Digital_hoon's Built LS7, 8.8 IRS, T56 Magnum - MB FD

[karsty]

I completely hate you now lol.  My two favorite things...an LS7 FD and a B7 Audi RS4.  I'm torn between swapping my all original 19k mile R1 or buying another RS4(had one before but sold it and now regret doing so).  I'm not baller like you so I can't have both.

I will be keeping a close eye on this buid as well!

haha! Thanks man! Probably not as baller as you think though. The RS4 has definitely slowed down the swap, but it puts a smile on my face every time I drive it. You can have both, be like me and just take a year to get the engine pieced together and built. lol. What year/color RS4 did you have?

We'll see what the wife says lol.  '07 Imola Yellow.

[jax04]

Looks good.  Probably my Favorite color besides black on the FD

[digital_hoon]

I've been out to Woodward before, but my car isn't done.  My DD isn't the best woodware car, better for the dirt (wrx).  There is a yellow FD with an LQ9 out by you.  When I get mine on the street maybe I'll have to stop by....

Ah, you can have any car and show up during the summer. I'll definitely want to see yours when it's done! You have an idea of when it'll be ready?

We'll see what the wife says lol.  '07 Imola Yellow.

lol, nice! Just tell her you need the rear heated seats for the possibility of little ones. 

I already made the girlfriend promise she won't complain about me dumping money into the RX7 until it makes 700 wheel (assuming we get married). I figure I just won't go higher than 690 so she can't say anything.

awesome! looks great man, LOVE the rs4

Thanks man!

Looks good.  Probably my Favorite color besides black on the FD

Thanks! I originally wanted a white FD, but I'm happy I ended up with MB. The color travel is crazy.

[karsty]

lol, nice! Just tell her you need the rear heated seats for the possibility of little ones. 

I already made the girlfriend promise she won't complain about me dumping money into the RX7 until it makes 700 wheel (assuming we get married). I figure I just won't go higher than 690 so she can't say anything.

haha good idea.  I assume you plan on doing some sort of forced induction with a goal of 700whp?

[digital_hoon]

haha good idea.  I assume you plan on doing some sort of forced induction with a goal of 700whp?

You're gonna make me ruin all the surprises. haha. Maybe some nitrous later on down the road.

I have a buddy with a C6 Z06 and very similar engine build. He'll be spraying it this summer so I figure I can let him experiment and then determine if I want to move forward with it. I want to get my N/A setup running before thinking that far ahead.

[TS motorsport]

Everything looks good! What are your plans with the motor? Forced induction or spray? The stock block on the LS7 can handle a good amount of power. Nice RS4, any plans for that thing? Tune? I will be following your build, this looks to be promising. 

[digital_hoon]

Everything looks good! What are your plans with the motor? Forced induction or spray? The stock block on the LS7 can handle a good amount of power. Nice RS4, any plans for that thing? Tune? I will be following your build, this looks to be promising. 

Thanks man! haha, you and Karsty read my mind. I'm thinking of spraying it, but not until its running in N/A form first. I'm sure going from 300 to 600hp will keep me satisfied for awhile.

I'd love to do the JHM exhaust and tune on the RS4, but I'm trying to get the RX7 done first. I just got a CEL on the RS4 for an O2 sensor that went bad so I'll probably just gut the pre-cats when I switch the sensor out. As good as the stock exhaust sounds, it can always use a little more growl.

[digital_hoon]

So I've been thinking and since I'll have the car apart, I'm wondering if I should go ahead and upgrade bushings.

The chassis has around 55,XXX miles on it, but I know it sat for awhile (probably outside) before I bought it.

Is it worth the money to pick up a SuperPro or Powerflex kit? While I'm asking questions...what/if any sway bars do you guys run?

[quinns]

I can't pipe in on the sway bars because I'm still running stock but if you have it apart I'd do the bushings. Just from time they have likely deteriorated if they are the factory rubber. I bought SuperPro's and am quite happy with them. Have ran Powerflex in a previous car and was happy with them too. I think they're both a quality product. Check your pillow balls as well while you're in there.

[karsty]

I'd love to do the JHM exhaust and tune on the RS4, but I'm trying to get the RX7 done first. I just got a CEL on the RS4 for an O2 sensor that went bad so I'll probably just gut the pre-cats when I switch the sensor out. As good as the stock exhaust sounds, it can always use a little more growl.

Good plan with the JHM exhaust and tune.  They just released the production version of their exhaust right after I sold my RS. Doh!  The best tune and best performing exhaust out there.  Are you a member of audirevolution.net?  Solid members and they know their stuff. Much like this forum.

