When it comes to enhancing the performance of an Audi S4, enthusiasts often seek the perfect balance between power, handling, and reliability. The Audi S4 is already a well-engineered machine with a strong performance pedigree, but for those looking to push the limits and unlock the car’s full potential.
There are numerous performance upgrades available. In this article, we will explore the best performance upgrades for the Audi S4 that will elevate your driving experience to new heights.
ECU Tuning and Software Upgrades
The first and most effective step in improving the performance of your Audi S4 is through ECU tuning. The Engine Control Unit (ECU) governs the engine’s behavior, including fuel delivery, ignition timing, and boost pressure.
Custom ECU tuning allows you to adjust these parameters to optimize power output and throttle response.
Benefits of ECU Tuning:
- Increased horsepower and torque: Depending on the stage of the tune, power gains can range from 20 to 100 horsepower.
- Improved throttle response: A more immediate and aggressive throttle response makes the car feel more lively and responsive.
- Better fuel efficiency: Optimized tuning can also lead to better fuel consumption under normal driving conditions.
Popular tuning companies like APR, Unitronic, and Revo offer stage 1, stage 2, and even stage 3 ECU tunes for the Audi S4, each providing progressively higher levels of performance.
Performance Exhaust Systems
A high-performance exhaust system is another essential upgrade for your Audi S4. The stock exhaust system is designed to meet emissions and noise regulations, which often compromises performance. Upgrading to an aftermarket exhaust system can provide a host of benefits.
Advantages of Upgrading the Exhaust:
- Increased power: A free-flowing exhaust reduces backpressure, allowing the engine to breathe more efficiently, resulting in increased horsepower and torque.
- Enhanced sound: A performance exhaust gives the S4 a more aggressive and sporty exhaust note, enhancing the auditory experience.
- Weight reduction: Many aftermarket exhausts are lighter than stock, contributing to a slight reduction in overall vehicle weight.
Options like cat-back and turbo-back exhaust systems from brands such as Milltek, AWE Tuning, and Borla are popular choices among Audi S4 owners.
Cold Air Intake Systems
To complement your exhaust and tuning upgrades, installing a cold air intake system is a great way to improve your S4’s performance. A cold air intake increases the amount of cooler, denser air entering the engine, which helps to boost power output.
Why Choose a Cold Air Intake?
- Increased horsepower: By allowing more air into the engine, a cold air intake can boost power by up to 15 horsepower.
- Improved throttle response: With more air available, the engine can react more quickly to throttle inputs, providing sharper acceleration.
- Enhanced engine sound: A cold air intake often results in a more pronounced engine growl, particularly under hard acceleration.
Brands like K&N, Eventuri, and Integrated Engineering offer high-quality cold air intake systems specifically designed for the Audi S4.
Upgraded Turbochargers
For those seeking serious power gains, upgrading the turbochargers is a must. The Audi S4 comes equipped with a turbocharged engine, and while the stock turbos are efficient, they have their limitations when it comes to high-performance driving.
Benefits of Turbo Upgrades:
- Significant power increase: Larger or hybrid turbos can deliver substantial power gains, with some setups pushing the S4 to over 500 horsepower.
- Improved acceleration: Turbo upgrades typically result in much stronger mid-range and top-end performance, leading to quicker 0-60 times and higher top speeds.
- Enhanced durability: High-performance turbos are designed to withstand increased boost levels, making them more reliable under extreme conditions.
Companies like APR, TTE, and Pure Turbos offer various turbo upgrade kits for the Audi S4, ranging from mild upgrades to full high-performance setups.
Suspension Upgrades
Power is only part of the equation when it comes to performance driving. To fully utilize the power of your Audi S4, you need a suspension system that can handle the increased speeds and cornering forces.
Key Suspension Upgrades:
- Coilover kits: Coilovers offer adjustable ride height and damping settings, allowing you to fine-tune the suspension for both daily driving and track use.
- Sway bars: Upgraded sway bars reduce body roll during cornering, improving the car’s handling and stability.
- Performance bushings: Replacing the stock rubber bushings with polyurethane or solid bushings enhances steering precision and suspension response.
Brands like KW, Bilstein, and H&R offer high-performance suspension components that significantly improve the Audi S4’s handling characteristics.
Brake System Upgrades
With increased power and speed comes the need for better braking performance. Upgrading the brake system on your Audi S4 ensures that you can safely and effectively slow down or stop the vehicle under all driving conditions.
Brake Upgrade Options:
- Big brake kits: These kits include larger, more powerful calipers and rotors, providing greater stopping power and resistance to brake fade.
- Performance brake pads: Upgrading to high-friction brake pads improves initial bite and overall braking performance.
- Stainless steel brake lines: Replacing the stock rubber lines with stainless steel lines reduces brake pedal sponginess and improves pedal feel.
