Some advice needed please - go easy on me :)

[contagous]

Hey All

I'm pretty new here but I am trying to be as active as I can. I'm not really *a car guy* per say. I'm actually an IT guy :)

I have always liked cars just not been mechanically minded.


So I recently purchased a 09 B8 Avant with 75k miles on it (part ex'd a VW CC with 75k miles on it) *need a larger car for new family member :P*

Before that I had a VW GLI 05 but that was written off by a Hummer H3 lol.... (got pics if anyone of damage if anyone is interested lol)


I have always wanted an Audi so I finally got my Avant.

ok enough about me, sorry


I have just gone through the Oil Consuption Stage 1-2 process and have new pistons, rings, rear seal (and everything that goes with it), timing, chain/guide/tensioner all replaced by AoA

I also replaced my turbo due to that having issues after it was updated with the clip thingy by the previous owner.

So all in all car is doing great right now :)

I have also borrowed a friends VAG-COM cable and changed/updated some stuff.

I currently have a 12 month warranty on all the Audi work (didn't have any warranty before) so I am postponing my APR Stage 1 till next year. However I want to get the rest of the car ready for stage 1 and get a few updates in before next year if possible.

The stuff I'm thinking of is below: (please comment on anything you think I should change or update, plus any rough estimations on how long the installs would take. (this would be greatly appreciated)


Stage 1 of my thought process

• Update Intake/Filter - Was thinking of APR or K&H, what do people think? - looks like parts are around $300-$400 - Think I could install this myself? or how long labor wise would it take a professional?
• Install GFB DV+ Diverter Valve - Heard good things about this - looks like its around $140 - Think I could install this myself? or how long labor wise would it take a professional?
• Install Ignition Service Kit - (platinum or iridium? plugs and R8 coils) - looks like $140 - Think I could install this myself? or how long labor wise would it take a professional? Also what benefits do these give, I just see people saying to replace them so figured was a good idea
• New MAF Sensor - This is just a maintenance thing before stage 1 to make sure everything is good right? - Any specific brand?
• Install Boost Gauge/Tap - I know this isn't needed, but I liked them, will no doubt use ECS vent mount one, as I don't really use my vents being in Seattle.... lol

Total rough cost of above is around $1500 for parts, installation labor is what will get me, so wondering how hard it would to be do install myself, or if there is maybe someone in my area who would be willing to help for a beer or so... (Seattle WA)


Stage 2 of my thought process

• Update Coilovers/Suspension - Iv'e heard good things about B12 Blistein for the price range, but figured this is a HUGE job... Labor on this would be steep i'm sure.
• Install Sway Bar Kit - Apparently the S4 one is best for this? Just feel like the stock suspension is very harsh when going over speed bumps and such. In Seattle they are everywhere., Again i'm sure the labor on this is steep too.

Another thing I was told by my local European garage that my bushings needed replacing and was quoted $1500 to get them done... I know the parts are stupid cheap and this is all labor, so really trying to find another way to do these either myself or with help. $1500 seems crazy. Plus if I do the sway bar this would be a good time to do both right?

Ok so please go easy on me, I'm not begging for anyone to just come work on my car, Just reaching out for advice... 1.) on if I'm on t he right track in my thoughts of what I want/need doing... 2.) on labor costs... 3.) if anyone on these forums in my area are interested in helping out a fellow AZ user. Can also possibly exchange IT/Web/Graphics/Photo services for Mechanical help if anyone needs it.

Anyways I know this is a long post and not even sure the right section to post in. But appreciate anyone's advice/help in this new adventure into Audi.

Once I have it running the way I want, I will possibly look into the exterior look, but tbh Audi's are just nice looking cars stock also.

Thanks in advance.


P.S.

I have researched and watched videos of most of the installs/update I mentioned and they baffle me lol, I did manage to install my rear camera setup myself though :)

[944thomas]

All these are reasonable first mods. They are all easily done in your garage with some basic tools as well. Intake will take an hour yourself, same with the DV+. Ignition service kit is 30 minutes. Can't speak on the boost tap since I haven't done this one. ECS is where I got my service kit and DV+. I'd recommend looking in the classifieds here for an intake as they're pretty easy to find with low miles for significantly less than new.

I do think with the right tools you can tackle all of these in an afternoon. I'd help but I live in Canada haha. Hopefully my 2 cents helps you save a couple bucks.

