My S3

[Alex_Wil]

Similar advice here,as you'd expect,but I'm very glad I followed the advice,as the handling now is vastly improved.

Nothing wrong with the ride and appearance either.....shamless pimping aside..!

Doesn't look like its completely slammed and looks subtle which I was looking for

 

[S3Alex]

Doesn't look like its completely slammed and looks subtle which I was looking for

I didn't want to turn it into a bottom scraping menace that can't be driven quickly on anything other than a flat surface.

My old Escort was probably the fastest point to point thing I've ever driven,but had good ground clearance and superbly compliant suspension(albeit hideously expensive to maintain).

 

[Alex_Wil]

I didn't want to turn it into a bottom scraping menace that can't be driven quickly on anything other than a flat surface.

My old Escort was probably the fastest point to point thing I've ever driven,but had good gorund clearance and superbly compliant suspension(albeit hideously expensive to maintain).

How low was the escort?

I'm guessing all that work was not cheap either! haha - what figures did you get from it!?

 

[S3Alex]

How low was the escort?

I'm guessing all that work was not cheap either! haha - what figures did you get from it!?

I'd say if anything it was a bit higher than the S3,and with a lot of suspension travel,with fully adjustable rose-jointed shocks.

It had been a tarmac and gravel rally car previously,and the suspension setup was essentially a Proflex clone,but not quite as expensive at around £4k overall,but as it chewed both rose-joints and seals,it was hellishly expensive to maintain.

Power wise,the S3 has it easily,as the Escort was around 380bhp,but the gearing was VERY short at 20mph/1000rpm,so it would top out at around 140mph with huge torque figures.

Huge fun,huge costs,negligible MPG,and very twitchy on the limits.

 

[Alex_Wil]

I'd say if anything it was a bit higher than the S3,and with a lot of suspension travel,with fully adjustable rose-jointed shocks.

It had been a tarmac and gravel rally car previously,and the suspension setup was essentially a Proflex clone,but not quite as expensive at around £4k overall,but as it chewed both rose-joints and seals,it was hellishly expensive to maintain.

Power wise,the S3 has it easily,as the Escort was around 380bhp,but the gearing was VERY short at 20mph/1000rpm,so it would top out at around 140mph with huge torque figures.

Huge fun,huge costs,negligible MPG,and very twitchy on the limits.

Does look like it sits lower than the s3 so I'm surprised!

It is one hell of a car though! I'm guessing it was the escort to the S3?

 

[S3Alex]

It is one hell of a car though! I'm guessing it was the escort to the S3?

Via a diesel A3,then a 3.2,then an A4 3.0TDi Avant.....

I had a holiday from daft cars for a bit after the Escort,then the bug got going again.

 

[Alex_Wil]

Via a diesel A3,then a 3.2,then an A4 3.0TDi Avant.....

I had a holiday from daft cars for a bit after the Escort,then the bug got going again.

A sign of what's to come then haha... I think my next project will be the A45 Merc AMG - just annoys me there is no 3 door!

 

[S3Alex]

A sign of what's to come then haha... I think my next project will be the A45 Merc AMG - just annoys me there is no 3 door!

That's part of the reason I went so far with the S3.

I didn't want a 5 door,and so the S3 project sort of drifted on to the point where I couldn't find a reason to change it.

 

[Alex_Wil]

That's part of the reason I went so far with the S3.

I didn't want a 5 door,and so the S3 project sort of drifted on to the point where I couldn't find a reason to change it.

You need to take the s3 up another 100 bhp! - I do massively dislike 5 doors so I'm hoping in next few years a 3 door will come out!

how much long do you think you will have the s3 for?

 

[RedDejavu]

A sign of what's to come then haha... I think my next project will be the A45 Merc AMG - just annoys me there is no 3 door!

Dont bother with AMG you'll regret it just take the S3 up to stage 3 and enjoy!

 

[Alex_Wil]

Dont bother with AMG you'll regret it just take the S3 up to stage 3 and enjoy!

Its a long way off yet! stage 2+/3 in next 2/3 months

 

[S3Alex]

You need to take the s3 up another 100 bhp! - I do massively dislike 5 doors so I'm hoping in next few years a 3 door will come out!

how much long do you think you will have the s3 for?

