Sepang Blue S4 - Build Thread

[absolutarin]

Hi there!
Thought I would create a thread of my own with whatever insignificant mods I have done to my car. I'm not a huge mod friendly person because doing mods require patience, grit and tools. I don't have most of the tools :D

1. Alu Kreuz
2. EBC RedStuff
3. AWE-Turning Touring exhaust (didn't like it, back to stock)
4. 034 Motorsport Dynamic+ Springs
5. CR-15

Done the Alu Kreuz and EBC upgrade previous year. Did the exhaust tuning a month ago and really didn't enjoy the notes. It was loud for no reason. Maybe a Stage 2 DP upgrade would've made me happier...or maybe not.

As you all know 034 Motorsport came up with a new set of lowering springs and I jumped on the ship immediately to try their product out. Here is my review.

Review 034Motorsport Dynamic+ Springs

Why I wanted these:
#1 Lower the car to give a moderate drop
#2 Keep my ADS feature
#3 Get better ride comfort from the stock springs in DD
#4 Ride stability
#5 Cornering ability
(the last few are very subjective)

Ordered the springs in June when they first came out. Received them in probably 4-5 days. Thanks to Chris @034Motorsport.
First impressions: These springs are very lightweight…way lighter than H&R Sports. To give you an idea, the whole set is equivalent to 1 front pair of H&R springs. Springs have a light grey color to it and they are linear…unlike the H&Rs which are progressive. One of the reason why I wanted to give this a try. Also, I really didn’t want to mess up the ADS as I find that pretty useful.

The day I installed this on my car, my friend literally laughed out saying “you just swapped your stock springs with stock springs”. Never have I ever thought that a 1” drop would be this insignificant. Drove around a bit trying to feel the difference in ride quality and Yes, they were very comfortable on street driving – better than the stock ones. I gave it a month and half to break in and settle down with daily driving on city roads, highways, backroads and a little bit of tracking in the hills. Which is why the late review. I think the springs have settled down by now – sorry haven’t measured the FTG at all (I’ll do it tomorrow for sure)

Review on the ride quality: Wow! I have never thought my ADS was this good. In my daily driving, I use a mix of comfort and dynamic mode. Comfort mode now makes it feel like driving the B9 A4 and the Dynamic really tightens the car up. The spring holds the chassis really well on sharp turns. I have felt a very significant difference in acceleration – it isn’t sloppy anymore! Right from hitting the gas and the car moving forward in an instant. The car definitely feels stiffer but very interestingly enough, it is easier on bumps than it was with the OEM springs. I was hearing a “thud” on hitting driveway ramps, gutter or even a pothole but that has greatly reduced with these springs. Daily driving just became better. I wish the S4 came with these springs from the factory. Daily ride quality rating: 5/5

Now coming to my first criteria of having these springs – ride height. My review: eh! The Advertised ride height looks low…like really low if you could see the pictures on 034’s blog. I am not happy with the ride height. I still want to go a bit lower. The stance, as of right now, looks definitely better but there is a little boy wishing it were lowwwaarrrr. I’m not immensely sad because of the ride height because it is very close to perfect for me. I don’t want to cover my tires with the drop. Drop and look, I’d rate them 4/5

I don’t go to the track but I have driven my car real Hard on curvy backroads…took turns at 55+mph on the Individual mode (everything Dynamic, Sport Diff on Auto). Well, I felt the sport diff kick in but these springs really held the chassis when I brake and hit the apex. I haven’t felt the same while I was driving on the OEM springs. Yes, these springs are definitely an upgrade from stock if cornering ability and stability are your concerns. Handling rating: 5/5

Install time: 3.5 hours
Tried taking better pictures. Not a good photographer but I'm learning...









Went to a Poker Run last Sunday and I took this picture.



Thanks for reading!
Ron

[mlavelle92]

Build thread: springs and brake pads

[onlyaudis]

sounds like the may have nailed the spring rates for a daily. thanks for the review. I actually like the ride height on these cars even stock (no low riders needed where i live. roads too bad) so that part would be fine with me.

[DannyDeez]

Nice write up. Have you gotten any instances where you felt any float or bounciness with these springs yet?

[drdrew229]

Ron,

I have to check these mods out!

I am not to far away and have a Sepang as well

[catalyst686]

What didn't you like about the touring exhaust?