Also, glad to hear aoa is still doing the stage 2 fix. With the help of a local dealer, we're trying to get them to cover my td1'd car. It's an uphill battle but not out of the question.

Enjoy your avant!

[kdaffy]

Decent plan.

Intake wont do you much good except for some more turbo sound...more economical is AFE filter and the silicone hoses/turbo muffler delete.

Maybe move the suspension up to #1 on your list. You can save on labor by doing the suspension, bushings and sways all at once, so you dont need the shop to do the same thing multiple times, then over the course of the year (and as you replenish your mod account) pick up your remaining items.

I run iridium plugs and R8 coils on my '09 stage 2 avant. R8 coils are just better it seems, more reliable than stock, and i dont think the metal of the spark plugs makes a significant difference (lots of opinions on the web), and whatever you choose will be fine, but once you tune it you will want to make sure that they are gapped to the tuner spec, and you may benefit from a one step colder plug.

If you are doing maintenance things, you may want to consider a carbon cleaning as well. You seem to have done the rest of the main items (timing stuff, turbo, oil consumption) that plague the 09s.

Installing all your Stage 1 stuff can definitely be DIY...not hard, just take your time and be diligent. There are plenty of DIYs to cover this stuff on this site.
Stage 2, you can save if you can find someone on here local that has the know how, tools, and time to help you out, otherwise, if you havent done it before, I would recommend a shop.

[contagous]

All these are reasonable first mods. They are all easily done in your garage with some basic tools as well. Intake will take an hour yourself, same with the DV+. Ignition service kit is 30 minutes. Can't speak on the boost tap since I haven't done this one. ECS is where I got my service kit and DV+. I'd recommend looking in the classifieds here for an intake as they're pretty easy to find with low miles for significantly less than new.

I do think with the right tools you can tackle all of these in an afternoon. I'd help but I live in Canada haha. Hopefully my 2 cents helps you save a couple bucks.

Also, glad to hear aoa is still doing the stage 2 fix. With the help of a local dealer, we're trying to get them to cover my td1'd car. It's an uphill battle but not out of the question.

Enjoy your avant!

oh yeah? where in Canada, i feel a road trip coming on lol (joking)

ok great advice thanks very much, I will defo do some more looking into it and seeing what I think I can do. I'm not loaded with tools, and always worry about mechanical stuff as I drive my wife and baby around in car so want to make sure everything is safe :)

Good luck on your stage 2 process. I know TD1 is a pain

[contagous]

Decent plan.

Intake wont do you much good except for some more turbo sound...more economical is AFE filter and the silicone hoses/turbo muffler delete.

Maybe move the suspension up to #1 on your list. You can save on labor by doing the suspension, bushings and sways all at once, so you dont need the shop to do the same thing multiple times, then over the course of the year (and as you replenish your mod account) pick up your remaining items.

I run iridium plugs and R8 coils on my '09 stage 2 avant. R8 coils are just better it seems, more reliable than stock, and i dont think the metal of the spark plugs makes a significant difference (lots of opinions on the web), and whatever you choose will be fine, but once you tune it you will want to make sure that they are gapped to the tuner spec, and you may benefit from a one step colder plug.

If you are doing maintenance things, you may want to consider a carbon cleaning as well. You seem to have done the rest of the main items (timing stuff, turbo, oil consumption) that plague the 09s.

Installing all your Stage 1 stuff can definitely be DIY...not hard, just take your time and be diligent. There are plenty of DIYs to cover this stuff on this site.
Stage 2, you can save if you can find someone on here local that has the know how, tools, and time to help you out, otherwise, if you havent done it before, I would recommend a shop.

I thought the intake was a mandatory thing for tuned cars? no? tbh I'm not even 100% sure what it does lol, I think it cleans the air going into the turbo?

So you think a AFE filter and Inlet hose would be a better/cheaper option for now? If so I'll look into that.

As for the coils and spark plug, the install videos make it look easy, but as I said above, defo want to make sure I do it right as its my family daily driver. I was told a carbon cleaning would of happend at the Audi garage during the oil consumption stage 2 process. Do you think this is not the case? I thought that was a stock thing to do.

If not what exactly is involved and is it spendy?

