The Avant Project - A Work In Progress.

Cheers mate - we clearly had the same end goal in mind!

It cost me £250 to get the window chrome and roof rails done. The boys took the doors of and left the top trim in place along with the trim around the rear quarter lights. The rear door chrome pops off easily but the mirrors have to come off to get the chrome on the front doors off. I left the car with them for a week while I was in France so it kept the labour cost down.

One thing I'd watch for though, make sure they have a VAG diagnostics at the paint shop if they're taking the doors off as I needed to get my airbag warning light reset. Thankfully my car is still under Audi warranty so I took it in saying it just appeared...

How do you find the ride on your Eibach Pro-kit? I'm tempted, but the ride height looks pretty similar to the standard Sline set up? I'm having Eibach Sportlines on my A3 next week, but don't want to lower the A4 that much!
 
matt_cunningham1985 said:
How do you find the ride on your Eibach Pro-kit? I'm tempted, but the ride height looks pretty similar to the standard Sline set up? I'm having Eibach Sportlines on my A3 next week, but don't want to lower the A4 that much!
Click to expand...

Sorry mate, thought I'd replied to this, the ride is firm but not overly so, it definitely sits lower than the s-line IMO.

Latest Update...

Engine Carbon Clean, carried out last week, many thanks to 'Cuppa' for that, pleased with the results & would definitely recommend.

Just treated myself to a pair of S5 Calipers off eBay, should hopefully arrive tomorrow, I'm in no rush to fit them, as plenty of life in my existing discs & pads. So I intend to drop them off to Paint Perfect in Lincoln, for sand blasting & powder coating, thinking of going for a dark anodised red, but open to suggestions?

Quite keen on Akebono Ceramic pads, my current mintex pads create a lot of dust, so wheels get filthy in no time.

Also ordered a full set of Vredestein Ultrac Sessanta 245/40/18, as current tyres won't last that much longer if/when the weather takes a turn for the worse.
 
  • Like
Reactions: RS5 JON
EBC Red Stuff pads work well with my S5 fronts Gareth, there's definitely a noticeable difference for the better with the S5 calipers.

Be interested how you get on with Akebono Ceramic's though, a few A5-OC guys use them and give good reviews.
JG
 
JG51 AUD said:
EBC Red Stuff pads work well with my S5 fronts Gareth, there's definitely a noticeable difference for the better with the S5 calipers.

Be interested how you get on with Akebono Ceramic's though, a few A5-OC guys use them and give good reviews.
JG
Click to expand...

What discs are you running with the EBC Red Stuff Pads?

The Akebono are import from America at approx £100, so very tempted!
 
GjrBartlett said:
What discs are you running with the EBC Red Stuff Pads?

The Akebono are import from America at approx £100, so very tempted!
Click to expand...

Just running the standard S5 disc's at the moment, but got my eye on some EBC grooved ones, again good reviews on these too.
£100 seems quite reasonable for ceramics, maybe worth a punt???

JG
 
Also looking at Hawk HPS Ceramics, as an alternative to Akebono.

Not had any issue with my set of MTEC disks, so may get another set of those.
 
Not really heard much on the Hawk HPS Ceramics, keep me posted on what you eventually go for, although I can't say anything bad about the EBC Redstuff pads so far.

MTEC disc's seem quite popular and look good in black, especially if your doing your calipers a shade of red, IMO.

JG
 
JG51 AUD said:
Not really heard much on the Hawk HPS Ceramics, keep me posted on what you eventually go for, although I can't say anything bad about the EBC Redstuff pads so far.

MTEC disc's seem quite popular and look good in black, especially if your doing your calipers a shade of red, IMO.

JG
Click to expand...

Do you get much dust with the Redstuff's?

I'll certainly keep you posted on what I get, the S5 Calipers are getting delivered today, so a little excited at the mo!

Will probably get the MTEC Black Ed discs, as fitted to my A4 Avant.
 
  • Like
Reactions: RS5 JON
GjrBartlett said:
Do you get much dust with the Redstuff's?

I'll certainly keep you posted on what I get, the S5 Calipers are getting delivered today, so a little excited at the mo!

Will probably get the MTEC Black Ed discs, as fitted to my A4 Avant.
Click to expand...

Redstuff pads don't throw off as much dust as OEM ones previously fitted, in fact very little dust at all on my Matte Rotors.

Know how you feel waiting one delivery of front S5's, couldn't wait to get them fitted either, but had to wait until my warranty was up, so sat for a while in the garage, worth the wait though. :yahoo:

JG
 
These arrived in the post yesterday...



Just need to get them booked in for a refurb & paint.
 
