Supercharge my R32 or buy a B7 RS4?
Discussion
I've owned my MK5 R32 for a number of years and have never sold it because it's a fantastic all round package. I'm not a fan of the new 4 pot turbo hatches so have never been tempted to go to a later model Golf and have always enjoyed the low down torque, linear power and noise that the 3.2 NA provides.
The only car I've considered replacing it with in the past has been a B7 RS4... often described as the 'big brother' to the R32, it keeps the NA characteristics but this time has a 4.2 V8 compared to the 3.2 VR6 and an extra 150 or so horses to boot (depending on the state of the carbon build up)...
I'm at a point now where I can afford to make the jump so have started looking at RS4's but all of a sudden I'm worried I'll miss the R32, especially the handling and 'chuckability' elements of it. It's really well set up with coilovers, thicker ARBs, etc and has been meticulously maintained. Sure there are some lovely B7's out there but also an awful lot of dogs and where the R32 doesn't come with a whole host of mechanical faults, the B7 does... DRC, carbon build up, oil cooler lines, short life and big money brake discs, etc.
The only RS4's that seem to be out there are ones where all of these faults have been addressed but more often than not are on 100k+ miles and 10 previous owners, or ones on 30k miles with none of the faults addressed because they've sat in a garage their whole life and are priced at crazy money (some as high as £40k!)
So it got me thinking, rather than sell the R32 and put that money towards a B7, do I spend the 10 or so grand supercharging the R32 up to 420-450bhp? If the R32 had the same power as the B7, what would be the better all round package?
Would love to hear from B7 RS4 owners, those that have come from an R32 (sure there are some out there), supercharged R32 owners and general pistonheads!
Thanks
The only car I've considered replacing it with in the past has been a B7 RS4... often described as the 'big brother' to the R32, it keeps the NA characteristics but this time has a 4.2 V8 compared to the 3.2 VR6 and an extra 150 or so horses to boot (depending on the state of the carbon build up)...
I'm at a point now where I can afford to make the jump so have started looking at RS4's but all of a sudden I'm worried I'll miss the R32, especially the handling and 'chuckability' elements of it. It's really well set up with coilovers, thicker ARBs, etc and has been meticulously maintained. Sure there are some lovely B7's out there but also an awful lot of dogs and where the R32 doesn't come with a whole host of mechanical faults, the B7 does... DRC, carbon build up, oil cooler lines, short life and big money brake discs, etc.
The only RS4's that seem to be out there are ones where all of these faults have been addressed but more often than not are on 100k+ miles and 10 previous owners, or ones on 30k miles with none of the faults addressed because they've sat in a garage their whole life and are priced at crazy money (some as high as £40k!)
So it got me thinking, rather than sell the R32 and put that money towards a B7, do I spend the 10 or so grand supercharging the R32 up to 420-450bhp? If the R32 had the same power as the B7, what would be the better all round package?
Would love to hear from B7 RS4 owners, those that have come from an R32 (sure there are some out there), supercharged R32 owners and general pistonheads!
Thanks
I have zero experience of RS4 but am on my 3rd R32 one of which was supercharged. Is it your daily car or a weekender? What kind of mileage or use would it get?
Does your budget get you into a decent Rs4? From what I hear i think the running costs are a step up if you can believe it, brakes, fuel, suspension etc.
Reliability will be important, with best will in the world fitting a charger undoubtedly causes the odd niggle, even using the best installers, fine if you don't depend on it every day and can afford for it to be off the road. Location to said installer when it goes wrong is also a consideration.
Have a read of my thread if not already, including basil who comissioned the original install.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Would I have another, oh yes. But a well sorted rs4 might be the better bet.
Does your budget get you into a decent Rs4? From what I hear i think the running costs are a step up if you can believe it, brakes, fuel, suspension etc.
Reliability will be important, with best will in the world fitting a charger undoubtedly causes the odd niggle, even using the best installers, fine if you don't depend on it every day and can afford for it to be off the road. Location to said installer when it goes wrong is also a consideration.