If doing the suspension with the sway bars and bushing is a good idea, I will take that on, and drop my boost gauge to the 2nd stage steps instead.

Thanks for the advice.



If anyone in my area or within 100 miles or so has the knowledge to help me with any of this please let me know. Or maybe you have a really good guide/video for any of the above work that you could link me to?

Thanks all

[kdaffy]

answers in line

I thought the intake was a mandatory thing for tuned cars? no? tbh I'm not even 100% sure what it does lol, I think it cleans the air going into the turbo? the air filter cleans the air. intake is not necessary for tunes, and doesnt really do much, unless you like your spooling noise, then its a good mod...search around

So you think a AFE filter and Inlet hose would be a better/cheaper option for now? If so I'll look into that. cheaper, definitely, better, who knows...define better?

As for the coils and spark plug, the install videos make it look easy, but as I said above, defo want to make sure I do it right as its my family daily driver. I was told a carbon cleaning would of happend at the Audi garage during the oil consumption stage 2 process. Do you think this is not the case? I thought that was a stock thing to do. check on your receipt, or call the dealer that did the oil consumption...i dont think its a part of the job, but i'm not sure

If not what exactly is involved and is it spendy? pull the intake, walnut blast, scrape, scrub, chemical clean, etc....ranges from $500-$1000 depending on shop and work done

If doing the suspension with the sway bars and bushing is a good idea, I will take that on, and drop my boost gauge to the 2nd stage steps instead. this is probably a good move

Thanks for the advice. any time



If anyone in my area or within 100 miles or so has the knowledge to help me with any of this please let me know. Or maybe you have a really good guide/video for any of the above work that you could link me to? check the DIY sticky in the B8 section. post in the PNW regional forum for local help, you may have more success there

Thanks all you're welcome :-)

[contagous]

answers in line

awesome thanks for all those answers, i will defo check with the dealer. And check out the PNW section.

I guess by better i mean better for the car/engine and better sounding? Just read alot about the aFe and inlet hose and look promising and way cheaper, thanks for the info.

[contagous]

Oh I forgot I left off an Oil Catch Can. I here these are life saver s in helping maintain the engine.

Are they worth the $500 price tag for a daily driver? Or are these more for people who really use their car for more sport/fun?

Thanks

[contagous]

Decent plan.

Intake wont do you much good except for some more turbo sound...more economical is AFE filter and the silicone hoses/turbo muffler delete.

Maybe move the suspension up to #1 on your list. You can save on labor by doing the suspension, bushings and sways all at once, so you dont need the shop to do the same thing multiple times, then over the course of the year (and as you replenish your mod account) pick up your remaining items.

I run iridium plugs and R8 coils on my '09 stage 2 avant. R8 coils are just better it seems, more reliable than stock, and i dont think the metal of the spark plugs makes a significant difference (lots of opinions on the web), and whatever you choose will be fine, but once you tune it you will want to make sure that they are gapped to the tuner spec, and you may benefit from a one step colder plug.

If you are doing maintenance things, you may want to consider a carbon cleaning as well. You seem to have done the rest of the main items (timing stuff, turbo, oil consumption) that plague the 09s.

Installing all your Stage 1 stuff can definitely be DIY...not hard, just take your time and be diligent. There are plenty of DIYs to cover this stuff on this site.
Stage 2, you can save if you can find someone on here local that has the know how, tools, and time to help you out, otherwise, if you havent done it before, I would recommend a shop.

Ok looking to purchasing a aFe dry filter and ecs inlet hose. There are lots of tubo muffler delete option on the ECS site. Any recommendation?

I do not know about the delete until you mentioned it... but read its good to have with the inlet hose.

Thanks kdaffy

[hashwood]

As for the coils and spark plug, the install videos make it look easy, but as I said above, defo want to make sure I do it right as its my family daily driver.

Take it from me man, the coils and spark plugs are incredibly easy. I know next to nothing about cars and watched a couple videos and figured I'd give it a try. It was as easy as they make it seem. Go for it. If I can do it with no issues, then anybody can.


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

[kdaffy]

They're all pretty much the same...I don't know if one is better than the other...I have euro codes because there weren't many options available at the time

Sent from my Nexus 5X using Audizine mobile app

[contagous]

Take it from me man, the coils and spark plugs are incredibly easy. I know next to nothing about cars and watched a couple videos and figured I'd give it a try. It was as easy as they make it seem. Go for it. If I can do it with no issues, then anybody can.