[absolutarin]

sounds like the may have nailed the spring rates for a daily. thanks for the review. I actually like the ride height on these cars even stock (no low riders needed where i live. roads too bad) so that part would be fine with me.

I was a bit skeptical at first with the 034's spring rates thinking they'd be too soft and would comprise on the performance. Gave it a shot since they were linear and I wasn't disappointed. They give a very moderate drop, not too high, not too low.

Nice write up. Have you gotten any instances where you felt any float or bounciness with these springs yet?

Thank you. Its been a month and a half of driving on these springs and performance wise I am extremely satisfied. I installed H&R Sports before putting these on and really loved the drop but the ride was very stiff and bouncy the moment I switched to Dynamic mode on my ADS. Maybe they don't work well with small imperfections on roads?
With these springs I haven't had any bounciness or a floaty ride. Handled really well on the highway when I did a launch. Only time will tell how they perform after a year or driving

[absolutarin]

Ron,

I have to check these mods out!

I am not to far away and have a Sepang as well

Sure thing...You know I think I might have seen you when I was in Conshy

[absolutarin]

What didn't you like about the touring exhaust?

Loud. From the inside. They sound bad on lower RPMs but really good on higher. But that's just me. I installed the exhaust only and used my stock downpipes. There was nothing wrong with the installation but I felt there was too much vibration due to the exhaust sound (not the metal clanking ones though)...and theres a weird hiss at the end of the exhaust note (if you rev and let go off the gas, you'll notice that hiss)

My expectation was to get a Porsche'y sounding exhaust...I was not happy with AWE. If I have to do again, I'd probably buy a Porsche lol

[DannyDeez]

I was a bit skeptical at first with the 034's spring rates thinking they'd be too soft and would comprise on the performance. Gave it a shot since they were linear and I wasn't disappointed. They give a very moderate drop, not too high, not too low.


Thank you. Its been a month and a half of driving on these springs and performance wise I am extremely satisfied. I installed H&R Sports before putting these on and really loved the drop but the ride was very stiff and bouncy the moment I switched to Dynamic mode on my ADS. Maybe they don't work well with small imperfections on roads?
With these springs I haven't had any bounciness or a floaty ride. Handled really well on the highway when I did a launch. Only time will tell how they perform after a year or driving

Appreciate the input! The S4 in stock form is pretty harsh and I would love to make it a bit more comfortable. I have ADS as well, and comfort mode helps, but its still not what I'm looking for. I might ditch the car in a few months for an S6 (I hear they're comfortable) but if I keep the S4 I'll definitely look into this setup. I personally love the ride height with these springs as it looks just how my stock S4 sits. I know you're unhappy with that part, but I'm completely against lowering my car this time around. Have you contacted 034 about why it sits at that height? a 1" drop should show less of a gap.

[Alex@TAG]

Looks great!!! Have you considered any interior mods at all?


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[SteveYem]

Ron,

I have to check these mods out!

I am not to far away and have a Sepang as well

Sure thing...You know I think I might have seen you when I was in Conshy

I'm wondering if I've seen you guys around. Probably not, as most Audi drivers around here appear to be unfriendly/unimpressed/unenthused. If I see you guys around I'll give a wave.

[absolutarin]

I'm wondering if I've seen you guys around. Probably not, as most Audi drivers around here appear to be unfriendly/unimpressed/unenthused. If I see you guys around I'll give a wave.

Probably...I worked in Malvern the last two years. Saw a Nogaro S4 on Rt 29 at a regular basis. I smile and wave at other Audi drivers...so probably you didn't see me

[absolutarin]

Appreciate the input! The S4 in stock form is pretty harsh and I would love to make it a bit more comfortable. I have ADS as well, and comfort mode helps, but its still not what I'm looking for. I might ditch the car in a few months for an S6 (I hear they're comfortable) but if I keep the S4 I'll definitely look into this setup. I personally love the ride height with these springs as it looks just how my stock S4 sits. I know you're unhappy with that part, but I'm completely against lowering my car this time around. Have you contacted 034 about why it sits at that height? a 1" drop should show less of a gap.

This ride height is perfect if you're looking for a subtle drop without being too noticed. I haven't reached 034 yet mostly because these springs are new and I am waiting for them to settle in. Now that you've mentioned I'll give them a call. Sure they'll have some answers

- - - Updated - - -

Looks great!!! Have you considered any interior mods at all?