Have a read of my thread if not already, including basil who comissioned the original install.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Would I have another, oh yes. But a well sorted rs4 might be the better bet.
si_xsi said:
I have zero experience of RS4 but am on my 3rd R32 one of which was supercharged. Is it your daily car or a weekender? What kind of mileage or use would it get?
Does your budget get you into a decent Rs4? From what I hear i think the running costs are a step up if you can believe it, brakes, fuel, suspension etc.
Reliability will be important, with best will in the world fitting a charger undoubtedly causes the odd niggle, even using the best installers, fine if you don't depend on it every day and can afford for it to be off the road. Location to said installer when it goes wrong is also a consideration.
Have a read of my thread if not already, including basil who comissioned the original install.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Would I have another, oh yes. But a well sorted rs4 might be the better bet.
Hello yes I remember reading your thread a while back. From memory, did you go Stage 1 with TRD which didn't come with the cooling and then had some issues? I did hear a few having issues @ Stage 1. A friend of mine went Stage 3 with TRD and his has been absolutely fine, not a single niggle and it's been charged now for almost 4 years @ 400bhp.Does your budget get you into a decent Rs4? From what I hear i think the running costs are a step up if you can believe it, brakes, fuel, suspension etc.
Reliability will be important, with best will in the world fitting a charger undoubtedly causes the odd niggle, even using the best installers, fine if you don't depend on it every day and can afford for it to be off the road. Location to said installer when it goes wrong is also a consideration.
Have a read of my thread if not already, including basil who comissioned the original install.
https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
Would I have another, oh yes. But a well sorted rs4 might be the better bet.
I don't think TRD are around anymore or offer the conversions so if I was to go down the FI route I would probably use Stealth Racing who I've used in the past and who are really well regarded in the VR6 community.
To answer your questions, current R32 is on ~100k but I've owned it since 20k so know all of the history, always kept in great condition mechanically. I did worry that being on 100k it would be too high to supercharge but with the parts that require changing/upgrading, I'm told it would be absolutely fine.
It's no longer my daily, it would be mainly weekends and about 5-6k miles per year. Yes, that's why I began thinking twice on the RS4 - my budget can get me into a good one, but these are few and far between. I just don't think I could forgive myself if I sold my R32 and then the RS4 had issue after issue. Unfortunately keeping both isn't an option.
Out of interest, how have you found going back to standard R32's after owning a charged one for a while?
phumy said:
There are plenty "out there" that are under 100k miles, under £25k that you could get the carbon clean done yourself, its not that expensive..under £1k.
Where are the £40k B7 RS4s, ive never seen them?
It really isn't just the carbon clean. There are many out there on 60-90k miles granted, but more often than not they've had none of the jobs I've mentioned above done. So they're on DRC suspension that is just about to start leaking, original oil cooler lines that always seem to corrode, brakes that are due a change, original clutch. That's the best part of £10k. Then you get the other group I've talked about above that have had those jobs done but are on 12 owners and look like they've had a life sat at 8250rpm. Maybe this is just the reality and I was out of touch to hope for some nice examples to be about that aren't the same price as a second hand R8.Where are the £40k B7 RS4s, ive never seen them?
I should have probably mentioned that I'd be after a Saloon, not an avant or cab so that does limit my search somewhat but the avant's seem to reach more money anyway.
As for the £40k RS4's, here's a couple that are currently listed, there have been more in recent weeks. here and here
Its a case of damned if you do and damned if you dont, if you want a car with all the work done then you have to pay for it, no one is going to give the car away at a low price if the all that work has just been done, and like-wise if you buy a cheap one its going to want the work to be done. Thats how buying and selling cars work, however It seems you want a car with all the work done but you want it at the cheapest price, thats just not going to happen.
If you really want one then you have to weigh up the balance of what needs doing to it and plan to spend money on it over a few years. Ive just bought one and had to do the DRC pipes, oil cooler & pipes, calipers, some brake lines, springs etc etc, it cost me a small fortune but i knew that anyway. I now have an RS4 that is now good for the next 10 to 12 years apart from minor jobs maybe.
