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

[steve powers]

Gary asks:

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

congrats - it's a great car. we've put 100K miles on ours so far
and still like it.

>  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??

I've got the IA manifold and chip. Am waiting to do the RS2
turbo.

>  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.

Use BIRA Sys 6 hats and RS2 brackets. This allows you to
fit the 993TT rotors and calipers. It does fit under our stock
wheels. It's what I've got on our avant.

>  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.

We've got Bilstein sports and H&R springs. Rides pretty good,
though a bit stiffer with 40 series tires/wheels.

>  Other stuff:
>
>  Should the temp gauge be lit at night?

yes. it burns out. Audi will tell you it requires a new guage.
my mechanic rebuilt mine but I haven't seen a procedure listed.

Steve Powers