Help wanted with tuned RS6

[Nige_RS4]

Looking at chopping in my S4 for an RS6 - will probably tune it to MTM stage 1 + gearbox chip.

RS6's are available in large numbers and are currently prices from £35k - which appears good value for money compared to the new S4 which are around £30k.

I'm not convinced I want an auto, but there again I spend 95% of my time on the motorway in 6th in my S4.

Are there any kind folks out there in the SW / Midlands area with a tuned RS6 that would be willing to spend an hour or two with me over a pint to talk about their experiences with driving with the 'flappy paddles' and how to get the best drive out of the RS6's auto box (I drove a DSG g/box golf recently and didn't like that either).

Thought about a B5 RS4, but the RS6 represents better value for money IMHO!

Oh, and the thought of 500+ horses and a V8 sounds very appealing!

Thanks, Nige.

[AL_R]

Agreed, the RS6's are great value now.

Don't worry about the auto - big saloons/estates are best with them IMO and it's a good one, shifting down when you want like slowing for roundabouts. I normally just leave it in Drive as Sport holds onto the gears longer than necessary unless you are in a hurry. Switching to manual and using the steering flaps gives more control but I only use them about 5% of the time due to spending most of my time in 30 zones.

Expected to be disappointed with the RS6 because it was an Audi (sorry) but I still look forward to driving it every time.

[Nige_RS4]

Thanks, can you use the paddles in Auto mode - sounds like a dumb question, but will it over-ride it and change down / up?

[approved]

overides straight away, the reverts back if you leave it in your chosen gear etc...

very handy!!

[AL_R]

No, not a dumb question at all. The flaps can be used in any mode although it will revert to auto again soon after your manual change. If planning on a few flap changes, best to move lever across gate into manual mode so it doesn't change up when you lift off, etc.

[Nige_RS4]

Great, thanks for the info. Roughly how long does it take to change down a gear if you use the paddles in Auto mode? Is it instantaneous, or is there a delay like kickdown mode on some of the Auto boxes I've driven?

I think that's what's putting me off auto boxes - that 2 sec delay on kickdown - my S4 would be gone by the time the things changed gear - maybe the RS6 box is different, maybe I'm driving it incorrectly?

Nige.

[approved]

it changes straight away, suprisingly quickly, as i've had 2 smg m3's and they wernt much quicker imho...

[Nige_RS4]

Anyone had the MTM gearbox program carried out - what does this offer - swifter changes? Holds the gears longer?

[approved]

increases shift point by 250 rpm in every gear, think thats about it...

ring kim at qst..top bloke, will fill you in on relevant bits...

[Alan]

Nige I've got the REVO software (engine and gearbox) and would be happy to meet/chat.

I'm in Herts.

[Nige_RS4]

Nige I've got the REVO software (engine and gearbox) and would be happy to meet/chat.

That's very kind of you Alan, I did call REVO (got it on my S4) and they said they were still developing the s/w on a customers car - I guess that's you!

I will send you a PM.

Nige.

[vs2]

Nige I've got the REVO software (engine and gearbox) and would be happy to meet/chat.

I'm in Herts.

Sorry to butt in here. There is only one REVO installer here in NZ and he has told me that REVO is fine tuning the tip chip before releasing ECU & Tip-chip as a package for the RS6 and that its still about 6 weeks away.

Alan, could you post or PM me telling me if this is correct and also how the performance is.

Thanks.

[gord]

I agree with AL R, you somehow instinctively drive a 6 in a very different manner to a 4 (S or RS) and in my case find I hardly ever use the paddle shift. Accept it for what it is; a phenomenally fast and torquey auto and be happy cruising around in it. I certainly am (and was Mr totallysceptical before I swapped). It's like going through some sort of automotive maturing process. Or maybe I'm just getting old....(no I'm not!)

[PIT]

Hi Nige, following my answer to your request for the RS6 brochure in the classifieds I found your questions here. Here are a couple of remarks.

I got my 2003 RS6 avant last year in may and it came with a modification from EVOTECH (www.evotech.de). It has some 540 HP and immense torque of nearly 800Nm. I can tell you: that thing flies!

EVOTECH changed the shifting points and it would shift from 4th to 5th at a speed of 250 km/h. Max speed is 320 km/h. Quite frankly, it is not so much about speed but the acceleration! 4.2 sec to 100 km/h!!!

Regarding the shifting I must say that I drive mostly in D, the regular driving mode. I rarely use the S mode since the car responds very (I mean VERY!!!) direct to any movement of the pedal. For 99% of the time D is just fine. The car is so powerful that you don't have to worry! The S mode revs the gears higher than D and it shifts down earlier. The S mode is useful for the AMG 55's

I sometimes use the paddles (after approx. 10 secs it goes back to mormal) that you may use at any time and in any setting of the tiptronic. The shifts are smooth and fast - nothing like a kick-down that delays everything. But I must admit that even the kickdown is as fast that using the paddles is just for fun. But they feel good to touch them with your fingertips while driving... (do not have the multi function steering wheel...)

Again, even with the modifications that car serves your day to day needs perfectly. You may cruise in the city and it just feels fine. If you want, you can let it fly.

My favourite is to drive in tunnels... windows down and roof top open... two turbos in the front and the V8 sound in the back... must I say more...

You may get in touch with me @ pit@wadenbach.com if you want toknow more!

Cheers,

PIT

[DrB]

PIT, that sounds pretty cool.

However with that amount of torque did you have to modify the gearbox or anything else. Do you know if EVOTECH operate in the UK?

Mark