  • Like
Reactions: RS5 JON
S5 Calipers dropped off to Paint Perfect in Lincoln, for refurb & paint.

Decided to go with Anodized Red in the end, hopefully collecting early Jan.

Just need to decide on discs & pads, probably looking at getting Redstuff Pads, as struggling to import ceramics from America, Discs will probably be 345mm MTEC Black Editions.
 
  • Like
Reactions: RS5 JON
Sounds like a good choice Gareth, if you do end up going with the Redsuff pads, I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Pics a must when fitted.
JG
 
JG51 AUD said:
Sounds like a good choice Gareth, if you do end up going with the Redsuff pads, I don't think you'll be disappointed.

Pics a must when fitted.
JG
Click to expand...

Plan to get the pads (Redstuff) & Discs (MTEC Black Ed) ordered over Christmas & will get them fitted when the Avant goes in for it service in late Jan/early Feb.

On the look out now for some S5/4 rear calipers at the right price, but their not high on the shopping list, as I don't think they would make a big difference over my standard rears anyway.

Once I've got the fronts fitted, tempted to paint the underside of the mirror covers (As per Cuppa S5's build thread in the Anodized Red to match.. Might divide opinion that one, keen to get your thoughts?)

Possibly new wheels in the spring (19's).

So much left to do!
 
Don't think the S5/4 rear calipers will make much difference either, but if you get them cheap enough why not. I've kept my original rears but put Redstuff pads on, I do notice a difference with the new pads.

I've been following Cuppa's build thread over on A5-OC, awesome car, and yes I quite like the painted underside of the mirror covers, it's different, just a thought though, I would probably wrap them first in as good a match to the anodized red as I could find, just to test what they looked like before I made them permanent, as I say just my thoughts.

re. 19's, I'll have a set of A4 Black Ed 19 inch Rotors for sale round about the end of Feb if your interested?

Once you start, there's always something else you want to do, and the wallet continues to get lighter, lol!
JG
 
That's a thought, I might just get my original Calipers painted & fit red stuff pads, would save me a few ££.

I hadn't though about wrapping the underside first, might just get some cheap vinyl, spray it then wrap, to get an idea if I like them, cheers for that suggestion!

How much much for the rotors? With tyres/tread depth?

Regards, Gareth.
 
Don't really know how much Gareth, I've seen them go for as little as £800 & as much as £1200, I'll probably see what the going price is when I'm selling, they'll have fully re-furbished polished faces, as they have a couple of minor kerb marks, i've been quoted around £200 for re-furb, but need to wait till Feb, as the guy who is doing them is really busy, he runs a car repair shop.
Tyres are Conti's with 5-6mm tread. 255x35x19

They're from a 2014 Black Ed. A4. I got them in part exchange for something else I sold to a mate, was planning to use them as winters but bought a set of original S5's instead.
If you like, you can make me an offer for them, plus p&p.

JG
 
Thanks for the info, I'll give it some thought, but they might be a stretch too far for me at the minute.

If I'm honest, Rotors are common site on the road these days, so might go for something a little rarer, but not really decided yet.

Thanks again.
 
  • Like
Reactions: RS5 JON
No probs Gareth, no doubt I'll be putting them in the classifieds when they're for sale, know what you mean about them being common, but still a cracking wheel from Audi, IMO.

Remember the pics of your brakes and mirrors, I'm interested to see how they turn out.
JG
 
  • Like
Reactions: GjrBartlett
I'll certainly put some photos up once the brakes are on, hopefully end of Jan.

Still toying with a few other ideas at the minute, but we'll see!
 
Quite keen on these...



Interested in people thoughts....
 
  • Like
Reactions: RS5 JON
Beautiful , but anything with a diamond cut finish is a PITA .
 
  • Like
Reactions: GjrBartlett and matt_cunningham1985
audi upgrades
Your wallet is going to take a BIG hit within the next month or so, but will be well worth it.

Roll on 2016 mods. :rockwoot:
JG
 
  • Like
Reactions: GjrBartlett
GjrBartlett said:
Lol, me too, £569 without tyres, can't get them until the brakes are on though & she's due in for a Service in Jan, more £££!
Click to expand...
I'd second @Gazwould on the diamond cut finish... I'm a big fan of the titanium finish on the same wheels as I find the black accentuates the silver triangles of the spokes too much. Not to mention the fact that they're much easier to repair if they get kerbed. You'll be cursing the first time you kerb a diamond cut finish and end up painting them all... Just my preference though. If you stick with the diamond cut, I'd say the dark grey rather than matte black to stick with the look of the stock RS4 below.
RS4
 
  • Like
Reactions: GjrBartlett
matt_cunningham1985 said:
I'd second @Gazwould on the diamond cut finish... I'm a big fan of the titanium finish on the same wheels as I find the black accentuates the silver triangles of the spokes too much. Not to mention the fact that they're much easier to repair if they get kerbed. You'll be cursing the first time you kerb a diamond cut finish and end up painting them all... Just my preference though. If you stick with the diamond cut, I'd say the dark grey rather than matte black to stick with the look of the stock RS4 below.
View attachment 75695
Click to expand...

