Noob Post
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Junior Member
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 3
Noob Post
Hello everyone. New to the forums so I have lots of questions. I've never owned an Audi before but I've been dreaming of the B5 S4 for a couple years now. The ultimate sleeper (just my opinion). Looking at buying this Audi: http://tiny.cc/3JIi1. I spoke with the owner and he doesn't have any service records. He says there's only been 1 owner but Carfax shows it as having been sold 3 times. He doesn't know if the timing belt has been changed and the Carfax report doesn't list it as having been replaced either (does Carfax get that specific?). I'm in Orange County CA. I know I need to install a bypipe, new/better diverter valves, possibly F-hose... Ah yes... the questions:
1. If I can't guarantee the timing belt has been changed, I should change it. Can anyone recommend a good Audi mechanic in Orange County, CA? From what I've read dealers are the devil! I could probably do it myself if I could set aside the time. What's a dealer/mechanic normally charge for this?
2. It's a tip...I know, it won't be as fast. Tip chip will help but can I realilistically compete with an e46 M3 after chipping with APR ecu (for reliability) and tip chip?
3. The car's originally from New Jersey. Any East Coast folks know where to look for rust troubles other than the usual spots?
4. Are there any other preventative maintenances I can do to increase the Turbo life? I know I need:
- bypipe
- new/better diverter valves
- possibly F-hose...
- Any thoughts on a Turbo timer or will driving like Miss Daisy for a bit suffice before shutting it down?
- Anything else..?
5. I've looked through several different forums for a list of things to check when looking for a used B5 S4 but can't seem to find the list. Can someone point me to it? Or does it not exist?
6. Will running K04 turbos with stock fueling cause any additional wear on the mechanics of the car? Or is it just an issue of not maximizing potential performance?
7. I haven't come across any posts on longevity of tip tranny. Any thoughts on that? I did see some concerning posts about tips exploding and such...
8. How much HP/TQ can the tip tranny handle. Haven't come across this either.
9. A good shop to get the ECU flashed at in OC, CA?
Thanks in advance!
1. If I can't guarantee the timing belt has been changed, I should change it. Can anyone recommend a good Audi mechanic in Orange County, CA? From what I've read dealers are the devil! I could probably do it myself if I could set aside the time. What's a dealer/mechanic normally charge for this?
2. It's a tip...I know, it won't be as fast. Tip chip will help but can I realilistically compete with an e46 M3 after chipping with APR ecu (for reliability) and tip chip?
3. The car's originally from New Jersey. Any East Coast folks know where to look for rust troubles other than the usual spots?
4. Are there any other preventative maintenances I can do to increase the Turbo life? I know I need:
- bypipe
- new/better diverter valves
- possibly F-hose...
- Any thoughts on a Turbo timer or will driving like Miss Daisy for a bit suffice before shutting it down?
- Anything else..?
5. I've looked through several different forums for a list of things to check when looking for a used B5 S4 but can't seem to find the list. Can someone point me to it? Or does it not exist?
6. Will running K04 turbos with stock fueling cause any additional wear on the mechanics of the car? Or is it just an issue of not maximizing potential performance?
7. I haven't come across any posts on longevity of tip tranny. Any thoughts on that? I did see some concerning posts about tips exploding and such...
8. How much HP/TQ can the tip tranny handle. Haven't come across this either.
9. A good shop to get the ECU flashed at in OC, CA?
Thanks in advance!
1st Gear
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 329
From: Wright Patterson Air Force Base
a bit pricey there for 75k miles. It should be like $10,000 price range. Priced to sell my ***. Blue book on it is $11,385. I'd offer $10,500 if the secondary air pump is quiet, there's no check engine light, the tires are good, and you know the timing belt hasn't been done. If it's been done, offer $11,000.
tip chip is a waste don't bother, spend the $500 toward IC's or exhaust.
why not just post the link to that thing: http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...r_id=244796991
With that mileage, probably hasn't had the timing belt done. There's about $850 you can haggle the price down or have them do it for you and provide proof that it was changed.
tip chip is a waste don't bother, spend the $500 toward IC's or exhaust.
why not just post the link to that thing: http://www.autotrader.com/fyc/vdp.js...r_id=244796991
With that mileage, probably hasn't had the timing belt done. There's about $850 you can haggle the price down or have them do it for you and provide proof that it was changed.