Good luck in your search for one, if you decide to go that route.
If you really want one then you have to weigh up the balance of what needs doing to it and plan to spend money on it over a few years. Ive just bought one and had to do the DRC pipes, oil cooler & pipes, calipers, some brake lines, springs etc etc, it cost me a small fortune but i knew that anyway. I now have an RS4 that is now good for the next 10 to 12 years apart from minor jobs maybe.
Good luck in your search for one, if you decide to go that route.
phumy said:
Its a case of damned if you do and damned if you dont, if you want a car with all the work done then you have to pay for it, no one is going to give the car away at a low price if the all that work has just been done, and like-wise if you buy a cheap one its going to want the work to be done. Thats how buying and selling cars work, however It seems you want a car with all the work done but you want it at the cheapest price, thats just not going to happen.
If you really want one then you have to weigh up the balance of what needs doing to it and plan to spend money on it over a few years. Ive just bought one and had to do the DRC pipes, oil cooler & pipes, calipers, some brake lines, springs etc etc, it cost me a small fortune but i knew that anyway. I now have an RS4 that is now good for the next 10 to 12 years apart from minor jobs maybe.
Good luck in your search for one, if you decide to go that route.
Thanks. Yeah I get that, and maybe I do need to stretch my budget a bit for one that has had the big jobs done, or one that ticks the low mileage and low owners boxes but then plan accordingly to do the jobs in my ownership.If you really want one then you have to weigh up the balance of what needs doing to it and plan to spend money on it over a few years. Ive just bought one and had to do the DRC pipes, oil cooler & pipes, calipers, some brake lines, springs etc etc, it cost me a small fortune but i knew that anyway. I now have an RS4 that is now good for the next 10 to 12 years apart from minor jobs maybe.
Good luck in your search for one, if you decide to go that route.
Anyway I think first I need to decide if I want to stick with the R32 or not
How have you found B7 ownership so far, now that you've sorted the major jobs?
My charged one was Stage 1 via TRD but done by previous owner. No additional cooling, i experienced detonation on some cylinders potentially caused by not using V Power religiously but more likely had got too warm.
TRD are around but don't offer the Supercharger install kits for R32s although I think they still maintain them on existing owners cars. Stealth are a safe bet though.
There is a lot to be said about sticking with what you know, adding the charger is likely to put a bit of strain on the clutch, so if its a manual you may need to think about replacing the clutch if its original, or if dsg, clutch packs/mechatronic may need attention as some owners experience slip/issues over time. Sounds like your suspension is in good order, for brakes mine was standard brembo discs but with uprated DS2500 pads on front which worked perfectly well. Insurance was about £300 more than standard for a stage 1. I'd also check the chain toelrances before starting down the Supercharging route.
I do miss the supercharged car, mostly because I feel my time was cut short by someone else's carelessness (girl went into the back of me). The noise, instant pull and spread of torque was amazing, but I did manage to squeeze in an epic roadtrip around France in it so have some good memories. I get enough enjoyment out of the standard one to not think about it too much. It was inconvenient when it went wrong as it was my daily, but perhaps this was a bad decision on my part and I was unlucky. My thread here goes into my current R32 https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
I'd definitely recommend charging an R32 with (cooling) but not without trying a decent RS4 first as its likely to offer similar performance with a thumping V8 soundtrack.
TRD are around but don't offer the Supercharger install kits for R32s although I think they still maintain them on existing owners cars. Stealth are a safe bet though.
There is a lot to be said about sticking with what you know, adding the charger is likely to put a bit of strain on the clutch, so if its a manual you may need to think about replacing the clutch if its original, or if dsg, clutch packs/mechatronic may need attention as some owners experience slip/issues over time. Sounds like your suspension is in good order, for brakes mine was standard brembo discs but with uprated DS2500 pads on front which worked perfectly well. Insurance was about £300 more than standard for a stage 1. I'd also check the chain toelrances before starting down the Supercharging route.
