To Mod or Not To Mod...

[stumpyrs4]

...that is the question...

This will probably divide opinion.
My car appears to be standard/OEM. No mods at all.

It's booked in with Kim Collins at QST in 3 weeks time (week after Audi's in the Park). Am tempted to get an MTM Stage 1 remap while I'm down there (so long as there aren't alot of repairs to get sorted over and above the EGT sensor I'm aware of). Have also seen the other/recent thread re the custom exhaust replacement, which may also find it's way onto my shopping list.

basically, if the car is standard, does it make it more valuable to a potential buyer? Personally it didn't make it more or less attractive as a buyer, having the car standard. Many of us like to make the car 'our own', by personalising in some way. Others like to keep it as it was intended. With the B5 RS4 however and in particular it's exclusivity the car could be worth more if left standard?

To date I have modded all my cars over the last 4-5yrs or so (all Audi's as it turns out).

Time will tell, and I may keep this one (83k 2001) for a few years yet as I'm loving it BTW , or trade up for an RS6. But as I picked it up quite cheaply it's not inconseivable I could make a few quid out of it?!




Comments...??

[dace]

Go for it and have it mapped, that will be the start....

[stumpyrs4]

On previous cars I've mapped, changed exhausts, wheels, tints, etc the usual stuff and could quite easily do the same now.

I guess if the car wont be de-valued by mapping then I'll probably do it. It's no slouch now, but should be amazing with the map, not in just bhp terms but also ft lbs, and it's general driveability with that much added torque...

Will the car be worth more standard in say 1yrs time if standard?

[davey]

get an exhaust and map it.

you can always revert to original when selling it and sell the exhaust.

personally I was lucky, I got mine from a dealer, RSpaul came down and checked it out with vagcom on a test drive and said it was at least 420bhp. wasnt till i took it to Unit 20 for a health check that Grizz told me it had Miltek downpipes and cats 451bhp at the rolling road.

that has saved me a few bob.

On the other hand an unmolested car is also sought after

[stumpyrs4]

[searider]

It think that modifications will divide opinion depending on what you do.

With the limited numbers there will be some buyers who want standard, or nearly standard, cars. Others who want a fully modded car.

Different wheels might put some off as expensive to return to standard..

I'm in the same boat as you - bought a good VFM standard car. I think i'll look at a remap (was fantastic on the S4) and if the exhaust falls apart perhaps a Miltek. Brakes seem good enough on the road. Don't want to change the appearance of the car as it looks good standard.

Just remembered - mine's got a short shifter. Put me off a little when I test drove the car but now think it's great.

[stumpyrs4]

Am thinking:

Wheel spacers
MTM Stage 1 Map
Custom Full Exhaust
Possibly refurb and paint either anthracite or black the OEM 9-spokes (would actually like some R8 Reps)
RS4 car mats
Blacked out bumper grill (can't find one anywhere)
Paint calipers and poss GMBH (drilled) discs

That's about as much as I would dream of. Don't want to get to far into mods and things start going bang, " that'll be £3000 to fix please (or more) ! "


Love the standard look, but you just can't help tinkering can you !!

[lengster1]

Certain mods are a must to address the standard cars lacking areas ie handling and brakes stock power is ok but they feel sooooooo much better for a remap and sports cats.Sorting these should be seen as an overall improvement and retain some of there value on the car,hybrid turbos fmic etc might be going too far and start to put people off.Have you considered MRC for a remap? Generally regarded as the best and may be cheaper?

[stumpyrs4]

I have yes, but QST are closer by about an hour each way.
Are MRC better than QST ? Why so? Not meant to be inflammatory or widen the debate unnecessarily! Just looking for the facts. MTM is £750+VAT...?

QST do a 90-odd minute check-up for £90+VAT which includes a full diagnostic, up on a ramp and a good look round, a full road test and an air pressure test. I'm not sure MRC do that? There's seems to be not inclusive of the air test, but mainly a diagnostic and road test??

Happy to be corrected of course!

Re the mods, I think I've convinced myself re the map and zorst.
Am looking for a 'cheap' brake upgrade.
Maybe an ARB change?
Wasn't gonna get suspension changed though?
Presumably should change zorst before the remap, to take account of the changes to performance first??

So best value exhaust change then - just the sports cats (gains?) or the full custom (read cheaper than Miltek) zorst change...?

[lengster1]

The system gives little gain in power its the cats that free up a good 20hp+ if your looking at a custom map i would do the cats before you get it mapped and then have it set up properly,ARB change will make a massive difference,std shocks n springs were too soft for pressing on and by now will be shot.Better front calipers is what the car needs drilled discs wont really make any difference,I dont want to get involved in who is best but give mrc a call and make your own mind up before you take your car anywere

[stumpyrs4]

Ta.
Spoke with MRC and sounded spot on - just weighing up the costs for the health check-up and what's provided, and MRC vs QST is probably the same £ for £. QST charge more but they test more and take longer...

Getting the vats done - what's actually involved and is that something that can be done at a number of places? Not familiar with that mod on it's own... Presumably cheaper than changing the system too ?

Best ARB's? When I last changed ARB's I changed to a B7 22" RARB, that was for a 1.8T S-Line though (which I think from memory was 19" OEM), so quite a difference. Because it was an OEM one it was only £70-odd so nice n cheap.

What's the B5 OEM RARB, and what's the best change?

Will have to look into the suspension... Seems ok for now though...

Calipers though look pricey, will have to wait n see.

All good info - keep it coming !!

[lengster1]

Gut the pre cats will give some gains,sports headers with high flow cats are generally dearer than a system!!!!!! I cant honestly remember dia of the rear arb but think 19mm std uprated ones are genearally 21-22mm h&r seem well liked but i havent had first hand experience so..... Consider forge dvs when your upping power std one are a little weak

[stumpyrs4]

Cheers - will query the DVs when in for the check-up.

Ditto the Cats and ARBs.

[frazered]

if you want ARB go for the Hotchkis ones, includes the full support brackets to prevent subframe cracking - the H&Rs don't come with this, Hotchkis are better overall value

I personally would be looking to keep the car OEM as far as possible - this will make it rarer in the future

[stumpyrs4]

Due to costs this is more than likely anyway, so will likely be limited to the map/zorst/spacers/mats...

Cheers.