2018 TT RS track/street build thread

[nardoRS]

New to this forum and thought I’d share my experiences in owning and modifying a 2018 TT RS 8S to be used as an occasional road/track car.
I’ve come from a Lotus Exige S and before that a 996 Carerra, both of which were driven regularly on track. Right away I loved the feel and balance of the TT and was pleasantly suprised at the way the power can be put down mid corner without much understeer compared to other Haldex Quattros I have driven. The engine is immense and I’ve left it stock so far, aside from a K&N panel filter. With my first track outing booked I decided to have the MSS track pack adjustable suspension installed (I have magride) and a geometry setup maxing out the front camber available and adding in a smidge of toe out. I’m still running the 19” Bridgestone potenza SO1’s that came on the car.
I took the car to Bedford Autodrome GT circuit (lots of run off and good mix of turns and straights) and it exceeded my expectations in how well I could place the car on track with plenty of turn in willingness and a balanced mid corner set. I can honestly say I had more fun than I’ve ever had on a track day! Very happy with the MSS suspension and the geo setup although I’m thinking I need to be at around 2 degrees neg in the front. I enjoy the pointy feeling of a toe out setup even on the street and once on track the cornering set is balanced. Even the street tyres were ok and plenty of grip and communication running at 31 f and 29 r hot.
I envisaged that the stock pads and non handed rotors may be a weak point and was proven right even with Motul 600 fluid I had a soft pedal after 3 hot laps. I adjusted my braking for the rest of the day. Oil and coolant temps remained in check and the motor didn’t miss a beat.
I’ve now installed a 2 piece floating rotor setup from Vagbremtechnic with AP racing discs and have fitted Pagid RS 29 pads in the oem 8 pot calipers. Unsprung weight savings are huge as the stock rotors weigh 14kg each!! The new ones are just over 8kg! Mike at Vagbremtechnic is knowledgable and great to deal with.
Handling and response are improved and the braking feel with the pagids is great. Hardly any squeal on the street. Next track day is booked for August 6th at Bedford GT so I’ll report back after!
The next upgrade will be Michelin Pilot Sport Cup 2’s; I’ve used the original version in the past on the 996 and they were a great tyre then (supposedly better now).

[Ross_T_Boss]

What else do you have planned? Any changes of rear brake friction planned, as it must be a little front biased with the Pagids? Can you share the Geo settings?

Interested in this build as I am looking at a "fast road" build myself, capable of enthusiastic backroad hoons and the odd 'ring or track session but 90% used for daily driving. Looking to learn as much as possible from others but also prepared to do a little trailblazing to get it right. I recently changed my APR Stg2+ MK2 TTRS, OEM suspension with front @1.5deg and 2-piece fronts with XP12s all-round. Performance + noise were great, braking was immense but spent rarely got them to working temp, handling left something to be desired.

I've only just broken the 8S in. I have MSS Track Pack, 034 front/rear subframe inserts and 034 rear trailing arms to fit and align (where were yours done?). The front end is awesome but I get the occasional bit of inconsistency at the rear, only on swift direction change, it's fine in the sweepers and from what I've heard that should put me right where I want to be. I am looking at discs/pads, alloys and tyres next (OEM 19s will become winters when the Bridgestones are toast), also looking to improve the intake, turbo elbow, intercooler, inlet manifold elbow, downpipe as I understand all are limitations >400hp. I'm chasing 500hp and >700nm whilst retaining a sports cat that will scrape through an MOT.

[nardoRS]

I’ve attached my geo settings done by Rich at Tuned UK in Chester. He sets up BTCC cars and is passionate about chassis tuning. Very happy with how the car feels.
I haven’t upgraded the pads in the back as I like to make small single changes and then test. Because there is now more stopping power in the front there is less for the rears to do because of the increased weight transfer but I’ll see how it feels at the track; if I need more and make a change it will be to some Ferodo DS2500 pads.
My plans are for further weight reduction with recaro pole positions, rear seat removal and lighter battery. Once I’ve got it setup nicely I will go to a stage 2 tune.
What do you think of the MSS track pack?

[evil00017]

How did you do against the atom? My buddy has one, I want to kick his butt but don't know if it will happen.

