[s-cars] S6 Avant MTM 3 upgrade, Brakes, S6 Plus springs, et al...

[Lewis, Gary M]

HI all,

I just last night bought a 1995.5 S6 Avant.  I have wanted one since 1995.5,
so this is a dream come true.

Ok, back to my story.

Car is completely stock.  I would like to began the upgrade cycle, and
wanted some feedback.

Engine:
For starters, I was looking at MTM 3 (or a known good facsimile).  I have an
RS2 turbo, so I'd need an EM, chipsets (w/3.0 bar sensor), and attendant
samco hoses.  Eventually I'd like the full RS2 package, but it isn't in the
budget at the moment.  Oh, and I get $hit 91 octane gas, and I sweat pinging
big-time, another consideration. Comments?  Sources?  Is the IA option with
I believe Ned's custom EM a good one??

Brakes:
I want to keep the stock Avus rims for now, so my choices are centered
around that spec (also, pathetic but true, I like red calipers, so that is a
consideration).
I like the Revsport kit, which includes:
Brembo/Porsche 993TT "Big Red" 4-piston calipers, 314 x 30 mm Zimmerman
rotors (drilling or slotting available for free), steel mounting brackets,
Porsche pads, stainless steel brake lines, for $1,600.

I also like the Bira System 1 and 3.  System 1 has black calipers and
smaller rotors, but it is cheaper than the Revsport kit, and the calipers
are one piece.  System 3 looks good, but what color are the calipers? (I
know, I'm pathetic)
Comments?

Suspension:
I actually kind of like it the way it is.  There is more road feel than my
1990 200TQA w/ bilsteins.  I'm wondering if it is tires.  The PO put on
Turanza's.  I'd like to lower it a little, and want to look at
Eibachs/Bilsteins, or S6 Plus springs with Bilsteins.  I frankly prefer the
option with the smoother ride.

Other stuff:

Should the temp gauge be lit at night?  There are a few burned out bulbs in
the cluster, so perhaps it is burned out?
The coolant gauge shows really cool on the fwy, like a tik to the right of
the cold (startup) indicator lines, maybe creeping up to the first line
following. Is this normal?

Gary Lewis
1995.5 S6 Avant, Green/Ecru

1990 200TQW, RS2 Turbo, 1991 TQ Intercooler, 1.8 bar, Bypass Valve, Euro's,
Bilsteins, Redline in tranny and diffs