It seems a lot harder to find real track oriented guys in the Audi world than in the BMW world and I've noticed a decent group in this mid atlantic forum attending DE's and such. Am hoping I could run a few things by you guys.

First let me give you a little background. I started getting serious with HPDE's a few years ago when I had a turbo Integra GS-R. I stepped up to an E36 325is that weighed 2900lbs, full RRT street suspension(basically H&R sport springs w custom valved Bilsteins), Sparco's, Z3 steering rack(2.5 turns lock to lock) and it was the closest thing I've driven to a go-kart this side of an Elise. I did 3 HPDE's, 2 drift events and countless autocrosses. After 2 years with it I spontaniously purchased an NSX and took 2nd place at two consecutive east coast time trial events held by Redline. It really wasn't a great DD so I sold it two months ago and picked up this 1.8T. I have a GIAC chip, H&R Race springs w Bilsteins, H Sport sways, Brembo calipers and 18x8.5 wheels with F1 GSD3 tires. My first autocross was two weeks ago which I finished in the top and was .5 seconds off FTD, behind a Subaru 2.5RS on Kuhmo 710's. This was just a warm-up I guess. I really prefer HPDE's however I feel I'm going to be greatly disappointed with this A4(in part because the NSX spoiled me).

I'm registered for VIR with the R32 group on November 20th and would like to be able to hang with my buddies E36 M3. I had no problem doing so when I had my 190hp 325is but even with the suspension on this B5 it feels like a land yaht. I haven't put it on the scales yet but I'm assuming it's 3300 lbs or so. Realistically how much weight could I lose from this car? Would I have to do extensive body work to fit some 255's all around or just a little rolling of the fenders like the BMW? I like my cars neutral to a little loose with some power oversteer if possible.

I'm thinking that the following may help:

1. CF hood
2. CF front fenders(it'd be nice if they had some wider ones)
3. Non adjustable lightweight seats
4. Stasis center differential

Is hoping to remove 150lbs off the front of the car asking too much?

Alignment, haven't gotten one since Induktion installed the suspension. Recommended settings for a daily driver that will see a lot of back roads, autocrosses and DE's?

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Or should I just put up a for sale ad and go back to BMW?

 

before you factor in RWD vs AWD. Granted MY 1.8t you have and chip/mods are also a factor. HP/control/driveline/interior/exterior are how you should address your car for daily,spirited,DE and track use. You can always remove interior dead weight ie back seats

 

He also cut some of the inner lining out and put in spacers. YMMV depending on brake caliper and wheel specs.

 

Also, consider your priorities, and budget.

Assuming you can build it up to the point that it's competitive with the E36 M3, you'll be very happy the first track day it rains!

 

So there's more people out there doing heavy-duty track-prep on them. As for me, i prefer to learn off the BMW's and apply it to my Audi.

 

With a less-capable car, you could learn more. It would expose the weaknesses in your skill and force you to improve those areas, rather than letting the mods become your crutch. Also, it could be that you just have to get used to how a nose-heavy AWD sedan handles. No more power oversteer.

Having said that, a DD B5 A4 is never going to be a track car on the caliber of an NSX or even a track-prepped E36. You'll have to take into account what you like about the Audi vs a BMW, and go from there.

 

I came in about halfway through the pack and #5 out of all the FF cars there at the last one, I think the RSX really agrees with my driving style. I'll be sure to watch you clean house again.

Hope to catch you there, I'll be sure to snap you some if you come

 

You'll kick their butts...

I dont know, but you should go look at the 2bennett A4 stuff. Ive seen and heard their race car and its freaking quick.

Hal

 

What is you're trying to achieve here? Win a championship? Have a fun car that does double-duty?

There is one golden rule and it applies to every form of motorsport. The faster you want to go, the more you have to spend.

But, if you plan on mainly doing DEs, then what does it matter? They are not timed events, there is no pole position, there is no winner. In fact, some jackass go himself kicked out of the recent DE driving like he was gonna win the session.

It's not all about HP either. I've raced a go-kart out at Summit Point that would get better laptimes than pretty much anything people have brought to ACNA DEs. The motor? 100cc, single-cylinder, 13HP, 2-cycle. I've personally timed a go-kart on the main track do a 1min 12sec lap.

I also get a great laugh out of taking my 20+ year old, 150hp, poor man's p-car to the track and watch guys in A4s and TTs reluctantly have to give me the pass signal. There's more time to be picked up at every track in driver skills, than bolting on more HP.

You can either have a winning track car or a dependable great daily driver. The same car is never perfect for doing both.

 

What time is this starting, i may come out too.