where should my money go?

grizzle69 · #1 02-05-2008, 04:05 AM

i understand that there is a newbies guide but i am a small block, non electronic, old car mechanic and all this about chips and diodes and fmic and that confuses the hell out of me. i have an 04 a4 with the 1.8t and quattro. it has the automatic(tiptronic i think?). i am looking to spend around 1500 on the performance/handling aspect of my new car and i dont know where to spend it. if this was a v8 w/ a carb i would be good but its not so i need help. i have those halo headlights on order, a new body kit, new taillights, new side markers, and new rims sitting in my garage. i also need help on what lowering kit is the best for my year and transmission type. i would like a new exhaust cause stock sound is terrible to me but if its not best for performance than i will stcik with stock. all i care about is performance both off the line and through the bends. all help will be appreciated

Splinter. · #2 02-05-2008, 04:21 AM

well, first thing that you should do is chip it. check out the newb threads about chips, maybe google GIAC for your car. they are a good company for that. That'll get you about 40hp right there (if you're confused as to what chips do, they basically re-flash the computer to up the boost in the turbo, change the timing and a/f ratio). After that, you should change out your diverter valve (a new Forge 007 will set you back about 150) and then a cat-back exhaust will run you about 800-1000 from a respectable company, but i've heard if you go custom it'll cost about half that. Also you can add a test pipe for about 150 if you live in a state that does not have emissions testing. That's where I would go for the "go fast for cheap" part. Sorry, but I can't help you with the lowering/suspension, I have no idea about that stuff...