Thanks and good luck on the build

[Critter1]

The Magnaflow system arrived today. Still need to order the downpipe resonator/X pipe muffler from them as well. Also I have the 034 intake tube sitting here. Can anyone that's from the Sacramento area recommend a quality muffler shop that wont leave behind a bunch of bird shit welds and half assed bends?


Where's Waldo...?

[MagnaFlow]

Awesome pics! Let us know how that exhaust setup works for you!

[Critter1]

Awesome pics! Let us know how that exhaust setup works for you!

Thanks MF!

I have what I need just sitting in my garage, but I've been busy finishing up another project... a 64 Notchback that also has a Magnaflow. It'll be near then end of June before I can get the SQ5 exhaust all done up, but I will take pics/vids and let you know.