MNM3/4

After much discussion and advice I finally convinced a friend/co-worker to buy the 2001 S4. Even though he only has 700 miles on his car, he has already been bitten by the mod bug. His tuner (in Chanhassen, MN) recomends the MTM chip, Borla exhaust, K&N filter (not sure if it's a CAI or not), and rear sway bar. Being such a new car his main concern is his warranty.

My advice to him is this:

1.) order an entirely new ECM, install it yourself and keep the stock one for trips to dealer. (it's $795 for OE ECM with chip and $1345 for new one with chip. He says the peace of mind is worth it to him.)

2.) Wait on the exhaust and actually listen to one on an S4 first. He wants it for the HP gain but I've told him not to believe all the exhaust hp gain hype. Buy it mainly for sound and hope for a small gain. Do research so you don't lose hp though.

3.) Get the car broken in to 1200 miles and change the oil before doing anything.

Does my advice seem sound? I want him to have a good experience with his new car and any mods he chooses. I have a '97 BMW M3 so the Audi mods are a little foreign to me.

Thanks for the help,
MNM3/4
'97 BMW M3/4

xr4tic

With all the turbo failures I've been hearing about, definately get a spare ECU. The repair bill for a new set of turbos is MUCH more than the cost of an ECU.

If it was me, I'd do exhaust first. Exhaust will not only sound better, and give you some HP, it will allow the turbos to spool up faster, so you have the power available sooner. Exhaust is also a more warranty-friendly mod. It frees up even more power on a chipped car. I'm sure you could add it during the break-in period with no ill effects, but it might be best to wait, or the temptation for WOT may be too great

LMDA1

Sounds like good advice but skip on the K&N, no proven benefit.