Cheers for the reply,

I agree, I'd be mortified if I kerbed a diamond cut alloy, so will definetly have a think before I purchase. The wife drives the car occasionally & 18 months ago she did £600 worth of damage pulling out of a parking space!

Matt, How's your motor coming along? What's in store for 2016?

I'm waiting on getting my new brakes back from the paint shop & hopefully get them on by the end of Jan.

ATB, Gaz.
 
GjrBartlett said:
Cheers for the reply,

I agree, I'd be mortified if I kerbed a diamond cut alloy, so will definetly have a think before I purchase. The wife drives the car occasionally & 18 months ago she did £600 worth of damage pulling out of a parking space!

Matt, How's your motor coming along? What's in store for 2016?

I'm waiting on getting my new brakes back from the paint shop & hopefully get them on by the end of Jan.

ATB, Gaz.
Click to expand...
Such a tough choice when you change your wheels - have you considered BBS options?

My wife decided to prang a Corsa in her work car park - A4 came out of it with a small scratch, the Corsa, not so much. Completely trashed the rear bumper so I've had to buy the woman a new bumper and have it fitted - thankfully, the garage I use did it for cash at £350. Wives!

Not too many plans for the A4 as I'm going to keep it subtle. I still need to black vinyl wrap the side blades, then it'll be some Redstuff pads all round and a remap once my warranty runs out in Feb. Planning on moving house at the same time so might have to put some plans on hold. I'm looking to get an S3 in the summer to replace the A3.

Looks like you've still got a lot of plans in the pipework!
 
  • Like
Reactions: GjrBartlett
audi upgrades
matt_cunningham1985 said:
Such a tough choice when you change your wheels - have you considered BBS options?

My wife decided to prang a Corsa in her work car park - A4 came out of it with a small scratch, the Corsa, not so much. Completely trashed the rear bumper so I've had to buy the woman a new bumper and have it fitted - thankfully, the garage I use did it for cash at £350. Wives!

Not too many plans for the A4 as I'm going to keep it subtle. I still need to black vinyl wrap the side blades, then it'll be some Redstuff pads all round and a remap once my warranty runs out in Feb. Planning on moving house at the same time so might have to put some plans on hold. I'm looking to get an S3 in the summer to replace the A3.

Looks like you've still got a lot of plans in the pipework!
Click to expand...

Happy New Year one & all.

Hadn't really considered BBS to be honest, will need to have a look.

Liking the wrap on the side blades, I saw them on a Red A/S4 (Can't remember which!) on here & really liked it, so I'll be keen to see your when there done.

I'll be fitting Redstuff with my new S5 calipers later this month, What's your thought on the remap, I went down the Revo route a while back & the difference was instantly noticeable, so recommend it highly.

S3 very nice, unfortunately my wife drives a Qashqai, so I won't be doing much to that!
 
GjrBartlett said:
Happy New Year one & all.

Hadn't really considered BBS to be honest, will need to have a look.

Liking the wrap on the side blades, I saw them on a Red A/S4 (Can't remember which!) on here & really liked it, so I'll be keen to see your when there done.

I'll be fitting Redstuff with my new S5 calipers later this month, What's your thought on the remap, I went down the Revo route a while back & the difference was instantly noticeable, so recommend it highly.

S3 very nice, unfortunately my wife drives a Qashqai, so I won't be doing much to that!
Click to expand...
Happy New Year buddy!

I'm a big fan of BBS rims and you know they'll always look good on VAGs! I did have replica S3 wheels on my A3 but I sold them and replaced them with OEM BBS CH24's. Don't think I'd go down the replica route again as they were much heavier than OEM/Genuine wheels and seemed to get damaged far too easily. I also couldn't get replacement centre caps to fit as they were a completely non-standard fitment which was very annoying.

Your new calipers will be sweet once they're on - what colour did you end up going for? Have you gone for larger discs? Are you replacing the S5 decal with S4?

There's a guy not far from me that does a rolling road remap for £300 cash in hand so that's how I'll be going. What power gain did you get? I Have the 143 PS so hoping to get about 190 PS out of it.
 
matt_cunningham1985 said:
Happy New Year buddy!

