If you were preparing an engine for a '99.5 A4 1.8T that was optimized for autocrossing - i.e., one that pulls hard from 2000 rpm through 5500 rpm, with more emphasis placed on low- and mid-range torque and less on top-end horsepower - what would the end result be? Assume that cost isn't a primary concern - I'm willing and able to spend however much money is necessary, but first I have to be convinced the performance is worth the price - and also that reliability, longevity, and gas mileage aren't completely irrelevant, as the car will be driven ~25k miles per year.

When I bought the car in January, it was my intention to leave it stock and only upgrade/modify it as parts either broke or wore out. Unfortunately, after replacing the cat and exhaust system in September, I've now had to replace the turbo and exhaust manifold as well. While I still don't want to spend any money on the car until it's absolutely necessary, it's time for me to put a plan together so I don't end up buying a bunch of random bits and pieces that aren't happy working together.

Any thoughts/suggestions?

and all the stuff that would go with a big dollar set-up like that. I would consult with someone.

I believe mmart saw about 280tq to the wheels. My MTM Stage 3 K04 does 280tq to the wheels at only 3100rpms <---that's peak. When it comes to autocross i'd spend the rest of the money saved on a brake and suspension setup, ala Stasis or PSS9 coilovers with something along the lines of 800lb rear 650lb front springs and a nice AP, Brembo, or Stoptech brake set. Finish it off with some 15lb wheels and Hoosier autocross tires. cheers! Mike

i would start off with coilovers and cpp adjustable links to dial in some camber in the car so you can dial in some oversteer. Then get some brakes so you can brake late. Then add power to haul a$$... that's what i did anyways... i auto-x my car and plan to track it more often and i have 152k and climbing on the motor

one where you're going to get spanked.

the A4 is a heavy car, i dont think i would dump a ton of cash into one, instead start with something more likely to be successful, like an rx7, 944t or even a neon.

a good clutch upgrade can help you make time at the launch.
its a big task especially when the modified m3's, evo's and sti's are competing. i've seen the newest evo stock... 'so thats how an AWD should fly' :) real awesome. so goodluck

I thought that was a no-no as it puts lots of undue stress on the diffs....

Penske/Ohlins shocks
Hoosiers
Aftermarket wheels in the diam/width/+5mm offset from stock wheels
exhaust
and seat time

Is it a FWD or quattro?

Using stickier street tires up front and ok ones at the rear. They were 225/50/16's so only ~23" tall. TOo much oversteer that I spun the car around on throttle on one turn. Hella fun though - came in 4th quickest overall out of probably 50 cars.

Where are you located?

But on the nDBW cars. Don't know what the program is, but I've read a couple posts about it.

seen excellent results on the track. Under certain inclines myself and the other MTM Stage 3 guy saw overboost, but it rocked out at 29psi on the track. Torque was between 280tq and 310tq at the wheels <---obviously spikes. The mid level N75 for aggressive street is the N75J and I am peaking 26psi with no overboos even during mountain driving. It's at least a cheap way to go and you get full boost by 3100rpms. cheers! Mike

though. His car just won the 1.8T European Car challenge elobarated in this December's issue.

He is an avid Auto 'Xer now and if he only wakes his but up today (11/13) to compete, he should have a shot at winning the SCCA SF region SM-novice slush series class.

He has similar goals later as to how to make his 1.8T A4Q very competitive in SM.

It's good to have excellent drivers to practice with around here - including Vic Sias who just took 1st in SM nationals last year, Corey Smith who took 2nd SM with a yellow S4 (had tranny synchro problems) 2 years ago, our one eyed friend Tito Solis who almost always takes Top time of the day with his OSP prepped old school against these other National winners and a bunch of other folks.

Ed is a real good driver though. On go karts, he laps most of us after a couple of minutes haha.

So, you and him may be the 1st BTDT that I would know off playing with ~3200lb 1.8TQ's competitive enough in SM competing with either lightweights or torque monsters around here.

The chip your talking about is the PC16.

have fun!

Hoosiers isnt really the obvious winning tire. I used to think so but my driving style for some reason does not work well with hoosiers. maybe its also because of the type of pavements I frequently run in, or maybe its the uber stiff side walls. whatever it is it could work well for some but not all. kumhos maybe better suited if you plan on running on non-national caliber grounds