Modifications

[runboy]

What modifications do we have to the exterior of our A2's?. Just wondering if the A2 is designed for modification to the exterior or do we all like them to look bog-standard?. Any experiences of fitting exterior modifications would be good. Of course we will all see them when we have the social!. Just wanted to start another topic to get the old grey matter thinking.

Steve - 1.4SE petrol, 2002, Silver

[paulj]

I'm having 7 1/2" x 17" alloys fitted and lowered by 30mm this week. Does that count ?:)

[Stuart_D]

I'd say that counts!...am looking forward to seeing your photos as I'm sure everyone else is.

By the way, if you've already sent them to me - I'm having a phone line installed this weekend in my new house so will upload them over the weekend.

2001 TDI SE, Open Sky System, 16" six spoke alloys, Kenwood Mask CD.
A2 Owners Club: www.Audi-A2.co.uk

[paulj]

Pictures sent to you of Stereo yesterday, Yep I have made them a little smaller.

By they way should all the mirrors vibrate so I can't see behind when I wind up the b*** ?[:0]

I'll also send a specification of install When I get change to type it up.

[Stuart_D]

Thanks...I had a nightmare last weekend when someone sent me 50MB of photos and it blocked up my whole email system etc Will look at them on Saturday hopefully (if NTL turn up this time!)

Not so sure that the windows should vibrate - but then I've never seen an A2 with a b*** tube in it!

2001 TDI SE, Open Sky System, 16" six spoke alloys, Kenwood Mask CD.
A2 Owners Club: www.Audi-A2.co.uk

[paulj]

OH Stuart_D, this is no ordinary B***, nor a tube.

This baby is custom made box made of 3 layers of 18mm HDF with epoxy layers between each section. This then holds my 11" Focal sub in a custom chamber. 600Watts RMS in the boot with one amp.

The other Amp runs the Front speakers just for fun.

Laugh, it will make your fillings fall out.

[Stuart_D]

I stand corrected!
Not really suprised then if the gl*** shakes!

2001 TDI SE, Open Sky System, 16" six spoke alloys, Kenwood Mask CD.
A2 Owners Club: www.Audi-A2.co.uk

[runboy]

You have to bring it to the meet!

Steve - 1.4SE petrol, 2002, Silver

[paulj]

I can't wait to have a meeting, We can have some competitions for Cleanest car, furthest travelled etc.

Can you fit RS4 Chrome wing mirror's to a A2, of BMW M3 ?

[runboy]

I would love to do some basic mods to the car. Looked at the ABT alloy trim-£170!. I think I will stick to a cd changer!.

Steve - 1.4SE petrol, 2002, Silver

[Stuart_D]

I like the look at that ABT alloy trim too!
I am hoping that ABT will give the club a set so that I can give it away as a competition prize sometime this year.

2001 TDI SE, Open Sky System, 16" six spoke alloys, Kenwood Mask CD.
A2 Owners Club: www.Audi-A2.co.uk

[runboy]

At the meet-get an ABT rep there too!

Steve - 1.4SE petrol, 2002, Silver

[BK]

I'm having the full Projektzwo kit fitted (except for the front grill)
, prefer the black original.

www.projektzwo.de

And I am using the original 7x17" alus that come with the S-Line (Sport in UK) for the winter tyres ( Pirelli 205/45-17 Snowsport).
For summer use I am planning to use 8x17" alus with 215/35-17 tyres.
Haven't decided on the design of the wheels yet though.
For the suspension I am fitting an adjustable kit from KW.

A tip: The Alu. pedals from the new Polo will also fit the A2.
Looks quite nice and are cheap ! Just £40 here in Norway !



BK

Soon the owner of a Silver 1.4 TDI S-Line (Sport in the UK) with Open Sky, ECC, APS, CruiseControl, Navigation Plus + TV + BOSE + CD changer, Sideguard, Mobile phone, El. rear windows, Fog lights, Winter Package, ISOFIX, Headlight washers, Space Floor +++++++

[runboy]

This man is a god-is there anything your not doing to your A2?. We must have pictures when available-this I have to see!.

Steve - 1.4SE petrol, 2002, Silver

[BK]

I'll send pictures of my new A2 as soon as it appears
at our dealership. It's estimated production week is 43.
So it will arrive here hopefully in week 45.

