I am considering a PES system, but would like to start out with a comperssion ratio of about<br>9.5:1 instead of the stock 10.3:1. The idea being, of course, to lower the 2.8's compression to allow running more boost. All of the specs that I have seen for stock turbo/blown engines indicate that manufacturers generally run from 8.4:1 to 9.5:1.<p> BTW PES says that there is no room for an intercooler, but " With the proper aftermarket front bumper, you can probably make it work. This could potentailly add around 40HP".

nt<br>

Why not just buy an S4? <br>From a funds-standpoint it would probably make sense: You're talking about opening up the engine & replacing pistons. I wouldn't be suprised if you ended up dumping ~10-15k into the engine (including SC) before you're done.<br>This is money you're probably not going to recover when you sell the car.<p>On the flipside, the S4 will be easily-tweakable to beyond 2.8+SC levels, and will hold its resale value much better. PLUS you get the added benefits of the sport trim bits & the sport suspension & bushings.<p>Just curious...<p>Scott.

It's REAL tight in there, and adding an intercooler would be a pretty involved project to undertake. Although, you would see great benefits.<p>Personally, I was thinking about adding a small NACA duct located at the lower passenger-side corner of the hood (directly above and slightly forward of the K&N filter. However, how would you keep water out? I assume you don't want water hitting the filter. I am curious about this. Actually, I'm going to post this to the forum on the top and see what responses I get.<p>Mike

Scott, you bring up some very valid points, however I haven't heard anything concrete yet about when the S4 will be availible in the US and how much it will cost...<p>Since it doesn't appear to be an easy way of lowering the compression on the 2.8 (I never found out if the pistons would fit), the next best mod (after the PES system) would be an intercooler, which requires a new bumper.Of course the S4 has all of the plumbing designed in from the start, so it will always look more sano.<p> Ok, just for argument's sake, let's say that an intercooler added to the PES system allows a 40 hp gain. They claim 280 hp out of the box, so the total would be 320. Ouch!<p>Since the S4 is virtually limitless in it's tweakability, let's assume that we "chip it" as much as a "moderate" 1.8T - 12.5 PSI and 180 hp, which is an increase of 20% over stock hp. Assuming we get the 250 hp S4 motor, a 20% increase would yield 300 hp when moderately chipped. The 265 hp motor would go to 318, still a bit below the intercooled PES system.<p>So the question is: Is a 2.8 QMS A4 with a PES system, intercooler, bumper and brakes more obtainable than a chipped S4? Of course, the S4 also has the six speed...

I own a 2.8QMS, and I just happen to want to save my money for an S4, or E46 M3, but as a friend of mine pointed out, it's sometimes more fun to build up your own car, rather than have something new from the factory.<p>There will always be a nicer car to buy. No car does everything better than another, so why rain on someone else's parade? FYI- You can editorialize in your head just as loudly as on this forum.<p>98.5 Wett RamAir'ed Santorin Blue 2.8QMS

I would imagine there are a number of people that could not afford to buy a New A4 that constantly read the forum, however they might be able to afford to buy a used one in 3 or 4 years time.<br>And then they could slowly chip and Hack at the car to up the performance.<br>It would be great to know what you can do to the car.<br>Already there is a bit of knowledge about what to do to a 5cyl 20V turbo motor.<br>If I had some spare cash I would rather buy a used 5Cyl 20V and race that car than<br>what i am doing now with my A4.<br>Once you race your every day car, there are a lot of things and mods you do not do because it makes the car rough or hard to drive in traffic etc.<br>Its great to see there are some "pioneers" still around and willing to take some risks.<br>How many people shouted down Columbus or Dalamatian born Marco Polo.....<br>about the same percentage that are on this forum. No disrespect intended.<p>Gee if the A4 was a Chev. Ford or Honda someone would already have already made a Top Fueler out of it. Hmmm...Quattro Funny car, now thats a thought!<p>In years to come some one out there will say "You should have seen this Audi, it screamed, mate it made all 4 wheels do a burnout, some guy called Ron built it."<p>A4, its more than a car, its a obsession! I do not know how my wife will that statement.<p>Some one please try a 2.8Q with NOS.

I, for one, am more concerned with the enjoyment I get out of driving and customizing my car than in what I'll get for it when I trade it in. I plan on keeping it for a long time (until I buy a next-generation S4 coupe), and when I do trade it in or sell it, I'm sure I won't regret anything I did.<p>Rich D.<br>'98.0 A4 2.8QM H&R/Koni, K&N, Stebro catback, wood shift knob (17" wheels, chip, and possibly white gauges soon to come)