Many DIYers on board?
Many DIYers on board?
By the title I mean any non mechanics. I fancy getting my hands dirty more often with my car and thought I would ask how these cars are to work on and if you need a tray full of specialist tools? I can see how cramped the engine bay is but if that is the main headache then I guess why not? I would like to get familiar with the car as I intend on keeping it and would save me the headache of having to drive miles for trusted specialists every time the car farts.
I am not a complete novice with a spanner mind but have never worked in a garage or anything. I am from a Ford RS back ground and as a gullible teenager and being hit 10 year ago with a big bill from what should have been routine, I decided to do all my own work. So over the years, working on relatively basic cars, I have done engine swaps, custom builds/conversions, wiring, clutch changes, brakes, well pretty much everything all out of a Haynes manual so am a little mechanically minded. A friend of mine is a very good mechanic so have access to ramps after hours, plenty of tools and advice so shouldn't really get stuck. I am thinking about doing a diy carbon clean but am unsure at the minute. I am going to gut the pre cats next week though but that is quite a basic job. I am at MRC in 3 weeks and would like to have it all done by then.
Are there any decent manuals out there worth having?
Cheers,
Chris.
I am not a complete novice with a spanner mind but have never worked in a garage or anything. I am from a Ford RS back ground and as a gullible teenager and being hit 10 year ago with a big bill from what should have been routine, I decided to do all my own work. So over the years, working on relatively basic cars, I have done engine swaps, custom builds/conversions, wiring, clutch changes, brakes, well pretty much everything all out of a Haynes manual so am a little mechanically minded. A friend of mine is a very good mechanic so have access to ramps after hours, plenty of tools and advice so shouldn't really get stuck. I am thinking about doing a diy carbon clean but am unsure at the minute. I am going to gut the pre cats next week though but that is quite a basic job. I am at MRC in 3 weeks and would like to have it all done by then.
Are there any decent manuals out there worth having?
Cheers,
Chris.
Last edited by chris_m on Thu Jan 29, 2015 11:15 pm, edited 1 time in total.
2006 B7 RS4 Mrc stage 2
2000 evo VI tommi makinen red
1999 Evo V 370bhp white
1995 e36 m3 3.0 green
1988 Saff cosworth 2wd white
2000 evo VI tommi makinen red
1999 Evo V 370bhp white
1995 e36 m3 3.0 green
1988 Saff cosworth 2wd white
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- 2nd Gear
- Posts: 114
- Joined: Sat Jul 06, 2013 6:04 pm
Re: Many DIYers on board?
There's a pdf study guide kicking around somewhere on this forum which might be a decent starting point. I downloaded it a while back but can't remember where it was!
Re: Many DIYers on board?
Cool, I will have a scour cheers 

2006 B7 RS4 Mrc stage 2
2000 evo VI tommi makinen red
1999 Evo V 370bhp white
1995 e36 m3 3.0 green
1988 Saff cosworth 2wd white
2000 evo VI tommi makinen red
1999 Evo V 370bhp white
1995 e36 m3 3.0 green
1988 Saff cosworth 2wd white
Re: Many DIYers on board?
Yeah I like to do most stuff myself if I can and as I have owned 4 Audi's over the years and lots of mods and this being the biggest job.
This

To This


On the RS4 I have changed the DRC rear shock removed driver side Rad and fitted a CAI in its place oh and the amber headlight delete and installed B8 window switches so yeah I like a bit of DIY and have a few other things planned.
This

