Stevelev

Been there, done that ! My 2004 1.8t USP Avant had a ton of mods (incl. a big turbo and all the supporting mods) and there's no doubt in my mind that the weakest part of that car: the brakes! At the very least, upgrade the fronts to the 3.0 brakes as the 1.8t ones are plain scary.

A chip (with or without the TT225 injectors) would be the next on my list (APR, REVO would be the ones I'd recommend). H-sport sways would be a great idea as they too add a ton of noticeable handling benefit for not a ton of money. An exhaust can enhance the sound (OEM exhaust is anemic) but depending on what you get, drone would drive you crazy and all aftermarket exhausts will add very little performance benefit unless you're upgrading the turbo. Swapping to light weight wheels (ie 20 lbs or less) will provide a notticeable improvement in handling, ride and acceleration ...

Good luck and enjoy modding !

eisman

Wow, thanks for all the great info... I'm surprised to hear about the CAI not helping the 1.8T cars at all... usually more air in, equals more power. If a chip is the way to go, finding a reputable installer near me will be a problem, and I'm not too keen on sending my ECU away in the mail... It might happen down the road.

It looks like I'm gonna have to make a plan, and upgrade the whole car in stages... oh boy, I hope I don't break the bank on this one...

GeneKam

Yeah audi stock intake is the best, CIA does nothing at all for it exept sounds a little louder.

cheeba

I've never tried threshold braking in a stock A4, but can it really not lock up the stock tires? I've never driven a car where the stock brakes could not lock up the stock tires...

Tires are, by far, the most under-rated mod for any vehicle. They won't make you faster in a straight line - unless traction is an issue - but good Summers offer far superior lateral grip and braking. I'd waaaay rather have a 170HP car with good tires, than a 200HP car with All-Seasons. Obviously, YMMV, and most people just want more power. My recommendations for the most fun on the cheap:

- Good brake pads and fluid; and, a proper pressure bleed.
- Rear anti-sway. Tons of bang for the buck here - it will transform the car and is very inexpensive.
- High-end Summer tires.
- Chip.
- Suspension.
- Weight removal.

More air in does equal more power, but that doesn't mean that the stock airbox is the limiting factor for your engine's airflow

GeneKam

^^^^ Tires are a must, thats the only thing that really has contact with you and the road. I absolutely forgot to mention that I always rave about it
For the intake i would recommend k & n high flow filter, its a small increase maybe like 1or 2 hp but its a must.

As for weight removal, its a good thing on the track car but personally i feel that audi deserves to have nice stuff inside (If you can afford carbon fiber replacements, thats a different story). If your really want to remove weight, should be buying a WV, very engine and drivetrain similar parts (Minus AWD). Then rip stuff out of that

cheeba

I don't think a K&N is a must by any means; in fact, oiled filters kill MAFs. If anything, get an AEM dryflow.

I'm down 220lbs of weight and I haven't removed a single amenity in my car. Granted, a lot of it was from expensive mods, but there is free weight-loss to be had: spare wheel/tire, tool kit, jack, etc. I'd rather drive on a car with tire sealant than a freakin' donut! Also, a lightweight battery can be picked up quite inexpensively. I don't know about the A4, but my TT also had a 40lb hunk of metal used as a counter-weight in the rear bumper. I bet you could shave 100lbs of weight from the average car with less than $100 in cost - I've been able to do it to every car I've owned.

GeneKam

hmm i didnt even think of that!!! i actually will do it as soon as i get a chance. I though by weight reduction you meant changing body and interior. But in honesty, i didnt even think of such simple thing . I am way to tired to think :P
So I leave with this : "The only true way to improve performance all around is to shave off the weight." - Lotus

metalmodifire

CAI and K&N are well and good, but remember, this isn't an naturally aspirated motor, that turbo is sucking air HARD. Just replace your air filter on a regular basis Plus on the "cold air" side of things, your not going to lower your IAT's (noticeably anyway) because
A) Turbo = hot due to the fact it is being driven by exhaust gas and
B) It is compressing air which causes friction and, heat!!
Intercooler would be the way to remove heat IMO, the stock 1.8T get heat soaked easily, especially if you are going to push it. Evolution racewerks makes an upgraded SMIC, or you can FTW and get a front mount. I've also heard that if you are going to up the boost ante, stock intercoolers leak at the end caps

tiggastylez

dealer is the only place...unless you can find one in a junkyard...