Gretchen RS3 Build

[thebc]

Currently awaiting arrival of a 2018 RS 3 with the following build.



Goals for my first week of ownership:

1) Full Front PPF and ceramic coating (will update with details when I settle on something).

2) 82mm titanium stud conversion.

3) MSS Sports fully adjustable spring kit.

4) wheels

5) interior mods.

6) Carbon fiber mirror caps.

Currently purchased mods below.



BFI shift knob to replace the alcantara one: http://store.blackforestindustries.c...s2dshewe4.html

82mm titanium stud conversion kit: http://www.mrgraceco.com/store/p53/M..._of_20%29.html

MSS fully adjustable sport springs kit (definitely what I am looking forward to the most) : http://msskits.com/product/mss-sport...adjustable-kit

Rhoplate, because MA sucks and I want to show off my RS grill: http://www.rhoplate.com/v2.html

Carrying over wheels from my current car, but I ordered a square set of Michelin P4S:




Installed Mods



Interior

Proclip S3 side mount relevant post
Proclip Adjustable, charging, iPhone 7 plus holder with built in black USB/lightning (for the OCD) relevant post


Exterior

Audi OEM Carbon Fiber Mirror Caps relevant post
Audi OEM Carbon Fiber Spoiler
Audi OEM Carbon Fiber Engine cover (ordered)
Wheel hardware: MotorRennGruppe 82mm Titanium stud conversion kit w/ cone and ball seat nuts relevant post here and here
Wheels: HRE FF01 in 19x8.5 ET47 powdercoated "IPA" by HRE relevant post here and here
Wheels: HRE FF01 in 19x8.5 ET47 powdercoated "IPA" by HRE
Tires: Michelin Pilot Super Sports 235/35/19 (square) relevant post here and here
Spacers: 42 Draft Designs "lightened" hubcentric spacers (10mm front, 13mm rear) relevant post here and here
Hub Rings: 66.6-->57.1 Aluminum hubcentric rings relevant post here and here
Rest of roof wrapped gloss black to match the sunroof relevant post



Misc

Audi Quattro key cover - Daytona Grey relevant post


Performance

OEM Audi Secondary Cat Bypass - Audi part numbers: 8S0254502A, 8S0254503A relevant post

[adamRS]

Mine is the same config (minus driver assistance) Will be watching this closely to see how it looks and maybe get some ideas (though I plan on getting the MSS kit already)

[Cairo94507]

Wow! I love your wheel selection. That is going to be a very nice car. Cheers.

[crazytex21]

What are the specs on those wheels? I have a set of FF01s on my Sportwagen that are 19x8.5 et 47.

[HBird]

Why get rid of the alcantara shift knob? I had the BFI one briefly and was not a big fan of it while I had it.

[Cro-Mags]

Ballin, gonna be sick! Congrats

[thebc]

What are the specs on those wheels? I have a set of FF01s on my Sportwagen that are 19x8.5 et 47.

Identical fitment


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[thebc]

Why get rid of the alcantara shift knob? I had the BFI one briefly and was not a big fan of it while I had it.

Not a big fan of alcantara on touch points. I have a custom steering wheel being designed/built as well with:

1) Alacantara on wheel replaced with air leather.
2) top and bottom of wheel replaced with carbon fiber
3) red center stripe, red stiching


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[HBird]

Not a big fan of alcantara on touch points. I have a custom steering wheel being designed/built as well with:

1) Alacantara on wheel replaced with air leather.
2) top and bottom of wheel replaced with carbon fiber
3) red center stripe, red stiching


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Nice! That'll look really well with the shifter then when it's all combined. I'm a sucker for alcantara though

[pabs]

PPF is all about the installer. I went with XPEL and Modesta coating, but if they had recommended Suntek and 22ple I would have been fine with it. I wouldn't stop at just the front clip and go ahead and wrap your lower doors and behind the fenders too (especially since you're going to have wider wheels).

