My New DD 2016 Audi S4!!!

[lensch09]

Next up, yellow Lamin-X for the fogs. I thought about doing yellow bulbs as well, but was concerned with light output.

Factory

Removed

What it will look like

No one to my knowledge has a pre-cut template for the B8.5. So, I had to make my own. I used the spray bottle to the left as a way to control slip/stretch when installing the film. Don't remember what it was off the top of my head. But, it worked well.

Installed

Next up, Audi Sport plate frame.

A few more pictures after a wash

-DL

 

[lensch09]

Next up... S4 ECS Kohlefaser Luft-Technik Intake System

First priority, wipe down Carbon Fiber bits with Wolfgang ID to add a layer of protection

Getting tools and hardware together to put the heat-shielding together

I installed DEI Reflect-A-Gold on the exterior walls of both heatshields prior to putting the box together. Trying to get that last bit of thermal difference out of the kit. These supercharged cars seem to run a bit warm under the hood.

Installation in progress

Finished!

-DL

 

[lensch09]

Next up (with super blurry pictures), ECS/Ziza Ultimate Interior LED Kit (with before and after in the same picture)

-DL

 

[lensch09]

Next up, AWE Tuning Electronic Stepper Boost gauge/mount + boost tap. This kit was almost impossible to try and find. If it's discontinued, that's a shame.

Pictured already installed within vent mount

This 5 piece trim removal kit is worth it's weight in gold when removing the one piece cluster/radio surround

Elbow removed on the charger.... Pretty cake on a car with approximately 200 miles on the clock

Stock spacer removed from elbow, getting ready to install the AWE boost tap

Boost tap installed and elbow re-installed (be sure to use some fresh engine oil to re-lubricate the o-rings during re-installation)

On to the inside...My neighbor came over when the car was in this state. The look of confusion on his face was priceless as he said, "what are you doing, isn't this a brand new car?"

All back together and working

Video

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2UNxGlG_R3I

-DL

 

[lensch09]

Next up on the list is minor paint correction followed by LSP. Car wasn't too bad (with less than 300 miles). But, had the typical pre-wash micro-marring, and also some micro-marring from application and removal of the transport protection.

Car was washed with Wolfgang shampoo, Chenille MF mitt, two bucks and grit guards, then dried with a blower, and a MF guzzler

There wasn't enough on the car to necessitate a clay (tested with plastic bag method)

Car was polished with a PC 7424XP, a Grey 5.5" CCS pad, and Menzerna SF4000

There is some kind of a drain in the doors that leads to a waterspot/stain on the doorblades. I don't have an after picture, but I can tell you that my polish methods removed it and restored it, good as new.

Car was then wiped down with CarPro Eraser and Cobra MF towels.

After Eraser, two coats of CarPro Cquartz were applied

Sitting around, waiting....

After waiting an hour or more (I think about 90 minutes), I wiped the car down with CarPro Reload

Car looks pretty good. I need to wait a few more days so I can let the coating completely cure, then give it a wash and take some pictures. Because of the high heat on the day of application, there are also a few minor streaks in the Cquartz finish from the product flashing out too soon and leaving a few minor high-spots (nothing too serious). I have a plan to resolve that... More on that later.

Next up, 3M Color Stable 35% on rears and sides. Was going to go Crystalline. But, after seeing the Crystalline samples, I just didn't like the hue of the Crystalline, and made the decision to jump down to Color Stable.

Tomorrow is a big day. AG Wheels get tossed on, along with H&R Coilovers, AWE Track exhaust, EuroCode AluKruez (plus new bolts), EuroCode F+R droplinks (plus new bolts and boots), 034 Motorsports transmission mount insert (plus new bolts), 034 Motorsports rear diff carrier mount insert, 034 Motorsports rear diff-to-carrier mount insert.

Stay Tuned!

-

DL

 

[Legacykid]

Great thread, congrats and welcome (back) to the family. Now get a tune!!!

 

[lensch09]

Great thread, congrats and welcome (back) to the family. Now get a tune!!!

Thank you, sir! I think I'll wait at least past first "inspection maintenance" at 5000 miles to do any chip-work. I want to make sure "I've got a good one" before I potentially jeopardize the warranty.

-DL

 

[lensch09]

Fresh out of my gearhead heaven (Lichty Automotive in Waterloo), a bigger day is in the books! I'm back in the states, I'm back to my roots, I've got a hell of a car, and it's all tying together with great people, and lifelong friends. This is what it's all about, and I'm genuinely happy.

Mr. Kevin Lichty backing the car into the lift.

First Step, EuroCode AluKruez + bolts. Pictured here next to the stock cross-member (clearly, already removed).

My coworker the better half of the afternoon. Definitely owe this guy beers/food/whatever.

Looks Sharp!

Factory transmission mount

Now including the 034 Motorsports "gap-filling" insert. 034 guys: If you're reading this, your work instructions are hilarious.