I do miss the supercharged car, mostly because I feel my time was cut short by someone else's carelessness (girl went into the back of me). The noise, instant pull and spread of torque was amazing, but I did manage to squeeze in an epic roadtrip around France in it so have some good memories. I get enough enjoyment out of the standard one to not think about it too much. It was inconvenient when it went wrong as it was my daily, but perhaps this was a bad decision on my part and I was unlucky. My thread here goes into my current R32 https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
I'd definitely recommend charging an R32 with (cooling) but not without trying a decent RS4 first as its likely to offer similar performance with a thumping V8 soundtrack.
si_xsi said:
My charged one was Stage 1 via TRD but done by previous owner. No additional cooling, i experienced detonation on some cylinders potentially caused by not using V Power religiously but more likely had got too warm.
TRD are around but don't offer the Supercharger install kits for R32s although I think they still maintain them on existing owners cars. Stealth are a safe bet though.
There is a lot to be said about sticking with what you know, adding the charger is likely to put a bit of strain on the clutch, so if its a manual you may need to think about replacing the clutch if its original, or if dsg, clutch packs/mechatronic may need attention as some owners experience slip/issues over time. Sounds like your suspension is in good order, for brakes mine was standard brembo discs but with uprated DS2500 pads on front which worked perfectly well. Insurance was about £300 more than standard for a stage 1. I'd also check the chain toelrances before starting down the Supercharging route.
I do miss the supercharged car, mostly because I feel my time was cut short by someone else's carelessness (girl went into the back of me). The noise, instant pull and spread of torque was amazing, but I did manage to squeeze in an epic roadtrip around France in it so have some good memories. I get enough enjoyment out of the standard one to not think about it too much. It was inconvenient when it went wrong as it was my daily, but perhaps this was a bad decision on my part and I was unlucky. My thread here goes into my current R32 https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
I'd definitely recommend charging an R32 with (cooling) but not without trying a decent RS4 first as its likely to offer similar performance with a thumping V8 soundtrack.
Thanks really good info and insights, appreciate it. Such a shame that someone went into the back of you... however I'm glad you now have one in the best colour with the best transmission TRD are around but don't offer the Supercharger install kits for R32s although I think they still maintain them on existing owners cars. Stealth are a safe bet though.
There is a lot to be said about sticking with what you know, adding the charger is likely to put a bit of strain on the clutch, so if its a manual you may need to think about replacing the clutch if its original, or if dsg, clutch packs/mechatronic may need attention as some owners experience slip/issues over time. Sounds like your suspension is in good order, for brakes mine was standard brembo discs but with uprated DS2500 pads on front which worked perfectly well. Insurance was about £300 more than standard for a stage 1. I'd also check the chain toelrances before starting down the Supercharging route.
I do miss the supercharged car, mostly because I feel my time was cut short by someone else's carelessness (girl went into the back of me). The noise, instant pull and spread of torque was amazing, but I did manage to squeeze in an epic roadtrip around France in it so have some good memories. I get enough enjoyment out of the standard one to not think about it too much. It was inconvenient when it went wrong as it was my daily, but perhaps this was a bad decision on my part and I was unlucky. My thread here goes into my current R32 https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
I'd definitely recommend charging an R32 with (cooling) but not without trying a decent RS4 first as its likely to offer similar performance with a thumping V8 soundtrack.
My R32 is manual and I've always preferred the extra engagement this provides. Still on original clutch so would be something to refresh (although it is still fine at present). Chains like you say, they can check the tolerances and even high mileage cars don't necessarily need them changing if they are still reading between the correct levels.Ideally I need to drive a few RS4's back to back - the difficulty is finding them. Only 36 saloons for sale nationwide last time I checked autotrader so finding a couple local-ish to drive is not an easy task. As I'm reading your thread on your new R32 full of comments about how timeless they are, how they will be a future classic and how they are just an all round special car makes me realise why I've kept it for so long and just makes the decision that much harder
blade7 said:
Passing the local Audi dealer recently, I notice a 15 plate RS4 Avant outside. Not a B7 I know, but as I'm looking for a fast estate, I pulled in and checked it out. Looked in great condition, 35k miles, £34k. The £615 road tax put me off though.