[nardoRS]

That Atom in the pic wasn’t really being driven hard, I’d just gone past him, but you should gap your buddy on the straight (depending what Atom he has!). I ran with a Caterham R500 for a few laps that was well driven; he was quicker in the fast transitions and most corners on entry and mid corner but the TT is surprisingly good at getting the power down early in coming out of slow corners and long increasing radius corners. On the straight I pulled away easily and he caught up easily through the fast chicane. I’m really looking forward to running with Pilot Sport Cup 2’s; this is a very capable car.

[HHughes1]

Thanks for sharing, I had a feeling that the cornering dynamics of this car could be improved significantly on the alignment rack. Most OEM settings have so much rear toe in for safety reasons that a simple adjustment should wake the car up. Combined with some decent front camber, even more if you switch to R compounds, I don't see why this car would be at any disadvantage to it's RWD competitors.

[Ross_T_Boss]

The MSS springs are still sat on my parts shelf, I haven't got round to fitting them yet, I like the idea of doing the rear sphericals separately to isolate the improvement but probably going to do both together to save having it re-aligned. I'll let you know!

[nardoRS]

You’ll be pleased with the MSS. They do settle quite a bit over a few 1000 miles. I have them set 338mm Front and 345mm rear (top of arch to wheel centre) now they are settled.

[nardoRS]

Had my second track day with the TTRS at Bedford GT circuit (video below) with the new brake setup which was much improved. The car is at the limit of grip on the stock tyres and does need more camber (034 fixed plates here tomorrow) but this car gives you so much confidence and feedback at the limit and beyond that it’s comfortable to go there.
After the camber plates go in I’ll be mounting up Pilot Sport Cup 2’s and looking to change the calipers to some AP racing kit to handle the heat better and shed a few more kg’s! Plenty of time to be had and this car is a blast to drive!
https://youtu.be/98MbAzugLmc

[shifu22]

On a side note everyone says this car is front bias but I can tell you it’s still easy to kick that back end out. I have had the car on some serious drives and have no issues going sideways. Mind you I’ve always been that way


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[Trent212]

On a side note everyone says this car is front bias but I can tell you it’s still easy to kick that back end out. I have had the car on some serious drives and have no issues going sideways. Mind you I’ve always been that way


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Oh, the E85 file will break traction and get sideways EASY.

[nardoRS]

On a side note everyone says this car is front bias but I can tell you it’s still easy to kick that back end out. I have had the car on some serious drives and have no issues going sideways. Mind you I’ve always been that way


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On the street, for me with stock motor, the back can step out under power but on the track once the tyres are hot I find it only breaks loose under heavy trail braking into a corner. After I’ve got a bit more camber up front I’m expecting the balance to be more neutral and with it the ability to rotate the car under trailing throttle or braking.

[nardoRS]

Bedford GT circuit last Monday. The MSS track pack keeps it all in check; just a nice lean through the corner.

[TwistRate]

How do you plan to add camber? I'm a race tire only guy at the track and would like to be able to dial in -4* up front.

[nardoRS]

How do you plan to add camber? I'm a race tire only guy at the track and would like to be able to dial in -4* up front.

Adding camber with some 034 Motorsport fixed top mounts; they add an additional 1.5 neg to whatever setting you have. I’m starting with a setting of 2 degrees neg and test from there. The TT has a lot of castor built in (over 6 degrees) so there’s the added benefit of dynamic camber on top of the static.

[Ross_T_Boss]

You’ll be pleased with the MSS. They do settle quite a bit over a few 1000 miles. I have them set 338mm Front and 345mm rear (top of arch to wheel centre) now they are settled.

Out of interest - do you recall what the 'before' heights were? I had the MSS Tracks put on this week and my heights are about 10mm front/7mm rear higher than yours. I am looking to go at least as low as yours and just wondering how that should eventually sit. On the adjusters on the rear it looks like they are only about 5mm off the lowest setting so hoping in a month or 2 it'll be where I want it.

After 300 miles this week I have to say I'm struggling to notice any negatives, feels just as comfortable and there is positive subtle improvement in road feel and how it handles harsher bumps, and corners/accelerates flatter - feels sharper to respond. I don't feel any need to stick it in Dynamic for a high-speed blast, as Comfort is as sharp/responsive as needed. Gives more purpose to the 2 modes. Only problem now is it feels like it's begging for more power, and justifies it. Need to resist (wheels and brakes first).