I'm going to the Essen Motorshow in Germany the first week of
December (49)to buy a lot of my styling/tuning parts there.
It's a lot cheaper than buying it here in Norway, even with
discounts of up to 40-45% on some parts.
So I am just hoping that my A2 don't get delayed too much from the factory as i was hoping to make the journey with the A2.

Couldn't think of a better way to travel:D



BK

Soon the owner of a Silver 1.4 TDI S-Line (Sport in the UK) with Open Sky, ECC, APS, CruiseControl, Navigation Plus + TV + BOSE + CD changer, Sideguard, Mobile phone, El. rear windows, Fog lights, Winter Package, ISOFIX, Headlight washers, Space Floor +++++++

[Kaine]

I'm only going to turn up to the social if BK comes!!!!!! :D

[Stuart_D]

BK - you must send me your photos!!

2001 TDI SE, Open Sky System, 16" six spoke alloys, Kenwood Mask CD.
A2 Owners Club: www.Audi-A2.co.uk

[Gav]

I'd love to see BK's A2 when it arrives, especially seeing that I'm in Norway for a bit longer (6 months of work in Oslo), but I expect to be going back to southern England in wk42... It's quite a trek to UK as the only ferries are Kristiansand or Bergen/Stavanger to Newcastle...

[Potato]

What are peoples thoughts on modifications, I'm a great fan of original design, Although I would like to see a sport version of the A2 with more modifications!

A2 1.6fsi sport climate cd amulet red

[Harps]

Potato

I agree with you - I'm not a fan of modifications or this "Max Power" nonsense. Maybe I would have been 10 years ago but boy racing is not my thing now! If it was, I would not have bought an A2. I've also never understood the point of buying a £4k car and putting a £5k stereo in. Why not just buy a £9k car?

I would also not get a car "chipped" especially whilst under warranty. Even afterwards, it will cause complications with insurance - assuming people declare their modifications!

But BK's A2 sounds really cool - although it will probably weigh more than a Scania truck with so many options! It has almost certainly cost as much.

[BK]

Stuart :)
I'll send you pictures as the work on the A2 progresses.

Harps - It's not going to look like anything from MAX Power (which I actually read from time to time). If you take a look at www.projektzwo.de you will see that the kit doesn't ruin the lines of the A2, at least that's my opinion :)

I was out looking for a DVD player for my car today.
Found 2 or 3 alternatives, but I guess I have to wait until I get
my A2 and can disassemble it :D to see what modifications I have to make to the glovebox and how big the DVD player can be.
I also purchased 8 litres of sound deadening material (for brushing and spraying on the inside of doors and the floor) to get that A8 feel !

And I am actually starting to consider 18" rims for summer use, as I will use the 17" Audi originals for winter.
Talked to a mechanic at work today and he agreed that 7x18" or 7,5x18"
with 215/35 tyres could fit. He owns a A4 with 18" rims which I will borrow to test on the A2 before I make any final desicion. Must be sure that I actually can make the car turn without causing any damage
to wheel arches or steering rods etc. Time will tell !



BK

Soon the owner of a Silver 1.4 TDI S-Line (Sport in the UK) with Open Sky, ECC, APS, CruiseControl, Navigation Plus + TV + BOSE + CD changer, Sideguard, Mobile phone, El. rear windows, Fog lights, Winter Package, ISOFIX, Headlight washers, Space Floor +++++++

[deheld]

I also purchased 8 litres of sound deadening material (for brushing and spraying on the inside of doors and the floor) to get that A8 feel !


This is very usefull !!
At certain speeds the A2 can be quite noisy !! I consider this as one of the biggest flaws (not even the springs) of the A2. At 120 Km/h it's very noisy and at 140 Km/h it's almost quiet.
A friend of mine isolated his seat toledo with bitumen, the car weighed an extra 40 kilo's but was inside almost soundless !!



Dennis de Held

Amulet Red 1.4 Tdi

[JanF]

I mounted mudflaps and the A2OC-sticker (the Original!). All by myself.... Does that count?

JanF

2001 1.4 Petrol Exclusive
Cobalt Blue Metallic

[richj]

Has anyone ever seen the VW Golf advert ?

