Noob...and excited for my new RS6

[sweatnblood]

17719s
so here is my new RS6, she's got 80K on her clock and is bone stock. Has a new transmission and the timing belt has been changed if I remember correctly so that's 2 of the major items that I've been reading about that are problems. So of course I'm planning my upgrades...I'm talking to 034 as of right now and planning a transmission and engine tune, replacing the intercoolers ( I keep reading about them leaking) figured I'd just get that out of the way so I don't have to worry about leaks under boost...I'm thinking of dropping her down about a 1" and putting some hotchkis sway bars on her. My next question would be 19 or 18" rims...I would think the 18"s would have more tire options...I was reading but still trying to find a solid answer on size and width...so far seemed 8-9" wide would not be a issue with 265/275? or is that to wide of tire...thanks for any input...have a great day

[sweatnblood]

on a side note...I believe it has the sport exhaust with the black tips so is it worth the $$$ for a aftermarket and will it make that much more HP...thanks

[GreggPDX]

Congrats and welcome! To get started, I suggest spending some quality time reading past threads on this forum. There is a ton of good info and personal experiences out there. The best tip I've learned is to skip the forum search box, and use Google - "site:www.rs6.com" and whatever you are searching for. for example, "site:www.rs6.com wheel size". This will return a much better set of links than the internal search function.

Regarding wheel size, personally I think 19's fill the wheel-well better, and since many cars come with factory 19's now, the tire choices are plentiful. I also like 9" wide with a 275 width, but research the offset carefully. They should fit OK, but it's tight. There is also a little "nub" on the top of the front suspension aluminum upright that can rub into the sidewall. My front tires were destroyed by this, but it's fairly easy to grind off. It's pretty obvious when you look, but I can get a picture if it helps.

Gregg

[sweatnblood]

thanks for the info on the wheels...what side wall are on the 19's, I guess that was my main scare as to a skinny side wall and bumpy ride or easy damage if hitting a pothole...

[Other_Erik]

Congrats and welcome! as Gregg said, read up, read down, read sideways. Lots to learn, use google for search and don't be surprised if your first click for an rs6.com link gets you porn instead.

Good luck with the modding! If you don't mind me asking, how much did you pay? I'm trying to unload mine with a good amount of mods (KWV3, Hotchkis, extra winter wheel/tire set, K40 Radar/laser, RNS-E), but with 136k miles on the chassis, and just under 40k on the engine/trans/turbos, and have no bites at $16k, even with all the preventative maintenance I've done (seriously, an inch-and-a-half thick folder)...

O_E

[GreggPDX]

I'm running 255-35-19 and really like them. Bone stock suspension and ride is very good. I've never had a problem with potholes, but I honestly try very hard not to hit them!

For my next set, I'm going to take a hard look at 275-30-19, since I believe the sidewall height is similar.

[lswing]

Welcome! Sounds like you've read up on some good mods and features. Yes, the black tipped Sound Enhanced exhaust is a nice factory extra. You can upgrade the exhaust and ECU tune to get some more power and quicker boost without the cats in there, assuming no emissions, but turbo back is costly and maybe just 20-30 hp. 034 seems to be a good tune option these days. Keep in mind more power leads to quicker trans failure!

Personally I like the extra sidewall of the 18's, ride is fairly firm. I'd see how the car feels after new suspension and Hotchkis bars and then go from there.

Aftermarket intercoolers and new silicon hoses are always a good idea. There are some cheaper options besides Wagner...Apikol, SRM I think are two.

A few maintenance things to search/read about; Bufkin/coolant pipe replacement, cam adjuster pad failure, both not fun and costly. Keep about $3-5k around for maintenance. You'll find some general info from the website in my sig below.

[GreggPDX]

Congrats and welcome! as Gregg said, read up, read down, read sideways. Lots to learn, use google for search and don't be surprised if your first click for an rs6.com link gets you porn instead.

O_E

Yeah, seriously, will this ever get fixed? I just immediately hit the "back" button and re-click the link to fix it, but it's annoying. It also trips the content filter at my work, so I'm still waiting for HR to show up at my desk...

[sweatnblood]

I paid 16K, was a 2 owner both of which were older gentleman and like you mentioned had a folder of maintenance records, that and the transmission being new was a big deal for me because of what I was reading at the time. Timing belt was another thing that pretty much sold me on getting the car...I'm in CA so it's emissions for me...but I'm surprised that you have no bites...

[JayB]

Where in CA are you located?
(maybe update your profile so it'll show on the forum here).

Looks like in your photo it has WA plates?
No decent examples in the bay area or LA?

[mgmarsh39]

I'm running 19x9's with about a 3/4in drop. 255/35/19, and will get the occasional rub on the fender liner with big dips. The wheels are the stock offset, but I put 10mm spacers all around to flush everything up a bit.

17722

[sweatnblood]

I paid 16K, was a 2 owner both of which were older gentleman and like you mentioned had a folder of maintenance records, that and the transmission being new was a big deal for me because of what I was reading at the time. Timing belt was another thing that pretty much sold me on getting the car...I'm in CA so it's emissions for me...but I'm surprised that you have no bites...

There was one really nice RS in San Diego with the usual mods and 77K but was asking 29K so I guess he will be keeping that car...lol...everything had high milage, and I was originally looking for S4 but came across this RS and it seemed like a good deal...I have updated my profile...sorry about that

[sweatnblood]

I'm running 19x9's with about a 3/4in drop. 255/35/19, and will get the occasional rub on the fender liner with big dips. The wheels are the stock offset, but I put 10mm spacers all around to flush everything up a bit.

17722
Those look nice