5speed6 v.2

<b>Let me start by saying that the allure of the S6 grill never bit me to the point where I had to try and do it. I did want to have a different grill but didn't like the aftermarket ones. I happened to run across a new RS6 grill for sale, and figured I would give it a shot. This was a learning lesson, and was definitely a challenge. Here are the details of the installation:</B>

<b>View of the nose with the factory grill:</B>
<img src="http://img270.imageshack.us/img270/6194/grillbefore8er.jpg">


<b>Comparison of the factory grill and the RS6</B>
<img src="http://img160.imageshack.us/img160/3694/grillcomparison9rd.jpg">

<B>View of the 2.7T hood with the grill removed</B>
<img src="http://img160.imageshack.us/img160/4145/hoodnogrill9yl.jpg">

<b>Comparison shot of 4.2 hood (photo courtesy of BostonDriver) Notice the lower portion there is no metal where the grill mounts</B>
<img src="http://img147.imageshack.us/img147/2918/v8hoodja0.jpg">


<b>The RS6 grill has a reinforcement bar at the bottom of the grill that fills in the open space on the V8 body. My choice at this point was either cut the hood to fit the grill, or modify the grill. I didn't see a problem with cutting the hood, but once it would be done, it could not be returned to stock. With my friends assisting, we proceeded to modify the RS6 grill.</B>

<b>This is the re-bar from the RS6 grill after we finally got it removed. This was the 'learning side' to see how it was attached to the grill.</B>
<img src="http://img160.imageshack.us/img160/2872/rebarside7ea.jpg">

<b>At this point we were able to just cut openings to get to the rivets that were used to attach the rebar to the grill. The rivets were then drilled out.</B>
<img src="http://img270.imageshack.us/img270/8094/rebarrivetsarea1bd.jpg">

<B>This is the factory grill. Notice that it uses plastic clips in order to secure it to the hood</B>
<img src="http://img271.imageshack.us/img271/1439/oldgrillclip2pe.jpg">

<B>The dremel was our best friend for this project , and did we ever go through cut-off wheels. </B>
<img src="http://img160.imageshack.us/img160/6898/dremelbolt3mo.jpg">

<b>Here is the RS6 grill after all the prep work was completed. The rivets were drilled out, and all the plastic surrounding where the rivets were have been grinded down with the dremel.</B>
<img src="http://img271.imageshack.us/img271/2923/rs6grillshaved8dd.jpg">

<B>Here is my friend Phil hamming it up for the camera by grabbing the largest hammer he could put his hands on. At this point we were prepping the hood area for the mounting of the grill.</B>
<img src="http://img160.imageshack.us/img160/9964/preppinghood8ay.jpg">

<B>After a test fit of the grill, it was discovered that the Silver metal area of the hood showed through the grill, and did not look right.
<img src="http://img160.imageshack.us/img160/1031/rs6grillinstalled27qt.jpg">

At this point I taped off the hood and painted the exposed areas.</B>
<img src="http://img270.imageshack.us/img270/1381/paintinghood6od.jpg">

<b>Again, a pic of the 'before' for comparison.</B>
<img src="http://img270.imageshack.us/img270/6194/grillbefore8er.jpg">

<B>Here it is installed, mission completed </B>
<img src="http://img270.imageshack.us/img270/3231/rs6grillinstalled12oj.jpg">

Thanks go out to my buddies Phil &amp; Eric for their assistance!

Kris Hansen

Cool!!!! Nice writeup!! Shall I add it to tech? =)

5speed6 v.2

...edit it as you see fit.

To the best of my knowledge, this has not been documented yet.

Boston Driver

Of course, the process would have been the same if you wanted to mount the S6 grille instead. I recall seeing soemthing on Stoney's Links about having to cut away the backing of the lower edge of teh grille, but nobdy ever posted pics of what that looked like. Looks great!!!

Maybe I'll see you Thursday (if I can make it at all I'll be a bit late) or on Sunday at Yarrowsport???

Boston Driver

the process would be the same for narrow-body folks that want the S6 grilles as well.

A4AdMan

cut down a lower S4 bumper grill to fit my at the time lower A4 bumper.

Asicks2.7T

Nice! Good job!

Press

looks great....nice job and nice writeup...

wayred4.2

now what about the lower? I am in a simmilar boat have the top RS6 grill, plug and play on the 4.2, on but not the lower, understand it to be a PITA re-work.

SharkAttack (4.2go)

opted for the S6 instead, but I still think the RS6 looks cooler.