First off i want to say hello to all since im new to this forum. My questions are as follows...Found out recently that im going to be a father, so I have to get rid of my Nissan 350z.Anyway, I havent been fond of 4 door cars but I've always lusted after the Audi a4, especially the S4 model...Since my budget will not allow for the purchase of an S4, my next best option is an A4 1.8T...Question # 1....I prefer the 02-present models but, what models should i stay away from? (2)What problems are known to exist that I should know about?(3)What basic mods can I perform without harming the reliability of the car?.(I dont want a monster, just want to make it fun to drive)(4)Can i add an AFTERMARKET intercooler w/out modifying the oem bumper or any supports?.(5)Can I run a blowoff valve to completely vent to the atmosphere w/out any problems and if not, whats my next best option?.(Yes, I would be doing it for the sound/cool factor!)(6) What's an affordable exhaust that will fit an A4 equipped with an auto tranny?Also intake wise, whats my best bet? I want to thank in advance all those who read this and choose to give me suggestions.

 

1. I wouldn't get a 1996 but that's just me.

2. Oil sludge was an issue in the B5s ('96 - '01) and maybe in the B6s too...I'm not sure. Your range '02 - present includes B6s and the new B7s. Control arms, electrical problems, pretty much anyting that came on the car could be a potential expensive repair issue. Things tend to break a lot on these cars.

3. Get a chip. It adds ~50hp and will keep the reliability of the car.

4. Good question...I don't know but would like to find that out myself. I do know however that you don't want a FMIC with the stock K03 turbo b/c the pressure loss would actually be detrimental.

5. You CANNOT run a BOV. Audis use a closed loop turbo system...sorry. You can upgrade your diverter valve (or DV for short) to a 710N which is the stock TT one or you can choose one of the more expensive ones such as the forge 007.

6. Borla is one of the cheapest and I hear good reviews about it.

 

Thanks for you reply dude but a couple of questions.....So you're telling me that an aftermarket intercooler would actually hinder performance with the oem turbo..? And not that im disputing the validity of what you said but, I've seen pics and heard soundclips where ppl have used blowoff valves...and yes, I do know the difference between a bypass valve(diverter) and a blowoff valve.How'd they manage that and whats the worst that would happen if i did use a bov?

 

You'll run rich and destroy your cat. IMO happened to me. LOL. Lucky me i have a test pipe now.

 

You can eventually do alot more than just kill your cat..... a bov is a very bad idea unless you go to stand alone and have a bt. And a fmic is also not the best on the stock k03 you will see a loss rather than a gain by using one.

 

Ok thanks! So mental note to self...no fmic...Im so stuck on getting a BOV though...anyone else have any experience with running them on their cars?...i've even gone to the extent of googling and I've seen posts where people have said that using a BOV hasnt been detrimental their cars.I'm not saying that you who are saying that i shouldnt are wrong....I just want another point of view.....

 

and another question.....intake...yes or no?

 

No intake unless you go with a much larger turbo that requires better airflow. A "cold air intake" just sucks in the hot air from your engine bay. You could go with the carbonio intake though. But it's expensive.

 

1. B5s (96-01) are known to have control arm issues, but there's not a particular year to stay away from...

2. like i said, control arm problems on the b5....oil sludge can be an issue on all the 1.8Ts, but only if proper oil changes aren't performed. if it was taken care of, it will last forever.

3. chip & exhaust

4. i think pretty much any aftermarket fmic will require some fender trimming, but from what i've heard it's not that bad.

5. a BOV is a bad idea. over time it will kill your cats, o2 sensors, muffler, etc (from running rich). you can check out hybrid DV/BOVs, do a google search, there are a few out there.

6. borla/neuspeed

7. intakes are a bad idea without a big turbo setup since the OE intake is already efficient enough, and CAIs pull hot air off your engine, causing you a loss of power.

 

Ok..no intake....nice to know all this before i start wasting money on stuff that isnt going to benefit the car....You guys are a hell of a whole lot nicer than the guys on the my350z forums....too many bench racing know-it-alls over there.!...