DRC V3

4.2 V8 32v Naturally Aspirated - 414 bhp
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Briggy
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DRC V3

Post by Briggy » Mon Aug 24, 2015 7:14 pm

Anyone got any opinions or stories about DRC V3? Following a discussion on viewtopic.php?f=35&t=116519 the opinion on there is that it seems to be pretty reliable. The last DRC work on my car was carried out 4 years / 35,000 miles ago and that was on just one shock, so I'm thinking of ditching the current DRC for V3, in order to avoid the cost of knackered valves, should the originals let go without warning. Car is currently on about 76,000 miles.

So, how can I tell if my current shocks are V3 or the older ones?

What is the cost likely to be - Main Dealers or MRC?

If I go to MRC, I'll probably get the CAF done at the same time as I've got a coolant leak, with a few drops under the driver's side of the front bumper. That work is a no brainer. What's that likely to cost?

That'll be all the known big ticket items done.

Cheers,
Bryan

S4WON
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Re: DRC V3

Post by S4WON » Mon Aug 24, 2015 9:02 pm

Id stay where you are until it lets go personally mate. Its an issue yes, but not one worth ripping out whatever you have already. Dont believe all the DRC anti-hype

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RossDagley
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Re: DRC V3

Post by RossDagley » Mon Aug 24, 2015 11:18 pm

Shocks don't suddenly let go to the point where the valve is damaged. You'd need the shock to fail and you to put another bucket load of miles on the car with it knocking to take out the valve too.
As above. Live with what you have. If one part fails, replace it. DRC is awesome.
Believe only the man who has nothing to gain from what he says.

2017 BMW M4 Competition Pack - Mineral Grey - 530ps by bootmod3, JCWeldfab exhaust.
Previously:
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2015 Audi Exclusive RS4 B8 - Merlin Purple - JCWF Exhaust
2009 Audi RS6 C6 - Phantom Black - 730ps MRC Tuned
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PetrolDave
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Re: DRC V3

Post by PetrolDave » Tue Aug 25, 2015 6:27 pm

RossDagley wrote:You'd need the shock to fail and you to put another bucket load of miles on the car with it knocking to take out the valve too.
That's not my experience, a few years ago I had an earlier version DRC shock fail when I had to make a sudden avoiding manoeuvre on the A27 Emsworth bypass, by the time we had got to Fareham the "death rattle" could be heard from the valve block - and that's less than 15 miles.

There was no sign of leaking shocks before and no noticeable deterioration of the ride or handling.

The bill for a shock and valve block came to over £1100 - but at least I now have all V3 shocks having had the other 3 shocks replaced under the Audi extended goodwill warranty extension (they refused to replace the fourth shock as there was no sign of leaking).
Gone: 2006 B7 RS4 Avant (Phantom Black)

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RossDagley
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Re: DRC V3

Post by RossDagley » Tue Aug 25, 2015 8:22 pm

I had the knock (from under rear seat / valve block ) for maybe 300 miles. Only when cold at first then eventually even once driving for a while. Bedford Audi wanted £2200 for two shocks and a valve block - luckily I got a second opinion and went to hitchin Audi who diagnosed just a single shock (and a bump stop). All in for £770 or something if I recall.

I wonder if (playing devils advocate) you actually needed that valve block... Or maybe I was just lucky!
Believe only the man who has nothing to gain from what he says.

2017 BMW M4 Competition Pack - Mineral Grey - 530ps by bootmod3, JCWeldfab exhaust.
Previously:
Renault Megane R26 - Liquid Yellow - 275ps.
2015 Audi Exclusive RS4 B8 - Merlin Purple - JCWF Exhaust
2009 Audi RS6 C6 - Phantom Black - 730ps MRC Tuned
2008 Audi RS4 B7 - Phantom Black - 449ps MRC Tuned
2002 Peugeot 106 Gti - Mauritius blue - 430ps Home built.

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TimDogg
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Re: DRC V3

Post by TimDogg » Tue Aug 25, 2015 8:53 pm

I'm probably looking at one shock and a CAF - I have coolant loss too :(
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'06 Audi RS4 - Sprint Blue (Non-res Milltek, valved)
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PetrolDave
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Re: DRC V3

Post by PetrolDave » Wed Aug 26, 2015 5:43 pm

RossDagley wrote:I wonder if (playing devils advocate) you actually needed that valve block... Or maybe I was just lucky!
I definitely needed it, I got a second opinion from my indi garage before paying £££ to Audi.
Gone: 2006 B7 RS4 Avant (Phantom Black)

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