Maybe, although I really wouldn’t count on a supercharged RS4 to be worth more than an equivalent stock well-cared for one, per usual.
RS4 is certainly an attractive option, but keep in mind everything is more expensive than the S4 and out of warranty could be a very expensive situation. Used RS4 motors sell for $12,500 from what I’ve seen, and that’s if you can find one. I’m considering waiting a year or two for the right RS4, but just getting into a B6 S4 might happen in the interim since they’re pretty cheap now and many of my mods will swap directly over.
Rs4 is about $20,000 + stage 1 supercharger is like $8500. Then you are looking at expensive rs4 exhaust for $2500-3000. Don’t forget this is the basic, non cooked, stock fuelling kit. You’re looking at $32,000 already, and are about 100+ whp down on stage 2 b6
A couple reasons I guess. One being that I don’t think the RS4 motors have been around long enough, or that there are enough with high mileage yet to really know how reliable they are compared to the BHF motors. Second, there have been a handful of RS4 owners on the forums who required motor replacement, so it certainly can happen, although very rare. Now, I doubt they will be as problematic as the BHF motors, but I think its a good idea to understand how much a car can really cost outside of warranty when considering purchasing one, that’s all.
So that aspect and also that all the other parts are often more expensive (and possibly difficult to find) to replace on the RS4 compared to the B6/7 S4 I think widens the apparent value gap a bit.
Don’t be too tough on me about the numbers because I am roughly guessing off other more informed posts but:
A fully modded out stage one SC V8 S4 is around 450 whp at 11.9-12.2 1/4 mile ET
Then stage two kit should add around 100 horsepower for 550 whp at probably 11.2-11.4 1/4 mile ET
As a stock RS4 starts around 320-330 whp at 12.75-12.9 1/4 mile ET
An exhaust and tune probably pushes out 350-360 whp at probably 12.0-12.3 1/4 mile ET
Then you slap on the blower for maybe 450-480 whp at 11.3-11.6 1/4 mile ET
Unfair comparison I know but life isn’t fair then you die. Hopefully some more informed members can chime in about this.
I just think they could push the limits on the RS4 a little more since it already has forged internals and revs higher which the centrifugal loves. Needless to say I can’t wait for the future of these two platforms and my headers to get here.
Maybe a stupid question but the Rs being able to run much better times with the same relative horsepower, is that due just to the gearing and power and difference?
Don’t think so on the rs4 because to run 11. 3 you need to upgrade fuelling and intercool. So that’s at least a few grand more. Aviva has a tvs1900 kit that is like $11,000 and it uses stock fuelling. It makes around 425 whp. Think Apr kit type numbers and performance. Probably anyway… We haven’t seen much on the base aviva kit.
The base Jhm kit might make 450 whp on the rs4. Guessing. I know they went to the track with it and killed the experimental clutch that was on the car. Hopefully they get back soon. I think the car that has the kit on it has gone stage 2…so not sure when we will see a stage one time. I do know that while killing the clutch they ran a very impressive time for a base kit.
Also the stage 1 kit on the s4 is likely to make 410-420 whp on average dynos, not 450. You will likely never see 450 on stock internals on a Jhm kit as it is too dangerously close t the limit.
So I got some news yesterday that was a little discouraging. According to JHM, it is going to be about 6-8 months before I get my engine back. OUCH! There are already 4 orders in for built engines, so I will be number 5. Despite this being a huge blow to my excitement, it does give me the extra time I need to save up for and purchase the built heads, headers, and supercharger so they can all be installed at the same time. I don’t think I can remember a time where I was both so upset and happy/excited at the same time. I guess it’s jut time to play the waiting game :’(
Maybe sooner I dont need mine any time soon. You can take my spot. The wait is worth it. I tried to do my last motor local with adding jhm rods and pistons. The shop is big well known and very respected. They were not able to get the machine work right for the walls. Some people and companys that dont know what they dont know think this motor is easy when its not
Hey Justin, you mean for the short block? That’d be great if I didn’t have to wait 6-8 months. I’m putting my order in tomorrow, you should tell Dru to let me take your spot. I also was considering doing the pistons and rods locally since 3Zero3 said they’d be more than able to do this. I guess I’m just glad JHM is doing the engine build versus selling the pistons and rods as a kit.
Why wouldn’t you just go all out? It seems kinda pointless to not get the built heads considering everything will be disassembled anyways. I would personally feel better knowing that the valve guides were all new and I wasn’t going to have seal issues…etc. plus the upgraded valve train looks pretty amazing.
x2, I feel its better for both parties (jhm and the buyer) for jhm to just sell assembled heads, assembled short blocks etc given the process involved in building one of these motors
I wouldn’t have anyone do it but JHM. It’s funny to see guys on AZ talk about buying the parts and having local machine shops do the build (q-dubz). I would like to see one get completed and see how long it lasts. I just feel like the 4.2 BHF is JHMs thing at this point and if you trust anyone else there is a lot of risk involved.
Agreed. Nothing wrong with competition, and it’s applicable in certain things. But overall JHM has years of R&D into this engine that other companies simply don’t have. Anyone coming in now is too late in the game. The only reason for not choosing JHM is being biased against them for some reason, or having a cheaper alternative. However a cheaper alternative is likely going to be a compromise of inferior parts, or design, or safety.
Done… They will be in the classifieds soon. I just have to go grab them from 3Zero3.
That was the question I kept asking myself all of last week and the week before. At this point, I don’t think I could even justify doing this build without them. I’m also going to have them refresh all of the timing gear, reseal everything, reassemble the engine, and ship it back to 3Zero3 as a completed engine with a set of shiny new headers and hopefully the supercharger too.
Seems like there’s always good and bad news at the same time. The good news is the car is almost done being broken in and the flight is booked for November 14th . The bad news is, it appears as if my head unit was stolen out of my car somewhere along the way
. The bad news is, it appears as if my head unit was stolen out of my car somewhere along the way 