034 Motorsports differential mount insert installed. No "before" picture due to not being overly concerned with the camera, and more concerned with knocking out the work.

Carrier mounts before

Carrier mounts now with 034 Motorsports inserts.

Next up, H&R Street Performance Coilover System... My gripe? Why no new/shorter rear bump stops? I wound up hacking up my factory bumps with the idea of trying to keep a safe stop-bump, while allowing some additional travel at the lower ride height if possible. H&R or whoever else: A product improvement idea would be to develop a rear bump-stop solution for the B8... Make something, and A LOT of us will buy it. Seriously.

Front stocks (car has around 400 miles at this point)

Front assembly with H&R included

Front buttoned up

Rears also buttoned up

Thoughts: we used ECS's installation instructions as a point of reference. I would recommend to the ECS technical writers that they go back through their work instructions because they're not quite right on multiple points (no points to clarifying the necessity to un-mount the front steering assembly on a b8.5 to remove the lower control arm bolt, having multiple torque specifications incorrect, etc). Plus, I genuinely feel half of the stuff that we removed to do the front coils was unnecessary, and we could have gone a lot quicker had we just removed the front axle bolt and swung the axles out of the way.

Anyways, the front needs to come down a bit and the rear needs to slightly raise. Not a big deal, I'll do that tomorrow, wash the car, and then take better pictures.

Stay tuned!

-DL

 

[Munich77]

Wow those are a lot of mods. The car looks awesome - congrats.

 

[builthatch]

Well, judging by the quality mods he's chosen, and the quality choice in vehicle, I'd say he isn't too worried about cost of repairs

i used to think when i started to transition out of Hondas/Mazdas/Subarus into more luxurious brands that i would drive the cars around for a while before i modded and voided the warranty, just to make sure the car was at least solid from the factory and didn't have any defects. like six months or something.

but then i heard a story about a guy who had an SL 63 with the M156 engine my AMG has. he sucked something up and it cost 40 grand to replace the engine.

so, that was that for me. maybe one day when i have a private jet and hovercraft, i will be ok with tinkering again past the very basic mods. props to the OP.

BTW good looks on the dip stick thing, OP. i ordered one last week. i had no idea about that - haven't spent much if any time looking at mods for my wife's Q5. that is a GREAT idea.

 

[Bobby B.]

Mods, could you please move this thread to "off-topic?"

Also,

AG M590 mit Bespoke Level III custom-finish (hand-laid "Brushed Grigio finish) arrived at Lichtys'

Look sharp! Can't wait to get them on the car!

-DL

Wow! I love the new wheels rops:

 

[lensch09]

Thanks everyone!

Wheels! Avant Garde M590 19" X 9.5". Bespoke Level III Finish (Brushed Grigio Metallic). Square fitment.

Test fit prior to mounting the tires (255/55/19 ContiSportCompact3). Square fitment.

Tires on. The shop thought they would have problems getting these tires to bead up on a 9.5" wheel. But, no problems

Finished product (also note AWE Track 90mm tips)

Car has since had some Ross-Tech updates to get rid of the orange LEDs, also tweaked some other stuff (ambiance lighting). Will update that later.

Stay Tuned!

-DL

 

[SKorch630]

f**k me... those AG's are sooooo nice! SO jealous!

 

[Klasse Act]

Congrats on the new ride, didn't even know you could get a "man pedal" in the world of Audi DC trannies. Love the seats but let's talk about your wheels....PURE SEXX:dblthumb2:

Advance Auto parts has DUB wheel cleaner on sale for $5.00 a bottle and I'm sure that's of interest to you because I'm sure Audi brakes dust up a lot still and you wanna keep those new rims looking their best!

Once again, congrats on the new ride!!!!

 

[Sicoupe]

Beautiful ride my friend

 

[Mike@DedicatedPerfection]

Looking proper!

 

[2011 302]

Who applied the xpel for you?

 

[High Caliber]

Bawlin!!! Sweet wheels, look great on the car! My buddy has an S4 I really love that car. :dblthumb2:

 

[lensch09]

Cleaned the car last night, had a few beers, and took a few crappy cellphone pictures. Car still hardly has 800 miles on it after nearly a month of ownership. Those 800 miles include 500 miles worth of trips....

Average MPG to date - 14.7 [] Yup, jamming on the loud pedal and letting the AWE sing the song of my people.

A few of the goodies (I only use Hyper Wash for wheels). I use Chemical Guys Maxi-Suds II (in Grape) through the Gilmour foamer. Absorber only gets used on the wheels as well. I have a massive MF drying town that I use with Chemical Guys Extreme Slick Detailer to assist in lubricity.

Tough spots on the wheels get Wheel Brightener cut down 10:1. Don't pay attention to the people that warn about this stuff. I've been using it for years and love it to death.

In process

Ecodes are supposed to show up either today or Tuesday. I'll get out the good camera and snap some pictures when they show up. Happy holiday weekend, everyone!

-DL

 

[2011 302]

^ want!!!!!