[digital_hoon]

I can't pipe in on the sway bars because I'm still running stock but if you have it apart I'd do the bushings. Just from time they have likely deteriorated if they are the factory rubber. I bought SuperPro's and am quite happy with them. Have ran Powerflex in a previous car and was happy with them too. I think they're both a quality product. Check your pillow balls as well while you're in there.

Thanks for the info! Yah, I figure I might as well do the bushings while its all assembled. It'll be a little while before I get the subframe ordered so they'll keep me busy. I'll probably go with the SuperPro's, although both brands seems to have great feedback. I'll be sure to check out the pillow balls as well.

Good plan with the JHM exhaust and tune.  They just released the production version of their exhaust right after I sold my RS. Doh!  The best tune and best performing exhaust out there.  Are you a member of audirevolution.net?  Solid members and they know their stuff. Much like this forum.

It was destiny telling you to buy another. haha. I wasn't familiar with audirevolution until this morning when I saw your post (Luckily it's slow this morning at work, haha). I just registered over there (same username). I have a couple buddies that know the guy who helped develop the JHM Tune (who happens to be local) so I need to get introduced to him. I'm planning a road-trip with the girlfriend that just happens to pass through the Tail of the Dragon so I might cave with giving the RS4 some parts/attention.

[XLR8]

I have the full Power Flex with new pillowballs.  It will transform your car.  55k is low but it is now 20 years old as well.  Ultimately,  I would replace all pillowballs as well.  It may seem excessive but the suspension all leans on its congruent components.   This is an epic build, it deserves fresh suspension.  The OEM bars are more than adequate for street shredding and light road course use.  If you get more serious, then I would recommend Racing Beat.

[digital_hoon]

Good to know XLR8. Thanks for the info. Have you ever ridden/driven in an FD with the Superpro's? They're a good bit cheaper and I've heard they feel very similar to the powerflex's. I just don't want anything to be too jarring on these Michigan streets, although I'm sure that will rely more on my dampening settings.

Now...for some updates!

I was able to get a buddy to come help me finish pulling the engine/tranny.

[attach=1]

And all clear of the car.

[attach=2]

While I had his help I went ahead and pulled off the rear end as well.

[attach=3]

Looking awfully empty now. I'll probably wait until next weekend to pull off the front subframe and suspension.

[attach=4]

[attach=5]

Since the engine/tranny/harness are spoken for, I'll take off the turbos/downpipe so I can get those sold. I will also have a HKS exhaust and mid-pipe to free up some funds. Me and a buddy will be fabricating a titanium exhaust for the car.  Still need to decide if I'm going to do an e-cutout so I can determine piping size. Is 4" necessary compared to 3.5"?

Here's the piping.

[attach=6]

[XLR8]

I have not driven in, or dealt with the SuperPro's.  I do hear good things with fitment though.  I totally agree with you depending on dampening.  I have the poly bushings all the way around with Apexi 7-way shocks sitting on Eibach Pro-kit springs.  I LOVE the ride.  The Apexi's even have a 4 way notched housing to adjust the perch, which helps with the height a bit.  I personally think it's a great upgrade.  My FD rides very well, even on rough roads. 

Progress is looking good!!  Wise to drop the rear subframe as well.  Much easier to work with.  Looking forward to more updates

Sorry if I missed it, have you decided on an ECU? 

[digital_hoon]

I have not driven in, or dealt with the SuperPro's.  I do hear good things with fitment though.  I totally agree with you depending on dampening.  I have the poly bushings all the way around with Apexi 7-way shocks sitting on Eibach Pro-kit springs.  I LOVE the ride.  The Apexi's even have a 4 way notched housing to adjust the perch, which helps with the height a bit.  I personally think it's a great upgrade.  My FD rides very well, even on rough roads. 

Progress is looking good!!  Wise to drop the rear subframe as well.  Much easier to work with.  Looking forward to more updates

Sorry if I missed it, have you decided on an ECU?

Good to hear! I'm on eibach springs with koni yellow's (has the 3 height perches) so we probably have a very similar setup.

ECU - I think I'm going to go with the Holley HP or Dominator series. That would allow me to run a racepak dash with 1 wire and save some headache. If I go drive by wire, or use more than 4 input/outsputs -  I'll need the dominator series.

I'm just not sure if it's overkill for my application. Do you guys run drive by wire or cable throttle? I need to do some more research, but what input/outputs would I be using for the ECU? Obviously wideband, but I'm not sure what else.

Got this reply on the Holley forums.

"Yes. If you don't want/need dual WBO2 sensors, more than 4 Inputs & Outputs, Drive-By-Wire throttle body or electronic transmission control; the HP EFI System will suit you fine.
http://www.holley.com/data/TechServi...ifferences.pdf (HP & Dominator ECU Differences) "