Glad to be back...
I am writing this little post to re-introduce myself to Audizine after a long hiatus and to post up a few pics of my RS4.
Time to break-in this new screen name...
Who am I?
Well, without getting too specific, I am a long-time member of the VW/Audi community.
My first VW was back in 2001 and I have only owned VW Group cars since then.
I was also a member of one of the VW/Audi aftermarket firms but it has been quite a few years since I moved on.
I am still an automotive engineer involved with VW and focused on vehicle electronics.
I was never super active on the forums and have always been more of a lurker.
I mostly prefer to stay behind the scenes when it comes to life on the web but I definitely enjoy the camaraderie that comes with the VW/Audi community.
That's enough about me...
My Cars?
I have personally owned 8 VW or Audi products since 2001.
Besides those cars, there are too many lease/company cars to count.
On top of all of that, there were all of those cars I was privileged to drive while working in the aftermarket.
Why am I telling you this? I am definitely not trying to brag.
I am trying to explain that after all of this, I chose the B7 RS4.
Back in 2014, I was looking for a fun car that was also practical and could hold the wife/kids in a pinch.
Well, that's when I started to consider getting a sports-sedan back in my life.
I had a very short-term lease on B8.5 S4 Prestige DSG with Sports Diff and I really liked being back in an Audi Sport Sedan everyday.
After this lease was up, I considered stepping away from the brand and picking up an E92 M3 V8.
I have always had a distant longing for an M3 and the E92 ticked all of the boxes for what I wanted to drive at the time.
However, based on my many positive experiences in the wonderful VW/Audi community and my loyalty to the brand, I decided that I would ultimately be happier in an Audi.
My decision to look for an RS4 was mainly driven by the following points:
- for me, the B8.5 S4 is a fantastic car but somehow not "special" enough; couldn't compare to how I felt while cross-shopping for the M3, for example.
- I have always loved the look of the B7 and the RS4's wider body; proper sport-sedan proportions...enough presence, enough stealth
- I really wanted to drive a great normally aspirated engine;
while I am a huge fan of forced induction (and former engineer), I find something so wonderful in the response characteristics of a great and powerful naturally aspirated motor (think Porsche flat-six, M3 V8...and of course Audi RS4)
- I wanted a car that I could perform most of the maintenance and mods on myself while even possibly involving the kids in some projects; Audi feels like home. - The Audi RS4 is rare bird and I love the idea of having a stealthy car with an interesting pedigree
- While not the most powerful motor in the world, it is a sweetheart to drive and is very flexible. Plus, the gearing is nice and short and makes the car feel responsive and punchy.
- In short...fun out of the box!
My RS4?
2007 RS4 with Premium Package
- Misano Red Exterior
- Black Interior with Brushed Aluminum Trim
- Purchased in July 2014 with approx 74,000 miles
- Not the cleanest or lowest mile example but most items were cosmetic.
- Got a great deal on it and it was less than 100 miles from home so I was happy to take her home and show her some love.
- Plus, I HAD to have Misano; only color I would want on this car except Suzuka Grey
Current Mods and Maintainance?
I am a bit ashamed to say that the car is mostly stock at the moment.
I don't want to go too far with it but still, I feel like it is a little too "puritan" at the moment.
This is mostly due to the fact that I work so much and have very little time for my own car.
Alright, enough with the excuses, here are the mods...
- Drivetrain/Chassis
- ZF Sachs Performance Clutch + Single Mass Flywheel (7.2kg) - GREAT UPGRADE, highly recommended
- Stoptech 2-piece Floating Aero Rotors, Slotted and Zinc Plated - these are great too, LOVE 'EM
- Hawk Brake Pads, Motul RBF 600 Fluid, and Stoptec Stainless Lines
- ECS Tuning Rear Diff Mount
- Wheels:
OEM with Michelin Pilot SuperSports (daily)
For track, when I finally get it out there, I have a set of 18-inch Team Dynamics Pro Race 1.2 with Yokohama Advan Neova AD08 (picked 'em up on the 'zine 
)
)- Motor
Stage 1 tune
But honestly, this is plenty of poke for me as most of my sporty driving is done on low-speed, twisty, mountain roads.
Once again, enough with the excuses.
The motor does feel great and is very solid.
The rear main seal was replaced as a precaution during the clutch replacement and the motor has fresh spark plugs, coil packs, air filter, fuel filter, and fluids.
All things considered, I am very happy and beat on the motor like it stole something.
- Next Steps?
My next steps are to replace the front bumper, which has some damage from the previous owner.
I really don't yet know what my plans are for this car besides driving the hell out of it every chance I get.
The past two years in my RS4 have been fantastic.
For the price of entry, there aren't too many cars out there that tick all of my boxes but this car definitely does.
I am happy to be back in a special Audi and I am also happy to be back on Audizine.
And after that long re-introduction, now for a pic... (like you haven't seen a stock looking RS4 before, but she's all mine
)
P.S.: I have some spare, brand-new StopTech RS4 Aero Rotors for sale here in the Classifieds: http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...Rotors-for-RS4
Reply With Quote
)
Originally Posted by cmd4
Bookmarks