I can already see the crying A2's.

Personally I think the design is just right as it is.
But installing the Polo pedals sounds good to me.

:):):)

Expecting Silver A2 1.6FSI sport, end October.

[paulj]

Hi All

I have had DynoMat fitted when the stereo was completed and this has really made the car feel solid.

The front doors as standard can be dented in parking area's quite easily, where now they have 1/4" rubber dynomat stuck to them they are much stiffer.

Also the closing of the doors now sounds like an A8 due to the weight.

As for fitting 18" it's a real close thing, it only worked when I tested it with the suspension not being moved, but as mine will be lowered 17" wheels are the safe bet.

I agree with the Max Power comments, I'd actually rather go for the Euro look and remove certain parts to create a smooth clean look.

Colour coding is one way the Projektzwo kit wins.

[John Disdale]

BK,

What is this sound deadening material – is it like a paint on mineral fibre ? I think all A2 owners should get some. Could the average wife apply it ?

It would be brilliant if you could somehow acquire a “db” reading before and after application so that the result could be mathematically evaluated.

Regards
John Disdale

[BK]

JD
The sound deadening material is like really thick paint :)
You can either apply it with a normal paint brush or you can spray
it on with air tools (compressed air).
You can also buy it in spray cans, but this is not by far as economical (twice the price:()
Anyone that can work a normal brush would manage this, even the average wife :D
The hardest part is to remove all the panels and carpet inside the car, but in the end it's worth it !

I actually have a DB meter for my surround sound system at home.
I'll try to make some measurments of the before/after sound levels in the car, as well as taking some pictures in the process !



BK

Soon the owner of a Silver 1.4 TDI S-Line (Sport in the UK) with Open Sky, ECC, APS, CruiseControl, Navigation Plus + TV + BOSE + CD changer, Sideguard, Mobile phone, El. rear windows, Fog lights, Winter Package, ISOFIX, Headlight washers, Space Floor +++++++

[BK]

Paul !
What size was the 18" you tried 7x18"/7,5x18"/8x18" ???
And what size tires ?
Your experiences could save me some trouble and time in choosing
tires/wheels for my A2 :)
I have ordered my A2 with the 9 spoke 7x17" Audi wheels.
And i initially wanted something bigger/wider for my summer wheels as I will be using the Audi rims for winter use (with 205/45x17 Pirelli Snowsports)

I am planning to lower mine app. 45-50 mm with an adjustable KW
suspension.
Will you fit just lowering springs or a complete suspension set ?




quote:Originally posted by paulj
[br]Hi All



As for fitting 18" it's a real close thing, it only worked when I tested it with the suspension not being moved, but as mine will be lowered 17" wheels are the safe bet.




BK

Soon the owner of a Silver 1.4 TDI S-Line (Sport in the UK) with Open Sky, ECC, APS, CruiseControl, Navigation Plus + TV + BOSE + CD changer, Sideguard, Mobile phone, El. rear windows, Fog lights, Winter Package, ISOFIX, Headlight washers, Space Floor +++++++

[BK]

Deheld !

quote:Originally posted by deheld
[br]I also purchased 8 litres of sound deadening material (for brushing and spraying on the inside of doors and the floor) to get that A8 feel !



Dennis de Held

Amulet Red 1.4 Tdi




Have you done this to your A2 yet !
If so, are you happy with the result ?



BK

Soon the owner of a Silver 1.4 TDI S-Line (Sport in the UK) with Open Sky, ECC, APS, CruiseControl, Navigation Plus + TV + BOSE + CD changer, Sideguard, Mobile phone, El. rear windows, Fog lights, Winter Package, ISOFIX, Headlight washers, Space Floor +++++++

[deheld]

quote:
Have you done this to your A2 yet !
If so, are you happy with the result ?


BK, I quoted you but forgot to use the quote function.

I would like to isolate the car. But my car is a leased company car, so it has to be cheap and easy !



