For the first time in my life, I know exactly what car I want (A3).

On each of my past two cars I only spent approx $1k in mods (c70: ecu, tint. a6: ecu, f&r sways, tint), but each car itself was MSRP $45k. Since A3 is much cheaper, hoping to convince wife to let me spend a bit more on mods...


Seeking: Opinions on my choices, sources of better pricing, other mod ideas.

Thanks!


A3 -- 2.0T FSI, DSG (my first "automatic"), moro blue, beige leather, premium package, bixenons, NO Bose (not worth it IMHO), no opensky (weight up high)
$30,000

ECU -- Undecided, but there are Revo and GIAC dealers in town. Leaning toward Revo. Have MTM in my A6.
$500 - revo

Springs/Shocks -- H&R Touring Cup Kit - springs and shocks in 4 corners, 1.3" drop
$645 - evolutionsports.com

Swaybar -- Rear only, H&R 22mm
$180 - ecstuning.com

Tires -- 225/40/18 Goodyear Eagle F1 DS3 (or Toyo T1R??)
$628 - tires.com

Speakers -- Replace fronts only with Infinity 6010cs 6.5" components (Used to do full custom audio but gotten old and lazy)
$200 - crutchfield.com

Tint -- Legal this time (35%)
$200

Body Kit -- Considering this. Expensive (product + paint + install), adds weight, may be too old to pull it off. Votex body kit is subtle so currently my first choice.
$1077 unpainted - ecstuning.com

Exhaust -- Not yet, as don't like obvious sound, it's relatively pricey, and as I understand it, A3 is a pretty good breather already.
$0


Rims -- Undecided, but leaning toward Centerline RPM (18x7.5, et42, 18 lbs, rotary forged) due to good pricing and weight. Design is ok (audi-like) but kinda "blingy"--but it is NOT chrome. Other considerations are Kosei K-1 TS (~18 lbs, cast, need spacers), OZ Ultralegerra (18.5 lbs, cast), enkei RPF1 (17.8 lbs, pseudo edge forging, need spacers). I think 7.5" rims will fit even though ET only 42.
$1148 - centerline.com

Enkei
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/53703/enkei.jpg">


Kosei
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/53703/kosei.jpg">


O.Z.
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/53703/oz.jpg">


Centerline (they swear it is "polished" not chrome)
<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/53703/rpm.jpg">

They do have 18&amp;19's in a 45 offset. Its just not posted on the site.<ul><li><a href="http://www.hartmannwheels.com/gallery/thumbnails.php?album=53">Hartmann</a></li></ul>

The Centerline looks GREAT! Please advise where [Dealer] they are available. Thanks. Bill

They have 17" at fantastic prices due to overstock. Very light wheel, forged.

Search by Car
Then choose to search by bolt pattern 5x112
An issue for you might be that they are only 7" wide.

You would be pushing the wheels out an additional 10mm with the spacers when you need them to go in 10mm if I am not mistaken.

April will probably have something to say about this too, IIRC from her A4 forum days :)

I like my T1Rs but they are not as good as GS-D3s. Still great tires though, at least the first half of their life has been great.

<center><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/53703/enkei.jpg"></center><p>

you most likely will regret not having open sky. most people who got it, would say the same.

It is just a matter or personal taste. I've had sunroofs before and I never use them. It was just a waste of $1000 (or whatever it cost) for me. Plus, I like my car to be like a cave and since you couldn't close off the light from the roof it was a deal breaker. Good luck!

<center><img src="http://www.ohiovw.com/cars/gallery/VR6n1.8T-3161-P3030003.JPG"></center><p>
is essential. I wouldn't have bought the car w/out it PERIOD.

IMO the look of the car without the contrasting color of the roof - is not flattering.

Of course I like opening the open sky. But yes, I like it closed too. In the summer I keep the screens closed to prevent the cabin from overheating. In the other 3 seasons I keep them open. It makes the interior look more spacous.

<img src="http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a279/iMryanmac/ryanscamera297.jpg">

<center><img src="http://webpages.charter.net/dwarner2/NoSky.jpg"></center><p>