So this is on the back on Axel’s dyno thread and some other threads out there.
Basically, I’m wondering if I should plan on getting an RS4 in the next year or so instead of spending the money to build (supercharger, all the goodies and motor potentially) my B6.
Saki laid out the relative cost of building up the S4 versus the additional base cost of the RS4 and it seemed very persuasive to me. Wanted to get some other opinions.
So, if given the choice and $40-45,000 to spend… What would you do?
already did it
What’s the estimated cost of a supercharged s4 vs a stock rs4? the s/c’ed car would obviously be faster. I’d probably go rs4, but it depends what your end goal is. I would assume dollar for dollar the s4 would be faster for 40k. The rs4 is a significantly nicer car and has the potential to go faster with a supercharger slapped on a stock car. Would cost more though.
stock S4 $20,000 (nice B7) + $10,000 for JHM SC kit + catback and piggies
That’s an awesome car for $30,000
Stock RS4 around $40,000 (nice 2008).
So financially, the S4 is raping the RS4, and outperforming it dramatically, but we haven’t built or done anything to the S4 motor (or Rs4 for that matter).
Built motor will be $10,000 I assume. So the S4 is now $40,000. The RS4 is still slow at that price (relatively)…and the S4 is now pushing into the 10s.
So financially, there’s not a really big case for the RS4 in comparison.
Further, you can get a B6 for $10,000, supercharge it and go motor build, and end up at $30,000 and frankly not much will touch you.
For me the RS4 is compelling for the other upgrades on the car…and the fact that you have to lay out an extra $20,000 for it is offset by lots of the great stuff it comes with, and the fact you’ll sell it and recouperate lots of that gap.
but once you supercharge an RS4 and add supporting mods you’re into $50,000 so it’s a serious amount of money.
Saki, $10k for a built motor? does that include labor? I would asume parts alone would cost around 5-6k? for a DIY person thats not that bad if thats the case…
just a guess. What do you think it would be? I was under the impression the turbo kit + built motor would be around 20,000 or something. It’s all foggy because we haven’t really had any updates in so long. Hint hint.
Their reworked heads with valves and springs all done are $3500.
I think $10,000 might be a little on the low side. Then again, it really depends on who you know.
Definitely not a DIY type built motor. I don’t think $10k completely built is unrealistic including everything. $3500 for built heads isnt bad so $6500 for a built block. I’m assuming the motor build would be block and heads. If its 10k for just a built block that is pricey, but I also understand the R&D and the small market and custom parts.
Rs4 now. Mod it later
If you need wagon - S4. If not, RS4. 
or sell your car and say you’re waiting for a B8 RS4 wagon if you’re a gamblin’ man (or if you’re in an epic cash crunch and are trying to save face)
From what I’ve heard, built motor will be over 20,000 USD.
Of course if you don’t need 4 doors, I’ve seen some 4.2 S5s for $40k… another 4.2 FSI option. And good looking too.
Do those manual 4.2 S5s have the same shitty B8 clutch as the 3.0t or the solid example peddled in the B7 RS4
I would say a built S4 engine would be closer to 15K. Heads are probably 4K with bigger valves + porting, bottom end is probably around 7K, and then better timing parts would be another 4K. Just guessing at this point but that is where I would start.
Yes to both. JHM has a lightweight flywheel, clutch kit, and headers for the S5s though.
I can say that from my info from a pretty credible source your far off. I think that was one of the beginning rumors or possibly the beginning costs because it was all in a development stage. I have heard that the price has been cut down significantly and has become pretty reasonable considering what your getting. Think about the cost of a brand new 4.2BHF, now if I could get a built 4.2 that could handle 600whp plus for the same price I would consider that a win. So IMHO if you could get a built motor for less than a stock motor I would still consider that a pretty good deal.
Now that JHM released their built heads I have a feeling the built motor program is very close to being announced. TO be honest I’m very interested.
I don’t really understand some of the guys that think they will get a built motor for a B6/B7 S4 for $5000…you can barely build any V8 “right” for $5000. The guys that think the supercharger kit should be $5000 too blow my mind.
I don’t think so. That might include the supercharger if so.
same as B8 s4
But there is a JHM replacement for the 4.2 S5. Cool.
I guess the built motor cost is all speculation at this point.
Lol yeah we’re all experts who really don’t know a fucking thing. Some interesting guesses though.