I still need to tweak the alignment as it hasn't been accurately done since fitment and fit the 034 goodies. Also have 255/35/19 MPS4S to go on whatever new alloys I get.

Did you fit the 034 camber plates and what are your thoughts?

[Jordy B]

Bedford GT circuit last Monday. The MSS track pack keeps it all in check; just a nice lean through the corner.

good looking pic


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[RReddington]

What's the widest tire that fits on the car, do you know? I'd imagine something on an 18" rim, possibly 285/30/18 or 295/30/18

[TwistRate]

^ Inquiring minds would like to know this as well. What is the most suitable max width R-comp.

[JRitt@Essex]

After the camber plates go in I’ll be mounting up Pilot Sport Cup 2’s and looking to change the calipers to some AP racing kit to handle the heat better and shed a few more kg’s! Plenty of time to be had and this car is a blast to drive!
https://youtu.be/98MbAzugLmc

If you're looking for a track-focused AP Racing brake kit, please be sure to check out our Essex Designed AP Racing Radi-CAL Competition Brake Kits. They are the lightest available, and the most track-oriented. Ventilated stainless steel pistons, anti-knockback springs, anodized finish, etc. They are essentially the same as what the factory-built TCR cars are all running, leveraging AP Racing's Pro5000R range of Radi-CAL calipers.

You can see more details in this thread: https://www.audizine.com/forum/showt...ighlight=essex

Blog post on our Audi kits: https://www.essexparts.com/news-blog...your-audi-ttrs

Customer review: https://www.essexparts.com/news-blog...-and-dragstrip

Lots of other customer feedback on our blog: https://www.essexparts.com/news-blog...-and-dragstrip

Let us know if you have any questions, and thanks for your consideration.

[RReddington]

^ Inquiring minds would like to know this as well. What is the most suitable max width R-comp.

Sad to see zero insight on this :(

[TwistRate]

^ I'm guessing 275/35/18 would be the widest in an 18" ....but the 265/35/19 is another option.

[RReddington]

^ I'm guessing 275/35/18 would be the widest in an 18" ....but the 265/35/19 is another option.

If 275/35/18 would be an option I'd imagine a 285/30/18 would too, unless there's some clearance issues with suspension or something.

[big residual]

I've been running 275/35R18s, no rub, even at full compression on track. There's not a ton of clearance w/ upper strut inside, but these are ET52. I'm running very little camber (-1.2) right now -- more camber might also limit clearance.

[RReddington]

I've been running 275/35R18s, no rub, even at full compression on track. There's not a ton of clearance w/ upper strut inside, but these are ET52. I'm running very little camber (-1.2) right now -- more camber might also limit clearance.

Is that on a 18x9.5 rim? Which rim are you running, was it easy to find rims that clear in the 18" size (our calipers)? Are you ever planning on trying a wider size, maybe 18x10 with a 285/30?

[Ross_T_Boss]

I've been out for a ride in William @ MSS's car, it's tyre-tucking low on 275/30/20 PS4S and 10mm spacers, said he had rolled the arches slightly due to a bit of rubbing at extremes. The stance looked immense and there didn't appear to be any rubbing. That is quite a large radius too so dropping to an 18 would give a bit more scope.

Personally was planning to put 275 or 265/35 on an ET40 19" with about 20mm drop, not expecting any issues as it is a smaller radius with more clearance, and should still have room on the inside. Was offered a bargain on 4x new PS4S in 255 so went with that. I am getting tempted into acquiring a set of 18s for the odd track session - was never the intention :D

[RReddington]

I've been out for a ride in William @ MSS's car, it's tyre-tucking low on 275/30/20 PS4S and 10mm spacers, said he had rolled the arches slightly due to a bit of rubbing at extremes. The stance looked immense and there didn't appear to be any rubbing. That is quite a large radius too so dropping to an 18 would give a bit more scope.

Personally was planning to put 275 or 265/35 on an ET40 19" with about 20mm drop, not expecting any issues as it is a smaller radius with more clearance, and should still have room on the inside. Was offered a bargain on 4x new PS4S in 255 so went with that. I am getting tempted into acquiring a set of 18s for the odd track session - was never the intention :D

Yeah the difference between 275/30/20 and 275/30/18 is insane, if you can do the former, the later would be a joke. Just wondering if 285/30/18 is possible on a 10".

