Hi guys, I'm from the UK so may use words nd phrases which might sound odd. I've got a couple of questions that i need help with. I was impressed with the level interest and knowledge on audis and so i figured i put my questions here.

- I've just recently bought an a4 which was pre-chipped and with a k&n. I was wondering whether if there was some sort of sensor or any way that i cant figure out whether i am getting the power/boost that i shuld be getting, other than taking it to my local garage.

- Also just a week ago from a cold start just after ignition there is this screetching noise that comes from the front. I dont know if this from the ngine or something else. Has anyone else experienced this.

- Also does using petrol higher than 100 make any difference to the performance. Cos i didnt notice it, plus the cost doesnt justify it, 102 costs £2.50 per litre here. I only ever use that when absolutley necessary!

appreciate all your thoguhts.

 

1. Get a boost guage and install it, then you will be able to monitor it. You can also log boost with a vag-com computer. Another way would be to dyno test it.

2. Probably a belt slipping, check your belts for wear, or try a belt dressing.

3.Your petrol ratings are different than ours, so not sure what it compares to. Since you are chipped I would say run 1 grade higher than Audi's reccomended minimum. In the US Audi reccomends min. 91 octane, Im chipped and run 93 octane all the time. So if Audi reccomends min 100 for your car, run the 102 since you are chipped.

 

run what you are chipped for. becuase you can have different fuel maps for each oct that you fill up with

 

id say run the higher octane

 

thanks guys, i always use the non standard petrol better quality ones.

... so it mite be the belt, damn... another cost. its clocked 71000 miles so its due for a belt change. Do you rekon its ok to just change the belt or should i get the full kit changed?

also which gauges would you recomend for A4s?

 

since youre pretty much stock theres no need for an EGT gauge nor an oil temp because you have it . You could do an Oil pressure, boost (important), AFR could be an interest as well.

 

hmm... are the boost gauges easy to install if i did it my self. I am tempted to just put the car on a dyno and get it checekd there to. Cos all i wanna see is whether if car's working to the max.

and about the timing belt. Is it safe to just change the belt and not the full kit?

 

boost gauge is a very simple install. and i would change the whole t-belt while you have it off. better safe than sorry.

 

Well since you have the 01, I think your tensioner is the second run of tensioners so you wont need to get the full kit, but dont quote me on this. As far as a dyno, that would be ok for a 1 time boost check, but how will you know a week later if you have a vaccuum leak or if you are spiking or losing boost? Just get the gauge, it will actually be cheaper that way, because all dynos are different.

 

Id get the whole T/B kit, the stock water pump has a plastic impeller that commonly breaks.