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Nothing so far...but a PM is coming your way :)

[Mr.Tan]

you should give the ECS x-pipe (or any x-pipe) a try if you were unhappy with the awe. I have the ecs unit on my car and it gives just the right amount of sound. Its quiet when cruising but opens up nicely when at WOT or even just accelerating a little bit. I 10/10 recommend it to anyone who doesnt want a full system but just enough to give the car a proper sound.

[SteveYem]

you should give the ECS x-pipe (or any x-pipe) a try if you were unhappy with the awe. I have the ecs unit on my car and it gives just the right amount of sound. Its quiet when cruising but opens up nicely when at WOT or even just accelerating a little bit. I 10/10 recommend it to anyone who doesnt want a full system but just enough to give the car a proper sound.

I'm seriously considering this option. Currently I have the AWE Touring with resonated downpipes and while I really like the sound at moderate to heavy throttle, the "weedwhacker hiss" at partial throttle and when starting out in 1st/2nd gear is horrendous.

[pwolfe]

Thank you so much for posting this, looks like these are in fact the product I've been searching for.

[4DOORFUN]

I just want to say that I really appreciate the honest feedback about the AWE Touring Exhaust. I've been a part of numerous car forums over the past 20 years and most people won't truly be honest about mods. they purchased and were disappointed with. The videos on YouTube with the AWE sound good, but real life day to day driving is where we spend the large majority of our time in our cars. I want the exhaust to sound good at low rpms and low speeds too and I just don't think that's possible with three liters of displacement in a V configuration. Inline six cyl. sound decent and V8's sound even better. I'd love for my S4 to sound like my past two Mustang GT's, but it just isn't going to happen.

To the OP, thank you for the honest feedback on the springs as well. The ride height looks like stock IMO, but I'm glad you feel the ride is better than stock. All depends on what you are after. I'd be a little annoyed that the springs are advertised as 1" drop when they reality is not 1"

[pwolfe]

I'm kinda confused. Yesterday 034 was nice enough to email me some pics of their S4 with these springs installed. Theirs seems closer to a true 1 inch drop than yours. I wonder if they just take longer to settle. How long have yours been installed?

Anyways, I ordered a set based off your feedback.

[DannyDeez]

This ride height is perfect if you're looking for a subtle drop without being too noticed. I haven't reached 034 yet mostly because these springs are new and I am waiting for them to settle in. Now that you've mentioned I'll give them a call. Sure they'll have some answers

- - - Updated - - -



Nothing so far...but a PM is coming your way :)

My stock B8 FTG measurements are 26.75" front and rear. Curious to know what your current measurements are.

I just want to say that I really appreciate the honest feedback about the AWE Touring Exhaust. I've been a part of numerous car forums over the past 20 years and most people won't truly be honest about mods. they purchased and were disappointed with. The videos on YouTube with the AWE sound good, but real life day to day driving is where we spend the large majority of our time in our cars. I want the exhaust to sound good at low rpms and low speeds too and I just don't think that's possible with three liters of displacement in a V configuration. Inline six cyl. sound decent and V8's sound even better. I'd love for my S4 to sound like my past two Mustang GT's, but it just isn't going to happen.

To the OP, thank you for the honest feedback on the springs as well. The ride height looks like stock IMO, but I'm glad you feel the ride is better than stock. All depends on what you are after. I'd be a little annoyed that the springs are advertised as 1" drop when they reality is not 1"

I LOVE the AWE touring exhaust. Ran it on my B8.5 S5 (3.0T) and have it again on my S4. It was the one mod I absolutely had to have. Seriously the most intoxicating sound I've ever heard. Sounds phenomenal at low RPM and low speed. In fact, thats my favorite part of the powerband. I'm really surprised that the OP wasn't happy with it. I have a 6 speed with stock downpipes.

[drdrew229]

I am currently running the touring set up with nonres down pipes. I will be switching to the track soon. I'm happy to meet up with you before I make the switch so you can hear the difference if you're interested

[absolutarin]

Thank you so much for posting this, looks like these are in fact the product I've been searching for.

