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In typical Audi fashion, it didn't take long for my first problem to come up. I noticed on our weekly trip to Costco that the A/C wasn't kicking on. I'm so glad I got the OBDEleven scanner as I was able to find out the problem while waiting in the Costco gas line. If you don't have a OBDEleven, it is so worth it. You get everything the VCDS (VagCom) has, but in a easy format. The faults I got were 00457 & 00256:  The part I needed was an A/C Pressure Switch (Part Number: 4H0959126B)
The install was super easy. Just remove the black plastic tray that sits over the top of the radiator and A/C condenser. This is the same tray/cover that is in between both headlights in the engine bay. Next, look down just behind the front grill on the driver side and you should see this:  You do need a 24mm wrench or super deep socket. Simply remove it counter clock wise. If you are using a socket you will need to unplug the electrical connector. Once it is nearly off you should here a small "phsss" for a second. That is just a small amount of refrigerant coming out, but it is ok. Now if you hear a ton coming out more than a few seconds, well, you just lost your refrigerant and you got another valve that needs to be replaced (sorry).
At this point, just go in reverse order and install the new switch. Done. Enjoy have working A/C! As I had no idea when they were last replaced I figure it would be a good time. As well after chatting with EPL after everything was flashed it was recommended to replace the spark plugs. I went with the NGK PFR8S8EG gapped to 0.026" per their recommendation.
The install was very similar to my previous B5 S4. I had to move the coolant reservoir and stock air box out of the way to get to the coils, but wow are the coils a pain in the butt to pry out. I thought for sure I was going to break them trying to get them out. With the old plugs out they actually weren't in too bad of shape, but as I was already here I replaced them anyway. Nothing too exciting with this post, but it is one less item to replace. Honestly, I'm not sure why so many people are a fan of this filter, but as it is a little cheaper than a K&N filter (at the time), I figure I would give it a try. Installation went smooth, but I don't really feel a difference. It certainly makes the supercharger even louder. So I'm happy with that.
Amazon will say this filter doesn't fit, but it does. Below is the link: https://amzn.to/2EJBWPH Stage 1 EPL engine tune and DSG tune has been successfully flashed today. EPL has awesome services, so I highly recommend them. The DSG feel so much snappier, as for the engine tune, the S4 is still going through the adaption phase so I'm not going to judge just get. As well EPL suggested I get some new plugs so I got those on order. Next, I got my ECS Tuning Carbon Fiber Intake boot/pipe installed. This is connected to to my ported air box so it is not a true open air intake. I love the look of that carbon fiber in the engine bay. I had my daughter record this video so I apologize for the shake, I scared her a few times while revving it. From within the cabin the the supercharge whine is noticeable, but not over the top. I've heard that any new intake takes a few weeks for the sound to get louder so we will see how loud it gets. If there is anything I am really missing right now is my exhaust from my old B5 S4. I don't think it was the best sounding exhaust, but it was way better than stock. Loud enough to hear the car, but no drone, and did not annoy the neighbors.
This B8 S4 is stupid quiet and it takes the fun out of switching it in manual mode as you can't tell when to shift unless you are watching the RPM's. So... I know the AWE Touring kit is highly recommended, but good lord, $2k is pricey. Should I save up or go custom? Comment and let me know. It is disappointing how much Audi muffled the supercharger.... so, a ECS Carbon Fiber intake boot is on the way to fix that problem. I've already ported the air box. I can't feel any difference, nor do I hear one, but we will see.  Image source: ECS Tuning (link) Next, EPL (European Performance Labs) was kind enough to extend their "Back to School" sale for me and I have a Stage 1 and TCU (aka DSG) tune in the mail. I'm super excited to feel the difference. More updates coming this weekend! From my 97 VW Jetta VR6, to 2001 B5 S4, and now to my 2013 B8 S4 the first thing I do is always port out my stock air box. It seem like all newer cars the air box gets bigger but the intake to allow the air into the box gets smaller. In any case I cut out about 3-4 square inches of the box on the back passenger side of the box. Also on the front side I added about 20 or so 1/4 inch wide holes. While I was in here I check the air filter but it looks like the dealer I bought it from installed as new one as it was extremely clean.
Any difference in power? No not really, but I was mainly doing this to increase the sound of the super charger as this was recommend. I can hear the super charger ever so slightly now, I still need to get a new intake boot to really increase the the sound. Just got it today.... more pics and details to come...   Well my B5 S4 was sold tonight, so the search for a b8.5 S4 is in full swing. Time to put on my negotiator hat.
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