Must admit I've never really understood why the higher tax puts people off. They're expensive cars to buy, maintain and get 15-20mpg yet a few hundred extra quid per year on tax would prevent a purchase? It's like 3 extra tanks of fuel But yeah B8's are actually similar money to B7's now which is kinda crazy. I've just always wanted a manual and an avant is too big for me so it's the B7 saloon or nothing.
mischmaster said:
To answer your questions, current R32 is on ~100k but I've owned it since 20k so know all of the history, always kept in great condition mechanically. I did worry that being on 100k it would be too high to supercharge but with the parts that require changing/upgrading, I'm told it would be absolutely fine.
I'd be seriously concerned at bumping all that extra power through a 100k mile engine. Aside from the cost of doing so I'd think you might be opening a money pit?catso said:
I'd be seriously concerned at bumping all that extra power through a 100k mile engine. Aside from the cost of doing so I'd think you might be opening a money pit?
You rasie a valid point and it would obviously be a conversation to have with the tuner if I did choose to go down that path but I actually don't think so. For a 3.2 VR6 the R32 is notoriously underpowered from factory and the engines are known to go on and on. I've seen one listed on Gumtree in the past with 280k miles on it. Mine has been serviced every 6-8k so I would actually expect it to be in better mechanical condition than a 50k engine that's not been looked after.I supercharged my Golf R32, subsequently bought by Si and described in this R32oc thread.
It was an immense car but - as alluded to in that thread's title - it wasn't really ideal at that time in my life and so I sold it after just 7 months. I haven't read the responses above properly but would definitely echo the points about reliability and ideally getting an intercooler added for peace of mind. I'd certainly get it done again if I had a good base R32... though to be honest I don't agree that it's underpowered in the first place. I've looked at coming back to an R32 several times and would be very happy with even a totally standard one because it's the noise and sensation that makes these so special.
Some 7 years later I now have a pre-facelift Audi RS3 with the super sport exhaust option, which I think is the closest thing you will get to a supercharged R32 in many ways. It's certainly one to add to your list IMO, not least because it will be around 10 years newer.
It was an immense car but - as alluded to in that thread's title - it wasn't really ideal at that time in my life and so I sold it after just 7 months. I haven't read the responses above properly but would definitely echo the points about reliability and ideally getting an intercooler added for peace of mind. I'd certainly get it done again if I had a good base R32... though to be honest I don't agree that it's underpowered in the first place. I've looked at coming back to an R32 several times and would be very happy with even a totally standard one because it's the noise and sensation that makes these so special.
Some 7 years later I now have a pre-facelift Audi RS3 with the super sport exhaust option, which I think is the closest thing you will get to a supercharged R32 in many ways. It's certainly one to add to your list IMO, not least because it will be around 10 years newer.
catso said:
Has the timing chain tensioner failed/been replaced?
I had an A3 with the same engine and mine failed around 40k, that said once fixed I ran it to 90k with no issues.
No - chains can be measured and as long as they are sat within the correct tolerances there is no issue, regardless of the mileage. Last time mine were checked their reading was fine. The VR6 is actually pretty bulletproof as long as the chains are ok.I had an A3 with the same engine and mine failed around 40k, that said once fixed I ran it to 90k with no issues.
The Cardinal said:
I supercharged my Golf R32, subsequently bought by Si and described in this R32oc thread.
It was an immense car but - as alluded to in that thread's title - it wasn't really ideal at that time in my life and so I sold it after just 7 months. I haven't read the responses above properly but would definitely echo the points about reliability and ideally getting an intercooler added for peace of mind. I'd certainly get it done again if I had a good base R32... though to be honest I don't agree that it's underpowered in the first place. I've looked at coming back to an R32 several times and would be very happy with even a totally standard one because it's the noise and sensation that makes these so special.