To This


On the RS4 I have changed the DRC rear shock removed driver side Rad and fitted a CAI in its place oh and the amber headlight delete and installed B8 window switches so yeah I like a bit of DIY and have a few other things planned.
Avus Audi RS4 2076|Black optic |Carbon Airbag surround|LED'S inside|RNS-E style Android Stereo with DAB+ dongle|
Re: Many DIYers on board?
That's what I loved about the fords, being able to tinker. Having tools and a roof over your head is half the battle. I did all kinds in rain wind and snow putting myself off a bit. I have had about a 4 year break from it and am itching to get stuck back in plus the benefit of hydraulic lifts I can borrow now and again.
2006 B7 RS4 Mrc stage 2
2000 evo VI tommi makinen red
1999 Evo V 370bhp white
1995 e36 m3 3.0 green
1988 Saff cosworth 2wd white
2000 evo VI tommi makinen red
1999 Evo V 370bhp white
1995 e36 m3 3.0 green
1988 Saff cosworth 2wd white
Re: Many DIYers on board?
love a bit of car diy, worked in a garage for a while tuning audis and vw s too, ive done most of the work myself on my RS
Re: Many DIYers on board?
I have always thought of working on these as such a daunting task and always talked myself out of it. I must have confidence issues... lol.Rick_RS4 wrote:love a bit of car diy, worked in a garage for a while tuning audis and vw s too, ive done most of the work myself on my RS
I have always been a deep end kind of character. The tasks I have gave myself are to gut pre cats, thoroughly check for vacuume leaks and take off the inlets to do a carbon clean. I have read it is a good idea to change a one way valve under there as routine re routing it for easier future access. I am looking forward to it actually. No doubt I will be regretful when I have the engine in 100 pieces and getting thick of clunge.
2006 B7 RS4 Mrc stage 2
2000 evo VI tommi makinen red
1999 Evo V 370bhp white
1995 e36 m3 3.0 green
1988 Saff cosworth 2wd white
2000 evo VI tommi makinen red
1999 Evo V 370bhp white
1995 e36 m3 3.0 green
1988 Saff cosworth 2wd white
Re: Many DIYers on board?
the pre cats are a nightmare, make sure you buy 6 new studs and copper washers,they will be corroded and are a pita to get off,
its it daunting to do things to your motor but once you get in there its all ok, ive done 3 carbon cleans now and every time it seems a big job but its satisfying when you have completed it,
BTW Docurley that widebody conversion looks amazing
its it daunting to do things to your motor but once you get in there its all ok, ive done 3 carbon cleans now and every time it seems a big job but its satisfying when you have completed it,
BTW Docurley that widebody conversion looks amazing
Re: Many DIYers on board?
Carbon clean and downpipes on my list too, have already bought the sand gun and walnut shells but will buy the extras for the downpipes now as well.
Yeah loved that car, it was only a 1.8t quattro with mods and the first UK street going widebody.it got stollen and stripped which is not a pleasant sight but if it did not happen Iwould not be hear today.
Yeah loved that car, it was only a 1.8t quattro with mods and the first UK street going widebody.it got stollen and stripped which is not a pleasant sight but if it did not happen Iwould not be hear today.

Avus Audi RS4 2076|Black optic |Carbon Airbag surround|LED'S inside|RNS-E style Android Stereo with DAB+ dongle|
Re: Many DIYers on board?
Yeah I have read so. It shouldn't be too time consuming thouh should it? About an hour a side? It bas been suggested to cut them open to gut them a lot easier. I am 2 minutes away from a metal works company who will be able to weld them back up no problem. Is there any reason why not to do this? Like you say, the feel good factor makes the end result worth it.Rick_RS4 wrote:the pre cats are a nightmare, make sure you buy 6 new studs and copper washers,they will be corroded and are a pita to get off,
its it daunting to do things to your motor but once you get in there its all ok, ive done 3 carbon cleans now and every time it seems a big job but its satisfying when you have completed it,
BTW Docurley that widebody conversion looks amazing
2006 B7 RS4 Mrc stage 2
2000 evo VI tommi makinen red
1999 Evo V 370bhp white
1995 e36 m3 3.0 green
1988 Saff cosworth 2wd white
2000 evo VI tommi makinen red
1999 Evo V 370bhp white
1995 e36 m3 3.0 green
1988 Saff cosworth 2wd white
Re: Many DIYers on board?
Are the gun and shells a necessity or just to make your life easier? Also, is this only for the manifold, not the valves as debris would get into the engine if doing the valves wouldnt it? Are there any tools i should get now before i strip the car and realise that I need it? Sorry for all the dummy questions by the way?docurley wrote:Carbon clean and downpipes on my list too, have already bought the sand gun and walnut shells but will buy the extras for the downpipes now as well.
Yeah loved that car, it was only a 1.8t quattro with mods and the first UK street going widebody.it got stollen and stripped which is not a pleasant sight but if it did not happen Iwould not be hear today.
That is awful to hear about your b5. I bet you had a few sleepless nights, I know I would have