Dennis de Held

Amulet Red 1.4 Tdi

[BK]

Yep, see that now :D

Should be able to recognise my own comments, but
it's not easy working and writing posts to the forum '
at the same time [:I]

BK

Soon the owner of a Silver 1.4 TDI S-Line (Sport in the UK) with Open Sky, ECC, APS, CruiseControl, Navigation Plus + TV + BOSE + CD changer, Sideguard, Mobile phone, El. rear windows, Fog lights, Winter Package, ISOFIX, Headlight washers, Space Floor +++++++

[paulj]

BK!

7 1/2 x 18 with 215x35x18. Fitted but rubbed on front arches. Offset is critical and I tried with 30mm & 35mm.

We then tried with 7 1/2 x 18 with 205x35x18. Clear all around on My 2001 A2 1.4TDI SE. However lowering will cause a rubbing so I have stayed with 17"'s.

I'm sure running different offsets will get around it but my alloy wheel company didn't have any other to try !!

Also the cost of 18" tyres is not for the faint hearted !!

[paulj]

BK !

Have you seen the following link : www.colour-tuning.de

The rears are massive ?![:0] But this cannot be done in the UK as the wheels extrude the arches.

As for mine it will be a complete H&R suspension kit (Still on order from Germany), Wheels are in post. www.toora.co.uk - Canonica.

[John Disdale]

BK,

Does this paint manufacturer have a name, or better still a website ?

[BK]

quote:Originally posted by John Disdale
[br]BK,

Does this paint manufacturer have a name, or better still a website ?



Here are a few examples of brands:

www.rockfordfosgate.com click: products/accessories/damping material/search

www.dynamat.com

www.noisekiller.com

Almost every car stereo supplier have some kind of sound damping material to offer. There are an endless number of products to choose from, but the materials/products are very similar to one another.

I have used all of the above mentioned brands and have been very
satisfied with all of them :)

Get in contact with your local car stereo supplier and he can almost certainly help you.
Happy hunting !

BK

Soon the owner of a Silver 1.4 TDI S-Line (Sport in the UK) with Open Sky, ECC, APS, CruiseControl, Navigation Plus + TV + BOSE + CD changer, Sideguard, Mobile phone, El. rear windows, Fog lights, Winter Package, ISOFIX, Headlight washers, Space Floor +++++++

[BK]

Paul !


Sounds like you have tried everything to get 18" to fit :D
As I am planning to drop the suspension by 45-50 mm I think
I will stay with 17" as well.

I was thinking of 7,5x17 or 8x17 with 215/35x17 as i want something
a bit wider than the original 205/40 on 7x17.

Have you ordered the adjustable suspension from H&R or the one with a preset ride height ?
I have used the adjustable H&R on a 97 Polo with great sucsess :)

I tried to take a look at Toora's homepage but i don't have the Flash Player on my PC at work (can't install it either) so I'll have to wait untill I get home tonight.
What dimension have you ordered 7x17 or 7,5x17 ?

And yes I have had a "few" looks at www.colour-tuning.de just a few[:o)]
We have the same issues here in Norway. No part of the wheel are allowed to extrude the arches:(
But I really like the look of this A2. It looks somewhat brutal [8D]

BK

Soon the owner of a Silver 1.4 TDI S-Line (Sport in the UK) with Open Sky, ECC, APS, CruiseControl, Navigation Plus + TV + BOSE + CD changer, Sideguard, Mobile phone, El. rear windows, Fog lights, Winter Package, ISOFIX, Headlight washers, Space Floor +++++++

[BK]

quote:Originally posted by paulj
[br]BK !

Have you seen the following link : www.colour-tuning.de

The rears are massive ?![:0] But this cannot be done in the UK as the wheels extrude the arches.



You have to take a look at this A2 from German B&B Automobiltechnik

www.bb-automobiltechnik.de

click: english/BB-gallery/AUDI A2-gallery

Not too shabby this either :D



BK

Soon the owner of a Silver 1.4 TDI S-Line (Sport in the UK) with Open Sky, ECC, APS, CruiseControl, Navigation Plus + TV + BOSE + CD changer, Sideguard, Mobile phone, El. rear windows, Fog lights, Winter Package, ISOFIX, Headlight washers, Space Floor +++++++

[paulj]

BK !

Love the A2 @ www.bb-automobiltechnik.de The wheels look massive due to the style of spokes running to the edges.

