first time modder - it's chip time !

[dazzer]

Following up on my point about having the exhaust done before the remap after qualifying my thoughts with the experts.

Essentially Turbo performance is effected by back pressure (the level of which will be influenced by the exhaust set-up. The turbos also perform differently at diffrent RPM so it's about optimisation, particularly when having a custom remap (getting one's bang for the buck so to speak)

[tartan_rob]

Try Eric at SPP, http://www.supremepowerparts.com. I paid about £350 for the upgraded lights (complete set) and £200 for the main beam set. They have a before and after compariosn photo on the site.

[KayGee]

Don't say what remap you are looking at, most of the chip companies have 1 chip per ECU. If you are having custom remap you will get some additional benefit from a remap after fitting the full exhaust, speak to the tuner first.

In terms of bang for your buck, remap wins. In terms of safety the S4 brakes are shocking for a 150mph car.

My upgrade path reads as follows. Not saying this is the right way this is just the way it worked out....

chip
short shifter
TBB + F hose.
Chip
Chip
Miltek and APR DPs
Chip
RS4 suspension (need ARBs)
RS4 brakes (still not good enough)
RS4 ICs
K04s + RS4 Clutch + RS4 MAF + RS4 injectors + Oil cooler
MRC remap.

[dazzer]

Rob,

How much grief do you get from other drivers?

[ChipHazzard]

upgraded lighting def sounds like a good idea, but I couldnt find the comparison you mention unless i need to get my glasses cleaned

[CliveH]

I'm only about half way through my upgrade path (the order of which is shown in the 2nd line of my signature below), but knowing what I know now, and bearing in mind that 265bhp is plenty to start with!, I would have gone :

Plug all the weak points in the air system - TBB, DVs, F pipe - anything else?
Suspension (incl ARBs)
Brakes (and bigger wheels if your new brakes need them)
Exhaust
1st remap
RS4 intercoolers or FMIC
K04 turbos + "bits" (injectors, RS4 MAF, RS4 clutch)
2nd remap
Cosmetics as and when the money allows

Just my little opinion...

[dazzer]

How's the suspension Clive?

[Droptheclutch]

Ok, I'm a newbie to all this too, so would someone (please) tell me what the following would cost?
Plug all the weak points in the air system - TBB, DVs & F pipe . Also, I know what the DV is, but TBB? F pipe? (Front pipe?)
Suspension (incl ARBs) - What are ARB's?
Brakes (and bigger wheels if your new brakes need them) I am considering 18" anyway...
Exhaust - Millitech?
1st remap .

I do appreciate the input. Hopefully with your combined knowledge I too will be able to piss of the porsche and bmw drivers!

Cheers,

DTC

Thanks for all your help,

[confusionhunter]

Rob,
Thanks for the link for the xenons.... Cant find them but I'll keep looking!

[mikeyquattro]

Ok, I'm a newbie to all this too, so would someone (please) tell me what the following would cost?
Plug all the weak points in the air system - TBB, DVs & F pipe . Also, I know what the DV is, but TBB? F pipe? (Front pipe?)
Suspension (incl ARBs) - What are ARB's?
Brakes (and bigger wheels if your new brakes need them) I am considering 18" anyway...
Exhaust - Millitech?
1st remap .

I do appreciate the input. Hopefully with your combined knowledge I too will be able to piss of the porsche and bmw drivers!

Cheers,

DTC

Thanks for all your help,

Arb's , Anti roll bars.
If you just replace discs with after market one's, eg DBA then standard wheels are ok

F pipe. Looks like the letter F!!
TBB, Throttle body boot.
Miltek pipe. Full system inc. cats is £1700+ but nice!
Remap. MRC no contest there.

[CliveH]

Ok, I'm a newbie to all this too, so would someone (please) tell me what the following would cost?
Plug all the weak points in the air system - TBB, DVs & F pipe . Also, I know what the DV is, but TBB? F pipe? (Front pipe?)
Suspension (incl ARBs) - What are ARB's?
Brakes (and bigger wheels if your new brakes need them) I am considering 18" anyway...
Exhaust - Millitech?
1st remap .

I do appreciate the input. Hopefully with your combined knowledge I too will be able to piss of the porsche and bmw drivers!

Cheers,

DTC

Thanks for all your help,

Most of the above has been explained, but costs to plug the weak points in the air system are insignificant, but could cost you a new set of turbos if left unattended, and of course the weak points are more vulnerable (and become weaker) on a tuned engine working at higher boost levels.

A pair of 710N DVs are about £35 and easy to fit (I can do it!).

The TBB can be cheaply replaced by a stronger silicone offering or you could spend £350 on an APR bipipe (this is an aluminium replacement for the TBB and its associated pipework).

The F pipe is also a relatively cheap part and can be replaced by a silicone equivalent, but is difficult to get to, so unless you're a good mechanic, you might be into £100 in labour on top of the part.

Cost of suspension - depends whether you just do the dampers & springs or the ARBs too - I would recommend doing both at the same time if your budget will stretch to it. Allow £1,000 for coilovers and laser wheel alignment, and a further £400 for ARBs. These prices include VAT and fitting, so will obviously come down if you can do it yourself.

There's a wide choice of bigger brakes and lots of threads on here about it. You can spend as little as £500 on a set of used brakes and as much as £2,500 on something that will stop a truck.

[s4-99]

Where's the best place to get a pair of ARB's from? Also is it a DIY fitting job

Thanks.

[CliveH]

Where are you based s4-99? They're not light so you can save on postage if you can collect.

It's a DIY fitting job if you know what you're doing, and have the tools and lifting gear, but it does involve removing the front suspension arms, and that's not always an easy job, and in some cases these may need replacing.

[s4-99]

I am based in Leicester. Is there some where in the uk to buy them from I think i would have to get them fitted for me

[tartan_rob]

I don't get much grief from other drivers on the dipped lights, however when I accidentally forget and have my mains on, I get plenty verbal, on the upside when I get tossers behind me with their lights on full beam, I pull over to let them pass and give them a taste of their own medicine....they normally back off, once I've passed them, they do not dare to do it again...

I can't seem to find the link on the site either (which has changed in design since I bought my stuff). I have contacted them and am waiting on a reply.

Rob