Little things make a big difference

[dogtanion]

When I first bought the RS4 a couple of months back it looked great, was 7 years old, had done 60,000 miles but I thought it was a bit disappointing as far as performance went.

What has surprised me is how relatively small changes have added up to a big difference

Clean up air box flap / hinge - extra power, better noise at high revs
Lighter wheels (original Audi) - more nimble, better handling
ECS hpipe - a bit more willing to rev at high rpm
Inlet and Valve clean (today) - big difference to rev pickup and high revs
New OEM clutch and flywheel (today) - big difference to driveability of car

The only word I could use now is phenomenal. Handles well in the bends and amazing speed out of the bends.

Wife - happy cruising with roof down
Kids - Love being in the back when cruising
Grandparents - Not on the warpath because it looks like a regular car and has isofix
Me - Can be a hooligan when I'm on my own

Well done Audi

[stu]

Hi (is it too late for FON?), I know what you mean. I've had mine about 4 years now and it's such a versatile car. It's been full power (or close to full power) until just recently so now I'm going through the motions to get it back up to speed. When I say 'I'm' doing it I really mean Revolution but that's beside the point

Interesting that you found the OEM wheels to make a difference. I know it should in theory but you don't hear many people going back to the original wheels and reporting back. I'm on the original wheels too. Moved to ceramics a few years ago which helps further with unsprung weight at the front.

[taylora]

why the new clutch/flywheel?
was the old one slipping or something else ?

[dogtanion]

The car had done 60000 miles when I bought it and the clutch was knackered. The signs were a very heavy pedal which became worse in heavy traffic. It didn't seem to slip.

Unfortunately the flywheel showed hot spots when the clutch was removed so needed replacing.