Beginning my mods

[03TLSinCO]

What tire size would you go with on the OEM black optics plus wheels? I don't recall any all-season options in the stock 265/30/20 size.

I'll be going to 275/30/20. I haven't seen any 265/30/20 all-season options.

[03TLSinCO]

Agree with the Conti's. Ran them year round on my previous whip (A6) through two northern Wisconsin winters. They will not disappoint. The Pilot Sport AS3+ is only for my "summer" BBS shoes and will give you better dry performance, but do fine in the occasional rain. They will come off for my winter shoes sometime in Oct.

Since I'll be running these year round (at least for the time being), I'm leaning more towards the DWS's.

[03TLSinCO]

I noticed that Nitto makes the Motivo in 275/30/20s. I may go that route. I've used these on my Acura and they've been pretty good. Plus I have winter rubber for my Acura if I don't like these on the Audi in the snow.

[HazeMyth]

My experience with the Nitto's has always been that they take FOREVER to get, so I've always ended up having to go another route when I wanted to try the Nitto. 99% of my tire changes are prompted by nails. I actually can't even remember the last time I got new tires just because I actually got through the tread life. Being that I've had a lack of storage in the past, I haven't been able to keep a spare set of tires around and ready for an emergency. I may very well pre-order tires in the future though since the storage issue won't be a problem anymore.

[03TLSinCO]

Ordered my EPL Stage 1 tune. Also will be getting an 034Motorsports x-brace. Dragy coming as well. Will be ordering a VCDS Hex V2 cable soon as well. Curios to see how everything feels/performs when I get done. Since I'm at over a mile high, times won't compare to sea level, but we can do a conversion. I think I'm most interested in how the TCU tune feels. Definitely looking forward to that.

[03TLSinCO]

Same post listed in the Dragy Times thread:

Made a couple of quick passes this morning. 53 degrees, ~5790' above sea level, ~185lb driver, slightly more than 1/2 tank of 91 octane (that's what we get out here). 2 passes, first using launch control (3,000RPM, second trying to time the start on the upswing (3,300 - 3,400 RPM or there abouts).

First run: -0.35% slope.
60' in 2.02
0-60 in 5.08
1/8 in 8.63
1/4 in [email protected]

Second run: 0.20% slope
60' in 2.02
0-60 in 5.09
1/8 in 8.64
1/4 in [email protected]

Conversion factor (according to what I've read) @ 5800' .9276 for ET and 1.0787 for MPH, so at sea level those would be:
[email protected]
[email protected]

Now to add my EPL Stage 1 ECU/TCU tune and try this again real soon!

[03TLSinCO]

Recalculated my times using Drag Times DA Calculator and came up with [email protected] mph for my second run. Still quite good.

[03TLSinCO]

Finally had the time to install my EPL Stage 1 ECU/TCU tune today. Took it out for a quick drive and immediately noticed the difference in throttle response and shift points. After driving a bit to let the car warm up, got on it a bit and noticed the difference there as well. I was on a fairly open road and came upon a stop light that was red, so I tried out launch control. Revs to about 4k now and the gears hold to 7.3k in first and 7.4k after. BIG difference.

Looking forward to testing again with my Dray. Will post times here and in the Dragy thread when I've got them, likely next weekend.

[03TLSinCO]

Keeping an eye on this as we're in similar boats, although I'll be going IE rather than EPL.

I've heard good things about IE. The son of one of my co-workers works at a shop that sells/installs IE. He has a 10-second A6, so he know his stuff and he's been impressed with IE (although he was running APR on his A6).

I went with EPL due to recommendations on here, price and the fact that Chris@EPL has provided great customer service starting well before the sale. He's been great.

Customer service is a key part of my decision on where to buy. That's also why I buy from Mops@nemesis when they have what I need. Mops has also been great in providing recommendations and guidance. Consider communicating with him for some of your mods. He'll point you in the right direction.

[03TLSinCO]

Adding another mod which is expected to arrive on Friday. 034 X-Brace coming in from Nemesis Autosport on Friday. Not sure when I'll have time to install this, as we're expecting bad weather this weekend and I have a lot to do. With the holidays coming up, it's likely that I won't get this installed till after the new year.

