Audi S4 B6 Avant Info

[Jester7]

Hi, I am off today to go and buy myself a new toy! Ive had a good look online at issues problems and tuning of these models. Just wondered if anyone on here can offer any more/different advice? I am looking at getting an MTM exhaust and remap in a few weeks, unless any of you can recommend anyone else? Cheers

[IanH755]

The B6 is pretty limited when it come to tuning due to the 4.2 V8 being NA, so even a remap will only net maybe 20hp at most which, when you have nearly 340hp already, won't feel like a massive difference for the price you've paid. You could go mental and add cams, breathing mods, port polishing etc but the cost vs performance gain is extremely high.

The MTM exhaust sounds very good but again, for the price you'll pay, there are exhausts just as good but 1/2 the price. The best exhaust mod (to my ears) was just to chop both back-boxes off and add straight pipes instead. The cost is <£200 and the noise is stunning.

Edited by IanH755 on Friday 4th September 08:17

[Jester7]

Thanks for your reply. I'll have a look at other options on exhausts then! I know about the timing chain issues, is there anything else I need to look for?

[marctwo]

Start the car from cold and if you hear any rattle for more than a couple of seconds, walk away. Also check for signs of auxiliary radiators leaking.

As above, the remap is not really going to get you much. An exhaust it worth it for the sound as the standard one is pretty muted.

Consider getting an auto (tiptronic), the manuals have very short gearing meaning 1st is almost useless and they have very poor economy.

[Dr G]

Deletion of the pre-cats, adding a quality exhaust and map can get reasonable gains. You'll want new plugs too as the factory interval is far too long.

Speak to a tuner like MRC; they'll be able to get the best out of it but if you want kick in the pants gains you'll be looking at a supercharger.

[CaptainSensib1e]

IanH755 said:

The MTM exhaust sounds very good but again, for the price you'll pay, there are exhausts just as good but 1/2 the price. The best exhaust mod (to my ears) was just to chop both back-boxes off and add straight pipes instead. The cost is <£200 and the noise is stunning.

Edited by IanH755 on Friday 4th September 08:17

What exhaust would you recommend out of interest? The choices seem very limited.

[IanH755]

As per my previous, I just recommend a back-box chop but if you wanted a whole new setup then Milltek always come up as one of the "best". However, as it's a noise thing you're always best off listening to a bunch of different ones and picking your favourite or going custom (Haywood & Scott, JBWeldfab, MIJ) to try and get the sound you want.

[Dr G]

Yes, Milltek tends to be the 'go to' choice and sells well secondhand if you want to put it back to standard for any reason in future. They do appear on ebay for exactly this reason.

I've never liked the sound of the standard system with a box deleted; I find they end up a bit harsh and rasping.

[Gad]

IanH755 said:

The B6 is pretty limited when it come to tuning due to the 4.2 V8 being NA, so even a remap will only net maybe 20hp at most which, when you have nearly 340hp already, won't feel like a massive difference for the price you've paid. You could go mental and add cams, breathing mods, port polishing etc but the cost vs performance gain is extremely high.

The MTM exhaust sounds very good but again, for the price you'll pay, there are exhausts just as good but 1/2 the price. The best exhaust mod (to my ears) was just to chop both back-boxes off and add straight pipes instead. The cost is <£200 and the noise is stunning.

Edited by IanH755 on Friday 4th September 08:17

I just carried this out on my B6 S4 CABRIOLET removed the rear mufflers and had straight pipes fitted instead
I must say the noise is toxic especially when you give it the beans
However at cruise say 60 - 70mph the noise is not so noticeable roof up or down so a good all round mod in my opinion.

I did the same mod on my E39 M5 and again the best value for money mod in my opinion

Its how a V8 should sound

[IanH755]

I agree but, as per Dr G, noise is a very subjective thing!

I think that Milltek etc sound very deep/bassy whilst removing the back-box makes it sound more mid-range, so a bit like US V8 vs Italian V8 for example.