Just "pulled the trigger" on aftermarket modification components. The following are now on order:


From Eurocode Tuning

Milltek non-resonated sport exhaust with polished oval tips
Alu Kreuz Aluminum Driveline Stabilizer
Meisterwerk Short Throw Shifter

From ECS Tuning

Mesh style grille - black with chrome frame
Supercharged side badges - chrome and red


To everyone who posted reviews, comments and photos/video on these product types; thank you! Sharing your experiences is very much appreciated and helped me decide which upgrades were right for me.

 

Awesome Congrats on the '13.
Are you planning any other suspension mods with the AK? such as sways/links?
I have an ADS on order and am wanting to go that route after about 6mos driving stock.
Also any worries on the short throw shifter with warranty or do you have an installer with whom you are doing all your maintenance etc with and no going to dealer for issues?
good luck keep us posted on how the mods go!

 

Hi goondog;

Congratulations on your S4 purchase. The waiting is the hardest part! You'll love your S4.

No, upgraded sways/links are not in the current plan.

Given the positive reviews, I considered new sway bars and links but decided to pass for now. The stock adaptive suspension is really nice for my driving, with well controlled roll and an ultra smooth/comfortable ride. The Alu Kreuz was purchased to address my desire for upgraded steering precision and stability. I'll install the AK and go from there, if need be.

The short throw shifter did indeed give me pause due to the TD1 flag issue. However, the long shift throws and shifter feel are my least favorite aspects of the stock vehicle dynamics.

The new shifter will not be installed by the Audi dealer. In the end, I estimated there is a very, very small likelihood a new shifter will cause any problems. Based on the great reviews, the Meisterwerk shifter is a huge improvement and, for me, worth risking a TD1 flag.

 

As of last Friday, all of the mods have now been installed (by a local shop). Initial reviews after about 200 miles are as follows;

Milltek Non-Resonated Exhaust - Love the sound! If you prefer noticeable exhausts, this is just wonderful. Very deep tone with a great mechanical sound above 4,000 RPM's. Very, very reasonable sound levels at highway cruising speeds and around town. Comes alive with more open throttle positions and higher revs, but never sounds "slammed". However, does get noticed when you are on the throttle. Very high quality system with superb fit-up and finish.

Eurocode Alu Kreuz - Noticed improvement in straight line stability over uneven roads and more progressive steering feel and feedback in moderate/aggressive turns. It's not night and day but definitely an enhancement and worthwhile for me. Excellent build quality and finish.

Eucrocode Meisterwerk Short Throw Shifter - WOW! What a great shifter. Solid, precise and MUCH more direct than OEM shifter. No slop at all now. The effort increased a little bit but still light and not an issue at all in stop & go traffic. Went with the shortest throw and reduced height by about an inch. The shifter is very adjustable for individual preferences and took a little time to get dialed into the positioning I wanted. Excellent built quality on the components and fit-up was perfect.

ECS Mesh Style Grille - Installed a few weeks ago. Went with the chrome surround and posted photos in garage and RS4 grill thread. Very pleased with the look. Very high quality construction and fit-up was perfect.

Both Eurocode and ECS were flawless with the orders...great job. Everything arrived very well packaged, undamaged and complete. The longest lead time items were the Milltek exhaust and Alu Kreuz which took only about 2-3 weeks from time of order, including shipping time. Eurocode called me right after the order was placed and communicated the lead time and they beat their estimate. Much appreciated.

Mechanical parts were installed by Community Auto Repair in Grand Rapids. It was my first time at this shop and they just did a first class job. Everything was done right, they took time to dial in the shifter exactly how I wanted it and their price was reasonable and fair. Highly recommended shop.