Also bought an indoor car cover from a member on here. Will keep the dust off while the car is in the garage.

And in case you're interested and didn't see my post in the Dragy official times thread, the EPL Stage 1 tune took .6 seconds off my 1/4 time in the only 2 runs I've recorded. Looking forward to Stage 2 in about a year.

[03TLSinCO]

Early Christmas present for me and my car. Arrives today. Thanks @Mops!

20191214_144717_HDR.jpeg

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[03TLSinCO]

Finally got around to installing my 034 X-Brace yesterday. Noticeable difference in steering responsiveness. Now I need to make the steering mod in VCDS.

[Mops@Nemesis]

Glad to hear you're pleased Roberto!

[03TLSinCO]

Worked out great Mops. Thanks for getting this to me. Very pleased with it.

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[Mops@Nemesis]

Now you need the rear bar and links. 👌🏼

[03TLSinCO]

Was thinking the same thing.

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[Hippiekiller]

See if you can find one of the old Stasis rear sways, they're really well balanced with the front stock sway.

[03TLSinCO]

See if you can find one of the old Stasis rear sways, they're really well balanced with the front stock sway.

Thanks for pointing that out. I actually saw one in the Classifieds. I'll check again. I know the 034 one also gets very good reviews. When I'm ready, if I can't find the Stasis bar, I'll get with Mops and get the 034 one.

[Kittrell]

See if you can find one of the old Stasis rear sways, they're really well balanced with the front stock sway.

The 28MM or the 25.4MM?

[Hippiekiller]

The 28MM or the 25.4MM?

28mm, it is pretty well paired with the stock front sway. No need to swap the front then.


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[03TLSinCO]

Someone posted about the uniqueness of the car. Can't find the thread. Turns out there weren't a whole lot of 2016 S5s with the same specs as mine. Here's what I got from Audi:

* 1,524 - 2016 S5 Coupe 3.0T quattro S tronic models sold in the U.S.
* 76 - 2016 S5 Coupe 3.0T quattro S tronic models with Moonlight Blue Metallic exteriors sold in the U.S.
* 15 - 2016 S5 Coupe 3.0T quattro S tronic models with Moonlight Blue Metallic exteriors and Black/Lunar Silver interiors sold in the U.S.

They didn't identify how many of those 15 had Adaptive Damping Suspension & Nappa Leather interior, but I recall seeing at least 1 other when I was looking for mine with the same color combination that didn't have it ADS. They also didn't break down Prestige vs Prem+, so looks like I've got a pretty rare combination.

[AsherAudi]

Someone posted about the uniqueness of the car. Can't find the thread. Turns out there weren't a whole lot of 2016 S5s with the same specs as mine. Here's what I got from Audi:

* 1,524 - 2016 S5 Coupe 3.0T quattro S tronic models sold in the U.S.
* 76 - 2016 S5 Coupe 3.0T quattro S tronic models with Moonlight Blue Metallic exteriors sold in the U.S.
* 15 - 2016 S5 Coupe 3.0T quattro S tronic models with Moonlight Blue Metallic exteriors and Black/Lunar Silver interiors sold in the U.S.

They didn't identify how many of those 15 had Adaptive Damping Suspension & Nappa Leather interior, but I recall seeing at least 1 other when I was looking for mine with the same color combination that didn't have it ADS. They also didn't break down Prestige vs Prem+, so looks like I've got a pretty rare combination.

Yet despite the rarity, somehow there's not a single pic in your thread of the car's exterior OR interior

[03TLSinCO]

Yet despite the rarity, somehow there's not a single pic in your thread of the car's exterior OR interior

That's simply because I can't compete with yours. So little carbon fiber on mine. :-)

[03TLSinCO]

Replaced my stock S5 grill with an RS5 grill, purchased from the Classifieds here. It is an Audi OE grill. Have to decide if I'll put back the S5 emblem and if I'll get a license plate holder for it. License plate won't be an issue here in Colorado Springs, but Denver issues tickets for no front plates, even if the plate is on the dashboard. Colorado law states it must be in a place used by the manufacturer.