Brembo, StopTech, and EBC Brakes are well-known brands that offer comprehensive brake upgrade solutions for the Audi S4.
Lightweight Wheels and High-Performance Tires
Wheels and tires are often overlooked in performance upgrades, but they play a crucial role in the overall driving experience. Lightweight wheels reduce unsprung weight, improving acceleration, braking, and handling. Paired with high-performance tires, they ensure that your Audi S4 can effectively transfer power to the road.
Benefits of Upgrading Wheels and Tires:
- Improved acceleration and braking: Reducing unsprung weight with lightweight wheels leads to quicker acceleration and better braking performance.
- Enhanced grip: High-performance tires provide better traction, especially in aggressive driving situations.
- Better handling: The combination of lightweight wheels and sticky tires improves cornering ability and overall stability.
Brands like BBS, OZ Racing, and Michelin offer top-tier wheels and tires that can significantly enhance your Audi S4’s performance.
Upgraded Intercoolers
To maintain consistent power output, especially during extended periods of hard driving, an upgraded intercooler is essential. The stock intercooler can become heat-soaked during prolonged use, leading to a decrease in performance. An aftermarket intercooler provides better cooling, ensuring that your engine runs at optimal temperatures.
Why an Upgraded Intercooler is Important:
- Reduced intake temperatures: A more efficient intercooler lowers the temperature of the air entering the engine, which helps to prevent power loss due to heat soak.
- Sustained performance: With cooler intake air, the engine can maintain peak performance for longer periods, especially during track sessions or spirited driving.
- Increased reliability: By keeping the engine cooler, an upgraded intercooler can also contribute to the overall longevity of your engine.
Wagner Tuning, CTS Turbo, and Forge Motorsport are among the top manufacturers offering high-performance intercoolers for the Audi S4.
Conclusion
Upgrading your Audi S4 is a journey that can yield impressive results, transforming an already capable sports sedan into a high-performance machine. Whether you’re looking for increased power, improved handling, or better braking, there’s an upgrade available to suit your needs. ECU tuning, exhaust systems, cold air intakes, turbochargers, suspension, brakes, wheels, tires, and intercoolers are all crucial components to consider when enhancing the performance of your Audi S4.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most effective performance upgrade for my Audi S4?
The most effective performance upgrade for your Audi S4 is typically ECU tuning. By reprogramming the Engine Control Unit, you can significantly increase horsepower, torque, and throttle response, making it one of the best value-for-money upgrades.
Will upgrading the exhaust system void my Audi S4’s warranty?
In many cases, upgrading the exhaust system can void portions of your Audi S4’s warranty, particularly related to the exhaust and emissions systems. However, some manufacturers offer warranty-friendly exhaust upgrades, and there are also aftermarket warranties that cover modified vehicles.
How much horsepower can I expect to gain from a cold air intake on my Audi S4?
A cold air intake can typically add 10 to 15 horsepower to your Audi S4, depending on the specific system and other modifications made to the car.
Do I need to upgrade my suspension if I increase my Audi S4’s power?
Yes, upgrading your suspension is recommended if you increase your Audi S4’s power. More power means greater speed and forces during cornering and braking, which can overwhelm the stock suspension. Coilovers, sway bars, and performance bushings can help maintain handling and stability.
What is the difference between a cat-back and a turbo-back exhaust system?
A cat-back exhaust system includes the piping from the catalytic converter to the exhaust tips, while a turbo-back system replaces everything from the turbocharger to the exhaust tips. Turbo-back systems generally provide more power gains but are more complex to install.
Are turbo upgrades safe for daily driving in an Audi S4?
Turbo upgrades can be safe for daily driving if done correctly. It’s important to choose a turbo that matches your driving needs and to have it installed and tuned by a professional to ensure reliability and longevity.
How can I improve my Audi S4’s braking performance?
Improving your Audi S4’s braking performance can be achieved by upgrading to a big brake kit, which includes larger rotors and more powerful calipers, and by using performance brake pads and stainless steel brake lines.
Will lightweight wheels improve my Audi S4’s fuel efficiency?
Yes, lightweight wheels reduce unsprung weight, which can improve fuel efficiency slightly, along with enhancing acceleration, braking, and handling.
How does an upgraded intercooler benefit my Audi S4?
An upgraded intercooler benefits your Audi S4 by lowering the intake air temperature, preventing heat soak, and allowing the engine to maintain peak performance for longer periods, especially under hard driving conditions.
Can I combine multiple performance upgrades at once for my Audi S4?
Yes, combining multiple performance upgrades such as ECU tuning, exhaust, intake, and suspension upgrades can yield even greater improvements in your Audi S4’s performance. However, it’s crucial to ensure that all components are compatible and that the car is professionally tuned to optimize these upgrades.
