Joe's S3 build up

**jgribben** · 27-01-2015, 06:11 PM

Alright so better late than never decided to start a build thread about the S3

Bought June 2014

2002 S3 8L "facelift" model 150k on the clock Black with white (silver) interior (looked better in the photos)

Spent a while looking for one. Ended up flying to Sydney for it. Turns out it might not have been all it seemed.

Been having issues from day one with it but decided to stick with it and replace parts and improve on the car so that eventually it might be what I'd actually wanted in the first place.

First issue was the car bogging down under boost. Once it was back to Brisbane and a proper look under the bonnet the whole TIP was shredded so ordered a new one from badger5 along with a new filter.

got the car a proper service and oil flush then noticed the PCV system was also splitting and just in a really bad state. replaced some bits with forge silicone off ebay and other pipes straight from audi.

Seemed to be ok for a while but issue kept coming up.

Bought some roof racks off Richard from this forum, he managed to point out my roof rails were rusting. something I hadn't noticed yet. Had a bit of a read online, took it to Audi brisbane and after about 5 months of constant nagging they covered it under their anti corrosion warranty.

While it was in I got the coilpacks done thinking they might be the cause of my engine woes. No luck.

ARB Bushes went about a week after this, along with strut top mounts and a few other rubbers up front. Got them all replaced by Prestige and Performance just with stock audi stuff for now wasn't keen to harshen up the ride just yet. they had happy news for me that my AWD system wasn't working and had no idea why but that it was going to be expensive.

Wasn't overly happy with that result. By this point I'd moved house and the car was due another service so I took it into wayne park auto at milton got them to do spark plugs and fuel filter they noticed a brake switch was gone, replaced it and suddenly AWD back up and running!! Pretty good for a $35 fix

Tyres that were on the car were some budget brand so they're now shagged 6 months into owning it. And it's still not boosting properly. No more bogging down but it just doesn't seem to want to go at all. I get more boost when lifting off the accelerator than when I have my foot planted (air issue??)

Posted on here about my issue with the car and Gavin was kind enough to bring his computer down to brisbane airport and have a scan and the EGT sensor was gone. Did a dig around turned out it wasn't even plugged in so did that. Seemed to be ok but still not driving right.

Anyway it's drivable now just not quite what it should be and I'm lost for what to do next. Weird clunking from the front when turning and over bumps so I had the wheels off a week or two ago and my struts are on their way out along with the strut hats. So the engine is on hold for now. Coilovers are next. hopefully buying them this week and getting them fitted before lakeside on the 14th.

So now everyone is up to date on what has gone wrong. I look forward to every post from here on in being happy and about improving the car. I promise not to whinge about it.

**sports racer** · 28-01-2015, 12:16 AM

And I thought I had problems with my MK1 Golf.

Well done for persisting and (luckily) you've found how to fix some problems for a few dollars when someone has probably quoted big dollars to fix.

If you're after spare parts check out the For Sale section. Mick is selling all his S3 running gear for $1350.

98 Audi S3...

Cheers

Paul

**jgribben** · 28-01-2015, 08:06 AM

Coilovers bought!!!!

I went for AP ones direct from Germany. Good price and pretty good reviews. Now to get them fitted and fix that knock. Also need to do the steering rack bushes as they are knackered too.

Hopefully less than 2 weeks to get here

**jgribben** · 28-01-2015, 08:08 AM

Originally Posted by sports racer

And I thought I had problems with my MK1 Golf.

Well done for persisting and (luckily) you've found how to fix some problems for a few dollars when someone has probably quoted big dollars to fix.

If you're after spare parts check out the For Sale section. Mick is selling all his S3 running gear for $1350.

98 Audi S3...

Cheers

Paul

Thanks for that Paul. Yeh I did notice micks listing and it's a tempting thing to have a donor drive train. I'll keep an eye on it but bide my time for now and just go little by little.
Cheers

**jgribben** · 28-01-2015, 10:44 AM

better photo of the intake. and BMC filter. As of last night I took off the metal shielding around the filter as it didn't fit right and was stretching the connector on the MAF. I had the connector off earlier today and it looks in bad shape too, I'm guessing that bits of metal shouldn't fall out when I unplug it. But I don't have a MAF code coming up when it gets scanned...is it possible that it's not working correctly but not showing a code?

**sports racer** · 28-01-2015, 12:08 PM

Sounds like you need to track down an Audi specialist and have a word.

Jmac on this forum has this as his signature and he's in Brisbane too.

Alba European
Service, Diagnostics and repairs. Mobile Diag available on request
Audi/VW/Porsche Factory trained tech 25+ yrs exp
For people who value experience call 0423965341

**jgribben** · 28-01-2015, 02:51 PM

Originally Posted by sports racer

Sounds like you need to track down an Audi specialist and have a word.

Jmac on this forum has this as his signature and he's in Brisbane too.

Alba European
Service, Diagnostics and repairs. Mobile Diag available on request
Audi/VW/Porsche Factory trained tech 25+ yrs exp
For people who value experience call 0423965341

I'll give him a ring I think. I had gav look at it quickly once and he noted a few things to look at. I really need vagcom and take it for a spin and eliminate things one by one.

Also I had oil in my intake coming down from the dv connection. Normal? I can't find much info specific to it. But a little worried about that

**guile** · 28-01-2015, 04:29 PM

welcome to use my vcds cable mate when you come to look through the a3 parts. i'll let you know when i'm free, a bit hard to work out with working away sorry...

**jgribben** · 28-01-2015, 06:42 PM

Originally Posted by guile

welcome to use my vcds cable mate when you come to look through the a3 parts. i'll let you know when i'm free, a bit hard to work out with working away sorry...

I'll take you up on that offer Rich. All good I'm in no Hurry just taking everything slowly. On part time work currently so money will dictate me being able to get stuff repaired anyway. Cheers again though. Read through your a3 build thread recently. that thing was awesome haha.