Last edited by Scott Long; Aug 26, 2008 at 07:22 PM.
Senior Member
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 844
From: Boston, MA
I'd skip. Price is too high...and right around 60-75k is when people start to dump the cars due to the upcoming maintenance, which is the t-belt, water pump, t-stat. To fix those 3 in one bang will be about $700-800 in labor, plus another $400 in parts. Considering he has no idea when/if the t-belt was changed, it probably wasn't, especially considering he was the only owner (how would you not know if you were the only owner, lol).
I'd believe carfax over his word, so if carfax says 3 and he says 1, it is probably 3.
You have no idea how the turbos were treated for the last 75k so they could go in the next mile or last another 75k. At this point, you can install a turbo timer and cross your fingers.
You can run K04's on a stage 1 chip just fine, with an APR file you may want to try and tweak it. I ran GIAC with K04's for several thousand miles.
With regards to the transmission, well it should be okay, you will start to run into issues once you start putting down more power (350+whp). After that it can get pricey to have tranny upgrades worked.
Rusting, well it is rust, it could be anywhere. Most noteably and obviously the undercarriage would take the most heat. Exhaust components like flex pipes tend to eat ****, but they are an easy fix.
Tip chip is pointless, you can recode that biatch via vag-com and it will shift just as fast.
Aside from that, I'd pass, it is silver (most common), white interior (looks terrible when worn) and is a tip (tough to make fast).
I recently found a nogaro sport with a sport interior that had an exhaust and chip with about 80k + timing belt was complete, for the same price as that silver car.
I'd believe carfax over his word, so if carfax says 3 and he says 1, it is probably 3.
You have no idea how the turbos were treated for the last 75k so they could go in the next mile or last another 75k. At this point, you can install a turbo timer and cross your fingers.
You can run K04's on a stage 1 chip just fine, with an APR file you may want to try and tweak it. I ran GIAC with K04's for several thousand miles.
With regards to the transmission, well it should be okay, you will start to run into issues once you start putting down more power (350+whp). After that it can get pricey to have tranny upgrades worked.
Rusting, well it is rust, it could be anywhere. Most noteably and obviously the undercarriage would take the most heat. Exhaust components like flex pipes tend to eat ****, but they are an easy fix.
Tip chip is pointless, you can recode that biatch via vag-com and it will shift just as fast.
Aside from that, I'd pass, it is silver (most common), white interior (looks terrible when worn) and is a tip (tough to make fast).
I recently found a nogaro sport with a sport interior that had an exhaust and chip with about 80k + timing belt was complete, for the same price as that silver car.
3rd Gear
Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 2,847
Hello everyone. New to the forums so I have lots of questions. I've never owned an Audi before but I've been dreaming of the B5 S4 for a couple years now. The ultimate sleeper (just my opinion). Looking at buying this Audi: http://tiny.cc/3JIi1. I spoke with the owner and he doesn't have any service records. He says there's only been 1 owner but Carfax shows it as having been sold 3 times. He doesn't know if the timing belt has been changed and the Carfax report doesn't list it as having been replaced either (does Carfax get that specific?). I'm in Orange County CA. I know I need to install a bypipe, new/better diverter valves, possibly F-hose... Ah yes... the questions:
1. If I can't guarantee the timing belt has been changed, I should change it. Can anyone recommend a good Audi mechanic in Orange County, CA? From what I've read dealers are the devil! I could probably do it myself if I could set aside the time. What's a dealer/mechanic normally charge for this?
At about 75k you should be thinking about changing it. I would believe that by looking at the t-belt you should be able to tell if its 5k miles old or 75k though. Simply put if it hasnt been done do it. I want to say like $1100 is what i paid but im not sure
2. It's a tip...I know, it won't be as fast. Tip chip will help but can I realilistically compete with an e46 M3 after chipping with APR ecu (for reliability) and tip chip?
6 Speed would be my preference but the tip aint bad. For me the tip chip would be a must. Chipping your ECU will run more boost and in theory make your car less relyable. As for keeping up with an e46 m3: Curvy and dry roads or a track the BMW can handle much better, wet and curvey roads the Quattro 4wd will give the audi the edge, From a dig AWD will help you again because m3's have traction issues and on a Highway run youll probably see the m3 pull a little more up top.
