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Episode 1
The first step in our quest to make the stock 2005 Audi
Ultrasport A4 work better was to hand it over to our
resident race car driver Jeff Lorriman who benchmarked
the performance of the stock A4 as it came from the
Fred Baker Audi dealership in Cleveland. Colin Harmer
collected the car’s performance data using STACK’s
data acquisition equipment as Lorriman did what he does
best, beat the hell out of the A4 on Dunnville Autodrome.
STACK’s data acquisition provided us with a benchmark
on performance of the Audi as it was delivered from
the factory and from that base we were able to quantify
the improvements that were generated as we changed and
tested the car during each build up stage.
Episode 2
After establishing performance benchmarks on the Audi
project car, it was time to get down to making this
machine work better. The boys at APR got down to business
installing a stage 1 ECU upgrade. The technology that
APR utilized was simply amazing. For the chip installation,
APR connected directly to the cars ECU through the diagnostics
port and were able to Reflash the ECU, avoiding the
need to physically remove the chip. The program was
actually uploaded from the APR server via the internet.
This is a great way for APR to keep track of all the
pertinent info regarding their ECU installs because
all the programming is stored on their servers. The
chip provided a small upgrade in power without taking
away from the drivability of the car.
Episode
Continuing the mission to make our Audi work better,
we moved up another level. The APR boys installed a
stage 2 package, upgrading to larger fuel injectors
and further programming the ECU. The upgraded chip programming
further displayed APR’s commitment to cutting
edge technology. The programming features EMCS or Enhanced
Modular Chipping System. This programming allows the
driver to toggle through different modes on their chip,
including chipped mode, stock settings, multiple octane
settings and valet mode for power limiting. All of which
is readily available through the car’s cruise
control button, without interrupting the use of the
cruise feature.
Episode 4
Continuing the Stage 2 upgrade APR moved to the underbelly
of our beast and got down to upgrading the exhaust.
They hooked the Audi up with a stainless steel dual
exit exhaust.
Episode 5
With our Audi progressing nicely it was time to get
a serious boost. APR got serious with a Stage 3 upgrade,
removing the stock turbo and replacing it with a large
APR turbo. The manifold also came out in favour of APR’s
manifold upgrade made of inconel an exotic metal that
will relieve you from having to deal with cracking and
such. The plumbing to and from the turbo was also upgraded.
To handle the extra power now being generated, the boys
from APR installed a new heavy duty clutch disc, flywheel
and pressure pate package.
Episode 6
With APR wrapping up their work on the Audi’s
Engine, it was time for STaSIS Engineering to aid in
the transfer of our A4’s newly found pep to the
ground. The first step was a suspension upgrade which
consisted of new Ohlins remote reservoir struts. These
units, patterned after the Ohlins race struts do a much
better job of keeping the Audi level in turns and thereby
keeping the tires more firmly planted on the ground.
Other components included Ohlins Adjustable Lightweight
aluminum Dampers, STaSIS Double Digressive Valving,
STaSIS Mounting Hardware, and Hyperco Linear Rate Springs.
Episode 7
Obviously with the increased go in our project Audi,
we needed to counter that with a corresponding increase
in our ability to stop. STaSIS employed Alcon Mono-Block
4-piston calipers mated to 13” or 14” Brembo
floating race rotors. This package generates improved
pedal feel and caliper response with 4 differential
piston bores and utilizes Advanced Retraction Seal technology
for the ultimate in caliper reaction time.
Episode 8
STaSIS’ attention turned next to the stiffening
of the A4 chassis. They implemented an H-sport stabilizer
bar only in the rear due to the fact that the B6 chassis
platform is over 60% stiffer torsionally than the previous
audi platform.
Episode 9
Rear LSD and Centre Differential work was up next. STaSIS
installed their clutch-type limited slip differential.
This LSD is preset for optimum breakaway torque and
allows you to continue to put torque to the rear wheels
despite traction issues or wheel lift. Next STaSIS installed
their High Bias center Torsen Differential, converting
the A4 from 2:1 to 4:1 allowing for an increase from
66% to 80% in torque distribution of the center Torsen.
Episode 10
Now that StaSIS had the power translating to the wheels,
it was time that the rubber received its due attention.
Andrew Kantor from Wheel & Tire Zone replaced the
stock Dunlop 235/40ZR18 tires with a set of 255/35ZR18
‘R’ compound Dunlops, maintaining the original
diameter of the tires but increasing the width.
Episode 11
The Audi Ultrasport A4, although it resembled what first
rolled into our possession, it had come a long way with
the work of APR and StaSIS. Colin Harmer reappeared,
toting his STACK data Acquisition equipment to gauge
just how far our project car had come.
Episode 12
We revisited and celebrated Audi competition through
the years looking at Audi Motorsports programs from
past to present. We finished with the Audi SPEED World
Challenge programs – the 2004 Championship RS6’s
as well as an introduction to the 2005 Audi A4 Touring
Car program.
Episode 13
We invited all involved to come and test drive the complete
A4. The transition was astounding to those who know
the performance levels of the factory A4. Then came
the decals, detail and delivery of the Audi to Fred
Baker. Fred will display it in his showroom in Cleveland,
Ohio as well as showcase it at the Cleveland Auto Show
in late February. The guys from STaSIS Engineering and
APR, along with their suppliers, helped to document
the conversion of a great little A4 into a phenomenal
street/track performer.
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