I just want to say that I really appreciate the honest feedback about the AWE Touring Exhaust. I've been a part of numerous car forums over the past 20 years and most people won't truly be honest about mods. they purchased and were disappointed with. The videos on YouTube with the AWE sound good, but real life day to day driving is where we spend the large majority of our time in our cars. I want the exhaust to sound good at low rpms and low speeds too and I just don't think that's possible with three liters of displacement in a V configuration. Inline six cyl. sound decent and V8's sound even better. I'd love for my S4 to sound like my past two Mustang GT's, but it just isn't going to happen.

To the OP, thank you for the honest feedback on the springs as well. The ride height looks like stock IMO, but I'm glad you feel the ride is better than stock. All depends on what you are after. I'd be a little annoyed that the springs are advertised as 1" drop when they reality is not 1"

I'm kinda confused. Yesterday 034 was nice enough to email me some pics of their S4 with these springs installed. Theirs seems closer to a true 1 inch drop than yours. I wonder if they just take longer to settle. How long have yours been installed?

Anyways, I ordered a set based off your feedback.

Satisfaction with mods are a very subjective matter - just because everyone else is happy with it, doesn't mean you'd be too. Danny and a lot of people like the AWE's Touring...I thought I'd love it too until I put them on.

These springs will give you a much better ride than stock ones with the exception of ride height. When Chris @034Motorsport sent me pictures on the springs on their test car, I liked that setup but I don't know how long it took to get settled and also what size of wheel/tires they're running. Waiting for their response.

[absolutarin]

I've heard really good stories about the Canyon Run 15 (CR-15) strut bar by James Nelson. That bar tightens up the steering and gives the car a rock solid precision! So went ahead and sent James an email about buying this and received the strut bar within a week. Amazing guy to deal with. I highly recommend getting this for the B8.5 platform.

The right side windshield washer mounting tab was a little bit of a pain to fit in with the strut bar...mostly due to the extra plastic surrounding the metal washer. So I shaved some plastic off from the far edge, using a fine sanding paper.
Also, pull out the weather stripping to make torquing down the bolts a breeze. You don't have to pull it all the way out, just enough to give your socket a 90 degree reach on the bolts.





Put the cowl back in place and everything looks good! The strut bar fit in perfectly with the stock L-bracket. No problems with installation whatsoever.



The steering response and drive quality has ameliorated by a thousand times! So glad I pulled the trigger on this one. You made an excellent product, James (@u2nelson). Thank you!

[dave1078]

Did you install the CR-15 after the AK?


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[absolutarin]

Did you install the CR-15 after the AK?


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Yes, after the AK

[dave1078]

Yes, after the AK

What was your honest take on the effects of the AK?

[absolutarin]

What was your honest take on the effects of the AK?

Alu Kreuz was the first mod I put on the car after driving it bone stock for 5000 miles. Reason I did it so late was because I wanted to see how the stock driving felt. It wasn't bad at all...especially coming from driving Mazda6, Q5 and Charger. Among these three, Mazda6 had the most "fun" factor. So once I got used to the driving dynamics of the stock S4, I went and installed the AK. Our S4s do come with a chassis stabilizer, but it is very flimsy! EuroCode really nailed the engineering on this one - the look and quality was sufficient enough to give you a feel that it's bang for the buck. That thing holds the chassis together and doesn't let it roll...not just on curvy roads but on normal driving too. The difference coming from driving stock S4 vs S4 w/AK installed is phenomenal.

If you're planning to install this, go ahead, you'll love it.

[absolutarin]

Installed the new RS style grille I found on Amazon. Link here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Fitment is superb...although the installation was excruciating!!

At the same time, Mops@Supremepower helped me get some Vorsteiner VFF-103 (19x9.5 ET37). Thank you Mops!! Mounted them on Michelin PS4S 265/35. These tires are super sticky and looked perfect for a track car! And since I also have linear springs now, why not a track day to test all the lightweight stuff out
Tires are measured at 26-27 lbs each.
Vorsteiner VFF103s are 22.8 lbs each.
034Motorsports' Dynamic+ springs are 24lbs (all 4 combined)

So yes, my very first day at the track and I was blown away by seeing the enthusiast community. Tons and tons of Porsche and Corvette everywhere. Spent a great Sunday at NJMP and learnt a lot of stuff.
Get in Slow and Apex ALWAYS

[RupertPupkin]

Hey neighbor! Guess it's time we have a parking lot chat! Car looks so good. That wheel setup looks so meaty in person!

