***Click on pictures to enlarge***
The brace is designed to improve upon the OEM L-shaped brace fitted to all B8 Audi variants, which is located behind the engine fire wall. I’d read a number of positive reviews from S4/S5 owners in the United States where the product was made by an enthusiast. When I then found out a right hand drive one had been produced by James, it peaked my interest even further. So after a couple of email exchanges to see if it should fit the RS4, it was decided that there should be no reason why not and I got it ordered.
OEM L-shaped brace.
Fitment was fine and done in less than 30mins. You remove the plastic bulkhead cowling and rubber to gain access. It is mentioned in the instructions that some cars require a tab on the OEM brace flattening down. Sure enough, my car (perhaps all RS’s) was like that. So a small wooden block and taps with a persuader had the tab flush, that then allowed the brace to sit down nice and level. New fixings are included and pick up on OEM threads, some of which are oddly enough, not used by the original item which is still left in place under the new one.
This tab requires flattening down to allow fitment.
Cowling and rubber re-installed. Finished discreet look.
So, what you all really want to really know is - Was there any benefit? Short answer, Yes.
Taking the car for a test drive, immediately the cobbles at the end of my driveway were absorbed better and the steering feel felt smoother and a touch heavier. Heading out to a favourite road and the first opportunity to tip the car into a corner at speed, had me steering too much and I had to back off the steering angle. It’s like the car responds more immediately to the steering wheel inputs and after a few more miles, my mind had adjusted to it just fine. The front end of the car rides through the surface imperfections far better and feels more solid, with a lovely reduction in deflection. You can feel the two front corners just working more harmoniously together.
Overall it's been on for a week now and covered 300+ varied miles, I'm yet to find any negative aspects from having this fitted. So think it’s a good value for money product.
***Update*** July '18
I've covered over 5k miles now with this CR-15 brace fitted and still have nothing but positive praise for the product. There are no ill effects whatsoever and the car performed lovely around the challenging roads of the Scottish Highlands trip I recently did. Well worth the money spent.
Thanks Mike.