[s-cars] Picked up my S4, have a few questions

[Tom Green]

Original message:
> Date: Sun, 16 Jul 2006 04:42:30 +0000
> From: docwyte at comcast.net
> Subject: [s-cars] Picked up my S4, have a few questions...
> To: s-car-list at audifans.com
> Message-ID:
> 	 
> <071620060442.17414.44B9C3B5000B2CFC0000440622070032010A9B97990C010B at c 
> omcast.net>
> 	
> Content-Type: text/plain
>
> Well, picked it up and I've driven it a little more than halfway  
> home from Cali.  I stopped in SLC to watch the ALMS race.
>
> Have a few questions about the car...
>
> #1  It has euro headlites, which are still incredibly weak.  I  
> don't think there's a relay harness in the car for them, is it  
> worth doing that with higher wattage bulbs, or just adding HID's?
>
If you were cruising eastern Nevada at 105 at night, I agree it is  
very dark.  I'm not sure any automotive lighting system would be  
adequate.  If the light output is poor,
I would start with the tech downloads at s-cars.org, and check the  
aim and voltage to the bulbs.  A slight voltage drop means a dramatic  
drop in light output.  The high beam lights should not have left you  
wanting for better visibility, the problem is you can't use them many  
places anymore.  The upgrades will only be useful if the basic
housing lens and reflectors are clean and in good condition.  I am a  
fan of HID systems.
> #2  Where can I find exterior door handles?  Both the passenger  
> side door handles are on their last legs.

Unfortunately, you just passed Dads in Sacramento with a lot full of  
100/S4.  They do mail order though, if you don't find a source at home.
>
> #3  The car has a complete RS2 package with the exception of the  
> RS2 MAF.  (it has the EM, turbo, injectors and cam)  Is it worth  
> spending the $450 for the RS2 MAF?  Does it add that much more  
> performance?  Where can I buy one and are they really $450?
>
   Parts direct at s-cars.org.  Yes, $415?
> #4  The car doesn't have the pull that I expected.  It boosts up  
> fine and spools when I expect,. but doesn't seem to pull.  My first  
> suspicion is the current TAP software in the car, as well as an  
> aftermarket cat, both of which I plan on replacing/removing.  I  
> also plan to replace the bpv.  Is there anything else I should be  
> looking into?
>
   Ditch that butt dyno in favor of a digital one.  It might have  
something to do with that 103 F .  If that is OAT, the road temp  
where you suck in the air is probably 120 F.
> #5  I plan on replacing the software ASAP.  This kinda dovetails  
> into my MAF question.  Should I get the software on the stock MAF,  
> or just complete the RS2 package then get the software?  What  
> software is recommended now?  I was thinking Eiche, as he's local  
> to me, but I'd like to hear opinions...
>
   The benefits of having someone local far outweigh the differences  
in software versions.  You will have the advantage of tweaking the  
software on your car in
addition to solving any hardware issues you have.  You will want to  
match the software to the hardware, so do any changes first.
> #6  Car has Big Red's up front with A8 rotors.  Can I switch to a 2  
> peice rotor system up front and still fit the stock Fuchs?
>
   Depends.  What size rotor are you using now, and what size do you  
want to install?  And, where are you going to get them?  This sounds  
like Bira.org, but,
it's not so simple to piece things together.
> Got 25mpg on the drive so far, with the AC blasting and it being  
> 103 degrees out and I wasn't going slow!  Was cruising between  
> 85-105 mph most of the way...

You have been going downhill most of the way.  Let us know how it  
pulls uphill, and just sips the fuel.  :-)

HTH.  Enjoy the ride.

Tom