I'm a big fan of BBS rims and you know they'll always look good on VAGs! I did have replica S3 wheels on my A3 but I sold them and replaced them with OEM BBS CH24's. Don't think I'd go down the replica route again as they were much heavier than OEM/Genuine wheels and seemed to get damaged far too easily. I also couldn't get replacement centre caps to fit as they were a completely non-standard fitment which was very annoying.

Your new calipers will be sweet once they're on - what colour did you end up going for? Have you gone for larger discs? Are you replacing the S5 decal with S4?

There's a guy not far from me that does a rolling road remap for £300 cash in hand so that's how I'll be going. What power gain did you get? I Have the 143 PS so hoping to get about 190 PS out of it.
Click to expand...

Evening,

Still undecided on wheels at the minute, so keeping my options open...

The calipers are getting painted in anodized red, looking forward to getting them back soon, I'll probably either go for an 'S-line' or 'Audi' decal to go on them, as S5 won't really suit the car, just need to get the pads & discs ordered now.

My revo map took mine from 143 to mid-180's.
 
GjrBartlett said:
Evening,

Still undecided on wheels at the minute, so keeping my options open...

The calipers are getting painted in anodized red, looking forward to getting them back soon, I'll probably either go for an 'S-line' or 'Audi' decal to go on them, as S5 won't really suit the car, just need to get the pads & discs ordered now.

My revo map took mine from 143 to mid-180's.
Click to expand...
If I had the spare cash, I'd be going for 19" BBS CH-R in Titanium in the photo below and leave the spacers on.
DSC 2318


I'm also a big fan of the OEM 19" RS6 wheels like these ones... Total pain in the backside to clean though!
Whispbar047
Yakima029


That's exactly the kind of power increase i'm looking for. I always feel the car is far too sluggish off the line, being a Diesel, so hope the remap will help in that department!
 
matt_cunningham1985 said:
If I had the spare cash, I'd be going for 19" BBS CH-R in Titanium in the photo below and leave the spacers on.
View attachment 75910

I'm also a big fan of the OEM 19" RS6 wheels like these ones... Total pain in the backside to clean though!
View attachment 75912 View attachment 75913

That's exactly the kind of power increase i'm looking for. I always feel the car is far too sluggish off the line, being a Diesel, so hope the remap will help in that department!
Click to expand...

I'm liking the BBS wheels in the top pic, not a massive fan of the RS6 wheels though.

I'm also keen on Raywell's JRR, stunning wheel for the B8.
 
Last edited:
matt_cunningham1985 said:
Good job! Do you have a good for the pads and where you ordered them from as I'll be doing the same myself! Do these come with the wear sensors on them?
Click to expand...

Evening,

Bought them off eBay, £103, actually forgot to check if the have a wear sensor attached, So I've just messaged the vendor!

I've also just treated myself to a set of H&R ARB's!
 
GjrBartlett said:
Evening,

Bought them off eBay, £103, actually forgot to check if the have a wear sensor attached, So I've just messaged the vendor!

I've also just treated myself to a set of H&R ARB's!
Click to expand...
Is that for a full front set? £103 is pretty good going. Can you post a link and let me know when they get back to you about the sensor?

Do you know much about the amount of dust that comes off these pads? My 'OEM' ones cover the wheels with brake dust so I'm hoping the ceramic pads aren't as bad for it!
 
matt_cunningham1985 said:
Is that for a full front set? £103 is pretty good going. Can you post a link and let me know when they get back to you about the sensor?

Do you know much about the amount of dust that comes off these pads? My 'OEM' ones cover the wheels with brake dust so I'm hoping the ceramic pads aren't as bad for it!
Click to expand...

Link to the pads is:
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/EBC-REDSTUFF-BRAKE-PADS-FRONT-DP31986C-TO-FIT-A5-S5-QUATTRO-3-0-3-2i-/311460934177?fits=Car+Make:Audi|Cars+Type:S5+quattro&hash=item488484b221:g:MscAAMXQC-tTGLSD

Speaking with JG51 AUD & from the reviews I've read, the dust from these is very little in comparison to the OEM pads, my Mintex pads are horrendous for dust!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.

Similar threads

callumjones
2005 B7 RS4 Avant ...work in progress
Replies
17
Views
3K
callumjones
callumjones
mookie
B6 A4 Avant - The Daddywagon Project
Replies
6
Views
3K
AlexGSi2000
AlexGSi2000
jim s3
a few progress pics of the bt
Replies
200
Views
64K
Huey0191
H
jaffaxr
Le Mans Avant Project
Replies
0
Views
1K
jaffaxr
jaffaxr
Matt84
My first audi project ever . Slow slow progress
Replies
22
Views
3K
Andy avant b5
Andy avant b5
Top
Back