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

Thanks I Will :)

[contagous]

They're all pretty much the same...I don't know if one is better than the other...I have euro codes because there weren't many options available at the time

Sent from my Nexus 5X using Audizine mobile app

ok cool thanks dude

[contagous]

*Update*

So think I've decided to order the following:

ECS Silicone Turbo Hose
ECS Ignition Service Kit (coils and plugs)
ECS Tubro Muffler Delete
aFe Pro Dry Filter
GFB DV+ Diverter Valve

Going to grab some ECS Exhaust Tips for look for now also..

Anyone know what size we need? for B8 Avant??

Just waiting to see if anything goes on offer for black Friday, and will pull the trigger on this and then possibly do the sway bar and bushings this year before I APR tune (stage 1) next year when the warrantied period for the work is over.

Thanks for the help and advice everyone, will update when Ordered. and hopefully after I manager to install it all, haha

[kdaffy]

if your avant is a 2009, it has the smaller 65mm (i think) tips, not the 80mm (i think)

[contagous]

if your avant is a 2009, it has the smaller 65mm (i think) tips, not the 80mm (i think)

Ok I'll have to measure them :) thanks for the help

[kdaffy]

its pn 8K0071761...at least thats what i got for my '09 avant

[contagous]

its pn 8K0071761...at least thats what i got for my '09 avant

oh wow thanks, that is so helpful :)

When you used them, did you coat them with anything to help with rust or were they ok with nothing?

[CONative]

if your avant is a 2009, it has the smaller 65mm (i think) tips, not the 80mm (i think)

+1. The MY 2009 has 65 mm - I bought the 80 mm that ECS sells and they were too big and ended up returning for the 65mm.

And don't be cheap and go eBay - do it right the first time and buy genuine.


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine mobile app

[contagous]

+1. The MY 2009 has 65 mm - I bought the 80 mm that ECS sells and they were too big and ended up returning for the 65mm.

And don't be cheap and go eBay - do it right the first time and buy genuine.


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine mobile app

Will do :)

[kdaffy]

oh wow thanks, that is so helpful :)

When you used them, did you coat them with anything to help with rust or were they ok with nothing?

didnt coat them with anything. have had them on for 3 years, in new england, without any rust issues. the chinese versions on the other hand will rust fairly quickly.

[contagous]

didnt coat them with anything. have had them on for 3 years, in new england, without any rust issues. the chinese versions on the other hand will rust fairly quickly.

Great thanks

[slownorth]

*Update*

So think I've decided to order the following:

ECS Silicone Turbo Hose
ECS Ignition Service Kit (coils and plugs)
ECS Tubro Muffler Delete
aFe Pro Dry Filter
GFB DV+ Diverter Valve

Going to grab some ECS Exhaust Tips for look for now also..

Anyone know what size we need? for B8 Avant??

Just waiting to see if anything goes on offer for black Friday, and will pull the trigger on this and then possibly do the sway bar and bushings this year before I APR tune (stage 1) next year when the warrantied period for the work is over.

Thanks for the help and advice everyone, will update when Ordered. and hopefully after I manager to install it all, haha

Looks like a good list to me. I really like GFB products. Had my DV take a crap on my WRX. I loved the sound of the GFB that i installed.

[contagous]

OK changed the Turbo Muffler Delete as this one ships faster.

How does this look?



Anything you would change and why?

Also do I need anything crazy to install this stuff or is it all pretty simple and with simple tools? (will I need to purchase anything else to install this stuff)



Thanks in advance.

[kdaffy]

looks like a good start. i think you'll need some torx bits, socket extensions, and jackstands or something to get the DV in...and be gentle with the clips on the harness when you swap your coils

some good diys here: http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...nk-Compilation

[contagous]

looks like a good start. i think you'll need some torx bits, socket extensions, and jackstands or something to get the DV in...and be gentle with the clips on the harness when you swap your coils

some good diys here: http://www.audizine.com/forum/showth...nk-Compilation

Great thanks kdaffy I will check those out :)



*Update*

After speaking to a friend I'm just going to do the coils, plugs and DV+ and save the rest towards going straight to stage 2 next year.

As I was planning on that next sept anyways.

His also going to help me fit install them :)