[big residual]

Is that on a 18x9.5 rim? Which rim are you running, was it easy to find rims that clear in the 18" size (our calipers)? Are you ever planning on trying a wider size, maybe 18x10 with a 285/30?

Forgestar CF5 ET52. Doubt I will go wider. If anything, back down to 265 if more camber cuts down on strut clearance.

[nardoRS]

Out of interest - do you recall what the 'before' heights were? I had the MSS Tracks put on this week and my heights are about 10mm front/7mm rear higher than yours. I am looking to go at least as low as yours and just wondering how that should eventually sit. On the adjusters on the rear it looks like they are only about 5mm off the lowest setting so hoping in a month or 2 it'll be where I want it.

After 300 miles this week I have to say I'm struggling to notice any negatives, feels just as comfortable and there is positive subtle improvement in road feel and how it handles harsher bumps, and corners/accelerates flatter - feels sharper to respond. I don't feel any need to stick it in Dynamic for a high-speed blast, as Comfort is as sharp/responsive as needed. Gives more purpose to the 2 modes. Only problem now is it feels like it's begging for more power, and justifies it. Need to resist (wheels and brakes first).

I still need to tweak the alignment as it hasn't been accurately done since fitment and fit the 034 goodies. Also have 255/35/19 MPS4S to go on whatever new alloys I get.

Did you fit the 034 camber plates and what are your thoughts?

Sorry for late reply! On the MSS they do settle quite a bit but I can’t remember my stock heights (may be written down somewhere)
Yes the camber plates are in and turn in much improved; not had the alignment done or got to the track yet with them.
Still waiting to install the new ap caliper setup.
I’ll be out there again soon...thinking croft circuit

[nardoRS]

Update to the build:
-AP racing calipers(CP9660) are in with pagid RSL29 pads. Saved more unsprung kgs! Very nice pedal feel; not been to the track with them yet, will be after the winter now. On the street the pads do rattle on uneven surfaces, I got used to it quickly. An added benefit is the caliper is quite a bit narrower than stock so should open up more wheel options in 18" sizes.
-I've got the front camber set to -2'20" which feels great. Pretty much zero toe right now but I may go to a smidge of toe out (0'5") as I do like a slightly "twitchy" feel.
-Planning on going with RSe122 in 18x9.5 et 45 with a 265/35 18 Pilot sport cup 2 tyre. I'll be test fitting soon but confident they will fit over the calipers. The added camber has given me quite a bit more room at the top arch to play with.
-APR intercooler is being installed mid December and at present I'm planning on running stock software, possibly adding a downpipe to further reduce heat around the turbo and free up the exhaust flow.

Then its track day time!!

[TwistRate]

Update to the build:
-AP racing calipers(CP9660) are in with pagid RSL29 pads. Saved more unsprung kgs! Very nice pedal feel; not been to the track with them yet, will be after the winter now. On the street the pads do rattle on uneven surfaces, I got used to it quickly. An added benefit is the caliper is quite a bit narrower than stock so should open up more wheel options in 18" sizes.
-I've got the front camber set to -2'20" which feels great. Pretty much zero toe right now but I may go to a smidge of toe out (0'5") as I do like a slightly "twitchy" feel.
-Planning on going with RSe122 in 18x9.5 et 45 with a 265/35 18 Pilot sport cup 2 tyre. I'll be test fitting soon but confident they will fit over the calipers. The added camber has given me quite a bit more room at the top arch to play with.
-APR intercooler is being installed mid December and at present I'm planning on running stock software, possibly adding a downpipe to further reduce heat around the turbo and free up the exhaust flow.

Then its track day time!!

Thanks for the update. I was wondering about the caliper size and whether that would expand wheel selection. For most of us $4000 is a grip of cash to spend on something that isn't technically broken. I'm curious if you were able to sell your stock calipers to recover some of the expense.

What are the recommended race alignment specs for the masses? Typically I request zero toe and maximum matching camber in the front with approx 50% front camber in the rear.

Curious how you decided on the APR FMIC. I'm still undecided on a vendor but I can tell you I'm not spending more than a grand on one as even that is excessive no matter what core is being utilized. As for the downpipe I hear they are a royal PITA on a TTRS even with a special tool. If you decide to move forward with that please post up a how-to!

