What performance to do first?
03-04-2011, 07:37 PM
#1
Audi Forum - Posts like an A1
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Victoria, B.C.
Posts: 19
What performance to do first?
Hello, I have a 2000 A4 Quattro 1.8T, I am wanting to do some performance upgrades. I am not sure where to start or what brands to look for? Should I be worried about suspension/drive trane first? Just kind of lost here and would like some advice on what I should or should not do first. I do want more power, and better response ie: turbo lag etc....... Thanks in advance..... 
03-05-2011, 06:19 AM
#2
Audi Forum - Posts like an A4
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Montreal
Posts: 190
Re: What performance to do first?
There isn't much you'll be able to do with respect to turbo lag. The K03 that your car comes equipped with is a relatively small turbo and was selected to minimize lag and maintain engine response at lower RPM's.
Improving the exhaust and downpipes may have a small effect on response and will increase power output, but there really is very little "lag" on a stock 1.8T. If you go with a similarly sized ball bearing turbo, there may be a slight improvement as well...but let's face if; if you're replacing the turbo, you may as well put something bigger in and have the ECU remapped to take advantage of it.
Of course, a larger turbo usually means a slight increase in "lag" but unless you're putting a gt28 on the car, I doubt it'll be a problem.
Typical place to start for power improvements:
Cat-back exhaust
ECU remap
Those will get you started...if you're more serious, you can do a full exhaust including downpipes, replace the intercooler, swap in a larger turbo and injectors...there really is no limit.
Your first objective should be to set a budget and a realistic goal of what you want from the car. And always remember: Maintenance first, Upgrades second (unless the upgrade is maintenance
)
Improving the exhaust and downpipes may have a small effect on response and will increase power output, but there really is very little "lag" on a stock 1.8T. If you go with a similarly sized ball bearing turbo, there may be a slight improvement as well...but let's face if; if you're replacing the turbo, you may as well put something bigger in and have the ECU remapped to take advantage of it.
Of course, a larger turbo usually means a slight increase in "lag" but unless you're putting a gt28 on the car, I doubt it'll be a problem.
Typical place to start for power improvements:
Cat-back exhaust
ECU remap
Those will get you started...if you're more serious, you can do a full exhaust including downpipes, replace the intercooler, swap in a larger turbo and injectors...there really is no limit.
Your first objective should be to set a budget and a realistic goal of what you want from the car. And always remember: Maintenance first, Upgrades second (unless the upgrade is maintenance
)
03-05-2011, 02:07 PM
#3
Audi Forum - Posts like an A1
Thread Starter
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: Victoria, B.C.
Posts: 19
Re: What performance to do first?
Thanks for your response, it is very helpful. What about a intake set up? I am familiar with K&N, but being that this is a german, i am not sure what is out there that would be better? I find out next week what my budget will be, then I will be able to really figure out what I will do first. I am thinking about maitenance/upgrades ie: clutch, sift kit, suspension? Thanks again.... 
03-05-2011, 02:25 PM
#4
Audi Forum - Posts like an HORCH
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Burlington, Ontario
Posts: 2,719
Re: What performance to do first?
Exactly what Kbonarek recomends. The biggest bang for you buck to start with is ECU and Exhaust. Then from there it all comes down to money vs benefit.
My opinion on intake is that the car already comes with a cold air set up. Take a look at it. The air comes in from the front of the car. The only true way to improve that would be to modify the intake box by opening up the bottom of the box to draw air in from the wheel well and put in a high flow cone filter. There are several DIYs on this on the web.
For the minute difference in power vs the labour and expense I would just change your filter more often and maybe go with a K&N (be aware of oil causing problems with the MAF sensor).
My opinion on intake is that the car already comes with a cold air set up. Take a look at it. The air comes in from the front of the car. The only true way to improve that would be to modify the intake box by opening up the bottom of the box to draw air in from the wheel well and put in a high flow cone filter. There are several DIYs on this on the web.
For the minute difference in power vs the labour and expense I would just change your filter more often and maybe go with a K&N (be aware of oil causing problems with the MAF sensor).
03-07-2011, 05:12 PM
#5
Audi Forum - Posts like an A4
Join Date: Sep 2008
Location: Montreal
Posts: 190
Re: What performance to do first?
Like mikeh said, for intake: Don't waste any money other than a good panel filter. If you're worried about oil contamination with the K&N, get an AFE dry filter.
