Originally Posted by
JettaGLi16v
-Are there any places to source a belly pan for less than $500?
Not that I could ever find. The belly pan is specific to the RS6 with different cut outs. Crazy thing costs about $600 new.
-Screws for the airbox: Mine are rusty. I haven't pulled one yet, but is this just a standard fastener I can order in SS from McMaster-Carr or wherever?
I don't recall those screws being anything special, pull one out and check with Audi Dealer.
-VC's are weeping, though they were replaced about 5k miles ago seems like it's a semi-common issue? Should I try to tighten the bolts? Just tighter, or is there a torque spec?
Those have to be done just right, clean the surfaces well, I had to have mine redone after finding another leak. You can buy an entire kit with all the seals for the cam seals etc. Don't skimp on VC gaskets, get the Audi part.
-One intercooler is weeping, so I need Wagners, right?
Small leaks are not a big deal. You can seal it with JB weld. New IC is about $700 and the labor is about 600000 hours.
-My LCD in the cluster is fading when hot (super common, I know) has anyone tried the ColorMFA? It seems pretty cool!
Lots of youtube on replacing the faded central display. Look pretty easy to DIY.
-Should I be changing trans fluid now? every factory service has been done, but I didn't see that as a factory recommended service. If I should, I want Fuchs Titan Sinto something, right? Thought I saw that somewhere.
Audi says never change it. In fact BMW says the same thing. I had a leaking seal on my transmission at about 50k, had the torque converter changed at 102,000 miles and had the engine stripped out for an oil leak at 140,000 miles. So my transmission fluid was changed three times. When I sold it it has 142,000 miles on it and the transmission was fine. No hiccups. So I guess, changing the fluid is worth it (if done correctly).
-My car has the Sound Enhancing Exhaust option. To my understanding, an aftermarket exhaust won't really net any additional power, but makes fun noises? If so, I'll probably leave it. She's a sleeper for a reason. I half want to put an A6 or S6 badge on it, but put it on slightly crooked and see if anyone notices.
SEE is great. Had that. Loud enough for me.
-I need to go through all vacuum hoses. I can see the one on the EGR has started to degrade. Are there any other rubber type things I should definitely replace at this interval? If it wasn't in the factory service manual, it hasn't really been done. I assume standard 5mm german vac hose is fine?
I got a mile of silicone vacuum tubing from ECS and replace all of mine at about 40,000 miles. All the replaced tubes were AOK at 140,000 miles.
-Does anyone other than 034 make a tip chip? I emailed MTM, and got no response, and I even emailed them in German! Does the tip chip adversely impact longevity of the trans?
MTM transmission chip is excellent. MTM in Montreal Canada can do it with over night mailing. They used to charge $100.00
EDIT: Forgot one!
-The headliner has a 2-3 spots the size of the palm of my hand where it has dropped. Any recourse that does not involve pulling the headliner? If I have to pull it, can I peel back the alcantara and re-glue it?
THAT SUCKS. Mine was sagging and I could just cry. Repairing that is a PITA big time.