FrancisB

Hi,

So, I've had my S4 for all of a week, and would like to ask the more experienced owners a few questions about the throttle response of the S4 (and turbo cars in general I guess)

TIP owners need not concern themselves with this issue... ;-)

I'm finding it quite challenging to do rev matching, and clean downshifting because of the really slow throttle response. Let me explain:

You want to downshift, so you blip the throttle to up the revs so when you complete the shift there is little to no difference in the engine and transmission speeds... Smooth shift, and your car suspension stays rock solid, and all you notice is the engine running faster and you smile.

However, with the S4, I do a little blip, nothing happens, so I blip more, and then *boom*, I've got an extra 1500 rpm in the blink of an eye. Way too much for a smooth shift... With my older cars (mostly NA Honda's) I was able to blip the throttle very easily, and it responded to minute changes in foot pressure...

So:

- is this just an experience thing? Will it get better with practice?

- is the sluggish throttle response due to this being a turbo engine? Maybe because it's new?

- can anything be done to improve throttle response? exhaust, bypass valve, air intake?

- Did others have this concern when they moved over to this car? How about those of you who have NA (naturally aspirated) cars, do you find rev matching more of a challenge in the S4?

thanks in advance.
Regards,
Francis

tompa

If you're coasting in 4th under 1800 & want to drop to 2nd, you could get more of a boost than you expected. That being said, I think my throttle response is pretty quick...I had an A4 2.8Q/5spd before, & the S4 (still unchipped) is WAAAAY better.

If you really do have slow throttle response, you should have your dealer check for a loose hose or clamp..its not too likely thatyou could have ruptured your TBB this early.

Richard Solomon

I'm pretty sure that it's not a turbo thing - because my last Turbo car did nice double-clutches. I truly think its a Drive-By-Wire thing - the ECU sees no load and doesn't really open the throttle for a moment or two.

The key for me seems to be holding my foot in it for an extra hesitation vs the traditional throttle blip. 6 months later, I'm still not happy but I'm adapting. I really want instant throttle response even under no-load

See my previous posting for more info...<p>Richard
'00 A6 2.7TQM
"Turbos make torque, and torque makes fun." -Corky Bell<ul><li><a href="https://www.audiworld.com/forum/m/s4/msgs/79312.phtml">Last time I posted about this phenomenon</a></li></ul>

Innovator

a performance chip will minimize this lag by advancing the timing a bit. But you can't get all the delay out. It is the nature of the beast.

Taner Halicioglu

I was so used to the delay on teh S4 that I did the same thing on the accord and was bouncing off the rev limiter before I knew it ;-)

I was told by a tuner (Garrett) that the throttle delay can be reduced by farking with the setting on the ECU... dunno to what extent tho - but I would assume you could get pretty close...

-Taner

donp@audiworld.com

<p>donp - '00 S4 Silver/Silver
<a href="http://audizone.com">http://audizone.com</a>

Innovator

But it has much less delay/lag!

///Mike@Boston Audi

SOOOOOO much smoother. It's still not as "transparent" as in the Camaro, but its getting up there. When I chip it should get even better.

Tony-A

I had this same problem. I had given up on rev matching. Then this past weekend I installed the UUC short shifter at 40% (I am a novice and took me about 4 hours). Now, all of sudden, rev matching is much easier. I don't know exactly why. Perhaps the shorter thows allow the turbos to remain in boost between shifts. All I know is that it is better. I do not race, but I do enjoy spirited driving and heel and toe downshifting (which I still cannot do effectively in this car) and this may not make much technical sense, but the shorter thows sure seem to make a difference.<p>Laser 2000
Stock

FrancisB

world hunger, genital warts, halitosis, slow throttle response.

What problem won't an ECU chip for the S4 solve?

seriously though, thanks for all the input... I'll practice more, and plan on chipping in a few K...

regards,
Francis