ToblertheDog

A few random pics from Sunday afternoon's install...I'm not going to title them. Took upwards of 4 hours w/ no real issues...minus a few family distractions.

For those with aftermarket exhausts, no need to loosen the rear & center exhaust hangers to get these in...per the provided instructions. If you can slip off one of the mufflers you have the clearance to remove & manipulate the new one in place. This will save you some time.

I stuggled a bit more with the front installation. The powedercoating makes is difficult to get the end bolts on. Takes a bit more time & muscle in what was an already pretty cramped area. I used ramps (w/ 9" clearance) instead of a lift...big mistake.

Anyway, they're in & feel great. DEFINITE improvement in cars tracking and understeer based on the madatory post-install drive.

Overall, the Hotchkis bars are a very well made product...massive in size & excellent hardware. You may notice the lube ports on the mounting hardware in some of the pics...nice touch.

Enjoy the photos.

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/70770/img_0750.jpg">

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/70770/img_0751.jpg">

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/70770/img_0753.jpg">

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/70770/img_0754.jpg">

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/70770/img_0755.jpg">

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/70770/img_0756.jpg">

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/70770/img_0757.jpg">

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/70770/img_0758.jpg">

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/70770/img_0759.jpg">

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/70770/img_0761.jpg">

kem

I'm curious if these will work well if you are staying with the stock suspension.

ToblertheDog

For now...

Bob W.

just 2 bolts on each side, and you don't have to bother torquing those.

ToblertheDog

...I guess I wasn't clear on this, but both rear hangers are required to be removed in order to let the exhaust hang. This is a "must" regardless if you have the OEM or an aftermarket setup.

Bob W.

is it do-able w/o loosening the center hanger? that's the one that's kind of a PITA.

Evil Buddha

So the three hour quote from the P-car guy may be close?

Fluffhead

Mine were installed in less then an hour by an Audi tech.

Bob W.

not sure if that includes the time to get it up on the ramps, loosen the exhaust, reattach the exhaust, etc.

ToblertheDog

...however, if your using the OEM exhaust you will need to do this to allow this one-piece system hang more to allow for cleaance of the sway bars.