The bhp is coming.....

I'm still enjoying the car so it'll stay.

 

[Alex_Wil]

The bhp is coming.....

I'm still enjoying the car so it'll stay.

They are very fun cars!

I got the hint you enjoy it as Ian @ AMD actually told me he has had people with ttrs's and other cars coming in saying some guy in a white S3 has just left me for dead.... any ideas on who this person is!? haha

 

[S3Alex]

They are very fun cars!

I got the hint you enjoy it as Ian @ AMD actually told me he has had people with ttrs's and other cars coming in saying some guy in a white S3 has just left me for dead.... any ideas on who this person is!? haha

I wouldn't have any idea about that at all. LOL

Having said that,it may well have scalped a few RS's,an AMG C63,V10 M5,and maybe a GT-R.

 

[Alex_Wil]

I wouldn't have any idea about that at all. LOL

Having said that,it may well have scalped a few RS's,an AMG C63,V10 M5,and maybe a GT-R.

Who needs to spend 60K + when an s3 can go past you with ease haha

 

[Autograph Cars]

What is the engine code and year of car? Really shouldn't be a problem to do a full manual tip mode for that car.

 

[Alex_Wil]

What is the engine code and year of car? Really shouldn't be a problem to do a full manual tip mode for that car.

Yeah is 2012 - couldn't tell you engine code I'm afraid - anyway of finding out without going to the car?

 

[Autograph Cars]

2012 is enough info, it will be one of the last versions of DSG software.... similar to the Golf R. No probs to do a full manual on that, you can also pick your launch control RPM, max RPM that it shifts up in each gear and with our stage 2 DSG software we remove all the torque limitation. I have a few customers running LO4xx turbos and GT30xx turbos at 1.8-2.0bar with with no problems.

There's not many people out therewith files for these....

 

[Alex_Wil]

2012 is enough info, it will be one of the last versions of DSG software.... similar to the Golf R. No probs to do a full manual on that, you can also pick your launch control RPM, max RPM that it shifts up in each gear and with our stage 2 DSG software we remove all the torque limitation. I have a few customers running LO4xx turbos and GT30xx turbos at 1.8-2.0bar with with no problems.

There's not many people out therewith files for these....

Makes sense to why hard getting it done at the moment

if I was closer to Lancashire I would consider it!

Appreciate the info though

 

[RedDejavu]

2012 is enough info, it will be one of the last versions of DSG software.... similar to the Golf R. No probs to do a full manual on that, you can also pick your launch control RPM, max RPM that it shifts up in each gear and with our stage 2 DSG software we remove all the torque limitation. I have a few customers running LO4xx turbos and GT30xx turbos at 1.8-2.0bar with with no problems.

There's not many people out therewith files for these....

Shame about the distance as this is what I really want to get done in the near future

 

[nluk100]

Shame about the distance as this is what I really want to get done in the near future

MRC Tuning | Custom engine management and Rolling road dyno tuning for Audi, Seat, Skoda, Volkswagen, Porsche, Lamborghini, Mercedes are much closer to you and offer custom DSG mapping.

 

[Alex_Wil]

A couple of pictures AMD took.

 

[S3Alex]

Now that's what I like to see!

 

[smurfworth]

mmmmm coilovers, how are they?

 

[Alex_Wil]

mmmmm coilovers, how are they?

They are really good! Was expecting to have a really firm ride but it's not bad at all ! Less bouncy though!

 

[S3Alex]

They are really good! Was expecting to have a really firm ride but it's not bad at all ! Less bouncy though!

Better damping equals nicer ride and better control.

I think the stock dampers are pretty soft,and the car just wobbles around and crashes over bumps.

 

[Alex_Wil]

Better damping equals nicer ride and better control.

I think the stock dampers are pretty soft,and the car just wobbles around and crashes over bumps.

Very soft! uneasy going fast round corners on stock!

And the brakes now are brilliant - doesn't feel like someone is going to snap under hard braking lol

 

[mechanic69]

Better damping equals nicer ride and better control.

I think the stock dampers are pretty soft,and the car just wobbles around and crashes over bumps.

Exactly as the front is on mine at the mo, please Damian sort my bilsteins out!!!! Or it may be coil overs for me too.

