old man project- A5 B8

[wkhanna]

AS PURCHASED




As of June 2019



Have always had at least one Audi in the stable since 1983.
But this is my first A5.
This recent purchase of a 2011 with 51k has re-energized my interest in modding. (been dumping all my hobby $ on 2 channel home audio for the last 12 years)

My car is a daily-driver.
8 mile round trip in the city (pgh) for work.
Maybe another 20- 60 on weekends along with any recreational/vacation travel away from home.

goal is to maintain reliability, emission compliance & trade-in value while extracting available, low-hanging (read budget-minded/ROI) performance upgrades.
I will not lower (not practical in this city), but may consider springs/coils later if I pursue a stage II project.

This is my humble petition to those with hard-earned experience for input regarding upgrades.
Please advise on order of priority & any missed items in my list, along with any other sage advice....

(btw- CR-15 & oil dip stick already acquired)


Suspension

1. strut brace CR-15
2. Drivetrain Mount Insert Kit Bushings
3. Sway Bar rear
4. Sway Bar Front?
   
   
   Brakes
5. front carrier S5
6. rotor 345x30
7. pads
8. ss lines
9. rear carrier S5
10. rotor 330x22
11. pads
12. ss lines
    
    
    Engine
13. Dip Stick
14. Magnetic Drain Plug
15. Turbo Muffler Delete
16. downpipe w/ high-flow cat (emissions compliant?)
17. intake hoses
18. intercooler hoses
19. Dinan chip (mild up to + 4psi )

EDIT:
my journey started just over a year ago......
....as of 25 Aug 2018, here is where we are.......

Chassis:

• CR-15
• alu-kreuz
• EuroCode f/r sway bars with links

Brakes:

• S5 Calipers, front & rear
• StopTech High-Carbon Slotted S5 Rotors, front & rear (tnx Mops!)
• StopTech Sport Pads, front & rear (tnx Mops!)
• StopTech SS Brake Lines, front & rear (tnx Mops!)

Engine:

• Dip Stick
• Magnetic Drain Plug
• PCV valve
• Injen-intake
• GFB DV+
• Red Coils
• NGK Iridium Plugs
• Steve Petty Hi-Flow Cat
• Steve Petty Downpipe
• APR Stage II (93 Octane)

Body/Interior:

• Matte Black Rear "Rings" Badge
• Matte Black Vinyl Window Trim
• 35% Carbon Tint
• eCodes w/ Expel film
• Xenons RS grill/bumper
• S5 Flat Bottom Steering Wheel w/ Paddles

Wheels/Tyres:

• Vorsteiner V-FF 102 20x10 (tnx Mops!)
• Michelin Pilot Sport A/S +3

[julianwhitta]

Purely in terms of ROI, there's two mods that give a great "bang for buck" - an ECU remap and a downpipe with high-flow sports cat. Either one will put some genuine sparkle in the 2.0's performance, with the remap providing the greatest gains. The downpipe mod is probably the cheaper option, however.

[Sweep]

Hit mops for the 034 insert bits and rear sway. I'd start with just the rear as it will correct understeer. Stiffening the front end may bring it back. Lighter wheels will be a good bang for buck upgrade. I've got an injen intake for sale if you want more wooshy sounds. That's all I'd do to maintain reliability and value.

Oh and ecodes

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[wkhanna]

Oh and ecodes

you are kill'n me, Ken! LOL

$1k+ just to fix what?......6 sq inches of tacky orange plastic......

......but it totally xforms the entire look 100%.....

but cosmetic mods are at the bottom of my priority list.
brakes first, then chassis / handling, & engine last.....then the lightweight wheels which i know are high ROI for performance.

......except, i did PM you on the intake....... ; )


i need to talk to Mops re the hi-flo cat....... i gotta keep this car emission compliant.

appreciate all the input & recommendations regarding re-map/tune, but not the direction i wish to pursue with the 2.0T FSI.

[Sweep]

you are kill'n me, Ken! LOL

$1k+ just to fix what?......6 sq inches of tacky orange plastic......

......but it totally xforms the entire look 100%.....

but cosmetic mods are at the bottom of my priority list.
brakes first, then chassis / handling, & engine last.....then the lightweight wheels which i know are high ROI for performance.

......except, i did PM you on the intake....... ; )


i need to talk to Mops re the hi-flo cat....... i gotta keep this car emission compliant.

appreciate all the input & recommendations regarding re-map/tune, but not the direction i wish to pursue with the 2.0T FSI.

You can scoop a used set off classifieds section and resell down the line for not much loss. It's not $1k down the drain

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[bknewtype]

Apr stage 2 with a hfc has been pretty reliable. But make sure the hfc has the o2 sensors so it makes it emission compliant. Also make sure to get the " stock mode" as one of the maps.

