Mad, see how it goes, I'm not in any hurry, just thought it might be worth seeing who we can get together...
S5 modifications - APS, UK, 15th Feb
All, a number of S5 owners met at the premises of APS in Brackley, Northants on Friday to undertake some of the more popular modifications bing talked about on this forum. Here's a few initial details - I'll post a pictorial diary of the day and fellow owner Ian, sound recordist extraordinaire, has some 'before and after' sound files which clearly show the (marked) difference between stock and Milltek resonated exhaust. To answer the burning question - 'is it worth it and should I wait for a non-res version' - 'YES' and 'NO'. More details later.
Background to the day
As many of you will know, Ian and I had separately approached APS for details and pricing on a series of mods (primarily exhaust and suspension/track). Ian pulled it together via another thread and APS arranged a day for a number of owners to meet and either have the mods performed, or simply view the work in progress and its results. Hence, we met at APS's premises in Brackley, Northants this last Friday 15th.
APS.
Have to spend a few lines commending this outfit. Their premises are immaculate (as you'll see from the pics), their customer service and communication (through partner, Ed Jackson) is beyond reproach and their engineers are not only damn good blokes but at the top of their game. They work in pairs on each car, methodically assisting each other and checking each stage of the work. Gained huge comfort in watching the way they handled my prized possesion. They have a wealth of experience with a variety of VAG models and this is apparent in conversation with them. You'll also find it hard to beet their keen pricing!
The cars
On the day, three cars were to be modified, these being:
So, at one point, close to £250K's worth of S5 all parked up - quite a sight (and sound!).....
The mods - subjective impressions
In summary, the mods make a huge difference to the car and make it, in my opinion, the type of car we hoped Audi would make. Aesthetically, the pictures speak for themselves with the car now possessing a totally aggressive stance - the word that springs to mind is 'menacing'. The Milltek slash-cut exhaust looks tremendous, well-suited to the car and avoiding the Max Power look by virtue of its careful integration with the lines of the rear valance. It could be said that for this benefit alone, the mods are worth the money but what of the drive?
When my car was initially lowered from the ramp and the engine fired-up, I have to say my heart sank and Ian's face fell. At idle, the exhaust note was noticeably more subdued - we both started to wonder if we had done/were about to do the right thing. Then I sat in the car and revved it up. OMG. The sound of the car, most particularly from inside had changed beyond recognition. From the standard burble, the note had changed to a deep but hard-edged growl (check out Ian's comparative sound files for confirmation of this). The car was taken out by Ed for a quick shakedown and upon return, I went out for a quick blast up and down the A43. I didn't stop smiling. Under load, the exhaust just bellow - unmistakably a V8 sound but more akin to a race car. No need to put the back seats down now to get the benefit!
With the window down, it was apparent that the sound that passers-by are subjected too is no less arresting - the car just howls its intent
The ride quality is, as you'd expect, notably firmer and certainly in the UK, it's fair to say that 90% of the time, you'll be completely aware that the car is riding on stiffer springs. That said, it's part of the miraculous metamorphosis of the car from GT to hard-edged sports saloon and totally in keeping. Any trade-off in terms of ride comfort (and there is some) is more than balanced by the car's poise on the road and enhanced cornering ability - roundabouts on the A43 were despatched in one seamless movement, body-roll all but banished and the car still largely unaffected by mid-corner road surface imperfections although on one or two occasions, I have sensed it skip slightly as it encounters bumps and holes, where the previous set-up would have been more tolerant.
Regarding the spacers - can't honestly say I notice any negative impact on steering feel - although there's a sense of additional weight at low speeds. Steering accuracy is unaffected as speeds increase. Both Ian and I (and I think Colli?) decided on aesthetic grounds to go with front spacers as well as rears and whilst we each harboured some concerns about the possible effects on steering geometry, this seem to have been misplaced. We'll keep an eye on the front tyres for any signs of uneven wear, but first impressions are comforting.
That's it for now - in the office today and have to do some proper work - will post some more pics in follow-on posts and more later from I and others.....