20210307_121307.jpg

20210307_155546.jpg

Before and after.

[Mops@Nemesis]

Looks good Roberto!

[03TLSinCO]

Upgrading to a Stage 2 tune before EPL goes away. I need to make an air box modification for better airflow, and a suggestion was to drill a hole or holes in the air box. Does anyone have a diagram of where the hole or holes should be drilled. Thanks in advance for any recommendations.

[03TLSinCO]

Replaced my stock rear sway bar with a 034 solid adjustable bar. Picked it up used and was told the spherical end links might have to be replaced. Sure enough, as a lot of people have seen with these end links, they are noisy at low speeds (clunking sound). I'll replace them at some point soon.

HOWEVER, this is without a doubt the single best suspension mod I have done. Had a chance to drive through some twisties this morning that I'm quite familiar with and press the car a bit. Turn in is much sharper and more precise. Body roll is definitely reduced. The car just feels more agile, with far less push than before. Very happy with this mod and definitely recommend it!

[03TLSinCO]

Since the S5 is now my DD (mostly, since I work at home didn't even put on 4k miles in the past year), I will be looking at snow tires (@Hippiekiller - need to speak with you about wheels). While the car won't see much snow, I will probably need to head west from Colorado Springs to just past Pikes Peak a few times this winter when the roads aren't ideal. This is a twisty road with a significant elevation change. And the road from there to my friend's house is steep as well.

Looking for snows that will be acceptable in dry conditions, since we really don't get that much snow here typically and I also have my wife's vehicle to drive if I want, but also be pretty decent in snow. Will likely be buying size 255/35-19. Considering Michelin X-Ice, since they have a 40k mile warranty. Don't know of any other snows with a mileage warranty.

Anyone have recommendations based on similar driving experiences as what I've posted?

[Whinny SQ5]

Since the S5 is now my DD (mostly, since I work at home didn't even put on 4k miles in the past year), I will be looking at snow tires (@Hippiekiller - need to speak with you about wheels). While the car won't see much snow, I will probably need to head west from Colorado Springs to just past Pikes Peak a few times this winter when the roads aren't ideal. This is a twisty road with a significant elevation change. And the road from there to my friend's house is steep as well.

Looking for snows that will be acceptable in dry conditions, since we really don't get that much snow here typically and I also have my wife's vehicle to drive if I want, but also be pretty decent in snow. Will likely be buying size 255/35-19. Considering Michelin X-Ice, since they have a 40k mile warranty. Don't know of any other snows with a mileage warranty.

Anyone have recommendations based on similar driving experiences as what I've posted?

Hey!

We have Vredestein Wintrac Pro tires on our S5 here in the Springs. They are great in the snow and pretty decent in dry hot conditions as well. We have Michelin Ice X in our NB2 Miata and they are fantastic in the snow, but not so good in the heat or any sort of high speed driving (it's a Miata, so not talking about blistering speeds ).

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[03TLSinCO]

Hey!

We have Vredestein Wintrac Pro tires on our S5 here in the Springs. They are great in the snow and pretty decent in dry hot conditions as well. We have Michelin Ice X in our NB2 Miata and they are fantastic in the snow, but not so good in the heat or any sort of high speed driving (it's a Miata, so not talking about blistering speeds ).

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Thanks! Hadn't thought about Vredestein's. I'll look into them.

[03TLSinCO]

Just got back from my 2nd set of track days. Was out Friday for an open lapping session with a well respected racer & instructor, then Saturday during a Porsche Club event. Chewed up my tires pretty well. They weren't new and this is the second time I've had them out on a track for 2 days in a row. Need to determine what to get next.

I;ve got 2 sets of wheels: 20x9 double 5 spokes (factory wheels on the Black Optic Plus package and 19x9 S5 Rotors. I think the double 5 spokes are lighter, so I', kind of leaning towards putting whatever summer tire I get next onto those, and using them almost exclusively for track days. I'd get all seasons for the Rotors, I think. I have a Q5 with snows, so don't need to worry too much about heavy snows. Would just drive the Q instead.