AFE Dry Filter
As far as clutch goes, unless it's worn or slipping, there's no need to replace it unless you plan on making significant modifications to increase power output. (ie. big turbos, injectors, intercooler, etc.). On your car I would worry more about replacing the master and slave cylinder or getting ready to do it in the near futur.
For short throw shofter upgrades, here's the cream of the crop: JHM
AFE Dry Filter
As far as clutch goes, unless it's worn or slipping, there's no need to replace it unless you plan on making significant modifications to increase power output. (ie. big turbos, injectors, intercooler, etc.). On your car I would worry more about replacing the master and slave cylinder or getting ready to do it in the near futur.
For short throw shofter upgrades, here's the cream of the crop: JHM
03-08-2011, 02:46 PM
#6
Audi Forum - Posts like a Q7
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: Regina, SK
Posts: 725
Re: What performance to do first?
Turbo-lag on a K03!? Try downshifting
As I always say, a 1.8T with chip, turbo-back, anti-sway, coilovers, good brake pads/fluid, and great tires is an awesome, very reliable daily driver. What brands you should look at is governed by your budget - you can buy a $600 suspension, or a $6,000 suspension. If you're wanting to stay on the inexpensive side, without buying crap:
- Bilstein PSS
- 19mm rear anti-sway (Neuspeed, H&R, etc.)
- Sticky rubber (Direzza Star Spec, RE-11, Azenis RT-615K, etc.)
- Eurodyne Maestro
- 42DD turbo-back (not the best materials, but still good fabrication)
- Appropriate brake pads (for the heat levels you'll generate) and top-end fluid
As I always say, a 1.8T with chip, turbo-back, anti-sway, coilovers, good brake pads/fluid, and great tires is an awesome, very reliable daily driver. What brands you should look at is governed by your budget - you can buy a $600 suspension, or a $6,000 suspension. If you're wanting to stay on the inexpensive side, without buying crap:
- Bilstein PSS
- 19mm rear anti-sway (Neuspeed, H&R, etc.)
- Sticky rubber (Direzza Star Spec, RE-11, Azenis RT-615K, etc.)
- Eurodyne Maestro
- 42DD turbo-back (not the best materials, but still good fabrication)
- Appropriate brake pads (for the heat levels you'll generate) and top-end fluid
03-08-2011, 08:08 PM
#7
Audi Forum - Posts like an A4
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: Victoria, B.C.
Posts: 117
Re: What performance to do first?
Welcome fellow Victorian!!! The first thing I purchased was a K&N air filter. I then installed a boost gauge from Podi which is a BC company out of Vancouver. Then after 6 months, I got it flashed with a fully loaded APR chip on sale for $499 last summer in 2010 at RPI Motorsport in Richmond. No dealers on the Island unfortunately. It has all the bells and whistles including valet, stock, 91 and 93 octane programming. It also has ECU lock out so the car won't start when you activate it. This can all be accessed with the cruise control stalk which is one of the main reasons why I got it. Go to the APR website for all details on the options. The sale happens about 4 times a year. I also picked up a used APR R1 diverter value for $50 to handle the extra boost.
Stock, your car has 150 hp/160 ft-lbs of torque for the 2000 A4 and with the 91 octane program, you increase that to 200 hp/243 ft-lbs or torque which is a massive bang for your buck!!! My next upgrade would most likely be a test pipe and not an exhaust. That will come later when the OEM one fails. I had a Magnaflow exhaust on my Jetta before it got totaled and I'm not looking to get another droning exhaust again. My wife would kill me. As for a test pipe, it will help with the turbo spooling sooner in the RPM range and will help a little bit with the breath in the top end as it seems to run out at about 5500rpm. They say it will add another 10 or so horsepower and another 40 ft - lbs but that remains to be seen. If you want, I can take you for a test drive. Just PM me your phone number and I'll give you a call. Let me know.
Doug
Stock, your car has 150 hp/160 ft-lbs of torque for the 2000 A4 and with the 91 octane program, you increase that to 200 hp/243 ft-lbs or torque which is a massive bang for your buck!!! My next upgrade would most likely be a test pipe and not an exhaust. That will come later when the OEM one fails. I had a Magnaflow exhaust on my Jetta before it got totaled and I'm not looking to get another droning exhaust again. My wife would kill me. As for a test pipe, it will help with the turbo spooling sooner in the RPM range and will help a little bit with the breath in the top end as it seems to run out at about 5500rpm. They say it will add another 10 or so horsepower and another 40 ft - lbs but that remains to be seen. If you want, I can take you for a test drive. Just PM me your phone number and I'll give you a call. Let me know.
