Update on my S4... it's in bits and pieces

[halik]

Done. Gonna start test driving the car around town.

fucking things:

 

[Fenixgoon]

Done. Gonna start test driving the car around town.

fucking things:

i HATE the CV joints. if you don't have a lift they are a bitch to get in.

and they have some funky screw style - i can't remember whether it was 6 or 12-point stars.

when i swapped in new axles on my passat my brother told me the CV joint bolts are called the "six bitches of VW" because without a lift, they are incredibly difficult to remove.

 

[roguerower]

I'm a little late joining in, but halik, that is one pretty impressive job you pulled off and that engine sounds great. What are you working in?

 

[halik]

I'm a little late joining in, but halik, that is one pretty impressive job you pulled off and that engine sounds great. What are you working in?

A dinky garage behind my townhouse? Not sure if you're asking about my background or the "facility"

 

[halik]

put on 15 miles on the car, no leaks and no issues or misfires (logged with vagcom)

 

[LTC8K6]

I'd never know you had it apart...

Looks good.

 

[PhoKingGuy]

So what's the plan for this sucker, keeping it or selling?

 

[alfa147x]

Looks like a damn sexy car

 

[exdeath]

:thumbsup::thumbsup::thumbsup:

 

[halik]

So what's the plan for this sucker, keeping it or selling?

Keeping,
gonna replace the A6 as my daily driver.

 

[DivideBYZero]

Effing awesome! Top job and well earned hot car!

 

[PricklyPete]

I'm seriously jealous of the job you did...awesome effort and beautiful car.

 

[halik]

Drove it around last night and took it to work today... man i love this car. Way more fun to drive than the A6 and the high rate rack and pinion makes it a lot more exciting around town. Recaros have sweet lumbar for my messed up lower back.

Still need to do some little stuff like have the ac refilled and what not, but it's pretty much all there.

 

[alfa147x]

Drove it around last night and took it to work today... man i love this car. Way more fun to drive than the A6 and the high rate rack and pinion makes it a lot more exciting around town. Recaros have sweet lumbar for my messed up lower back.

Still need to do some little stuff like have the ac refilled and what not, but it's pretty much all there.

:thumbsup: Good to hear!

 

[Spicedaddy]

Good job! Must feel nice to be done after all that work...

I drove my friend's S4 once, same model as yours. It's alot of fun, and the engine sounds great. I wanted one until he told me about the gas mileage, lol.

 

[StageLeft]

Congrats on job well done.

 

[GTaudiophile]

Awesome job!

So what was the bottom line financially in the end?

 

[halik]

Awesome job!

So what was the bottom line financially in the end?

Probably slightly under 11K once I get the nav unit, 2 new tires, turn the rotors, get one control arm and replace the random worn interior bits.

Right now It's sitting around 10K

 

[Gibson486]

Im sure the service manual goes something like this...

To remove exhaust manifold, remove engine.
To remove alternator, remove engine.
To remove oil cooler, remove alternator by removing the engine first.

What will it say when you have to remove the engine?

 

[Demon-Xanth]

What will it say when you have to remove the engine?

Remove tires, install new car.

 

[halik]

Put on some 300 miles, no issues so far*. No leaks either, I guess in large part thanks to the gasket/seal conditioner I dumped into the motor.

I've swapped the wheels from the A6 also, saved some 5 lbs a wheel. Still shopping for Oz Superleggera in 17" to have a year-round 16lb wheel.

In related news, I can't keep the tires at 40psi anymore, it makes the ride ridiculous.

* both calipers are missing anti-rattle clips, sounds like shit going over bumps.

 

[PricklyPete]

Put on some 300 miles, no issues so far*. No leaks either, I guess in large part thanks to the gasket/seal conditioner I dumped into the motor.

I've swapped the wheels from the A6 also, saved some 5 lbs a wheel. Still shopping for Oz Superleggera in 17" to have a year-round 16lb wheel.

In related news, I can't keep the tires at 40psi anymore, it makes the ride ridiculous.

* both calipers are missing anti-rattle clips, sounds like shit going over bumps.

What was the reason that you were running them at 40psi for?

 

[halik]

What was the reason that you were running them at 40psi for?

Better gas mileage on the A6. It's got stock suspension, so 40 psi tires make very little diff.

 

[PricklyPete]

Better gas mileage on the A6. It's got stock suspension, so 40 psi tires make very little diff.

Ok...I see. I was thinking you were purposely running the S4 that way...but now I understand...the tires on the A6 were 40psi before the switch. gracias.

 

[JulesMaximus]

Nice! :thumbsup:

I'm curious, all the time and money you have into this project, was it worth it? I haven't checked up on this thread in a while so forgive me if you've already answered this question. I'm just curious how much you have into it vs the cost of buying a similar "new-to-you" S4 in good running condition.

I'm sure the satisfaction of having done the work yourself is well worth it to you personally.