Project:  Audi S4 Avant (2001)

This is my wife's car.  Therefore street ability will take precedence over track performance.  Having said that, we would like this car to be able to hang with, and surprise a stock 996 or E46.

I am little surprised to report that the transmission oil has made a difference.  Shifts now are smoother than before, and I feel that I can execute them quicker.  Next a short shifter kit should improve things even more.  As to APR BiPipe and diverter valves, well they are there providing me we that added feeling of security.

July 1, 2005

Picked up a stock 2001 S4 Avant with 31,000 miles.  Car has worn tires and needs an alignment.  Immediate modifications:

  • Mobil 1 0W40
  • Bosch wiper blades

July 19, 2005

Thanks to Achtuning I got few more reliability items installed:

  • Mobil 1 transmission and differential oil
  • APR BiPipe
  • Pair of 710N DVs

As you can see in the picture above the smaller diameter (and height) 245-35-18 wheels only exaggerate the Allroad look.  This car is set at 26" front, and 26.125 rear.  About one inch lower than stock - but it sure does not look like it.  In retrospect for a daily driver I wish I had selected a different tire size - 235-40-18 would have probably worked better.  Especially since I will not be lowering this car below 25.5" of fender height.  On another hand I do like the Goodyears and the wheels.  New tires are sufficiently quiet and are not prone to tram lining even in the 245 size.  Wheels are 24.6 pounds, couple less than stock, and one can feel the difference when mounting them.

Update:  I lowered the car another 1/8" all around.  After few higher speed bumps, I noticed that the tire would rub... as many have suspected.  I decided to roll the fender lip with hopes of eliminating the problem.

July 21, 2005 (GTG)

  • 18" ASA ST4 (ET37)

  • 245/35/18 Goodyear Eagle F1 GS-D3

 

August 3, 2005

  • Valeo Aero Wiper kit installed.

  • They look and work perfectly.

  • I recommend upgrading to 22" and 24" lengths.  They just fit, and clean more of the windshield.

  • More pictures

 

Installation went without any issues.  Sound is very deep with absolutely zero drone.  You can hear the exhaust in all RPM ranges, and the car has gotten louder inside, but not by much.  Sound outside is very pleasant with added authority.  Car has gained in throttle response, and it does not run out of guts in higher RPM ranges - it just keeps on pulling.  I like it.

This exhaust is very different from the AutoSpeed Performance unit.  It is quieter, has a deeper tone, and it is a single 3" design not dual.

October 10, 2005

  • Fixed annoying air conditioning leak
  • Changed suspension to less expensive Vogtland coilovers - VERY NICE
  • Corner balanced and aligned suspension
  • Height is set at F13.85 / R14.00 center of the hub to fender height
  • Installed the Audi Collection Exhaust

 

I really messed up and did not get a picture of these on the car.  So here is a picture from TireRack.

November 1, 2005

  • New wheels:  ASA JH3 in silver, ET35
  • Kumho ECSTA KU19 234-40-18 Ultra High Performance Summer Tires for Seattle weather

 

November 22, 2005

  • Getting ready for the snow
  • OEM Avus wheels back on with ContiWinterContact TS810 Tires
  • Neuspeed short shifter kit