Please post pictures of the wheel combo once complete.

[nardoRS]

Yes, I did sell my oem calipers and pads for around £800 so a good chunk towards the new AP bits. Also the pads for the AP calipers are quite a bit cheaper per wheel so that’s a saving over the years!
I think your alignment start point is about right for this car; toe is a personal preference in my opinion. I like a positive initial bite at turn in so go with slight toe out.
I went with the APR because it just seemed like the right balance of increased size, good design and without big pressure drops. I’m really just trying to help with a cooler temps at the track rather than install as part of a plan for a higher boost map. That’s also my thought on the downpipe; reduce heat near the turbo and free it up.

[Jeff_Jeske]

I'm also hoping to run a 265/35-19 but have been unable to locate a 19x9.5 wheel that I can run square.

I'm considering dropping down to an 18x9.5 wheel and 245/40/18 tire just to avoid being the first guy that needs to give his TTRS an abortion trying to make big hoosiers fit.

I have a question for you folks.... if a rim and tire combo fits on an RS3 and clears the brakes then it should also fit on a TTRS with a bit more room to spare correct?

[nardoRS]

I'm also hoping to run a 265/35-19 but have been unable to locate a 19x9.5 wheel that I can run square.

I'm considering dropping down to an 18x9.5 wheel and 245/40/18 tire just to avoid being the first guy that needs to give his TTRS an abortion trying to make big hoosiers fit.

I have a question for you folks.... if a rim and tire combo fits on an RS3 and clears the brakes then it should also fit on a TTRS with a bit more room to spare correct?

You could run a Hoosier R7 on a 19x9 rim. Not sure about the RS3 to TTRS comparison in terms of room but from what I see on my car there seems to be plenty of space to run a 265 tyre on the right offset wheel even if very low.

[Screaming Eagle]

I'm running 285/30/19 on 10" rims on my TTRS but the front rubs a little, but the rear tires rub quite a bid.
They have ruined my back inter fender liners. They tracked very good at Sebring but 5 days of tracking and
the front tires are worn out. Not much out there for 275 so I guess I will go with 265/30/19. I was running
Michelin Sport Cup 2 ZP.

[TwistRate]

285 might be a touch too much.... Honestly I wonder if the increased weight is worth it or not. I'm still torn on whether to do 18" or 19". The 18" wheels look like complete A$$ on the TTRS but there are tons of tire options for both autox and lapping days. Once you jump to 19" cost goes up an selection goes down. At least you can still get RE71Rs in 19s.

[big residual]

RS3 and TTRS are different fitments, neither are other MQBs, e.g., Mk7 R. ET52 for the TTRS is the big difference, but you can stuff wider wheels in w/ the TTRS. When I had my RS3, it was harder to find the right offset with clearance for the stock front calipers. Plus, then you have to consider square vs. staggered and so on.

I have two sets that clear w/ stock calipers and suspension on my 8S:
- 18x9.5 ET52 Forgestar CF5s, run 275/35s, no rub
- 19x9.5 ET42 HRE FF15s, run 265/35s, light rub in rear on full compression at track.

I'm now on stiffer coilovers, so a bit lower. Would need to refit the 19s, but also wonder if stiffer suspension in rear will mitigate rub.

Personally, I'm all in on the 18x9.5s for my track sets. The CF5s are nice because you can get them with the exact offset you want, they're not crazy expensive, and the fat five-spoke is easier to clean brake dust off than most styles.

[Jeff_Jeske]

^ Post up some pics of your track setup on the car. I still haven't make a wheel choice for track duty. Most of the wheels that I find that I like cannot be sourced in the US or simply don't come in 9" plus sizes.

[cantcatchtomm]

Great build! Can’t wait to get mine on a track here soon. Instructing at the end of the month and should get enough time to test n tune tire pressures.

[nardoRS]

Just an update on the build...APR intercooler definitely helps heat soak on repeated pulls, noticeable. I’ve decided to stick with my stock 19s this season and have gone with 255/35 cup2’s.
Engine staying stock. I think it’s also important for handling not to go to low on the front as the roll centre can drop too much which will actually cause worse handling and roll.
Looking forward to Bedford to test and compare.
Hope to meet some of you this season and share what’s working!