Here's a pic I snapped during the install. <p>Note: The tubes that were used on the intake which are aluminum will be black anodized aluminum if you order the kit from this day forward. When my install was scheduled, they didn't have the final intake piece back yet. However, they expect to get it any day now. I was given the option of doing the install anyway but using the aluminum pipes you see here, and I went with them because if I didn't do it this weekend, I would have had to wait 2 to 3 weeks.<p><ul><li><a href="http://131.107.68.28/a4org/supercharged2.jpg">Supercharger Pic</a></li></ul>

Oops, I put the URL in the wrong window.

but how's it work? can you feel a significant difference? is it worth the cost? also, who did the install?

Santa was super good to you. Will you let him drive the red sled next year?

but how's it work? <p>Phenomenal. Smooth delivery of BIG power. Very, very high quality parts. Custom pulleys, larger injectors, custom software, black anodized aluminum hardware, beefy clamps, etc.<p>can you feel a significant difference? <p>Night and day. Feels like a completely different car. This is NOT the type of mod where you have to feel for the difference...you feel it the very first time you push down the pedal when your back gets shoved into the seatback.<p>is it worth the cost?<p>For the increase in performance and considering the quality of the kit, I believe it is worth the money. PES spent many, many months on the software alone. My car still starts on the first key turn, drives normally when you want to, but goes like hell when you push it. I say it is worth the price of admission.<p>also, who did the install?<p>PES did the install, but other shops could easily do the job as well. If you're good with a wrench, you could also do it in a weekend. Although, two people should do it, so you'd want an extra set of hands to help out.<br>

My source will remain confidential but I heard that the software has been redone poorly no thanks, why mess with a perfectly well balanced german bred car. I drive the 30valver 98 quattro and the car is truly perfect. It's not a hot rod, it was'nt designed for that. I would rather wait for the S4 (if it ever gets here) or the TT roadster and for the mods for my car, I'll just stick to wett. chip K&N replacement filter, and just maybe scorpion. I was just in germany and the people their like to run stealthy instead of loud. Misconception loud is faster.

Vic,<p>I am very disappointed in reading your post. It is nothing but trash which can do harm to a company doing excellent work. I have seen the software from its middle stages to the final versions. This represents month after month of fine tuning the chip. It is perfect. There is zero detonation, the car runs very strong and remains as drivable as stock.<p>If you have a source, then TELL US who it is. Otherwise, don't post. I have serious doubts as to your claims, as there are only 3 people who have the kit installed. One hasn't driven the car yet, the other is very happy with it, and the third is me, and I am also very satisfied. So who is this source of yours? It doesn't add up.<p>Next, what are you talking about that louder isn't necessarily faster. My car DYNO'd at 280 hp with the supercharger. Louder or not, it is a hell of a lot faster! I can guarantee you that.<p>I'm sorry, but this post really pisses me off, and I KNOW that the guys at PES are going to be really hurt by reading this junk as well. It isn't fair that someone who has ZERO first-hand experience with the supercharger kit hears from some UNKNOWN source that there is a software problem and decides to post it on the forum.<p>If you live near Boston, I would be glad to take you for a ride, which I guarantee would change your outlook awfully quickly.<p>Mike

Michael --<p>I'm curious to see what effect the PES supercharger install has on gas mileage and overall driveability. Your post and others have mentioned that the car retains its "daily driver" characteristics. I'd very much appreciate it if you could follow up after having spent some time with the car and the supercharger. Thanks!

Actually, that is exactly what I am doing. I plan on spending a couple of weeks with it, then posting a summary. As far as gas mileage, I will update you on that. I *can* tell you that I didn't eat up much more fuel on the way back from NJ with the supercharger than I did on the way there without it. I got to NJ on one tank, with about 1/8 tank leftover. I filled up before leaving, and when I got back, had just a tad lower than 1/8 left. It should be pretty efficient on the highway with the bypass it utilizes. Obviously, when you step on it hard, your going to go through a lot more gas. I am doing a mix of driving now, so the next time I fill up, I will reset the odometer and start logging fuel mileage.

<br>NT

Going faster is exciting. Braking can be equally exciting (depending on your point of view), especially if your engine is extremely powerful and your brakes are not up to the task.<p>I have driven in autocrosses and on tracks in my stock 2.8 30v and I have always wanted better brakes in those situations. I'm sure I could go with cross-drilled or slotted rotors, but my point is that if I got the supercharger, I'd want a completely new brake system with bigger components and much more braking force.<p>Have fun but don't outdrive your brakes!<br>

You know, someone asked me the other day "are you done yet!" I said that there were really only 2 other things I'd want to do to my car. One thing was the addition of some aftermarket sport seats (I wish they had the sport seat option when I bought my '98), and the other was a brake upgrade.<p>I also autocrossed my 30v this past year. I was actually surprised at how well the brakes performed. However, I know a brake upgrade would produce some fantastic results. I'm afraid my '99 budget has already been depleted, but you never know...there's always 2000!<p>Mike

I have not worked on my A4 yet since it it under warranty. How does the Supercharger effect access to normal maintaince on the car (ie plugs wires, filters etc)? I want to add this supercharger when my warranty is over and I plan to do the normal maintance items myself then.<p>Reg Short<br>98.5 2.8QMS

All maintenance is the same as far as I know except for the following. <p>1) To remove/replace the plugs, the supercharger unit needs to be removed. Not the whole kit, of course. Just the actual supercharger unit. This is done by removing 3 screws. One screw holds the top mount to the engine. The other 2 screws hold the lower mount to the engine. I don't think you'd need to remove any of the hoses, as you'd just need enough clearance to get to the plugs.<p>2) The kit utilizes a K&N open element air filter, so that would be different than stock obviously.<p>Otherwise, nothing else to consider. Same plugs. Supercharger lubricant is self-contained...nothing to worry about there. If I think of anything else, I'll let you know, but that's all I can think of for now.