Newbie with a few questions

[EnigmaRS6]

Hi guy's

Picking up my new to me C5 RS6 on friday and have a few questions but first a bit about me. Big time petrolhead owned several high performance motors including:

SL 55 amg
e55 amg
ML55 amg
Evo fq 360
Overfinch p38 630R
e36 M3
Legmum VR4
Jag XJR
200SX by Norris Designs 600bhp

I wanted the RS6 as a good quality all rounder to replace all bar my 200 track car and the ml for towing duties, hope I have made the right decision.
I have used the search function and read with interest about some of the issues with RS6 ownership inparticular DRC issues and chocolate gearboxes.
I realise that the drc can be replaced with coilovers no problem but can the gearboxes be rebuilt and uprated?
The performance of the RS6 is good and I would like to improve it further, my car already has a factory fitted audi sport exhaust (cost option when new) is this any good? and would a decat benefit this system along with a ecu and gbox remap? Reading these pages I assume grizz is the man for this?

Sorry for all the questions but I am keen to make the most of RS6 ownership and you seem like a knowlegable bunch of people with a fantastic forum

[Shoppinit]

my car already has a factory fitted audi sport exhaust (cost option when new) is this any good? and would a decat benefit this system along with a ecu and gbox remap? Reading these pages I assume grizz is the man for this?

Oh? Never heard of an exhaust option.

As well as grizz, MRC seem to be worth a look in from what I read.

[Hartge]

I dont think sport exhaust wasn't listed in standard UK brochure at the time (its certainly not in the 2003 edition I have), but I do seem to think it was quite common option in North American.
It was standard on a RS6+ but from what I can make out it having it fitted to mine it was more of a "enhanced sound" rather than big bhp gains.

[Shoppinit]

Are they still single tailpipes?

[EnigmaRS6]

Thanks for the reply's guy's, the exhaust looks like a milltek ie, larger tips than standard butsame shape don't know about the bore until I get it on a ramp and measure it. It was an Audi dealer that confirmed it was on the options for the car?....

[HYFR]

some audi dealers dont have a clue about audis though

[Hartge]

yep, the tail pipes look identical, so it must be just different baffles in the rear boxes.
Ive replaced mine for a Milltek now, as I wanted a bit more of the V8 sound as I found it still too quite.

Here's a US RS6 which has it fitted
"Upgraded Sound Enhancing Exhaust system with dual black oval exhaust tips "

http://www.classyauto.com/v/used/Audi+RS6/51996

[Hartge]

Its also mentioned is this 2003 press review of the RS6+ (about halfway down)

http://www.conceptcarz.com/vehicle/z6880/Audi-RS6.aspx

[Hartge]

Yep, the Milltek tips are a lot larger than the standard or sound enhanced versions.
There will also be a stamped plaque one of the back boxes if its a Milltek with the serial number etc...

[Rupert]

Welcome to the forum! I hope the car is everything you expect it to be.

The gearbox's main weakness is the torque converter. The gears themselves are just fine, I don't think anyone has broken the cogs yet
Most cars which have had gearbox replacements will have done so under warranty, and the easiest way is just to replace the whole thing, box and TC.
I believe there is a company in the US who can fit an uprated valve kit for the TC.
Grizz will know more about our options in the UK, he's working on a manual conversion and there is an auto box specialist near him (as far as I can remember).

[paul_23]

Mine has dual, oval, black exhaust tips so maybe mine is the sound improved version - never knew this was a special so I will check my option codes.

[jd_hants]

Reading the link to conceptcarz, it mentions the RS6 Plus has an option of Sports Suspension Plus which has variable damping, firmer spring/damper settings, and a body 10mm lower than the RS6.

I'm wondering whether this option is an alternative to the DRC or a different version of the DRC??? Or is it just shorter/stiffer springs?

[Shoppinit]

Just different springs.

[skyegtb]

Chris, I have tried to PM you 3 times but for some reason they are not getting to you. Perhaps your inbox is full? If not, please email me at angusmsmith at hotmaildotcom
Cheers, Angus

[Daveperc]

Either Grizz or MRC can offer you a stage 2 map plus decat exhaust and you should get around 550BHP. Grizz is an agent for Custom Code, and MRC have been developing their own bespoke maps for years (real in depth knowledge). Alternatively (and more expensively) you can go the MTM (factory approved) route with QST as their UK agents - their kit includes additional exhaust valves etc.

All will include a box map to improve the shift points and make sure the engine doesn't melt the TC.

Various people have mooted improved TC's and manual box options, but so far there doesn't seem to be an established solution and supplier. TBH I'm not sure it's going to be worth it unless you plan to track the car regularly.

Enjoy the beast!

Dave