Back in the end of April, I got my hands on a 2001 Silver S4 6 speed. After getting used to it (read: learning stick) I feel that I'm a decent driver with it. Now my thoughts turn to modifications. I have a few questions, and would greatly appreciate any feedback I receive

1) I know that chipping the car is a fast, cheap way to really add some horsepower.

My questions regarding this are as follows:

1-1) Is it really a noticable difference? If I toss in an APR chip for 93 octane (only 93 or higher for my baby), will it really be a noticable difference across the entire powerband? I'm assuming so, but I'd like to hear the adjectives used to describe this sort of thing.

1-2) Will the stock clutch stand up to such a huge torque boost? 260 to 380 is QUITE a jump. Can I beat on the stock clutch with that sort of torque and expect it to survive? Or should I think about getting an RS4 clutch/flywheel installed?

1-3) Should I think about upgrading the cooling of the engine? it already runs pretty hot, I'm assuming pumping that much more power out of the turbos and engine are going to make things even hotter. Are there upgraded radiators I can get? Is it worth it?

2) I'd like to upgrade the brakes, at least to stop the massive amounts of brake dust coating my wheels every 3 days. I was thinking about getting cross-drilled rotors (OEM size) and some EBC greenstuff pads (and probably paint the calipers while I'm at it). Any tips/suggestions in this department? I can't be spending 3-4 grand on a big brake kit, so cross-drilled OEM sized rotors and upgraded pads are probably all that will be in the budget.

3) I'd like a more aggressive exhaust note, but I don't want my car to sound like a riced out lawnmower. Anybody got ideas on an exhaust that sounds aggressive without sounding like my car should be mowing a lawn instead of tearing up the freeway?

I'm sure I'll think of more, but for now these are the things that really stick in my head. Any other suggestions are always welcome. Thanks in advance for taking the time to read this.

- Matt

 

Matt-
I chipped my 2001 S4, as well as putting in new downpipes and a new exaust system. While my hp only jumped to 350, its still a great jump, and an amazing ride. Well worth it if you ask me.
The stock clutch stood up to it on my car, shes running like a beaut. Had her 40,000 mi checkup, and shes perfect!
As for brakes, can't help you there, I haven't changed mine.
here are a couple sites for you to consider:

http://www.ecstuning.com/stage/edpd/....cgi?home=Audi

http://www.goapr.com/Audi/products/ecu_upgrade_s4.html

Hope your tuning goes well!

 

Welcome to the forum!
First off, you're asking very common questions for a newbie; many of these can be answered by searching the archives.
But I'll give you some quick answers - there is a lot to cover and my typing fingers are tired!

1-1) It is a noticable difference in the seat of your pants and on paper. You will feel a greater pull and your numbers will be significantly better.
1-2) It's not the chip or extra power that will determine the life of your clutch. It's how you drive! If you know how to launch and don't glaze the clutch, then you'll be fine. But, if you're thinking of serious tracking, then you will want to upgrade the clutch and flywheel so that your launches can be quicker without fear of glazing.
1-3) If you think your engine "...already runs pretty hot", then I'd get it checked. It won't run any hotter with the chip, but you should always cool down the turbos before turning off the ignition - especially after a vigorous drive. There are aftermarket cooling system products, but unless you're going to be doing some serious tracking, then I'd leave the system as it is.
2) The stock brake system is probably the strongest of all the systems in the S4. It is very capable of stopping the car. Again, unless you will be racing the car a lot, I wouldn't worry about the brake system. The best thing you could add would be stainless lines and better pads. Mintex Red Box are the most popular upgrades. If you insist on upgrading the rotors, consider this: Your best bet for upgraded brake rotors is to get slotted rotors. Drilled rotors, although aesthetically pleasing, reduce the brake swept mass which will increase the time it takes to dissipate the heat. In fact, because of the reduction in overall mass, the rotors will get hotter. Cross drilled rotors have a greater potential for heat stress cracks, too.
3) All of the aftermarket exhaust systems, built for the S4, are of great quality and are tuned well. The exhaust notes are unique to each maker, but they are all aggressive tones without any raspy or ricey sound.

It should be noted, that your DV's and TBB should be upgraded - especially with a chip. A wise investment would also be a boost gauge.

This should start you off on the right track.
Hope this helped.

 

make it a stage 3

 

I chipped my 2000 S4. When driving normal, you don't notice much of a difference at all. But if you give it gas... WOW you will definitely notice the difference.

Definitely worth it. do the diverter valve and throttle body boot upgrade with it.