Doug
03-08-2011, 08:19 PM
#8
Audi Forum - Posts like an HORCH
Join Date: Dec 2009
Location: Burlington, Ontario
Posts: 2,719
Re: What performance to do first?
Welcome fellow Victorian!!! The first thing I purchased was a K&N air filter. I then installed a boost gauge from Podi which is a BC company out of Vancouver. Then after 6 months, I got it flashed with a fully loaded APR chip on sale for $499 last summer in 2010 at RPI Motorsport in Richmond. No dealers on the Island unfortunately. It has all the bells and whistles including valet, stock, 91 and 93 octane programming. It also has ECU lock out so the car won't start when you activate it. This can all be accessed with the cruise control stalk which is one of the main reasons why I got it. Go to the APR website for all details on the options. The sale happens about 4 times a year. I also picked up a used APR R1 diverter value for $50 to handle the extra boost.
Stock, your car has 150 hp/160 ft-lbs of torque for the 2000 A4 and with the 91 octane program, you increase that to 200 hp/243 ft-lbs or torque which is a massive bang for your buck!!! My next upgrade would most likely be a test pipe and not an exhaust. That will come later when the OEM one fails. I had a Magnaflow exhaust on my Jetta before it got totaled and I'm not looking to get another droning exhaust again. My wife would kill me. As for a test pipe, it will help with the turbo spooling sooner in the RPM range and will help a little bit with the breath in the top end as it seems to run out at about 5500rpm. They say it will add another 10 or so horsepower and another 40 ft - lbs but that remains to be seen. If you want, I can take you for a test drive. Just PM me your phone number and I'll give you a call. Let me know.
Doug
Stock, your car has 150 hp/160 ft-lbs of torque for the 2000 A4 and with the 91 octane program, you increase that to 200 hp/243 ft-lbs or torque which is a massive bang for your buck!!! My next upgrade would most likely be a test pipe and not an exhaust. That will come later when the OEM one fails. I had a Magnaflow exhaust on my Jetta before it got totaled and I'm not looking to get another droning exhaust again. My wife would kill me. As for a test pipe, it will help with the turbo spooling sooner in the RPM range and will help a little bit with the breath in the top end as it seems to run out at about 5500rpm. They say it will add another 10 or so horsepower and another 40 ft - lbs but that remains to be seen. If you want, I can take you for a test drive. Just PM me your phone number and I'll give you a call. Let me know.
Doug
03-09-2011, 12:04 PM
#9
Audi Forum - Posts like an S4
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Burnaby/Powell River
Posts: 257
Re: What performance to do first?
Good advices here from everyone.
Now let me tell you what i did
First thing i got was my h&r coilovers. What is a car that can not handle the twisties?
Then came apr chip (a physical chip at that cause my car is old school lol).
Then in went a boost gauge, turbo inlet pipe, and forge diverter valve. Gonna think about minimizing potential problems you know.
After that by chance got a great deal on a front mount intercooler so that went on.
Few months after that scored a set of US spec S4 headlights, so that went on.
No exhaust cause i personally don't like long drive with loud noise. Although itching for a high flow cat cause i hear it's not loud and some gain in power. (i need the power cause i'm auto)
One great advice as cheeba said before is get some good tires. It makes huge difference in terms of how your car drives.
That's how i got my car the way it is now. Now go and have fun modding your audi
Now let me tell you what i did
First thing i got was my h&r coilovers. What is a car that can not handle the twisties?
Then came apr chip (a physical chip at that cause my car is old school lol).
Then in went a boost gauge, turbo inlet pipe, and forge diverter valve. Gonna think about minimizing potential problems you know.
After that by chance got a great deal on a front mount intercooler so that went on.
Few months after that scored a set of US spec S4 headlights, so that went on.
No exhaust cause i personally don't like long drive with loud noise. Although itching for a high flow cat cause i hear it's not loud and some gain in power. (i need the power cause i'm auto)
One great advice as cheeba said before is get some good tires. It makes huge difference in terms of how your car drives.
That's how i got my car the way it is now. Now go and have fun modding your audi
