Newbie brakes, exhaust and ECU

[droberts]

DavidT,
two main differences as far as I see it between Porsche and Stoptech solutions:
1. Stoptech use a stronger bridge to reduce caliper deflection and improve brake feel (probably marginal).
2. The Stoptech discs are larger (albeit by 10mm), use curved vents and are slotted. Basically this should lead to better heat dissipation under repeated heavy braking.

In addition, the front/rear brake bias of the Stoptech solution is closer to standard set-up than the Porsche arrangement. I will concede that all these points are marginal, and I’m sure I’d be happy with the Porsche 993tt arrangement (although I’ve never been a big fan of drilled discs), but put together are enough to convince me the Stoptech solution is superior.

Stoptech also have a good set of white-papers www.stoptech.com/technical showing very good technical knowledge (obviously biased toward their own product). The “Monobloc v Two Piece Calipers” makes interesting reading.

[droberts]

Nige,
Thanks for the advice on the APR cat-back the APR website mentions two versions, am I correct in assuming you have the “SRT” that replaces the centre silencer with a “side resonator”?

[snbS4]

Got no cruise control, being a 1999 I'm told it can't be retro fitted, like the later models. Would be very interested if possible.

Er, mine is a January 1999 and cruise retrofitted by AMD last year when they did the K04 conversion. c. GBP275+VAT I think...
HTH,
Simon

K04's, Forge DV's, full Milltek, H&R, Tanoga, Samco TBB&F!

[Nige_RS4]

Nige,
Thanks for the advice on the APR cat-back the APR website mentions two versions, am I correct in assuming you have the “SRT” that replaces the centre silencer with a “side resonator”?

I'm not sure (to be sure) - it had just been fitted to the car when I bought it in 2002.
I would probably go for that version assuming the price differential was marginal - are you thinking of importing the APR system? If so, let me know.

Nige.

[droberts]

Possibly, but don't think there's much in it -
US: $999 +shipping+import duty+vat or
UK: £675 +vat

Can't see them packing an exhaust as a "gift" so will probably let Awesome GTI handle it..

Anyone found any links to an APR SRT sound bite?

[Nige_RS4]

@ droberts - where did you get the UK prices from? If they were from the UK APR site then you'll find that they are not the same as Awesome GTI prices!

Nige.

[KayGee]

Cheers Simon, it was AMD who said 1999 S4 couldn't be retrofitted....will try again.

[droberts]

Nige,
phoned Awesome GTI earlier today, they quoted £675+vat for exhaust and £599+vat for stage 1 ECU. They import from US - takes approx 1 week... also offered a bit of discount £1575 for exhaust+ecu, fitted including vat.

Anyone here used Awesome GTI before - are they any good?

[UKS4APR1]

Awesome GTI fitted my APR stage 1 chip, they are a Golf specialist really but no probs. with my S4. The chip is programmed while you wait over the Internet and then soldered into ECU. The new chip has a socket on it to make any future reprogramming a plug-in job.They did a before and after VAG-COM and checked Diverter Valves. I am very happy with the stage 1 chip. See the 100k post lower down!!
Awesome can also retro-fit cruise control should you want to have additional programmes and be able to swap about.
The chipping is fantastic - like you think the car should perform!
I purchased DV's off them too, mine were OK but rather than wait for one to split I changed them to the piston type.
I have purchased a pair of low mileage K03's from USA (from a K04 upgrade) ready for "the day" - cheap as chips over there.
TIP - save Tax with the phrase "Returned used parts - unable to repair"

[UKS4APR1]

I also have fitted the Stoptechs, IMO they are your solution.

[jeffw]

The majority of the cost in replacing turbos is in the labour that it takes in pulling the engine and replacing it. Fitting 2nd hand turbos may well be a false economy as you will have no warrenty in the event that they are fault and the garage will charge you the full price to replace them again.

[Nige_RS4]

Nige,
Thanks for the advice on the APR cat-back the APR website mentions two versions, am I correct in assuming you have the “SRT” that replaces the centre silencer with a “side resonator”?

Here's some feedback on the APR SRT Cat-Back - seems a bit noisy for my tastes ;-(

http://forums.audiworld.com/s4/msgs/1888870.phtml

[UKS4APR1]

The majority of the cost in replacing turbos is in the labour that it takes in pulling the engine and replacing it. Fitting 2nd hand turbos may well be a false economy as you will have no warrenty in the event that they are fault and the garage will charge you the full price to replace them again.

I fully understand that, which is why I shall be removing the engine myself to fit the Turbos (IF/WHEN they fail), using second-hand Turbos then makes the job very inexpensive. Obviously using brand-new Turbos makes the job an expensive one again!
I have taken the decision to stay with K03's not only for cheapness but because I like them. Spool-up quick and plenty of useable torque and power is low down. K04's require the re-mapping, fuel, injectors, intercoolers etc. etc. to work to potential and give massive power above 5,000 rpm but LESS TORQUE low down than standard.

[davs4]

Have you considered K03/16 turbo's? same spool as K03 and direct bolt on, but with K04 power.

[KayGee]

K04's on an S4 should produce approx 400Bhp with a remap. The extra cost is with changing the pipework. Fueling kit is only a requirement for the extra 30-40 BHP and adds substantially to the price.

The power above 5K is a lot more noticeable on the RS4 since Cosworth made substantial inlet, cam and cylinder head changes. I've only been a passenger in one K04'd S4 and can't say it was down on torque over my K03 S4, it pulled like a steam train in any gear.

Will know for definite in a month or so....