Background to the day
As many of you will know, Ian and I had separately approached APS for details and pricing on a series of mods (primarily exhaust and suspension/track). Ian pulled it together via another thread and APS arranged a day for a number of owners to meet and either have the mods performed, or simply view the work in progress and its results. Hence, we met at APS's premises in Brackley, Northants this last Friday 15th.
APS.
Have to spend a few lines commending this outfit. Their premises are immaculate (as you'll see from the pics), their customer service and communication (through partner, Ed Jackson) is beyond reproach and their engineers are not only damn good blokes but at the top of their game. They work in pairs on each car, methodically assisting each other and checking each stage of the work. Gained huge comfort in watching the way they handled my prized possesion. They have a wealth of experience with a variety of VAG models and this is apparent in conversation with them. You'll also find it hard to beet their keen pricing!
The cars
On the day, three cars were to be modified, these being:
- Mine (Meteor Grey), in for exhaust, spacers, springs and Sportec pedals
- Ian's (Phantom Black) in for the same less pedals, although having seen them, quickly added to his list
- Colli's (Ibis White), intended to have re-map, spacers springs and pedals done, with exhaust next week. As it turned out, springs hadn't arrived so he'll be back for those with the exhaust.
So, at one point, close to £250K's worth of S5 all parked up - quite a sight (and sound!).....
The mods - subjective impressions
In summary, the mods make a huge difference to the car and make it, in my opinion, the type of car we hoped Audi would make. Aesthetically, the pictures speak for themselves with the car now possessing a totally aggressive stance - the word that springs to mind is 'menacing'. The Milltek slash-cut exhaust looks tremendous, well-suited to the car and avoiding the Max Power look by virtue of its careful integration with the lines of the rear valance. It could be said that for this benefit alone, the mods are worth the money but what of the drive?
When my car was initially lowered from the ramp and the engine fired-up, I have to say my heart sank and Ian's face fell. At idle, the exhaust note was noticeably more subdued - we both started to wonder if we had done/were about to do the right thing. Then I sat in the car and revved it up. OMG. The sound of the car, most particularly from inside had changed beyond recognition. From the standard burble, the note had changed to a deep but hard-edged growl (check out Ian's comparative sound files for confirmation of this). The car was taken out by Ed for a quick shakedown and upon return, I went out for a quick blast up and down the A43. I didn't stop smiling. Under load, the exhaust just bellow - unmistakably a V8 sound but more akin to a race car. No need to put the back seats down now to get the benefit!
With the window down, it was apparent that the sound that passers-by are subjected too is no less arresting - the car just howls its intent The ride quality is, as you'd expect, notably firmer and certainly in the UK, it's fair to say that 90% of the time, you'll be completely aware that the car is riding on stiffer springs. That said, it's part of the miraculous metamorphosis of the car from GT to hard-edged sports saloon and totally in keeping. Any trade-off in terms of ride comfort (and there is some) is more than balanced by the car's poise on the road and enhanced cornering ability - roundabouts on the A43 were despatched in one seamless movement, body-roll all but banished and the car still largely unaffected by mid-corner road surface imperfections although on one or two occasions, I have sensed it skip slightly as it encounters bumps and holes, where the previous set-up would have been more tolerant.
Regarding the spacers - can't honestly say I notice any negative impact on steering feel - although there's a sense of additional weight at low speeds. Steering accuracy is unaffected as speeds increase. Both Ian and I (and I think Colli?) decided on aesthetic grounds to go with front spacers as well as rears and whilst we each harboured some concerns about the possible effects on steering geometry, this seem to have been misplaced. We'll keep an eye on the front tyres for any signs of uneven wear, but first impressions are comforting.
That's it for now - in the office today and have to do some proper work - will post some more pics in follow-on posts and more later from I and others.....
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Hi Dan,Hey all,
Well, 2.5 hour drive plenty of tea and fodder and a 2.5 hour drive return I now have a lowered, spacered, remapped and exhausted
The remap although not that noticable at first due to the fact the car is so new and is still bedding in still feels more responsive, smoother to drive. I will report more in a couple of months.
