Some RS6 impressions

[QSHIPQ at aol.com]

I just did a suspension and exhaust on one in my shop (I can't comment on the 
20x9.5 - 255/30's wheel/tire upgrade, since I was gun shy on "testing" that 
in Chicago).  I did get quite a few test miles (unsupervised) er, to purge 
the 
DRC lines...  As is my way, I thoroughly examined this car as I was pulling 
off all four struts...  Comments inserted Igor...

In a message dated 1/8/2004 3:13:44 PM Central Standard Time, igor at s-cars.org 
writes:

>1. reasonably fast, but not a quantum leap fast if you compare with a 3 
>bar MTM + RS2 on a cold day like it was yeaterday here in Philly (-9°C).

The exhaust seems to take care of that.  My own impression pre exhaust 
install is that this car really shines above 60mph, when all the weight is 
actually 
rolling.    After the exhaust (cat back Sportec) the torque pickup off the 
line was downright fun and quite noticeable.  Midrange and high end reminded 
me 
of the LT1Q in endless linear torque...  Reminded me of a very refined 993tt 
with 4 doors.  Working med traffic was more or less effortless.  With the 
100hp 
upgrade chip (coming to this car next), I'd put this on my dream car list 
without question.

>2. finally good OEM brakes on an Audi
Fronts maybe.  The rears seemed a bit 'old tech', basically an oversized 
floating single piston caliper rear (a bummer when the Evo uses a rigid 
mounted 
rear brembo).  I'm hopeful that the rigid mounting on the front starts a 
trend 
for audi though.  The rotors are downright beefy, front and rear.

>3. marvellous suspension
I thought too soft with either the stock or the Eibach/sportec upgrade.  The 
DRC seemed to handle either setup fine.  The 20in wheels with the current 
(Gen 
1?) eibach springs rubbed in the front (too low), but the rear setup was a 
big improvement over stock.  This sprotec setup lowered the car about 1in.

>4. a sea of real carbon fibre

And actually quite spartan in look and toys from my expectation.  I suppose 
when that "big screen" LCD can print foot on brake shift instructions in full 
sentences, the thing must get downright mean when bad things are happening.

>5. I will prolly never (as in f&#%ing NEVER!) buy a car with autobox. 
>Was quite a handfull to control, with this much power, with this much 
>weight, and only with the help of the brake pedal. Scary.

You need more seat time Igor.  I found the autobox to get much better with 
time, and the paddle shifters worked with less delay than I anticipated.  The 
location of the paddles was the best I've driven, and in concert with left 
foot 
braking, I doubt much on the road could work one as well.  I'm convinced the 
weight thing is a spring thing, the RS6 definitely doesn't feel as heavy to 
drive as the urs IMO/E.  

>All in all it's a good car, but not x4 as good as my current one, which 
>their current price ratio seems to be suggesting.

Twin turbos on a 5valve v8 doesn't come without the tythe my friend.  I found 
this car to be a quite natural extension of the urS, much more so than the S8 
or the A6 2.7tt.  My complaints centered around the look and trim of the 
beast.  It flies lower profile than the S8, which I always thought was 
impossible. 
The only knowing looks are from guys who know, and even then they have to be 
close.  I would have liked to see a bit better seating package, like real 
recaros with some matching carbon fibre trim on them.  For that kind of money 
I'd 
want more than fender flares a bbig black brakes.

I will take a moment to plug Sportec's exhaust system.  Without question a 
work of art.  Still took a bit of tweeking to actually fit it, but the design 
is 
first rate, the welds dowright beautiful.  I took several pics of this 
exhaust, as it's a shame to have it so well hidden under the car.  

A real pleasure to take this project on.  I have newfound hope for audi....

My .02

Scott Justusson
QSHIPQ Performance Tuning