I thought I’d run through some of my mods, especially since I just got one of the big ones done, a stage 4 JHM clutch.
Mods:
- Piggies (thanks, saki)
- Magnaflow 2.5" exhaust
- JHM Stage 4 Clutch kit and LWFW
- JHM short shifter trio
- 034 transmission mount (street density)
- CF trim (thanks 91)
- not tuned
- everything else is stock (wheels, brakes, suspension)
Exhaust & Piggies
The exhaust and piggies were a boon for low end torque. There is drone at about 1800 rpm and again at about 3100 rpm. This seemed to settle - I guess one could call it “break-in”. The only other V8 S4 exhaust I’ve heard was saki’s FI/catless DP combo which sounded better. The FI IMO is more refined. But at about $725 all in, the Magnaflow was irresistible and opinion seemed to be in favour of its 2.5" X-pipe design.
My clutch took a shit about 3 weeks ago. Big clunk and the left pedal stayed down. I was trying to sneak in a left turn at speed (car fully warmed up) and BOOM! at 4krpm in second gear. Pedal stayed down, engine remained engaged to the wheels, the only way to stop comfortably was to cut power to the engine.
I ordered the clutch and shift kit from JHM - Keaton was very helpful and everything shipped out the same day. They’ve also been great on the email.
The short shifter trio + transmission mount have made the car seem more expensive somehow. It actually feels like a sports car. Shifting is waaay more fun than it used to be. The 1-2 shift is a little tricky when the car is cold. I can’t figure out if it is me or the car taking time to warm up. Probably me. One it’s warm it’s a dream. Precise, nicely weighted, different but not difficult to get into reverse.
The clutch is great although bear in mind I’m comparing my new JHM clutch to this (xpost from pic thread):
http://img827.imageshack.us/img827/5295/img20111018170718.jpg
Can’t say I didn’t get every bit of use out of it.
Clutch
All I can say is that the car is infinitely better. The stage 4 clutch is a piece of piss to drive. Ok, I did stall the car the first time I tried to drive it, mainly because of the much lower biting point. But the combination of upgrades has meant that the 1-2 shift is no longer the clunky, jerky affair. The 1-2 shift is much smoother and easier to execute than before. The JHM stage 4 clutch combo is a civilised affair indeed. Have no fear about it being too “grabby” or “racey”. Downshifts are easier too (just regular ones, no blipping yet).
I do have some easily reproduced chatter. At least I think/hope it’s chatter. It’s at 1400rpm and sounds like a bag of rocks. Much like this: http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/423817-Aftermarket-(JHM)-clutch-noise-Chatter?s=840b8b8fb8d2e0d195f0770f9b6517fc
I have noticed it also at about 2000rpm in gear when the car is cold. I think it must be the clutch because the noise goes away when I depress the pedal. Is this normal when breaking it in?
I’m starting a 1200km-ish break-in period. What would you suggest as a set of rules for “non aggressive driving”? I’m currently keeping the car under 3000 rpm with nothing approaching WOT. Sticking to pure city driving. I don’t even have a tune let alone a supercharger to tempt me into some lively driving! Even so, the car just feels sportier through the revs.
The car is transformed with these mods but there’s always room for more…
Future wants:
- Soon: JHM tune, ecodes (if I see a good used set or brave enough to CC my own)
- Maybe next 1-2 years: sway bar, ?coilovers, control arms, tie rods, 4:1 diff maybe, LW rotors, LW wheels, media upgrade (Dynavin Android vs RNS-e 2010+)
- ? Next 2-4 years (long time): S/C (VF or PES lol). Headers, built motor when the timing chain components start to go or when I get really bored.
I’m always on the lookout for good used gear.
The car (winter mode):
http://img220.imageshack.us/img220/1186/dsc0168edit.jpg
Gone but not forgotten (2003 A3 2.0 TDI, I’m a sucker for Dolphin Grey):
http://img689.imageshack.us/img689/5512/p1000998g.jpg
Comments/advice sought and always welcomed.
