VASK Forum (VW Audi SportKlub of NZ)

AUDI => 80 - 90 - Coupe - quattro - S2 - RS 2 => Topic started by: Salty on November 26, 2009, 11:20:40 AM

Title: '94 S4
Post by: Salty on November 26, 2009, 11:20:40 AM
So I'm settling into Melbourne and looking to buy a car.  They don't really have S2s here and the NZ RS2 recently traded hands for 100K.  So if any of you RS2 owners want to make money out of your car - then come to Aussie with it.
Anyway - what they do have is plenty of '94 S4 manuals.  There are 2 here for sale - unadvertised.  One is 11k standard (bit more than NZ dollars - but well looked after).  The second one is very interesting - owned by complete enthusiast and upgraded over the years with RS2 turbo and Motec with Toshiba laptop (apparently cost LOADS).  Has 109kms and he wants low 20s for it.  That seems like too much but I plan to work him down - you see I think this is a pretty special car. .  my other justification is that you would pay that money here for a mid 90s M3 and this would blow it into the weeds.   This is from an email he sent me;

The engine ran fine with the modified RS2 unit--I went through several chip sets to get there, but it is a little bit better with the Motec. I tried dyno tuning, but never with great success. The problem is that the intercooler is barely adequate, so that with a stationary car and a fan, one could only get one run (or less) before the charge temperature was sufficiently high that the ignition was automatically retarded to prevent pinging. On the road the cooling is fine, so I really don't know what the power is (the Motec was set up conservatively to preserve the engine).

I'm not a believer in dropping the clutch to get accelaration times, but in gear times, with the Motec, are comparable to an RS2. The 80-120 kph times are (3.0/4.1/6.8/8.9) in gears 3/4/5/6. Other figures are 60-80 mph in gears. I?ve only got 3rd and 4th gear times, which are 2.77 and 3.87 sec respectively, compared to an RS2 4th gear time of 3.73 sec. Without the Motec unit the times are somewhere between these and stock times--closer to the Motec times than stock.

and another email;

It has the following performance enhancements:

RS2 Exhaust manifold
RS2 Turbo
Lucas Delphi injectors
Samco hoses
3 inch custom made exhaust system with cat, 3 resonators and a lightly baffled rear muffler.
RS2 gearbox
Koni sports shocks
2Bennett top struts (currently not fitted)

More significantly, it has had the ECU and MAF sensor removed and replaced with a MOTEC unit, as used in rally cars. The aim has been to produce smooth increased power with no sacrifice in drivability. With the MOTEC, tuning is a cinch.

The MOTEC unit is very expensive, and someone wants to buy it from me for $5000. So I am selling the car "as is" in the low to mid $20s, or will restore the ECU (chipped) and MAF, removing the MOTEC for sale to the other guy, and take $5000 off the price.

The car has always been garaged, and has never been crashed (a ladder slipped from the roof once and scraped paint from a door and wing, which was repaired by an audi specialist panel beater). It has not been driven hard, despite the tuning, I just like to have the option of power when driving on the highway for rapid overtaking. Most of its use has been on the highway. I only use it once a month or so here in Melbourne, preferring my wife's car (automatic) for city driving, and I use a bike to cycle to work. The almost total lack of use, is the only reason I'm selling it--I've only done about 1000km this year.

The car has near new Yokahama tyres, and comes with a number of minor extras (sports bars and bike racks for the roof, snow chains, a spare set of front discs. The MOTEC set up includes a Toshiba lap top to download all settings, making tuning a cinch), a RWC of course and 12 months rego.

The car is dark blue in colour, with black leather interior. It has the usual factory extras--two way electric sunroof,  6 stacker CD, carbon fibre interior trim.


What is your opinion about the mods done and the price wanted for the car with its good history? 
Title: Re: '94 S4
Post by: GlenT on November 26, 2009, 11:38:25 AM
Short story, BUY IT! 8)
If it all checks out obviously.
Find out what cc the injectors are. But the rest looks good.
Title: Re: '94 S4
Post by: Salty on November 26, 2009, 11:41:51 AM
Yeah it seems to me to be the ultimate sleeper.  What do you think value wise?
Title: Re: '94 S4
Post by: GlenT on November 26, 2009, 11:50:27 AM
Not so sure what prices are like over there. But I would suggest he's not too far of with his asking price.
Just think how much it would cost you to buy an S2 and modify it to that extent. Probably up around 30ish maybe. Plus all the buggering around setting her up etc.
So if you could secure it for say 20-22k then you've got a really nice S2 for bugger all.
Just be certain all the mods he's listed are actually there, RS2 box etc.
Take it for a REALLY good run, get it nice and hot and make sure it performs well. You don't want to buy a bag of issues.
Title: Re: '94 S4
Post by: Trofeo on November 26, 2009, 11:55:51 AM
Quote from: GlenT on November 26, 2009, 11:50:27 AM
So if you could secure it for say 20-22k then you've got a really nice S2 for bugger all.
but it's an S4, and for that money i'd be wanting a B5. have you looked at the price of those in oz?
Title: Re: '94 S4
Post by: RS ZWEI on November 26, 2009, 11:58:35 AM
The RS2 gearbox from what I have read just has a wider first gear syncro.