Also curious to see what spacers you'll need to clear the brakes.

Pretty funny that Hbird is adding alcantara bits while you're here tearing them out though.

[crazytex21]

Not a big fan of alcantara on touch points. I have a custom steering wheel being designed/built as well with:

1) Alacantara on wheel replaced with air leather.
2) top and bottom of wheel replaced with carbon fiber
3) red center stripe, red stiching


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But like.... who is doing that wheel for you... I kind of want to get that Audi Sport TTRS wheel, but yours sounds killer as well.

[A3 Turbo]

It's not often you see a chic with a car like an RS3, let alone a nice long list of mods. Very cool!

[thebc]

PPF is all about the installer. I went with XPEL and Modesta coating, but if they had recommended Suntek and 22ple I would have been fine with it. I wouldn't stop at just the front clip and go ahead and wrap your lower doors and behind the fenders too (especially since you're going to have wider wheels).

Also curious to see what spacers you'll need to clear the brakes.

Pretty funny that Hbird is adding alcantara bits while you're here tearing them out though.

100% agree regarding the installer. Anyone in the New England area (or he'll, anywhere, people ship their cars there from all over), I would highly highly recommend Unique Car Care in Andover, Ma. Uccboston.com

They are actually recommending a new coating by feynlabs.


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[thebc]

Lol, I would make one ugly bearded lady.

I found a great set of forged BBS RG-Rs in gunmetal for sale and picked them up to try a different fitment. They are more a4 fitment which may be perfect to clear our front brakes without spacers. They are 19x8.5 ET32 and weigh 20lbs.




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[A3 Turbo]

Isn't Gretchen a female's name?

Lol, I would make one ugly bearded lady.

I found a great set of forged BBS RG-Rs in gunmetal for sale and picked them up to try a different fitment. They are more a4 fitment which may be perfect to clear our front brakes without spacers. They are 19x8.5 ET32 and weigh 20lbs.




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[thebc]

But like.... who is doing that wheel for you... I kind of want to get that Audi Sport TTRS wheel, but yours sounds killer as well.

Local contact here through a friend who made him one for his b5. He's excited to do the RS wheel, I'll post pics and details as they become available.

A3, Gretchen is the car's name:) I was originally torn between Gretchen and Brunhilda. My current car is "Gertrude" so keeping the Gs alive.

[thebc]

Finalized my PPF and ceramic coating.

For PPF I am going with the Xpel Ultimate (which my detailer recommended over Suntek). I am doing the following (at least).

Full front (everything back to the doors).

Rocker panels
Door bottoms
Door edges (may just do full doors)

For ceramic coating I am going with Feynlabs Self Heal Plus. Probably the most exclusive coating going right now. Very limited number of licensed shops, the plus takes 1-2 for application of all the different layers.

End result is the first self healing ceramic coating. Just needs to reach 60F.

Feynlabs created the ceramic coating movement and supplied most of the brand names out there with their products which were rebranded.

The self heal plus and self heal light are both exclusive to Feynlabs and not re-sold. Some vids from the tube below.

http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list...JLW-IYAON7E4E4


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[XLR8 Craig]

Glad we can be a part of this project. Cant wait to see how it turns out

[thebc]

Glad we can be a part of this project. Cant wait to see how it turns out

Will be booking my install for end of this week hopefully:)


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[andru1313]

Subscribed. Love the build so far. Looking forward to seeing everything installed on the car. Love the wheels :-)

[UnaBomber]

i was told xpel does not have the templates for their precut machines for the rs3 yet as of today.

are you doing a custom wrap and cutting the material on the car?

[XLR8 Craig]

Will be booking my install for end of this week hopefully:)


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Just let me know

[thebc]

i was told xpel does not have the templates for their precut machines for the rs3 yet as of today.

are you doing a custom wrap and cutting the material on the car?

Correct, my detailer only does custom.


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[UnaBomber]

Correct, my detailer only does custom.