The slightly stiffer ride makes the car feel more sports car like with better steering response too! The sound from the exhaust has left me deliberately hanging in gear and changing down to early to absorb the V8 rumble
All in all I would absolutely recommend APS. I arrived at
Pics will come and and when I get off my arse and the weather is nice
Thanks again all for the indepth feedback it persuaded me to go this route. No regrets!
Nice to meet you both on Wednesday, thanks for your feedback and I’m very pleased to hear your happy with the work carried out to your S5, makes a great improvement doesn’t it.
Speak to you soon and thanks again for visiting us.
Regards, Ed
'Great feedback Sherv and glad you're pleased - it really transforms the car and makes it what it, in my opinion, should have been from the outset.
I'll be interested in your longer-term impressions of the re-map. I know IanHP1 is getting ready to prise the readies out of his piggy-bank, and I may be tempted too - funny how cars seem to get slower after you've had them a little while.......
Ed's on the look out fro Brembo Sport replacement discs for Ian and I when they're released and I'm probably going to take the suspension to the next level with the KW KV3 coilovers when they available mid-May. Being typically fair, Ed's offered me a deal for the upgrade so once again, I can't praise their customer care highly enough!
Enjoy the ride and keep us up to date with your impressions. As Ian notes, a lot of people use this thread as a reference re. S5 mods!
Hi All, yes... definately going back to APS sometime soon to get the brake-lines upgraded with Goodrich Braided lines and performance brake fluid.
...Temted with the KW coilovers to be the 'ultimate' suspension upgrade, but as Ess5 says... I'm getting used to the blistering pace of the S5, so I'm also thinking of trying the remap.
...just counting the pennies up to see if I have to choose between them!All in all, APS have been very helpful at getting what information they can about mods and forthcoming performance parts. and as Ess5 says customer care is outstanding.
...As for another mini-meet at APS... I'd be up for that if I can coordinate with my modifications and if there's space in the day to fit me in too!
Ian.
+1
Thanks mate,
i will consider that as an option, curious to know how much better the ride would be rather than just the springs. no doubt someone will get it done before my car arrives!!!
Ed I like your idea. Im in 2 minds about the Miltek and really want to hear one before I make a decision. However if possible on that day you dedicate to us , there is an S5 with a miltek and I like it....would I be able to get it installed then to?
, there is an S5 with a miltek and I like it....would I be able to get it installed then to?
thanks for your reply on that. tbh i have never just done springs on previous cars, ive always done the dampers too. i have considered it on my A5 but really not sure. the 3.0tdi drivers seem happier with the results so im not sure the standard setup may suit or match the springs better.
that said i would prefer the KWs and look forward to your response. i may need to back out the lowering route at the moment as my costs are going thru the roof this year with a new A5, new house and getting married
i must be mad! stress? oh yes! lol
Now you're talking! Is the track wide enough for a hanful of A/S5s?'
...and we can all go Karting at Milton Keynes in the evening!
lol, definately not wide enough for any side by side action at Daytona unless you're determined to swop some paint
count me in though, i'll even try and have mine washed for the next 'meet' !!
Daytona website :http://www.daytona.co.uk/venues/miltonkeynes/index.html
The Daytona 60 format is definately worth a look, 10min qually followed by a 60 minute race...
count me in though, i'll even try and have mine washed for the next 'meet' !!
Daytona website :http://www.daytona.co.uk/venues/miltonkeynes/index.html
The Daytona 60 format is definately worth a look, 10min qually followed by a 60 minute race...
Count me in to guys. My friend would accompany me to. Im really considering getting the Miltek because I really believe the stock exhaust is too tame. Anyway lets see what the guys at APS can muster up and lets arrange a full day of it
Ok so we need to speak to Ed at APS see what his lead times are then get some idea of how many of us are up for the meet and when ?Count me in to guys. My friend would accompany me to. Im really considering getting the Miltek because I really believe the stock exhaust is too tame. Anyway lets see what the guys at APS can muster up and lets arrange a full day of it
Can anyone who is planning some mods and/or interested in making a day of it add your names below. Thanks...
Blade (Pete) S5....Milltek and Spacers.
121 - 140 of 169 Posts
