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Took me awhile to get it adjusted properly (no reverse gear the first time around ), but eventually found some guidelines on JHM's short shifter install video and it went without a breeze.
It's essentially a re-designed OEM shifter, but better designed (new shifter pivot point, 30% shorter throws, and refreshed bushings)
For anybody who's driven a B5 S4, they know how bad the feel / shifter quality is as they age ... this is definitely the best money I've spent so far
Took me awhile to get it adjusted properly (no reverse gear the first time around ), but eventually found some guidelines on JHM's short shifter install video and it went without a breeze.
It's essentially a re-designed OEM shifter, but better designed (new shifter pivot point, 30% shorter throws, and refreshed bushings)
For anybody who's driven a B5 S4, they know how bad the feel / shifter quality is as they age ... this is definitely the best money I've spent so far
I'm pretty sure a Jeep Wrangler had shorter throws than your S4 in stock form...
I couldn't imagine the amount of work that car has done to it ... a claimed 1100hp means *everything* is built up.
As for my car, I've done a lot of preventative maintenance and I feel the reliability speaks for itself; I've had little issues ... and if I did, it was caused by me installing a part improperly. Not a single CEL has popped since June
My main concern is, once I start adding power .. I change a lot of variables and I could be in for a bumpy road getting it running like it is now.
Nothing but headaches from Silly Rabbit Motorsports ...
To summarize events:
- Purchased some SRM RS4+ turbochargers w/ inlets from Silly Rabbit Motorsports on 3/2/17
- I received them dead on arrival on 3/20/17. Rather than offering a replacement turbochargers, he shipped me replacement wastegate actuator that requires additional calibration done by the manufacturer - I purchased a MityVac to do this myself.
- I got the replacement part on 3/27 and went to go test the identical part on the second turbo which also came DOA. I reached out to SRM and he said he would ship me a replacement on 4/4.
- I shipped back the broken wastegates on 4/12. I messaged him on 4/12 and did not get a response until 4/17/2017 after threatening to file a Paypal claim.
After a few text messages, I decided enough is enough .. I filed a claim with Paypal and I'm getting my money back and going with some Frankenturbo F21s or remanufactured Borgwarner K04s.
Message to seller:
I was heated and don't worry, I'm not sending the turbos back until I get my card refunded.
Who would have thought ordering shit would be order than installing it?
0/10 would not deal with again and would not recommend him to ANYBODY.
Damn that is horrible. Certainly are some terrible places out there. Also crazy they wouldn't have pressure tested the second set once they knew your first set came DOA. Total lack of regard for the customer at all is not acceptable one bit. I would trash them all over all the forums of cars they sell parts at.
Damn that is horrible. Certainly are some terrible places out there. Also crazy they wouldn't have pressure tested the second set once they knew your first set came DOA. Total lack of regard for the customer at all is not acceptable one bit. I would trash them all over all the forums of cars they sell parts at.
In SRM's defense, I'm sure they were quality tested before leaving his shop ... although the shipping from Las Vegas to San Diego killed both wastegates - shit luck? Absolutely. Could have packed it better? Maybe.
I'm frustrated with how this was handled - Every step of the way was pulling teeth.
I had 2 strangers from the B5 Facebook group private message me and recommend that I file a claim to get his attention ...
Hilarious to see him back pedaling and apologizing for the delays ... I'll take my $1700 and spend it somewhere else.
I dunno, man... If they fail that easily, do you really want them on your car in the first place? Something tells me they should be able to handle a fair amount of abuse... I mean, an engine rocks back and forth all the time. The heat, the suspension bumps, etc.... Shipping in a foam packaged box shouldn't result in their demise. And if it does, he should be shipping them as a "fragile" package.
I dunno, man... If they fail that easily, do you really want them on your car in the first place? Something tells me they should be able to handle a fair amount of abuse... I mean, an engine rocks back and forth all the time. The heat, the suspension bumps, etc.... Shipping in a foam packaged box shouldn't result in their demise. And if it does, he should be shipping them as a "fragile" package.
I agree with you, but the point of failure was the wastegate barbs where it receives positive pressure - With the right amount of force, they can be bent .. since the box was 27 pounds, it doesn't surprise me. Go figure, there wasn't even a fragile sticker on it.
There are nice turbo options for the S4 - I spoke with a guy last weekend who had a Frankenturbo build still chugging along at 50,000 miles ... just depends what set I find first and I'll be ready.
If you look at any other external wastegate actuators, they very much have the same design .. looks identical in some cases.
In the end, it would have saved me a lot of trouble had he packed & wrapped them up a bit better and took more precaution ...
Going back and looking at the part design a small plastic, wood, or cardboard piece wedged between it and the top would have kept it from being pushed down. That with a few wraps of bubble wrap and nothing should damage it. I do see that on a car there would not be much if any force applied to that area.
But again you are being too nice with the fact he failed to package them right either time.
No huge updates as of now, but I thought I'd post some progress:
New F21 turbos are on the way with inlets, hardware, and other goodies. I won't have the clutch, intercoolers, and other prep parts for the motor pull for quite some time ... fiance and I are picking up a truck soon so funds are currently wrapped up in that.
The S4 needed some new tires and honestly, I love the B6 S4 wheels ... but I was getting bored with them and the condition was less than satisfactory (especially the center wheel caps). Browsing Craigslist, I scooped up some Axis XM 18x8 +35 wheels w/ pretty much brand new Continental DW 235/40/18s for $600.
I should have them fully mounted up next week, the cone seated lugs I purchased are 30mm .. just a tad too long and they're rubbing against the spindle up front
Dude, those wheels = Teh teets. Love the Aud-esque look of them. Maybe I'm a little biased having hyper gray wheels on blue too, but wow, they look perfect!
Dude, those wheels = Teh teets. Love the Aud-esque look of them. Maybe I'm a little biased having hyper gray wheels on blue too, but wow, they look perfect!
Did we just become best friends?
Crazy how similar our cars are .... I swear I didn't plan it that way! Only time will tell ... maybe you'll see some RT badging on my car when it's complete
Excited to see the power progress!