Check out my build thread. My a5 went through pretty drastic changes with a budget built in mind


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[wkhanna]

Check out my build thread. My a5 went through pretty drastic changes with a budget built in mind

BK, yours was V first build thread read when i first came here a few weeks ago &, in fact, is the catalyst & single inspiration to my project.

[bknewtype]

BK, yours was V first build thread read when i first came here a few weeks ago &, in fact, is the catalyst & single inspiration to my project.

Damn such strong words. <3333

Feel free to ask anything!


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[wkhanna]

You can scoop a used set off classifieds section and resell down the line for not much loss. It's not $1k down the drain

ah....you make a good pint, Ken.

[wkhanna]

it is sunday, "O" has the day _ff

[mozman68]

welcome...I know I have an S5...but I've been real happy with every mod I've made. No regerts...

[wkhanna]

thank you for the warm welcome, MozMan

[Mops@Nemesis]

Hello dune feller. 😁

[wkhanna]

hey Mops!
thanks for dropping in……

maybe we should talk air filters first? Damn sand is getting everywhere!
(in the spirit of full disclosure, my parents were from Syria, hence the ‘dune’ references )

like I was saying, I am more a handling / braking guy first……the horsepower is not that big of a deal, for now.

cosmetics…… they come last; a grill, rear spoiler, black-out all shinny bitts,

also, the long-term plan is to get an S5 (2009 – 2012 V8) in a two years, so I want to keep this project cost on the lean side, but still have something that my s5 brothers will be respectful of.

I am interested in the hi-flo cat, but want/need to maintain emissions compliance.
will a ‘tune’ be required to achieve this?

[bknewtype]

brakes and pads, get some stoptech drilled rotors w/ pads of your choice. i had posi quiet and they were really good for my needs

hfc w/ 02 sensors and stock map ( if apr ) will maintain emissions compliance

[Okan509]

I really like the intake pipe upgrade on my A4 (same shit, different smell)

It sharpens throttle response, is an easy DIY project, and cost ~$100

A good set of tires is probably the best way to extract more performance out of the car on some tight winding roads.

[wkhanna]

I really like the intake pipe upgrade on my A4 (same shit, different smell)

It sharpens throttle response, is an easy DIY project, and cost ~$100

covered.....getting a used injen from Sweep

A good set of tires is probably the best way to extract more performance out of the car on some tight winding roads.

V true, got that covered, thanks!

hfc w/ 02 sensors and stock map ( if apr ) will maintain emissions compliance

then i guess Mops is my man for this.....

brakes and pads, get some stoptech drilled rotors w/ pads of your choice. i had posi quiet and they were really good for my needs

mission critical!

this is my first target.....an upgrade to S5 spec......& where i need the expertise of you guys .....

will 2009 S5 calipers be a direct bolt-on to my 2011 A5?

i just sourced a V lighltly used set (front & rears) from a guy who replaced his with brembos
includes OEM rotors, too.....
tell me i am good to go with this.....the price is soooo nice

will OEM rotors be ok for now, or waste of time?

[bknewtype]

i forgot who, but they said it wasnt really worth it to get s5 calipers. not huge benefit over the a5 if it has upgraded rotors and pads. if you got em for a steal thats a diff story of course

i paid around 450 shipped for my rotors and pads, all 4, new. so if its around that price, i say why not. if its more, then i wouldnt bother. imo of course!

iirc, i think you just need brackets

[wkhanna]

iirc, i think you just need brackets

yes, just carriers, front & rear to go from stock A5 to 345x30 up front & 330x22 for the rear.

best price i found is $112 ea for rear OEM carriers (on sale now ECS)
then the ECS S5 upgrade kit has Rotors & carriers for $500

i would still need pads & rear rotors.

total = $900 plus pads front & rear

this used set will be under $500 complete incl shipping......


help me out guys.........i need facilitators....

[bknewtype]

btw those pics dont look like oem rotors. those r def slotted/drilled aftermarket rotors.

if the whole set comes under 500 with calipers rotors and pads, i dont see why not

any more, i rather get a new set of rotors and pads for the a5. brakes are critical so used is a bit meh. i never saw the s5 caliper itself being a huge upgrade over the a5 anyways

[bknewtype]

Otd with full stoptech rotors and pads




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[wkhanna]

agreed re old vs new..... also agree about calipers
..... my research says A5 = S5, carriers are the only difference....

but it is the cost of new carriers that has my panties in a knot......

for what front & rear carries cost new, i get them plus the full used kit for less $

ya know why us arabs have big noses......?

air is free.....

[Sweep]

Correct there is no difference between calipers. Just looks a little nicer on the S5 with the cover


BTW will get a ship estimate for CAI tonight after work. If you don't hear from me send me a reminder
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[wkhanna]

BTW will get a ship estimate for CAI tonight after work.

no worries, Ken.

this is not a time critical issue.... all at your convenience....