Some 7 years later I now have a pre-facelift Audi RS3 with the super sport exhaust option, which I think is the closest thing you will get to a supercharged R32 in many ways. It's certainly one to add to your list IMO, not least because it will be around 10 years newer.
I agree, I've always been someone that has vouched for their standard power, because as you say, the noise, linear power delivery, low down torque and way they drive is what makes them so special. I've done 80k in mine during my ownership and had never really considered supercharging until now, so it's not like I've felt they were ever slow cars. More that I've reached a point where I want to step up a level hence looking at the B7 RS4 but I guess in a way I'm trying to justify keeping the R32 instead because I've loved owning it so much.It was an immense car but - as alluded to in that thread's title - it wasn't really ideal at that time in my life and so I sold it after just 7 months. I haven't read the responses above properly but would definitely echo the points about reliability and ideally getting an intercooler added for peace of mind. I'd certainly get it done again if I had a good base R32... though to be honest I don't agree that it's underpowered in the first place. I've looked at coming back to an R32 several times and would be very happy with even a totally standard one because it's the noise and sensation that makes these so special.
Some 7 years later I now have a pre-facelift Audi RS3 with the super sport exhaust option, which I think is the closest thing you will get to a supercharged R32 in many ways. It's certainly one to add to your list IMO, not least because it will be around 10 years newer.
mischmaster said:
phumy said:
Its a case of damned if you do and damned if you dont, if you want a car with all the work done then you have to pay for it, no one is going to give the car away at a low price if the all that work has just been done, and like-wise if you buy a cheap one its going to want the work to be done. Thats how buying and selling cars work, however It seems you want a car with all the work done but you want it at the cheapest price, thats just not going to happen.
If you really want one then you have to weigh up the balance of what needs doing to it and plan to spend money on it over a few years. Ive just bought one and had to do the DRC pipes, oil cooler & pipes, calipers, some brake lines, springs etc etc, it cost me a small fortune but i knew that anyway. I now have an RS4 that is now good for the next 10 to 12 years apart from minor jobs maybe.
Good luck in your search for one, if you decide to go that route.
Thanks. Yeah I get that, and maybe I do need to stretch my budget a bit for one that has had the big jobs done, or one that ticks the low mileage and low owners boxes but then plan accordingly to do the jobs in my ownership.If you really want one then you have to weigh up the balance of what needs doing to it and plan to spend money on it over a few years. Ive just bought one and had to do the DRC pipes, oil cooler & pipes, calipers, some brake lines, springs etc etc, it cost me a small fortune but i knew that anyway. I now have an RS4 that is now good for the next 10 to 12 years apart from minor jobs maybe.
Good luck in your search for one, if you decide to go that route.
Anyway I think first I need to decide if I want to stick with the R32 or not
How have you found B7 ownership so far, now that you've sorted the major jobs?
Being NA its totally different to drive to the RS2, suspension better set up too, just all round so much better, although i dont get that scalded cat feeling as i did in the RS2 at around 3.5k rpm, having said that the V8 is a lovely engine and pulls from low down but is just more linear. I just need to get 4 new tyres for it in in the Autumn, think i might go for Michelin 4S`s.
RS4 would make a better daily, as it’s unfettled and standard.
B7 prices are going up as well, so you might come out the other end having your service costs covered by the appreciation value.
But, if you are emotionally attached to the idea of the Golf, then go that way instead.
B7 prices are going up as well, so you might come out the other end having your service costs covered by the appreciation value.
But, if you are emotionally attached to the idea of the Golf, then go that way instead.
Edited by Tommo87 on Thursday 28th April 06:48
I've worked with B7s since they were new, driven lots of miles on road and track, and I'd keep the Golf.
The RS4 will cost loads to buy, then a load more to maintain. Trust me when I say that the 'big jobs' are the tip of the iceberg with these. One of those cars that there's always another job round the corner, and they're never less than a grand.