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im going to cquartz the car now and wait until the precut templates are done

build looks amazing btw

[a4000]

Dibs on your black mirrors

[thebc]

im going to cquartz the car now and wait until the precut templates are done

build looks amazing btw

Thanks! I would advise against doing a ceramic coating before PPF:)

1) PPF is far more important to do first in terms of protection for the front of your car. Rock chips are extremely easy to pick up, sooner the better on the PPF IMO.
2) Ceramic coating should be applied on top of the PPF, not the other way around:)

[Mops@Nemesis]

Following! 😋

[DannyLo]

Those RGRs are my dream wheel. Will they fit and clear calipers with those specs? Might have to look into getting a set for mine.

[thebc]

Those RGRs are my dream wheel. Will they fit and clear calipers with those specs? Might have to look into getting a set for mine.

I am hopeful for 2 reasons:

1). These wheels are known to be bbk friendly.
2). I am adding 10-15mm per corner which should be more than plenty.


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[Mops@Nemesis]

More than enough


Mops on the move

[thebc]

Couple developments of note.

1) I requested my dealer add the OEM Audi CF spoiler. Had him price match it with another Audi dealer who had it for 20% off.

2) So, I am in love with the matte bronze on wheels and fully intended on using my HRE FF01's but came across a good deal on some forged BBSs. They came in a "black diamond" finish, I was originally going to take them to a powdercoater to see if he could replicate HRE's "IPA" on the new wheels. I've decided I'm going to give them a shot with their existing black diamond finish. They are currently at the detailer getting cleaned and ceramic coated. Will post some pics when I have them back.

[s14.2nv]

Looking forward to seeing how the rims fit. Subscribed!

[RezaWrex]

Couple developments of note.

1) I requested my dealer add the OEM Audi CF spoiler. Had him price match it with another Audi dealer who had it for 20% off.

Let us know how the install goes. I did the same but the service department was uncomfortable doing the install as the Audi instructions say to scuff up the paint first to ensure max bonding. They recommended I take it to a bodyshop for the install.

[Cairo94507]

I have never seen a shop "scuff up the paint" before using the 3M tape to attach spoilers, etc. I would not do it. I would sit the car outside on a hot day so the panel is nice and hot, bring it into the garage, clean it thoroughly with a wax and grease remover, peel the tape and apply. Then tape it down tightly with some painter's tape and let it sit over night. That sucker will be on good.

[thebc]

If I cannot trust my dealer to install a genuine Audi accessory, there is something wrong:)


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[RezaWrex]

If I cannot trust my dealer to install a genuine Audi accessory, there is something wrong:)

That's what I thought too until they said they didn't want to do it. I guess better that than them ruining the trunk or it need to be repainted.

[FuzzyHat]

Whats your reason to do the MSS Sports right away? I'm interested in this, but haven't daily'd anything with mag ride, so don't know if it will make a huge difference. I know after watching some videos of GTI owners, people say it makes a difference. Was just wondering. I'm looking at doing some autocross when I get my RS3, but will be probably too late to do it this year, so next year definitely.

[DARTHVDR]

Please give me the complete specs and prices on your wheel and tire purchases. And pics please when you get them mounted up.

[crazytex21]

Please give me the complete specs and prices on your wheel and tire purchases. And pics please when you get them mounted up.

We have a fitment thread started. Should be near the top.

[XLR8 Craig]

Whats your reason to do the MSS Sports right away? I'm interested in this, but haven't daily'd anything with mag ride, so don't know if it will make a huge difference. I know after watching some videos of GTI owners, people say it makes a difference. Was just wondering. I'm looking at doing some autocross when I get my RS3, but will be probably too late to do it this year, so next year definitely.

The RS3 uses an unreasonably high spring rate to make the car feel more sporty, really they just make it ride weird. Its too stiff and doesn't have the handling characteristics you would expect. He is making a great choice with that modification. We have quite a few MSS owners already pull their MSS kit off their S3 to transfer over to their RS3 when it is delivered.