The 2000-2002 S4 can be easily pushed to 330 HP for $1500. It can be pushed to well over 400 HP for about 6K-8K. It is smaller and more agile than the new car, so that is why I purchased my S4 about four months ago. I am not a fan of supercharging, as it tends to make engines run much hotter.

 

Stock current S4: 250hp/ 258lb/ft
Chipped S4 (~$595.00): 318hp/ 382lb/ft
Chipped S4 + catback (~$700.00) 338hp/ 400lb/ft

So basically for ~$1300 you can have a current gen S4 with Stage II power at 338hp/400 lb-ft and money left over for other goodies like: Short-Shifter, Coilovers, Big-Brake kit, DTS, etc....

Go and buy a 2001.5+ RIGHT NOW!

Thats it.
Rob

 

A $600 chip gives the S4 another 130 lb/ft. of torque?? Is that true? That is sick.

 

Yup...it is crazy isn't it!

APR


GIAC



ABT


Rob

 

If you don't care about reliability, yes, you can feel good about chipping it and have no warranty to back it up. But for the rest of us who do care, you'd want to chip it ($$$) and make sure to free that extra boost up with an aftermarket exhaust ($$$). On top of that, let's go ahead and add some aftermarket valves or whatever you call those things that lead into the top of the engine because the stock rubber ones are not cutting it ($$$).

And then, say you do have a good amount of warranty left on your B5. Whenever you go back in for service, you'll need like a VAG tool ($$) to clear the fault codes and keep a spare ECU ($$) in hand to swap it out cuz them Audi service dudes know just as well as you what's out there in the modding world for these S4s.

And if you actually like a sports sedan to handle something like a sports car should, you will want some good suspension components to back up that speed which will cost you another pretty penny ($$$$).

And then them stock 17" avus rims that weigh 4,000 pounds just ain't cuttin' it because they look way undersized and they're just dragging you down whenever you see those other S4s with the deep-dished HREs ($$$$). Oh, yeah, add tires to that ($$$$).

If you can buy a low mileage S4 with a good portion of its warranty intact, then by all means go for it. But I would hesitate from picking up a used B5 w/o getting an extended warranty ($$$$). And extended warranties aren't like the Audi warranties. They're actually pretty shitty if you ask me.

With all that said, I think you'll be better off going for the new S4 for peace-of-mind. But given a choice between a new B5 and the upcoming model, I'd pick the V6 turbo everyday.

PS: I forgot about the short-shifter ($$) because it's like rowing a boat w/ stock components.

 

WRS2K,

Uhhh...it may be just me but I seem to be having a hard time figuring out whether you're RAGGING/PROMOTING the current (B5) S4?

In either case, yes there are always Warranty issues no matter what car you drive no matter what mods you do, period. You seem to know about the S4's (own one ?) so should also know that the Chip related issues you are referring to revolve around bad oil lines (2000~early 2001) S4's and also torn BPV's. The 2001.5+ S4's running upgraded BPV's ($70 total) are not experiencing these problems (at least that I know of.) I have 38K miles on mine so far with no issues *knock on wood

The APR chip btw clears all codes (if present.) I simply change the program via the Cruise Control stalk back into Stock mode and drive it to the dealer like anybody else. The dealer has no way of telling that you are chipped other than opening up your ECU and checking.

I am in no way stating/implying to deliberately deceive the dealer. I am simply stating that being chipped has never posed a problem for me.

Handling is just fine in the S4. The original Blotenzas did suck but throw on a set of S-03's and its a whole different story!

Rob

 

that APR chip clear thing is pretty nifty, a guy at work just got it on his regular A4 (02, 1.8T) that's pretty sneaky!

as far as warranty, some dealers seem more "understanding" then others. my manager flat out asked the service manager if they would still honor a chipped car and he said yes. sure that isn't binding but it made him feel better (he has an 01 S4, bought used from CarMax).

the TT-V6 is actually pretty fast, we're suspicious that his car is already chipped as it's much faster then the stock numbers lead to believe. he's had no problems--even though he's still under warranty service.

handling is pretty good, i think my MINI is more tightly sprung but the S4 is no towncar--it's very capable. i know the V8 is much higher rated in power (and around the same weight of the TT-V6) but i think it will drive differently, we just have to wait. They will be two very different cars.

 

Again, folks, so this doesn't turn into a Old S4 is earier to mod than the upcoming S4 battle, I wanted to see who was HAPPY with their Audi. This will be my everyday driver. I want something with oomph! but I want ti to be reliable too, and no hidden issues.

Thats why I asked about current S4 owners.

 

well my manager has had zero complaints, perfectly reliable.

there also pretty reasonably price right now.

 

Yes, I'm extremely happy with my S4. I wanted a brand new 4dr that was both sporty/luxurious enough to drive my girlfriends parents around in without being embarrased. I was tired of having to constantly repair/upgrade items on my RX-7 so wanted something with absolutely NO HASSLES PERIOD!

All service and repairs have been completely taken care of by my dealer. They have been more than generous with me. On a scale from 0-10 for reliability/dependability I would give the car a 8.5 I'm not so sure its a car I would want to keep for a long period after the warranty expires, however. IMHO.

Problem: My problem with all cars that I have owned is in the knowing what the car is capable of producing for what I consider a reasonable amount of money. In other words, the temptation to achieve another 70HP and 110lbs-ft at the price of $600 was just too much for me. Yes in doing the chip upgrade you should also do the BPV's ($70) and catback exhaust ($700.) But for the price I couldn't refuse.

If you're not like me and could keep the car stock or un-chipped for that matter than I don't think the S4 can be beat for the money. You really do get alot for it, especially at used prices. The interior is superb as well as the styling imo.

If you are like me or many of us then you will most likely chip the car and then be faced with the possibility of turbo issues. I can not lie, they are present. If this is the case then maybe the '04 S4 would better suit your tastes.

Again, I for one am extremely happy with my purchase and can not think of any other 4dr sports car that I would rather have for the money.

Cheers,
Rob

p.s. Good Luck with whatever decision you make. Either way I'm sure you'll be happy!