3. The car's originally from New Jersey. Any East Coast folks know where to look for rust troubles other than the usual spots?
Sorry no rust on my car (that i can see....
)
4. Are there any other preventative maintenances I can do to increase the Turbo life? I know I need:
- bypipe
- new/better diverter valves
- possibly F-hose...
- Any thoughts on a Turbo timer or will driving like Miss Daisy for a bit suffice before shutting it down?
- Anything else..?
The turbos on that car could go any second. Be extra careful because the service AND owner/vehicle history are pretty shady. Bipipe: is TBB ripped on that car? Why do you think you need a bipipe? APR's is $350, for that price you could keep a spare TBB in your trunk for backup. Some people swear on the TBB over a bipipe. Me? I have the bipipe.
If you chip diverter valves are a good idea. 710n's from the TT are often used as a cheap fix but arent rebuildable. Forge 007's all the way.
Thats an early model so yes the f-hose could be replaced.
Turbo timers are all-right but not needed. Always let the oil warm up. Always let the oil warm up. Always let the oil warm up. Always let the oil warm up. And just remember to let it run for 5 minutes after you beat on it. The TT will accmoplish the same thing, Me? Yes i have a greddy FATT but i want to replace it with an apexi thats hidden away.
You have to plan on the turbos going at some point. Its almost inevitable, they could last till 200,000 miles but the chances of that are quite slim. Be prepared, theres not much you can do. For best results dont chip the car and drive like miss daisy, but really thats no fun.
5. I've looked through several different forums for a list of things to check when looking for a used B5 S4 but can't seem to find the list. Can someone point me to it? Or does it not exist?
Theres a B5 S4 buyers guide in the "more reference" section of the first post of the S4 FAQ at the top of the page. Heres a link, also having the car checked out by a competent mechanic is a really good idea. http://www.audisport-iberica.com/ftp...t-buyguide.pdf
6. Will running K04 turbos with stock fueling cause any additional wear on the mechanics of the car? Or is it just an issue of not maximizing potential performance?
Well your running more boost and CFM so there is more power than a stage 2 (chipped) car but one of the main weak points is taken out (shitty k03 turbos). Its *slightly* worse for the other mechanical parts but youve removed a HUGE weak point. Called stage 3- fwiw
7. I haven't come across any posts on longevity of tip tranny. Any thoughts on that? I did see some concerning posts about tips exploding and such...
Tip is stronger than the 6speed. The torque converter is a weak point on higher power cars but theres really not much to worry about or bad common problems. 6 speed chews up synchros. My transmission pisses me off.
8. How much HP/TQ can the tip tranny handle. Haven't come across this either.
There are people who go to OTS stage 3 on the tip transmissions and have no real problems. But I feel that once you start going far beyond that point you are likely to run into problems.
9. A good shop to get the ECU flashed at in OC, CA?
Ill let someone else answer this one
Thanks in advance!
1. If I can't guarantee the timing belt has been changed, I should change it. Can anyone recommend a good Audi mechanic in Orange County, CA? From what I've read dealers are the devil! I could probably do it myself if I could set aside the time. What's a dealer/mechanic normally charge for this?
At about 75k you should be thinking about changing it. I would believe that by looking at the t-belt you should be able to tell if its 5k miles old or 75k though. Simply put if it hasnt been done do it. I want to say like $1100 is what i paid but im not sure
2. It's a tip...I know, it won't be as fast. Tip chip will help but can I realilistically compete with an e46 M3 after chipping with APR ecu (for reliability) and tip chip?
6 Speed would be my preference but the tip aint bad. For me the tip chip would be a must. Chipping your ECU will run more boost and in theory make your car less relyable. As for keeping up with an e46 m3: Curvy and dry roads or a track the BMW can handle much better, wet and curvey roads the Quattro 4wd will give the audi the edge, From a dig AWD will help you again because m3's have traction issues and on a Highway run youll probably see the m3 pull a little more up top.
3. The car's originally from New Jersey. Any East Coast folks know where to look for rust troubles other than the usual spots?
Sorry no rust on my car (that i can see....
)4. Are there any other preventative maintenances I can do to increase the Turbo life? I know I need:
- bypipe
- new/better diverter valves
- possibly F-hose...
