Update: Late 2017 plans are delayed slightly after needing to rebuild the front passenger’s CV assembly and replacing several failing control arms. All in all, not too bad of a set back… should still get the intake spacers in possibly very late December or early January. 
Where are you buying control arms from?
I bought from FCP Euro and have had good luck and used Karlyn components (cheap!) also with really good results, as I have air ride I tear the upper control arm bushings if I park aired out too often. I’m now just replacing those bushings on a press. But the ball joints have not failed me yet on the lower priced arms. Just food for thought.
As for the CV rebuild, are you buying an aftermarket CV? I ended up buying a used axle from Wolf Auto Parts in MN., but still have the old axle I was always wondering if there was a kit you could buy for the tripod and the part that attaches to the transmission (the part name escapes me at the moment)
There is a kit for the triple roller end. I believe its 4E0-498-103 for $344 (also sold as 4E0-498-103X for $222, +core deposit, I think). I went the remanufactured route on both sides. Check it out here: https://www.audiusaparts.com/oem-parts/audi-inner-joint-assembly-4e0498103x/?c=aT0xMzYxMjYwNSZyPWxheWVyXzM%3D
I’m trying to get the control arms from Meyle, but we’ll see. I’m seeing multiple shops for estimates. As far as the assembly goes, the shop was able to save my existing assembly and literally rebuild it. I thought about the Wolf Auto Parts one as an option, but ultimately think it’s better to just have rebuilt that part instead of sourcing from another S6 since the damage wasn’t that bad.
I added front park assist when adding my rs6 bumper as well. Not hard at all. I’d source the pieces separately than buying from kufatec would be cheaper for the most part
Now would we source from other S6’s or is this similar to the 3G+ MMI and sourcing from other Audis?
Update: My little brother ended up side swiping my rear passenger’s door with slight damage to the front passenger’s door and quarter panel. Quote from Audi Collision Repair is sitting at just over $6K. If we decide not to open an insurance claim, I could be looking at 6 months until i’ll receive that $6K from parents. Although he’s still learning, not sure why he decided to hit the Audi instead of our Tundra… lol :’(
That does suck. The tundra would have been the better target lol
Source from eBay DE
It’s been a little while, so time to update! Clearly my eyes were too big for my wallet, especially with a decent amount of maintenance that needed to be done from when I initially posted the thread to now.
Thus far I’ve had:
- CV Axle rebuilt
- New Michelin Sport A/S 3+ tires
- JHM license plate holders… lol (had to do it!)
- FIRST OIL CHANGE! Running Liqui-moly 5W30 and Lucas additive (might have chosen Liqui-moly additive if I had done my research prior)
Sometime next week I’ll have the front Meyle HD control arms installed since shop told me they’re looking worn. I’ll also have them look on typical 75K suspect items like suspension too.
As far as JHM parts go, I’m really keen on knocking out a few items while the IM is removed for a carbon clean. JHM intake spacers, LW pulley and SAI delete are looking likely if the budget will allow it after any potential maintenance items. Is the LW pulley relatively easy to install from home? Also, I know there will be a check engine light that comes up after SAI delete if my S6 doesn’t have the tune… is there an easy way to delete the code without VAGCOM? ???
As of TODAY:
K&N air filters installed AND RS6 grill!
Next todo items are rear brakes, carbon clean and intake spacers.
Great list of work to come. You know stickers and license plate holders are good for big hp gains. Stickers used to be the big hp jump but I hear license plate is the new hp. LOL I think its great you got a JHM plate holder. Honestly as someone that has been in a few platforms now with JHM its good to see the people support the people that are supporting them. Spending money with JHM overall is an investment in your platform. Other parts warehouse companies don’t care about the 5.2. So its best to support those that are supporting you.
The intake spacers are a big must and the LW pulley is easy to put on. Espically if you pull the front end. When you do all the carbon clean and maintenance work I would strongly suggest you take the extra time and pull the front end. With the idle roller right there its good to inspect that and get a better view and working ability in doing the carbon clean and maintenance. If you do that the JHM LW pulley is simple to put on.
As for the SAI. If you remove it during the summer months and you leave the pumps connected. There is a good chance you won’t get a code until the winter or cooler months when the SAI system would kick on. Other than the JHM tune there is no way to turn off the SAI CEL. Vag com or other wise won’t work
AND JUST LIKE THAT… intake spacers were purchased! There’s nothing like a discount to encourage a purchase.
Not too much has happened since April… new rear brakes/rotors, some oil changes, and soon a carbon clean. Get this quote from Audi is $6500!!! Seemed ridiculous at first, but it appears as though they’re throwing in a new IM - ironic how even they know how defective the older IMs are lol. Fortunately, a proven shop in Houston is experienced with the RS4 V8 FSI carbon cleaning and their price is a little more fair ~$1500.
Plan is to install spacers during carbon clean then JHM exhaust in Q4 (maybe December?). Only willing to do the tune after most everything else is taken care of (JHM LW pulley, SAI delete, injectors, spark plugs). I also have my eyes on those aftermarket upgraded tail lights.
EDIT: And also getting the fender lining replaced… $200 each side for some FELT. :o
Make sure to remind them they need to remove and leave out the motor pull brackets when installing the intake spacers.
That performance path makes the best sense. Get the maintenance stuff done first then add the big power stuff. The intake spacers are one of the best maintenance performance parts you can get.
Yeah, I’m going to give the shop the instructions, link to the install thread, etc. No need for unnecessary codes!
man do I wish there was just plastic ones available… wonder if the A6 ones are felt too.
They are a pain in the ass in winters here in Canada… slush sticks to them like crazy.
Unfortunately, the plastic ones that are supposedly “Audi S6 C6” fitment aren’t… Ours are about $50-100 more than S6 C7+ liners… lolwut. My S6 came with some holes in the fender liners, but finally started to sag and it’s been irritating me. Found a good deal on them through eBay but have to ship from overseas… (I couldn’t bear the thought of $50 shipping for each fender liner from Audi).
Check the A6 ones for the 3.2 motor. I believe they are plastic.
The other thing I have done is spray them with liquid wrench. Once it soaks in it kinda turns into this coating. You can try the same with rainx. It keep the slush out very well.
Update:
New fender lining installed, after market tail lights, and other boring typical car maintenance (oil change, tire rotation, blah blah).
Here’s a picture of the tail lights! At first glance, they look very similar. There’s subtle differences (black tinted outlining, C7+ design). I’ll also add a picture later tonight when it gets darker as that’ll be the true difference.
https://i.gyazo.com/6ad880d86ce3a3d83131dbf38fb4cef0.png
https://preview.ibb.co/iOrnre/35683_A24_98_F4_45_FD_AECA_372_FCC40_BFFA.jpg
That looks fantastic.
Thanks, Justin! I’m going to get the carbon clean later this month hopefully, install the intake spacers and I’m curious to see what else could be done since I’m being charged so much for labor. I know injectors would be ideal, but that $$$ for 10 new injectors is killing me to think about or maybe is it worth delaying the carbon clean another month to throw in new injectors too? What else… JHM LW pulley? Any belts or other items to look for? I’m currently at 89K miles.