I pulled the trigger! APR Stage 3 installed!!!

[Mark P]

I completed the APR Stage 3 kit install this past Sunday into my 2002 (T-box) S4 Avant. WOW - this car pulls like a train. I'm *very* impressed! I've had the K04's in for a couple weeks, along with the clutch, new downpipes and new exhaust. I received the remainder of the APR kit this past week, and now it's complete. This acutally worked out nicely as the clutch and turbos had adequate "break in" time, while I ran with the stock ECU. So here's the current set-up:

APR Stage 3 turbo upgrade kit (some pics, more tomorrow)
APR Downpipes (newer version: post | pics)
APR Exhaust (newer version)
SPEC Stage 2 Clutch
APR Bi-Pipe
APR Snub Mount
APR Level 3 Brakes
APR RollControl Springs
Bilstein (notched) Shocks
710N valves

...and all the other stuff on my website (linked in my sig below).

I'll have more pics up on my site in the next few days. The install went quite smooth, with only minor issues removing the stock fuel pump (we didn't have the proper tool). I still have stock Intercoolers and foglights. I'll be removing the fogs, getting Canadian grilles, and aftermarket IC's. My service advisor tried to order the grilles, but was denied somehow - anyone know if this is an issue, or where else to get them? Also, I'm looking for alternatives to the RS4 Intercoolers. It was only 55F here this weekend (and raining), but I already fear the summer.

I already had an encounter with an SS Camaro that I pulled on pretty good. And then they brought out the passenger's Brother who had a new Cobra. That did a job on me pretty well - which I later learned to have 452+ rear wheel HP. He got a good jump on me from a roll, but then didn't leave me too much further behind. I told him we could compare again when I have 100+ octane He agreed. Oh yeah, none of this was from a stop. I had only launched the clutch once (earlier in the evening), and being new to the powerband, etc, I wasn't too crazy about going from a stop, even though I knew that'd give me the advantage. Maybe when I return, we'll go from a stop and with 100+

I've had the clutch in for ~2500 miles, so I guess I can be more aggressive on it now - I just need to re-learn how to launch with this new setup. I'll be back to the drags one of these days to see how I've improved over my old times (1.83 / 13.30 / 103.5). My avant wasn't the fastest for it's setup before, and I don't expect it to be now, but I am curious to see the relative change, to see the specific improvements this made on *my* car.

I also changed the timing belt, water pump, accy belt, and rollers.

What are the current suggestion for spark plugs? I'm in New England, so I see hot summers and cold winters. Suggestions?

How about oil? I've been running Mobil 1 Synth 0W30. Should I really consider 0W40? That much difference? My oil temps have looked a bit higher, but still are not hitting 225 (based on the gauge). Likewise, how about 10W30 for the summer? Do I really need 0W in the summer?

Feel free to ask any other questions, as I'm sure there's a lot I'm not covering.

"Is it time to drive home yet?"

[Steve Trac, Sec 303]

[jyoteen]

Congrats.

[dscottjr]

[No More B5 S4]

[Mr Pendle]

Check the AWE site for info - RS4 Oil cooler ($700 TO $800 ) will help aswell - they will keep temps down - good for the engine aswell.

anyway good job Mark , congrats!

[Funkweasel]

type? Simple wiring change, or did APR include a harness adapter or??

Anyway, congrats! If it works just like the M-box, that car should be fast as hell.

[NickS]

[Mark P]

I'll keep an eye on the Oil Temps. In theory they should be lower than on a K03, but then again, I guess if you push the K04 to create higher pressure, then that theory is no longer valid.

[Lehigh]

My friend got into a bad accident over the weekend that totaled his 96 Vr6 and I am helping him find a replacement car.
thanks!