To think all the times I have left my car running outside home when running back in for stuff. I am not so bad these days with that. Follish of me I know.
2006 B7 RS4 Mrc stage 2
2000 evo VI tommi makinen red
1999 Evo V 370bhp white
1995 e36 m3 3.0 green
1988 Saff cosworth 2wd white
2000 evo VI tommi makinen red
1999 Evo V 370bhp white
1995 e36 m3 3.0 green
1988 Saff cosworth 2wd white
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- 3rd Gear
- Posts: 351
- Joined: Tue Jul 02, 2013 8:32 pm
- Location: Aberdeenshire
Re: Many DIYers on board?
DIY where/when you can I do
I serviced the RS4 last weekend at my cousins garage, all oils plugs filters, all brake pads 2 new tyres going back again this weekend to fit goodridge brake lines
handy that my cousin owns his own garage/MOT station
had to put the car in for a 4 wheel alignment yesterday which ended up costing trebble what they quoted as a rear arm bolt broke when attmepting to adjust
I serviced the RS4 last weekend at my cousins garage, all oils plugs filters, all brake pads 2 new tyres going back again this weekend to fit goodridge brake lines
handy that my cousin owns his own garage/MOT station
had to put the car in for a 4 wheel alignment yesterday which ended up costing trebble what they quoted as a rear arm bolt broke when attmepting to adjust
RS4 B7 Saloon Milltek Cat back, CAF with piper cross panel, Wrapped optics black, Satin black wheels, TRUPS LED front DRL's & sides, goodridge braided hoses, H&R 10/15mm spares front/rear
Bilstien B16 coilovers with H&R anti roll bars
MRC stage 2 deflapped, precat gutted 439ps 481nm torque
1/4 mile time 12.884sec
My clutch replacement write up can be found here viewtopic.php?f=35&t=116929&start=15
Bilstien B16 coilovers with H&R anti roll bars
MRC stage 2 deflapped, precat gutted 439ps 481nm torque
1/4 mile time 12.884sec
My clutch replacement write up can be found here viewtopic.php?f=35&t=116929&start=15
Re: Many DIYers on board?
You could do a chemical clean and toothbrush but it would not be as good as the gun. Walnut shells residue would burn up with no ill effect unlike sand. There is a very good thread on here so when I get in to work I will dig it up.
Car was stollen buy a secondhand car dealernear the station i used, but I got payback don't worry and they gave up selling cars it got too costly I expect
Car was stollen buy a secondhand car dealernear the station i used, but I got payback don't worry and they gave up selling cars it got too costly I expect

Avus Audi RS4 2076|Black optic |Carbon Airbag surround|LED'S inside|RNS-E style Android Stereo with DAB+ dongle|
Re: Many DIYers on board?
Here you go viewtopic.php?f=35&t=104824&hilit=carbon+clean+DIY
We really should a subsection sticky for DIY stuff
We really should a subsection sticky for DIY stuff
Avus Audi RS4 2076|Black optic |Carbon Airbag surround|LED'S inside|RNS-E style Android Stereo with DAB+ dongle|
Re: Many DIYers on board?
Servicing I was going to leave for a garage for the service stamps. Come to think of it though, I am sure my pal would stamp for me as long as he overlooked the work and checked that everything was done according to service, which of course I would anyhow.boombastik wrote:DIY where/when you can I do
I serviced the RS4 last weekend at my cousins garage, all oils plugs filters, all brake pads 2 new tyres going back again this weekend to fit goodridge brake lines
handy that my cousin owns his own garage/MOT station
had to put the car in for a 4 wheel alignment yesterday which ended up costing trebble what they quoted as a rear arm bolt broke when attmepting to adjust
I need the alignment done on mine as it happens. The outer edge of my off side tyre was unevenly worn. Just put 4 on so best get it done soon.
2006 B7 RS4 Mrc stage 2
2000 evo VI tommi makinen red
1999 Evo V 370bhp white
1995 e36 m3 3.0 green
1988 Saff cosworth 2wd white
2000 evo VI tommi makinen red
1999 Evo V 370bhp white
1995 e36 m3 3.0 green
1988 Saff cosworth 2wd white
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