GrayCarter

What would be the best path to upgrading the all around performance of a 96 A4 2.8 quattro? it's all i have to work with so getting a new one isin't part of the deal. just want to know what i can do to bring this one to it's peak, including engine performance, transmission, suspension, interior (seats and such), and the projected costs? any help?

4Driver4

It all depends on how much money you want to spend. Because you are refusing the easiest and cheapest path to upgrade (selling and buying something else) I can assume one of three things:

1. You have no money and really can't afford to do anything other than installing a hot air intake and some heavy, giant wheels.
2. You have so much money that you would rather spend a boatload of cash to upgrade to something faster than to buy something that is already where you want to be.
3. You are on a stranded on an island with only this car.

Regardless of which of the three it is, my advice is the same: Just drive the car as is. If you want to improve something, the best bet is to spend money on improving the driver. Sign up for the Audi club and enroll in some high performance driver education.

Ooms

LOL @ #1

jschick

I Have to agree with 4driver, this car is not going to be a performance car unless you have a boat load of cash!! and what you spend on it you will never get it out of it!

Pete S4

I generally agree with the other posters. There has never been much available for the 12v 2.8L, even "back in the day". About all I ever heard of people doing with the engine was a larger throttle body and a cat back exhaust for very little HP.

I will say that, like any car, you can get OK bang for the buck by choosing higher performance wear items as you replace them. A good set of rotors and especially brake pads will do wonders for stock brakes. Stiffer shocks (plus possibly stiffer springs at ~$200) are another opportunity at replacement time. Stickier tires will allow you to make the best of the brakes and suspension you have. If suspension bushings need replacement, you sometimes find cost efective upgrades there too.

Reggie

Pete and ADriver4 are right. Do a A8 brake upgrade and coilovers will help handling (at the possible sacrifice of ground clearance). A new exhaust will help the sound.

GrayCarter

i would love to sell it and buy something else, but i can't. I am being given the car, and i am not able to choose another unless i wanna be stuck with a camary or something, which i don't. I know the engine isn't the most customizable thing but im looking at my options to put together a to do list of possibilities, if there are any at all, just to squeeze a drop of power or performance out while im stuck with it. I don't have a buttload of cash but i got enough to tweak this thing so i guess i should've phrased my initial question better. Are there any viable tweaks?

Gomer

Save money for future repairs.Save money for a S4. Do not put any money into a 14 year old car that you will NEVER get back when you sell it for 500 to 1000.Enjoy car for what it is. If your young and want to look coool then tint windows,paint caliper,paint inside of rear light assembly, drop in a system that you can transfer to future car.Look on Craigs list for used wheels and that will finalize your custom ride.No reasonable HP gains to be had for that engine with after market intakes etc.

mtroxel

That's good. Heavy, giant wheels.