You already own the Golf. It's already modified. They were always 50BHP away from greatness and you have the opportunity to do that.
The RS4 will cost loads to buy, then a load more to maintain. Trust me when I say that the 'big jobs' are the tip of the iceberg with these. One of those cars that there's always another job round the corner, and they're never less than a grand.
You already own the Golf. It's already modified. They were always 50BHP away from greatness and you have the opportunity to do that.
mischmaster said:
Must admit I've never really understood why the higher tax puts people off. They're expensive cars to buy, maintain and get 15-20mpg yet a few hundred extra quid per year on tax would prevent a purchase? It's like 3 extra tanks of fuel
Because I can find better things to do with a few hundred quid, than give it to the tax man. Plus I can buy a 350 bhp awd estate that probably performs as well, and only costs £165 a year to tax.Tough decision, both cars I’ve always had a soft spot for but I think the RS4 noise would just swing it for me but it’s tight.
As said they can be maintenance hungry at that age, take a look at the evil gt channel on you tube, a good laugh these 2 and they are running a pair of RS4s now and have a few videos of the work they are doing.
As said they can be maintenance hungry at that age, take a look at the evil gt channel on you tube, a good laugh these 2 and they are running a pair of RS4s now and have a few videos of the work they are doing.
si_xsi said:
My charged one was Stage 1 via TRD but done by previous owner. No additional cooling, i experienced detonation on some cylinders potentially caused by not using V Power religiously but more likely had got too warm.
TRD are around but don't offer the Supercharger install kits for R32s although I think they still maintain them on existing owners cars. Stealth are a safe bet though.
There is a lot to be said about sticking with what you know, adding the charger is likely to put a bit of strain on the clutch, so if its a manual you may need to think about replacing the clutch if its original, or if dsg, clutch packs/mechatronic may need attention as some owners experience slip/issues over time. Sounds like your suspension is in good order, for brakes mine was standard brembo discs but with uprated DS2500 pads on front which worked perfectly well. Insurance was about £300 more than standard for a stage 1. I'd also check the chain toelrances before starting down the Supercharging route.
I do miss the supercharged car, mostly because I feel my time was cut short by someone else's carelessness (girl went into the back of me). The noise, instant pull and spread of torque was amazing, but I did manage to squeeze in an epic roadtrip around France in it so have some good memories. I get enough enjoyment out of the standard one to not think about it too much. It was inconvenient when it went wrong as it was my daily, but perhaps this was a bad decision on my part and I was unlucky. My thread here goes into my current R32 https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
I'd definitely recommend charging an R32 with (cooling) but not without trying a decent RS4 first as its likely to offer similar performance with a thumping V8 soundtrack.
Always enjoyed reading your threads Si.TRD are around but don't offer the Supercharger install kits for R32s although I think they still maintain them on existing owners cars. Stealth are a safe bet though.
There is a lot to be said about sticking with what you know, adding the charger is likely to put a bit of strain on the clutch, so if its a manual you may need to think about replacing the clutch if its original, or if dsg, clutch packs/mechatronic may need attention as some owners experience slip/issues over time. Sounds like your suspension is in good order, for brakes mine was standard brembo discs but with uprated DS2500 pads on front which worked perfectly well. Insurance was about £300 more than standard for a stage 1. I'd also check the chain toelrances before starting down the Supercharging route.
I do miss the supercharged car, mostly because I feel my time was cut short by someone else's carelessness (girl went into the back of me). The noise, instant pull and spread of torque was amazing, but I did manage to squeeze in an epic roadtrip around France in it so have some good memories. I get enough enjoyment out of the standard one to not think about it too much. It was inconvenient when it went wrong as it was my daily, but perhaps this was a bad decision on my part and I was unlucky. My thread here goes into my current R32 https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...
I'd definitely recommend charging an R32 with (cooling) but not without trying a decent RS4 first as its likely to offer similar performance with a thumping V8 soundtrack.
Do you think having cooling done with the supercharger would have meant the car was left largely reliable and without the niggles you suffered?
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