Audi B5 S4 Overview
Posted Monday, October 12th, 2009 in Featured Articles
For years the B5 S4 has been a tuner favorite. When the B5 platform was introduced it was an instant enthusiast favorite. Sophisticated multi-link front geometry. Full body galvanization. A stunning stylistic take on what the perfect sport sedan should look like. Amazing interior detail fit and finish. Look anywhere on one of these cars and you will find quality materials that would stand the test of time.
When the 2.8 A4 quattro was introduced it quickly rose to acclaim in much of the motoring press. Great handling, class leading acceleration and it did it all in a quiet and composed way that previous sports sedans costing double the price would be hard pressed to muster. For those who were the Audi faithful the thought that an S car might be in the wings was almost to much to stand. Would it have the AAN 20v 5 cylinder motor? Would Audi turbo charge the 6 or were the rumors of a forced induction 4.2 true? Soon all would be revealed and for those who were praying for a turbo, well, their dreams would be doubly fulfilled.
I remember it like it was yesterday the issue of Performance Car (later to become Evo mag.) Where the then new biturbo S4 emerged victorious from a battle against the then great BMW M3 and Mercedes C36. Here was a magazine that focused first and foremost of driver involvement and they picked the S4! Oh man, I could hardly wait for Audi to bring this beast to our shores.
At the time Audi had no plans to bring this King of all things B5 to North America, this was their MO at the time after all. Make a capable performance car (RS2 anyone?) and then leave us over here in the states dreaming, lusting and longing for more. In 2000, after a modest redesign (lights and door handles most significantly) we finally got 2.7 liter turbo 6 speed (tip was an option that hopefully none of you clicked) giant slayer and in truth, out of the box it was just about as right as Audi had gotten things up until that point. With typically restrained German styling that never gave the game away. To the guy in the other lane you could be driving a bog stock A4 1.8t, with no wings, gaudy body addenda this car was a sleeper.
Visual changes were subtle and to the connoisseur made all the difference. Xenon lights, new lower rocker sill extensions, a new grill, 17 inch Avus wheels and an aggressive maw were enough to suggest performance, and at the same time enough to conceal the added talent that lie beneath. Right out of the box the car was a performer. Limited to 250 hp for the US market , even still these cars were posting serious performance figures. Publications of the day had it ripping 5.3 0-50 times, lap times around race courses that were on par with an M3 and not far off a 996 911. This was a serious piece of kit and everyone knew it.
Tuners were quick to crack the box and get more boost that would yield easy 300 hp and close to 350 ft lbs of torque. Then we were off to the races. Big turbos, Bigger turbos, hybrid turbos, full race set ups, big brakes or bling… it all seemed to hit and continue to this day. Drive a well cared for example today, years later and this Audi still feels fresh. Still up to the task of besting the finest the world’s auto manufactures can muster.
Any time a car has this much to offer, enthusiast owners like ourselves naturally look to modifications, but what is the right set up? Much of that is down to personal taste, but here at P3 we have found a few set ups that work for us and are more than happy to let you in on the secret. Who’s intercoolers? Do I do bigger turbo’s ? All those questions are answered and more. We will have on going dedication to knowledge and update for this car, so if your car is still stock, or needs tweaked, stay tuned.
Here at P3 one of the things we hold most valuable is reliability. All of us have had, or known someone that had that 1000 hp Supra. How many times have you seen a Volkswagen or Honda that looked PERFECT crushed on those 19 inch wheels, that couldn’t be driven over speed bumps or at speed. These sound like great ideas, I mean, they CAN be done. However, actually being able to drive your cars in a variety of conditions, counting on it to start and not over fuel, actually being able to USE your car IS important. If it looks right or goes like a demon and the opportunities to use it must be preplanned… well, that just ain’t very P3.
A car that can reliably produce 500 hp with regular maintenance and care vs. one that makes 700 hp but struggles to find traction and won’t idle… we pick the first. The car with the tuned suspension with 0 bump steer and fine control and adjustability vs. the car that is crushed and looks wicked right on those huge wheels, never mind the rubbing and bucking… well, you guessed it , choice A. again.
Don’t get us wrong. Sometimes crushed works, sometimes the most reliable solution IS the huge turbos and injectors. The fact remains, if those things DON’T work, then you won’t see them as recommended P3 Parts. The S4 in particular has so many parts available for it that picking the right ones can truly be a chore. Here you can inform yourself and buy all in one easy step.