[IMG]IMG_9215 by Jimmy Dever, on Flickr[/IMG]

[absolutarin]

Hey neighbor! Guess it's time we have a parking lot chat! Car looks so good. That wheel setup looks so meaty in person!

[IMG]IMG_9215 by Jimmy Dever, on Flickr[/IMG]

Howdy! That's a long list of mods you've done. Let's catch up some time :)

[absolutarin]

Not a great picture, but still... :)

[DannyDeez]

Looks like it might have settled some more. Just curious if you took those ground to fender measurements yet?

[absolutarin]

Looks like it might have settled some more. Just curious if you took those ground to fender measurements yet?

Hey Danny, yes...it seems like it dropped a bit but not quite sure if it is because I went to the track with these :) I am running 265/35 and didn't realize they'd look this big. Switching over to 255/35 today because I rubbed a couple of times while hitting the exit ramps.

Here are the Fender to Ground measurements:
Front Left = 26 5/8"
Front Right = 26 5/8"
Rear Left = 26 3/4"
Rear Right = 26 3/4"

[DannyDeez]

Hey Danny, yes...it seems like it dropped a bit but not quite sure if it is because I went to the track with these :) I am running 265/35 and didn't realize they'd look this big. Switching over to 255/35 today because I rubbed a couple of times while hitting the exit ramps.

Here are the Fender to Ground measurements:
Front Left = 26 5/8"
Front Right = 26 5/8"
Rear Left = 26 3/4"
Rear Right = 26 3/4"

Hmm interesting. Those measurements are where my stock B8 sits. I wonder if the 8.5 sits higher from the factory? Any word from 034 on this? Either way, the car looks fantastic! Now, how about some ecodes?

[SForePlayin']

Hmm interesting. Those measurements are where my stock B8 sits. I wonder if the 8.5 sits higher from the factory?

Stock B8.5 here. I just took measurements today:

Front Left = 26 7/8"
Front Right = 26 7/8"
Rear Left = 27"
Rear Right = 27"

About 1/4" higher than your B8.

[wtrsxn]

I like the ride height...

[absolutarin]

Hmm interesting. Those measurements are where my stock B8 sits. I wonder if the 8.5 sits higher from the factory? Any word from 034 on this? Either way, the car looks fantastic! Now, how about some ecodes?

Probably I should have measured the my stock height when I bought the car. Sent 034 an email but haven't heard anything from 034 yet. I will just give Chris a call and talk to him later today.

Also, wwapped the tires to 255/35 since I was rubbing, on 265/35, while driving on/off the ramps and driveway. Measured the FTG once again and they've dropped a little bit. The tires don't look stretched as I thought they would.

I was thinking about ecodes but at a later time. Gonna install the DEVAL rear diffuser in a few weeks.

[absolutarin]

Stock B8.5 here. I just took measurements today:

Front Left = 26 7/8"
Front Right = 26 7/8"
Rear Left = 27"
Rear Right = 27"

About 1/4" higher than your B8.

Makes me think whether my spring installation was wrong in any way or are there any kind of special instructions to this spring install

[DannyDeez]

Stock B8.5 here. I just took measurements today:

Front Left = 26 7/8"
Front Right = 26 7/8"
Rear Left = 27"
Rear Right = 27"

About 1/4" higher than your B8.

Thanks for the input. That's not a significant difference at all between the 8 and 8.5

Probably I should have measured the my stock height when I bought the car. Sent 034 an email but haven't heard anything from 034 yet. I will just give Chris a call and talk to him later today.

Also, wwapped the tires to 255/35 since I was rubbing, on 265/35, while driving on/off the ramps and driveway. Measured the FTG once again and they've dropped a little bit. The tires don't look stretched as I thought they would.

I was thinking about ecodes but at a later time. Gonna install the DEVAL rear diffuser in a few weeks.

The car definitely looks good as is. If 034 provides any insight I'd be curious to hear just for the heck of it.

I hear you. Ecodes are my personal #1 mod. Deval is probably the best looking diffuser/lip for these cars. Looking forward to seeing it once installed

[SForePlayin']

Can you please post some pictures of the Vorsteiners on the car wrapped in the 255/35/19 tires?

Thank you.