From my understanding of the information I've found online, the later model 2001 S4's had a revised TBB clamp and no f-hose. Checking carfax on my Audi, my 2001 was manufactured around late '99. However, my car does not have an F-Hose. what I'm wonder is, does this mean I have a "2001.5 S4" with the revisions? And since I have no f-hose, does this mean my car probably also got the TBB clamp upgrade as well? The reason why I'm asking is because I'm purchasing some 710N BPV's, and I might as well get the TBB too, but if I already have the revised model, I probably won't need the new TBB.

BTW- ImolaS4, I've searched for an have read your numerous posts regarding the TBB and DV's, they're very informational. But my question is more towards whether or not I need the upgrade if the clamps for my stock TBB have been addressed already.

 

It's not the clamps as much as the TBB itself begins to degrade - yes, it degrades more rapidly due to the early clamps, but nevertheless, it degrades because the position of the clamps cause tearing.

It sounds like you have the 2001.5 S4

My advice: get the TBB. It's only about $50-$60. If you don't need it save it for the future or just resell it.

 

Good point, I think I'll go for it. Any advice on where to get one cheap? The lowest price I've currently found for the Samco is $59.95

 

Sorry about the response last night - I was rushing out the door and didn't give a full answer.

The TBB clamps were upgraded because the old ones were tearing the TBB. The new ones help, but don't solve the issue entirely. The design of the Boot makes it a tight fit - there is very little room for the clamp regardless of it's "better" design. Therefore, even though the newer clamps are meant to prevent tearing, they only prolong the inevitable.

My quote on a TBB was for the Samco unit. An OE unit is around $35 if I recall. There is also a kevlar reinforced unit that sells for around $90 - it comes with better clamps, too. And there's a $56 "Sport Y-Brace" sold by Joe Hoppen Motorsport that is used to prevent the TBB from pulling during pressure reflex - this could be the biggest reason for TBB tears.

I hope this clears it up for you.

 

god im such a newbie, hey imolas4, wut the hell is a TBB and wut does it do, and wuts this clamp nonsense. wow i think i need some private lessons haha. uve already taught me a great deal, so thanxs but im thirsting for more knowledge

 

TBB = Throttle Body Boot
It's the short 'y'-shaped hose up front that links the left and right intercooler pipes to the throttle body. Because it is so short, the clamps have very little are to bite without binding at the junctions. The OE clamps are narrow and put a lot of pressure at a weak are within the boot - just a bad design. The newer clamps tried to resolve this by spreading the pressure over a wider area, but that doesn't do the trick because it's the boot that is the item that is flawed. A reinforced TBB or Samco unit resolves the issue - or you can spend more money and get the APR Bi-Pipe kit to eliminate flex under high boost.