 

[Alex_Wil]

****Update****

Haldex pump all fixed and you really notice having 4wd back to! ..... now time to use the new bits to there full potential lol

 

[Alex_Wil]

****Update****

I seem to be on the home straight now with the car and all that's left is to go to Stage 2+!

I need peoples opinions on what i'm getting is right or if i'm missing anything - so advice welcome

Already have :

Miltek Catback
AMD Cold Air Induction
STAGE 1 REMAP
GFB DV+
Bilstein B14 Coilovers
H&R Arbs
Mintex pads & Zero Sixty discs

Going to get :

DSG software upgrade (3rd time lucky!!!)
Milltek Sports cat and downpipe (200 cell high quality sports cat)
LOBA Fuel pump
FMIC (Front mount intercooler) STAGE 2 Airtec
AmD map upgrade (from AMD stage 1 map)
Anti-Lift Kit (Superpro)

Will this make my car solid at stage 2+

is there anything i need to worry about going to stage 2+ (except speed! ) that can cause big problems with the car!!?? dont want to find myself forking out for a big bill to fix something!

Cheers!

Alex

 

[S3Alex]

That's pretty much all you need for a good solid car.

Mine has been reliable at Stg4 for a few yrs and I don't think you need to worry about much at Stg2+.

Just regular servicing and oil changes should keep it running fine.

 

[Alex_Wil]

Just what i like to hear!

 

[s3_trev]

Things are coming along nicely Alex_Wil! Looking forward to see what you think of stage 2+ when you get it installed along with that other gear on your to do list!

 

[Alex_Wil]

Things are coming along nicely Alex_Wil! Looking forward to see what you think of stage 2+ when you get it installed along with that other gear on your to do list!

Cheers! i probably wont have much to say except ...QUICK

Its as far as i'm taking the car performance wise and then turning my attention to little things like the ashtray delete

 

[S3Alex]

Its as far as i'm taking the car performance wise ......

Wait and see on that one....it's exactly what I said a while ago....

 

[Alex_Wil]

Wait and see on that one....it's exactly what I said a while ago....

Car is all booked in now for the Stage 2+ on the 3rd July! (decided to add Superpro ALK to the list as well)

Day before i go GTI International just to make the drive up there that bit more interesting!!

Couple of questions if people can help out.

Is there anything to be concerned about going to stage 2+ that can happen to the car - after my haldex pump went i'm cautious about something else going once i put more power into it!?

What fuel do people use who have stage 2+?

Alex

 

[S3Alex]

Car is all booked in now for the Stage 2+ on the 3rd July! (decided to add Superpro ALK to the list as well)

Day before i go GTI International just to make the drive up there that bit more interesting!!

Couple of questions if people can help out.

Hi Alex.

The car is pretty robust,and mine is still on it's original Haldex.

I always use 99RON fuel,and you should do the same with Stg2+.

 

[mechanic69]

Hi Alex.

The car is pretty robust,and mine is still on it's original Haldex.

I always use 99RON fuel,and you should do the same with Stg2+.

Highest spec fuel you can get mate, don't skimp on the juice.

 

[S3Alex]

Highest spec fuel you can get mate, don't skimp on the juice.

Then mix carefully with the right quantity of methanol and water,shaken,not stirred,and add ice and lemon.

 

[Marshy]

Car is all booked in now for the Stage 2+ on the 3rd July! (decided to add Superpro ALK to the list as well)

Day before i go GTI International just to make the drive up there that bit more interesting!!

Couple of questions if people can help out.

Is there anything to be concerned about going to stage 2+ that can happen to the car - after my haldex pump went i'm cautious about something else going once i put more power into it!?

What fuel do people use who have stage 2+?

Alex

On stage 2+ i don't think you'll have any problems as long as you use good fuel which I find mine likes Tesco momentum best.
Then the only other thing is respect what you have and it'll do you well.
I fitted my superpro anti lift kit the other day and now covered about 120 miles with them and find it makes a nice difference.
I fitted my eibach pro springs about a month ago and that helped handling although it was still a bit floaty mid corner which these seem to have helped if not eliminated.
Very good mod for the price and a nice addition for stage 2+