I really like to plan out my builds and I am a HP junkie. Every time I buy a fast car I just have to push it farther. It is much easier in the American car world and I have built several 700+ RWHP cars and a couple over a 1000. Cobras and Corvettes are simple machines and easy to enhance. If you run into an issue there is a HUGE resource pool to help solve it and parts are plentiful. This beast, well shes a whole new animal to me. I had NEVER seen one on the road and mine was the first I had ever touched. When I first sat in her the first time my trousers twitched and it was love at first site. I really like how to most its just a gussied up Passat. Even a couple of my customers saw it sitting there and commented on the color but figured it was just another 6 banger FWD family sedan. I am just fine with that. Makes the butthurt better when you destroy them.
She has been gone over stem to stern and every issue has been addressed and shes been fully serviced. The car is in excellent shape and after I just enjoy her how she is until spring I do have much in store for her. I want to make her one of the fastest out there without tearing into the engine. I want it to be a semi-hypercar. I realize 1000hp is out of reach without some serious engine work but still am unsure of what the motor can take before something lets loose so will continue to research that. I do realize the transmission is the weakest link and I wish to start planning for an enhanced version when I get ready for the big boy toys.
I do not want a stick. I want the car to stay an automatic but a capable one. So first let me lay out the plan and then I hope to get some ideas for a bulletproof drive-train.
Now:
1. Get car back from Audi and do 3rd gear pull data log and figure out what tune I have plus access the TCU to see if its been opened and chipped.
2. New IC hoses and clamps as mine are OEM and looking tired.
3. Just enjoy it for a while and stop worrying.
6-12 months:
1. Larger Intercoolers. Not sure if going with Wagner (nice looking complete kit), Apikol or SMR. I am leaning to the SMR due to price and they look great.
2. Meth Injection. Again, unsure of which one but most likely Snow or AEM. I like the 5 gallon AEM tank so I dont have to remember to fill it all the time.
3. Push tune a bit more
4. Apikol diff mount.
5. Forge Diverters
12-24 months:
1. Order the best turbo kit that can be suggested (or afforded)
2. Order all fuel system upgrades like injectors and pump
3. Trans overhaul/replacement
4. Install after all collected
5. Scare some passengers
So now that we have an idea of what order I plan to do this I need to figure out what to do about the transmission. I have looked at the level10 and they seem like a good setup for $4300 and can handle 700HP. As stated before, not sure how far I can push the engine without going inside but I assume its right around 700hp. The debate then becomes do I just send mine in for the level10 upgrade or spend $2000 more and then sell mine assuming I don't hurt it if its worth $2000 or more?
As an alternative my transmission guy said it will run me $3000 for him to rebuild it but that would be all stock stuff. Are there places that sell beefed up parts to help with the weak links in the trans? I know a few guys in the American crowd that have sent off some of their parts like the input and output shaft and a few other common weak metal parts for cryogenic treatment (not sure on cost) and now have 4R70Ws and 4L80Es that handle 1500+hp without issue where as 1000-1200hp is normally their limits.
Any thoughts on that?
What about the rest of the drivetrain? Are there stronger axles or driveshafts out there or are they even needed?
So with proper cooling, turbos that can make much more boost without turning into flame pumps, proper fuel system and whatever other cooling upgrades I discover, does anyone know just how far HP wise the engine can be pushed? Not looking to go to 100% of its limits. Need a little margin for error so for example if it can handle 700 max I would only want to push to 650. Cars are so rare and so few try to get everything out of them it is kind of hard to find what its limitations are online.
And just because a little inspiration never hurts........