- Any thoughts on a Turbo timer or will driving like Miss Daisy for a bit suffice before shutting it down?
- Anything else..?
The turbos on that car could go any second. Be extra careful because the service AND owner/vehicle history are pretty shady. Bipipe: is TBB ripped on that car? Why do you think you need a bipipe? APR's is $350, for that price you could keep a spare TBB in your trunk for backup. Some people swear on the TBB over a bipipe. Me? I have the bipipe.
If you chip diverter valves are a good idea. 710n's from the TT are often used as a cheap fix but arent rebuildable. Forge 007's all the way.
Thats an early model so yes the f-hose could be replaced.
Turbo timers are all-right but not needed. Always let the oil warm up. Always let the oil warm up. Always let the oil warm up. Always let the oil warm up. And just remember to let it run for 5 minutes after you beat on it. The TT will accmoplish the same thing, Me? Yes i have a greddy FATT but i want to replace it with an apexi thats hidden away.
You have to plan on the turbos going at some point. Its almost inevitable, they could last till 200,000 miles but the chances of that are quite slim. Be prepared, theres not much you can do. For best results dont chip the car and drive like miss daisy, but really thats no fun.
5. I've looked through several different forums for a list of things to check when looking for a used B5 S4 but can't seem to find the list. Can someone point me to it? Or does it not exist?
Theres a B5 S4 buyers guide in the "more reference" section of the first post of the S4 FAQ at the top of the page. Heres a link, also having the car checked out by a competent mechanic is a really good idea. http://www.audisport-iberica.com/ftp...t-buyguide.pdf
6. Will running K04 turbos with stock fueling cause any additional wear on the mechanics of the car? Or is it just an issue of not maximizing potential performance?
Well your running more boost and CFM so there is more power than a stage 2 (chipped) car but one of the main weak points is taken out (shitty k03 turbos). Its *slightly* worse for the other mechanical parts but youve removed a HUGE weak point. Called stage 3- fwiw
7. I haven't come across any posts on longevity of tip tranny. Any thoughts on that? I did see some concerning posts about tips exploding and such...
Tip is stronger than the 6speed. The torque converter is a weak point on higher power cars but theres really not much to worry about or bad common problems. 6 speed chews up synchros. My transmission pisses me off.
8. How much HP/TQ can the tip tranny handle. Haven't come across this either.
There are people who go to OTS stage 3 on the tip transmissions and have no real problems. But I feel that once you start going far beyond that point you are likely to run into problems.
9. A good shop to get the ECU flashed at in OC, CA?
Ill let someone else answer this one
Thanks in advance!
Senior Member
Joined: Jan 2008
Posts: 404
If you want to have some real fun, get a 6 speed. IMO i have the 6 speed and its a wet dream. The owner sounds like real shade ball. I would go find another one. Also for a tip. its a bit overpriced especially if the T-belt hasnt been replaced.
1st Gear
Joined: Feb 2008
Posts: 206
From: Columbus Ohio
ya Id be careful about them K03s since u dont know how they were really treated. If you can hear them while driving..probably not a good sign. Definitely change the timing belt asap if u do get this car, cuz if that snaps, you'll have to replace the valvetrain and the heads and that will cost around 7 grand including labor. I would definitely replace the TBB with the samco one and might as well get their hose kit. get some baileys diverters if u are gonna chip it. really the only way to increase life of the turbos is a turbo timer..or you can do it like I do and just let the car run while its in the garage for about 5 min. good luck in your decision. Oh ya...get that guy sellin it to knock the price down. Use the timing belt not being done as a bargaining chip. that will cost u 1200 bucks to replace.
Senior Member
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 181
From:
Did anyone notice the rear S4 badge?? It is not the correct one for a 2000. Which means he simply changed it for the newer badge, the car was in a rear ender and they put the wrong badge on the new trunk, or the pic is not of the actual car for sell.
??????
??????
Member
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 90
From: Bay Area, Cali
Pass.....there alots of great deal$ locally
http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/s...n&maxAsk=15000
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sea...n&maxAsk=15000
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/search/c...n&maxAsk=15000
http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/s...n&maxAsk=15000
http://losangeles.craigslist.org/sea...n&maxAsk=15000
http://sfbay.craigslist.org/search/c...n&maxAsk=15000