Any recommendations on tires? I the Michelin Pilot Sport 4S is pretty good. Other options/suggestions? I'll probably only track the car a couple of times a year. Maybe throw in a half day of open lapping from time to time.

[19birel]

For track, ideally you'll want a 200TW tyre- Bridgestone Potenza REZ1 RS, Nankang CR-S, Michelin Sport Cup 2 (240TW but they work), Kumho V730 are all good options.

If you want a budget option, I'm reliably informed that the Accelera 651 Sport lasts pretty long and doesn't get greasy (at the expense of performing closer to a 300tw). My next set will either be these or the Sport Xtra which should perform like a 200TW.

I also highly recommend adding some negative camber up front, you'll need adjustable control arms for this but it will help with tyre wear and increase front end grip mid-corner

[hahnmgh63]

For track events I'd highly recommend getting the Porsche Macan front brake ducts. They are cheaper than any of the aftermarket ducts and while they aren't going to make a huge difference the extra cooling is a plus. They are light in weight and cheap in price, cheaper than similar copied aftermarket prices. You can get the front set with clips for under $50 from a Porsche dealer and they just snap onto the front steering tie rods. The Macan is basically a B8.5/Q5 platform so most of the suspension is interchangeable with anything Audi. They even call its transmission a PDK like other Porsches but really it's the Audi/Borg Warner 7spd DSG.

[03TLSinCO]

For track, ideally you'll want a 200TW tyre- Bridgestone Potenza REZ1 RS, Nankang CR-S, Michelin Sport Cup 2 (240TW but they work), Kumho V730 are all good options.

If you want a budget option, I'm reliably informed that the Accelera 651 Sport lasts pretty long and doesn't get greasy (at the expense of performing closer to a 300tw). My next set will either be these or the Sport Xtra which should perform like a 200TW.

I also highly recommend adding some negative camber up front, you'll need adjustable control arms for this but it will help with tyre wear and increase front end grip mid-corner

Thanks. I think I recall someone else recommending the Accelera 651 Sport, although I don't recall whether it was on here or at the track. I'll look into the other tire options you suggested as well.

For track events I'd highly recommend getting the Porsche Macan front brake ducts. They are cheaper than any of the aftermarket ducts and while they aren't going to make a huge difference the extra cooling is a plus. They are light in weight and cheap in price, cheaper than similar copied aftermarket prices. You can get the front set with clips for under $50 from a Porsche dealer and they just snap onto the front steering tie rods. The Macan is basically a B8.5/Q5 platform so most of the suspension is interchangeable with anything Audi. They even call its transmission a PDK like other Porsches but really it's the Audi/Borg Warner 7spd DSG.

Yes, was definitely considering the Macan brake ducts, along with SS brake lines. Hadn't planned on doing a ton of tracking with this car, but it is just so much fun! And I need to try to keep up with my friend's 911 Targa 4S. That's a challenge at the moment. :-)

[hahnmgh63]

The brake ducts are cheap and easy. I put them on my S5, RS5, and even on the wifes 3.0t Q5.

[03TLSinCO]

Changed over from EPL Stage 2 ECU/TCU tunes to 034 equivalents this evening. Only took it for a short drive this evening, but it feels a bit stronger and it definitely shifts quicker. Will need to get a couple of runs in time with my Dragy to see if there is a performance difference. Regardless, 034 gave me a deal that I couldn't pass up. Also got a Stage 1 tune for my Q5 that I'll be installing either tonight or tomorrow.

[03TLSinCO]

Q5 has been upgraded too (034 Stage 1). The fans on both cars are running much more, and more forcefully, than they did before. Does this seem normal with 034 tunes? I'll be contacting them tomorrow.

[hahnmgh63]

With the Cruise control stalk on and the car less than 10mph for more than something like 10 seconds it will kick the fans in high for staging. Just turn the cruise control stalk off. Sometimes it can be annoying but it helps cool the car and the heat exchanger prior to a run.

[03TLSinCO]

Got it. Thank you.