Vijay

My last car was a 1993 Honda Prelude to which I ended up doing about $6000 in mods, including a $2300 sound system. It was a great car, but was all I could afford until a few years ago. When I decided on the S4, I felt that it was a level of car that I wouldn't need to modify. It would be fast enough, handle well enough, etc. Well, I've now sunk over $8000 worth of mods into my S4 (no audio upgrade included in this), and I still have the bug. I want MORE, MORE, MORE. Does this ever stop? Can't I learn to be satisfied with my measly 320hp stage 2 S4. Do I really need those downpipes and then the obligitory $3000 brake upgrade to handle 350hp and 400lb-ft of torque. Oh and what about the clutch...will I need to change that too? And.....with all that torque, I definitely will need the UUC driveline stabilizer, right? And with those massive brakes, I'll definitely have to upgrade to those $2200 Vortrag coilovers. What's a simple minded enthusiast to do???!!! Maybe I should just go out and buy an M5. Now there's a car I really won't have to modify......but that's what I said when I owned my Prelude.......

Psyence

To keep my costs down, I going the "All Show and No Go" route

LCP

<p><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/AudiWorldPics/2000/LCPawsig1.jpg">
- Lance (corporate lawyer type turned track time junkie)
"I can't stop apexing"

Augie

It doesn't need to stop. Remember this:

"The fun is in the trip - not the destination."

You control the WHEN of the modifications. When you stop, that's the end of the trip. The "destination". Then, if you're afflicted like many, it's time for another trip :-).

Modifying your car (in this man's opinion) is similar to a trip, in that you have choices. You can take the highway ("Do it all, fast."), or the back roads ("Enjoy the trip. Who knows when we'll get there?").

Bruce

S4er

I'd take the back road.

matthewk

"NO THIS ISN'T A PLUG FOR PORSCHE"

I am from now on going to buy a car that i am happy with from the lot. I haven't changed a thing on my new car. beyond a set of springs (just want it to sit a bit lower) and wheels. there is really nothing that i could do to make it better..

I had a phone call with a friend with an S4 who has done as much to it as anyone (alcons, vortrags, chip exhaust) and he sold it for a boxster S. He said the same thing as me, soooo much money into stuff and still wanting more.

you might have something there with the M5. I reall understand the concept of purpose built now.

Psyence

I am not under the illusion that I will be "racing" my car (at least not for a LONG time). That does not mean I can't take the car out for an occassional autox or track day as long as I don't push the car too hard.

The S4 is a fine performance sedan. It has an exceptionally strong engine, good brakes, decent suspension, etc... so if you are mostly planning on driving it on the street in a fashion that won't cause you to lose your license, there is no reason to spend $3000+ on brakes, $2000+ on the suspension, etc... ABSOLUTELY NONE

But I don't know what you plan to do or anyone else, so this was for those people who may feel compelled to get these top-of-the-line components just because "everyone else is doing it".

JT

WASSSSUUP? ;-)

Had a few minutes today to check out YOUR forum for a bit and noticed your post. I truly enjoy modifying my car. It is not an obsession to me(although it may seem like it at times, especially to family & friends), but rather a hobby. It is analogous to owning a Harley and "chroming" it up, or adding any number of performance parts, etc. to it. I guess it comes down to a few qustions...
1.) Are you modifying it b/c you REALLY need more power and performance b/c it is addicting, or
2.) are you modifying it b/c it is like a hobby and you truly enjoy your car in every way - washing it, driving it, and even all the small mods - like a new shift ****, etc.

If I had a lot of extra money, I'd buy a Boxster "S". I agree w/what MatthewK wrote about being "purpose built". Interesting! Yeah...I could see you in an M5, Vijay! ;-)

Jeff
'99 1.8Tqms w/mods!

///Mike@Boston Audi

for me, and I'm sure many others, there is no such thing as a car that you'll be 100% happy with from the lot. Living in the NE, I needed a car that was capable in the snow and other crappy weather. 4WD was a huge plus in that respect. I love to drive fast and take off from red lights like it was a drag race. A high horespower engine wasn't an option - it was a requirement. With speed also comes handling and breaking. The majority of my friends either don't have a car or I'm afraid to drive with them. I needed space for at least four.

So what are my options as far as cars go? (U.S. market only) There is nothing currently being sold outside of a 911TT that is a "perfect" car (I never liked my friends that much anyway - they can run alongside . I don't have $111k to spend on a 911TT and don't want those monsterous insurance rates either. The best fit I could come up with was an S4 that I would add $10k in aftermarket to and come as close to perfection as my budget would allow.

blakeh

Amen!

I don't really have any intention of racing my S4 (which I won't be taking delivery on for about 6 months). The only upgrades I plan on are:

MTM Chip
Neuspeed Cat Back Exhaust
Short Shift Kit
Rear Wing
Rob **** Shift ****
Floor Mats

All of this comes to just shy of $3,000 (including labor). And, most of it is just to make my everyday driving more fun.

I agree, when you start getting into stage 3/3+, brakes, suspension, etc. I'm not sure it does a whole lot of good outside the track.

But, to each his own! If it makes you happy