I just picked up a mint condition well-equipped 2001 allroad 6-speed in mint condition for essentially trade-in value. Highland green with the nifty green interior (I can see how the green interior might not appeal to some, but it is different, lively, and not ordinary black or grey).

Some thoughts: I was expecting it to be much like my old '98 A4 2.8 Avant (w/sport pkg) that my ex took in the divorce year and half ago. It's not. It's bouncier with a good amount of roll, not as stable at speed, quieter, the steering is a lot lighter with less feel (one of the best things about my old A4 was the weight and feel of the steering), but it is a bit quicker, and the shifter seems to have a pretty long throw (5th- 6th seems particularly long for some reason).

The stability at speed on the highway (80-90 mph) is a bit disconcerting -- maybe its just excessive understeer, I'm used to driving much more sports-oriented cars. It may just take getting used to, but I didn't get the same sensations (of fear) in the old A4. I've put new Dunlop Winter Sport M3's on the twin spokes in anticipation of getting 18" wheels and S-03's (or the new Goodyear F1's) for the summer.

Given my comments, I am considering getting the H-sport sway bars, the AWE DTS, a short shifter, upgrading the bypass (diverter) valves, addressing the TBB, a chip, and I'll be doing the 402 mod (once I get the VAG-COM tool) as I feel this might go a long way to addressing some of my concerns. Does anyone have any thoughts on this?

Is there any substantive differences between the brands of short shifters that are out there? UUC, Tanoga, Neuspeed (any others). I would preferably like to keep the stock shift **** if that doesn't sacrifice too much).

I've been through the archive on chips (as well as other things), and seem to be leaning toward the latest GIAC chip -- or is the APR chip just as good?

Are there any other mods I should be thinking about? Is there any way to reduce the power steering assist? (perhaps putting a larger pulley on it?) Is the S4 and RS4 steering similarly light, or have have they done something in these models to give it more weight and feel?

I appreciate any and all input. Thanks.

 

It sounds like you have it all planed out right. You may want to give the APR chip a second though, because it sounds like you live in snow country, and being able to turn it from HP to Stock will make driving in the snow easyer on the TC. Ethere removing the steering relay and or changing it to (I don't no the #). seem to have worked for the 01 drivers.
Have Fun.

 

I did a quick search of the forum to find out what you were talking about. Sounds like it will be a big help for the steering. Not sure why Audi thinks we would want the steering boosted so much. We're buying an Audi not a Cadillac.

 

if you are 4 wheeling it is a good thing. If you won't be doing that then it certainly feels overboosted for spirited on road driving.

 

once i removed it, my wife complained for a short while, but now it makes the car muchnicer to drive (Since sept 2001). sway bars are my next mod for this rig. i do drive a lot of high speed big turns up and down the mountains in colorado (285)i always drive 75-90 and though i don't like to drive over 100 in this rig (unlike the A4, which is great to the limiter), it feels very comfortable in that under 100 range (stock with relay removed).

I am looking at the Stasis rotors for the front on mine. i keep cookin the rotors and its now time to buy them (dealer has had enough of me on this topic)....

congrats, youwill love your rig.

bk
01 black tip