[Okan509]

intercooler pipe** sorry

sorry, it deletes this airbox increasing throttle response

[wkhanna]

intercooler pipe** sorry

understood..... no worries.....

[shonseb]

Rear sway and adjustable coils made the biggest difference in my a4 (same chassis). The b8s tend to have a lot of understeer and the sway bar really helps with balancing it all out. I got the 034 rear sway.
I would also look at getting sport springs with adjustable sport shocks/struts so you can dial in the amount of damping you want. The lower ride height also would help give the car a lower center of gravity, not to mention will give the car a sexier stance.
The only problem I see with that is the winters. If it's your daily driver, you would want to raise the car up during winter months to be prepared for snowy days. In this case I would recommend adjustable coilovers.
If suspension is your initial focus, this is where I would start

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[wkhanna]

great feedback, Shon.
thanks!

the rear sway bar is high priority on my list.
along with replacing drive train bushings & possibly front bar bushings & links.

yeah, lowering is great for handling, however, if i lower it even 1/2 inch from where it is right now, it would wreak havoc on the front lip.
as it is, it will scrape at a few way-points on my daily commute if i am not careful.

a good set of coil-overs will definitely be a first priority should i go on to a stage II upgrade.

[wkhanna]

my A5 is at my trusted indi shop this morning.
engine light came on wednesday on the way home from work....

we shall see.......

Update:

so this what i got back from Nate, my mechanic:

"one code resent: P0299- Turbo Under-boost
all turbo connections- tested good
all clamps checked- condition good
checked for leaks- no leaks detected
boost psi valve cleaned & checked- working properly
cleared code
no returning codes after highway drive"

should i just instal a new metal diverter valve?

or should i get a kit something like this?

[wkhanna]

does anyone know if, when converting from rear A5 to S5 rotors, if you only need the S5 carriers (to accommodate the larger diameter), or are the S5 rear hubs required too?

[wkhanna]

schiit...... check engine back on today...... humph. : (

[Mops@Nemesis]

does anyone know if, when converting from rear A5 to S5 rotors, if you only need the S5 carriers (to accommodate the larger diameter), or are the S5 rear hubs required too?

@mxrz

[mxrz]

Yup, just the caliper bracket.

[wkhanna]

thank you kindly, gentlemen.

[wkhanna]

just sourced a complete set of 2009 S5 front & rear calipers with brackets for $325.
i only needed the brackets, but was far cheaper than buying them separate anywhere else.

also, currently doing battle with the infamous P0299- Turbo Under-boost code.....

installed a new updated PVC......
....this has produced noticeably better drivability, especially in the city-driving i do, along with improved throttle response.

next is installing the GFB DV+ (diverter vavle)

hope this does the trick to damn idiot light......not really interested in replacing a turbo anytime soon......

[wkhanna]

DV installed today....idiot light reset, too, of course

so far...so good.....

BIG difference in throttle response......

.....now, hopefully no more codes tripping....

but in the end, if this does cure the P0229, i will not know for sure if it was the PCV the DV....or both....

pics of Nate's (my mechanic for all things that keep me from UNDER my car)

[wkhanna]

do the happy dance





S5 caliper brackets arrived today!

[wkhanna]

@mxrz

kind sir, if you could please advise.....i am using S5 carriers with my A5 calipers for my brake upgrade.....

i am now ready to drop coin on rotors & pads:

Front:

345 x 30

Rear:

330 x 22

but which ones?

i am not a fledgling F1 driver wannabe any more......grew up & past that stage many moons ago.....
may do a track event once a year, or so.....but that is it for HP driving.
& i do like to test the grip limits on ramps on occasion, though, when no one else is anywhere close by.......wink wink...

looking more for practicality on a rational performance level.

would like V good cold bite.
& excellent wet performance....
not too worried about overheating, would seldom push so hard.

what about slots, dimples & x-drilling....?
last i knew, folks were putting on x-drill just for the looks, but found out they tended to warp faster....is this still the case?
or is it all just urban legend?

to be honest, from a purely esthetic viewpoint, i was thinking slots....or slots with dimples....

been looking at brands like ESC's kits, StopTech, EBC....

anybody tried Adam's Rotors?

& yes, low dust would be a highly desirable characteristic, so long as performance is not significantly effected...


also, after some searches here, i saw talk of Q brakes being touted as far better for upgrading.....is there something i am missing?
thought the S5 was a good choice, since i am not interested if going high $ with RS5 or full aftermarket caliper swap. (this is a budget controlled project)

[wkhanna]

update on the DV install from yesterday......'

forgot to mention.......Nate said the old unit was torn.....

took a pick of it this morning...

[wkhanna]

btw, car is running great.....

only city driving so far, but major difference in performance....