There is a bloke on the S2 forum who lives in OZ and is looking to sell his ABY S2 Coupe in Jan, let me find it . . . . .

Back! You might have to log into the forum to view:

http://www.s2forum.com/forum/showthread.php?t=40765

Title: Re: '94 S4
Post by: GlenT on November 26, 2009, 12:02:18 PM
Quote from: TrofeoRacer on November 26, 2009, 11:55:51 AM
but it's an S4, and for that money i'd be wanting a B5. have you looked at the price of those in oz?
Typo. ;)
There's just something cool about the Ur S4/6's.
Title: Re: '94 S4
Post by: slowburn on November 26, 2009, 01:26:19 PM
you have the best nose for sniffing out dope cars stafford. Bro it sounds right up your alley, if it's as good as he says it is then you should get it mate   >:D
Title: Re: '94 S4
Post by: Salty on November 26, 2009, 05:03:17 PM
I'm pretty damn keen - he said he would take 20k with everything as is.

Another email.. and pics to follow

The adjustable strut-tops are also included, but are currently not fitted. While they allow more alignment options, they made the ride a bit harsher. The gearbox was rebuilt by Audi Australia to RS2 specs, when the original developed a noisy first gear at 45000km (this is a known design fault that Audi Australia tried to wriggle out of, but I eventually wore them down). The RS2 has a wider first gear, which was fitted, with an upgraded housing.
Title: Re: '94 S4
Post by: Salty on November 26, 2009, 06:18:21 PM
Doesn't look to even be a scuff on the wheels
Title: Re: '94 S4
Post by: qta4 on November 26, 2009, 06:59:20 PM
That car looks exactly the same as mine, and mine is 96, so maybe they didnt make any changes over those years.
Title: Re: '94 S4
Post by: RS ZWEI on November 26, 2009, 09:39:51 PM
Quote from: qta4 on November 26, 2009, 06:59:20 PM
That car looks exactly the same as mine, and mine is 96, so maybe they didnt make any changes over those years.

Does yours have the same wheels Noel?


Stafford, that S4 looks like a wolf in sheeps clothing with that power.

Title: Re: '94 S4
Post by: slowmo on November 26, 2009, 09:41:09 PM
looks very tidy.
Title: Re: '94 S4
Post by: qta4 on November 26, 2009, 09:48:58 PM
Quote from: Golfboy666GTI on November 26, 2009, 09:39:51 PM
Does yours have the same wheels Noel?


Stafford, that S4 looks like a wolf in sheeps clothing with that power.


If they are different, its not obvios from these photos.

Sounds like a great car.

And these cars can handle serious power, the drive train wont even blink at it.

These cars were built by engineers, before the accountants got involved............. ;D
Title: Re: '94 S4
Post by: RS ZWEI on November 26, 2009, 10:00:45 PM
Quote from: qta4 on November 26, 2009, 09:48:58 PM

These cars were built by engineers, before the accountants got involved............. ;D


Roger that!
IMO something changed in the mid 90's
Title: Re: '94 S4
Post by: Salty on November 26, 2009, 10:14:48 PM
Yes indeed.  Here is some stuff he has writen about the mods done.  Quite interesting.  Apparently spent 8k just on the Motec chip upgrade and laptop - not including labour or ecu plates.
www.ms.unimelb.edu.au/~tonyg/articles/motex.pdf
I'm going for a look and drive next weekend.
Title: Re: '94 S4
Post by: slowburn on November 27, 2009, 09:27:48 AM
jesus staf!!! that is a wolf in sheeps clothing alright,sounds like the sleeper of all sleepers.... let us know how you get on mate!!!
Title: Re: '94 S4
Post by: Salty on November 27, 2009, 03:38:29 PM
So I've been approached by another OZaudi member with his brothers car.  It has been in storage for 4 years with regular servicing.  Has 169kms.  Great condition.  Suspension is a bit dead feeling so would need that sorting.. but asking 12ono.. which could become 10 with haggling

Pics

Title: Re: '94 S4
Post by: Salty on November 27, 2009, 03:39:45 PM
interior in good knick - which is good news for 'cream'
Title: Re: '94 S4
Post by: Salty on November 27, 2009, 03:40:40 PM
Pretty clean
Title: Re: '94 S4
Post by: slowmo on November 27, 2009, 03:54:00 PM
it's good to have choices!
Title: Re: '94 S4
Post by: Salty on November 27, 2009, 05:22:55 PM
I guess the question is.  The first car would be mint - no expense spared.  This car would be great - but has cheap newish tyres on it - because of storage - and needs suspension components .. and possibly an upgrade chip as I hear they do need them.
So I guess I would spend extra coin on this car.. whereas for 20k there is a superb example with 300bhp - reliably - and a meticulous owner with lower kms... hard call - hard call. what's the better deal?
Title: Re: '94 S4
Post by: slowmo on November 27, 2009, 05:48:16 PM
sounds like you want the one that's been worked on  >:D
Title: Re: '94 S4
Post by: slowburn on November 27, 2009, 06:06:40 PM
ha ha,you know what to do!
Title: Re: '94 S4
Post by: RS ZWEI on November 28, 2009, 08:19:17 AM
Id go the first one. I dont like the idea of these cars sitting for 3 years.
Title: Re: '94 S4
Post by: RS ZWEI on December 11, 2009, 08:08:05 AM
Any updates?
Title: Re: '94 S4
Post by: 5-pot on December 11, 2009, 08:29:50 AM
Kind of in the wrong section isn't this? :P

