Hi, i just got a 96 audi a4 quattro w/5sp i think? from my friends mom.i dont kno much about these never mind an import in general?. i kno i need to do exhaust work .i want to cut the cats+ the mufflers done ,but not sure what kinda of muffler i should go with???. i live in nh so no emissions.i also need to learn about these suspension systems (its more complex then my mudder)haha.i found lots of suspension kits on ebay for ok prices.ball joints toe rod sway bar kits all the good stuff i kno its probly gun need ,i thinks its at 220,000 miles but it runs like a bastard. any help is greatly appreciated .realy dont kno much about these specific cars ?want to kno wat about the suspencion n steering is more important and what should b replaced first?

thanks
jim

 

Welcome!

Is it a 1.8T or a 2.8NA?


The VERY first thing you should replace is your timing belt, unless the previous owner handed you the receipt for the last timing belt replacement. The service should be done every 60,000 miles or you run the risk of the belt or tensioner failing on an interference engine.

Regardless of which engine you have you'll want the Ultimate Kit with hydraulic tensioner.

1.8T
http://www.ecstuning.com/Audi-B5_A4-...Engine/Timing/

2.8
http://www.ecstuning.com/Audi-B5_A4-...lt_Kit/ES6198/

If you have the 2.8 V6 engine, you won't need the cam locking tool if done correctly because of how the pistons align at top dead center.

The other members in the forum will tell you to make sure you do this before anything else along with having maintenance money set aside as you will use it.


You should check out the FAQ Sticky at the top of the forum along with the Newbie Guide within it. https://www.audiforums.com/forum/sho...d.php?t=109459

Exhaust:
Most owners with a 2.8 have either the Magnaflow 14815 or 14816 often with other components (resonator) removed for a deeper sound.

1.8T owners usually go for a full exhaust to increase HP at the same time.

If I were you, I'd YouTube A4 1.8T/2.8 exhausts to find what you're looking for.


Suspension:
Check your ball joints for cracks and tears in the rubber. If you hear a squeaky sound when the suspension is being compressed (like a door that needs to be oiled), it's likely a ball joint. You can find a complete set on eBay from FCP Groton for just over $200.

Then it depends how low you want to go with springs and struts, or coilovers, or air

 

great advice ...checked and it is the top front control arms/ball joints that have craks and are squeaking.one tie rod seems crapy too. my new input on the car is i found out my friends mom put regulr power steering fluid in it when its in need of special fluid.now its def messed up, can i rebuild this and fix it myself????\

thanks jim

 

They sell rebuilt racks online, and yeah, Audi use a type of mineral fluid instead of standard power steering fluid.

 

^^ **** you not, don't put regular ps fluid in, i got scolded by a friend for that.

And pretty soon we all find out the car can run on water when that button on the drivers side below the seatbelt is pressed

 

I'll tell you from firsthand experience with a friend's 12v car (same as yours) - do NOT remove the cat and do NOT replace the factory resonator with an aftermarket one. Using an aftermarket resonator and a Magnaflow muffler with the 12v breathing characteristics sounds like a rotten bag of smashed ********. It is very loud, blatty, and untoned. Leave the cat and resonator and do the muffler and it'll be fine. As for the rest, the FAQ link and the search feature will help a lot. Welcome - this car will be a new experience but you'll like it. Learn to work on it yourself or prepare to spend a lot of money when the car does break - Audi gets $126/hr around here. Also, on your profile page, enter your location so others near you can possibly meet you and help you out with the car. Also create a signature with the details of your car (ie, 96 A4 Quattro manual) so that when you do post questions, no one has to ask your setup, since different models do have some different parts.

Again, welcome - this place is a wealth of knowledge and you'll learn a ton. In particular, two members (ObnoxiousDrunk and Vtraudt) work on the 12v cars a lot and have solid knowledge of them. Happy motoring