Go the first one though!
Title: Re: '94 S4
Post by: spooln on December 11, 2009, 09:06:07 AM
I think either woul be ok. Good to have options, even at 10k, and then upgradign turbos, and suspension the hotted up one seems a good deal. Interesting that no Aussies were interested in purchasing RS2 from NZ, I wonder if their import regs kills this off, as based on that sale it would defiently stack up to do so. Good luck!
Title: Re: '94 S4
Post by: Salty on December 24, 2009, 04:09:13 PM
He ended up using my interest to spark the sale on a long term interested party.  That guy bought the car straight away.  The cheaper S4 is too far away as I'm in Vic and it is in upper NSW.  Still looking, but have my eyes set on a M3 evo E36 at the mo to look at in the new year.
Title: Re: '94 S4
Post by: RS ZWEI on December 24, 2009, 09:23:38 PM
Quote from: saltyboarder on December 24, 2009, 04:09:13 PM
He ended up using my interest to spark the sale on a long term interested party.  That guy bought the car straight away.  The cheaper S4 is too far away as I'm in Vic and it is in upper NSW.  Still looking, but have my eyes set on a M3 evo E36 at the mo to look at in the new year.

Dont get an E36 Evo, to much stuff to go wrong, VANOS, weaker 6 speed box and they never put out the 321BHP they are meant to have. If you want an E36 M3 go for the 3.0 with the 5 speed box (stronger) and often put out more than the 286BHP BMW claim. Only up side to an E36 Evo is the alloy doors.
Title: Re: '94 S4
Post by: 5-pot on December 27, 2009, 03:09:13 PM
can't be hard to fix that.  find a wrecked evo and get the doors :D (some sarcasm intended)
Title: Re: '94 S4
Post by: SteveC on December 27, 2009, 03:21:17 PM

don't see that alloy doors are an upside, especially in a supermarket carpark
Title: Re: '94 S4
Post by: vag_nutter on December 27, 2009, 03:40:32 PM
Quote from: SteveC on December 27, 2009, 03:21:17 PM
don't see that alloy doors are an upside, especially in a supermarket carpark

A8's are all alloy and they seem to be fine
Title: Re: '94 S4
Post by: 5-pot on December 27, 2009, 04:10:40 PM
He's referring to repairing alloy dings as opposed to plain steel ones!
Title: Re: '94 S4
Post by: SteveC on December 27, 2009, 05:39:07 PM

and I would expect that few A8s are used for the supermarket run!   ;)
Title: Re: '94 S4
Post by: Salty on December 27, 2009, 09:31:04 PM
I've heard various pros and cons for both cars.  I drove the 3.0 last year off a yard and really loved it - poor thing was lacking rear tyre tread after I'd had my go in it.  I figure another 40bhp must be a good thing - never heard anything bad about the 6 speed - only the SMG which isn't a consideration.
He has some pretty extensive receipts over the years for the car so will look out for VANOS work - but if all is in good order I don't see it being a trouble maker.

If you know anything bad - with evident links about the E36 evo please reply with them as I'm looking next week.  Cheers Staf
Title: Re: '94 S4
Post by: RS ZWEI on December 28, 2009, 12:42:10 PM
Quote from: saltyboarder on December 27, 2009, 09:31:04 PM
I've heard various pros and cons for both cars.  I drove the 3.0 last year off a yard and really loved it - poor thing was lacking rear tyre tread after I'd had my go in it.  I figure another 40bhp must be a good thing - never heard anything bad about the 6 speed - only the SMG which isn't a consideration.
He has some pretty extensive receipts over the years for the car so will look out for VANOS work - but if all is in good order I don't see it being a trouble maker.

If you know anything bad - with evident links about the E36 evo please reply with them as I'm looking next week.  Cheers Staf

My research was done a number of years ago, my Father owned 2 E36 M3's, both 3.0's. He didnt want a 3.2 as they arent as tough as the 3.0's.
If you do go for a 3.2 make sure it doesnt jump out of gear. Also just because the VANOS has been replace doesnt count for anything, the units can fail as early as 10,000kms.
Title: Re: '94 S4
Post by: Salty on December 28, 2009, 09:29:59 PM
Sure - I've heard all this - but apparently the VANOS problem has been hyped by the internet over the years and isn't as bad as the reputation.  Some evos never need the vanos replaced - and apparently the 3.0 also suffers from Vanos failure..
I think you just need to keep a few magic beans in the pocket for the odd expensive problem.  Going to check it out next week - seems to be a good completely standard example with full service history which I will be leafing through.