I'm getting 7 1/2 x 17 with 205x40x17 to be safe, These will run a 35mm offset so they will sit perfect after the suspension being lowered by H&R springs only (Preset ride). The shocks will come later when I can afford them.

I have also tried them with spacers to get them to a 30mm offset which I believe ABT 17" whels are. They look a little bit better but I don't want to wear out the bearings[:0].

Coilovers can give a bouncy ride as I have seen on a A4 lowered to the floor. It did look awesome though :D

[BK]

Paul !

That sounds sensible.
My A2 comes with the 205/40 on 7x17 as part of the S-Line equipment level and this setup with the Quattro lowered suspension (20 mm)works very well indeed. Took a short testdrive in a 75hp petrol S-Line 2 weeks ago and came back with a big :D

By the time my A2 arrives it will be time for winter tires anyway, so
I'll have plenty of time to decide what kind of rims to choose.

BK

[paulj]

BK!

I really wanted a set of Audi TT 18" wheels, they look like the RS4. These however are 8x18 so didn't go. I have heard rumours from a company in the UK that they may make 7 1/2 18 for some A2 owners to try.

Watch this space :D

I'm trying Yokohama 539's as they are the new super grippy version. I could have had Goodyear F1 but have heard different results on smaller cars.

[BK]

Paul

The RS4 wheels are actually very similar to the 9 spoke S-line wheels,
except for the size of course.

I have a friend who uses the Yokos and he's quite happy with them in the dry but a bit dissapointed by the performance in the wet.
His earlier Michelins performed better in the wet but this is on a Fabia in 16".
I'm trying Continental SportContact2 for the first time.
One of very few tires currently available in 215/35x17.

Please post on the forum or mail me some pictures of your A2 when
you have fitted the new wheels and springs.

BK

[paulj]

BK!

Well you can see the stereo as "Car of the month:D" As soon as the wheels are done they will be on the site.

May well order the Goodyear F1's in that case over the Yoko's.

I've opened a new forum for In car entertainment.

[BK]

Paul !

I have watched your pictures of the car stereo several times already :)
Looks very nice indeed ;)

If I had the choice between the 2 tires I think I would have gone for the F1's. Especially if you spend a lot of time in the wet :)

[deheld]

BK!

When you install the soundblocking material would it be possible for you to take pictures of most of the steps.
Since you are an audi employee I'm sure you'll have access to the workplace manual so that you can remove the panels without damage.
I would really appreciate it if you can send us detailled pictures or possibly a scan from the workplace manual.

I was driving home today and I am beginning to think that a little soundblocking can't hurt :)

Thanks in Advance !



Dennis de Held

Amulet Red 1.4 Tdi

[John Disdale]

BK,

Thanks for the links. With one of the products it is stated that it can be sprayed or brush painted with several coats to achieve a depth of 3mm, however I express some concern that if this is applied immediately underneath the door panel linings it could thereafter have a detrimental influence on fitting the door panels back into position. Furthermore if the back face of the door lining is projected 3mm off the actual door skin, then is this not highly visible with the door open – in terms of seeing the thickness of the paint. Have you ever had any problems in such areas ?

Regards
John Disdale

[deheld]

John,

The door is hollow. If you remove the inner panel you gain access to the inside of the door. (Where the window lives). I think that the paint should be applied to the inside of the door.
The panels will easily fit back since they're on the other side of the door.
It's the removing of the panels that bothers me...



Dennis de Held

Amulet Red 1.4 Tdi

[maersk]

Messrs Snap on do a good panel removal tool. I could not be without it. Works well on all cars and A2s[8D]

images/icon_smile_cool.gif

[BK]

Paul !

Looked at the Toora wheels tonight and they looked really nice.
Think they will suit the A2 well ;)

BK

Soon the owner of a Silver 1.4 TDI S-Line (Sport in the UK) with Open Sky, ECC, APS, CruiseControl, Navigation Plus + TV + BOSE + CD changer, Sideguard, Mobile phone, El. rear windows, Fog lights, Winter Package, ISOFIX, Headlight washers, Space Floor +++++++

[BK]

John !

Deheld is absolutely right. In the outer panel of the door there are plenty of space to fit sound damping material, but on the inner door panels you have to be careful not to apply it too thick on the places where the inner and middel door panels touch.
But the panels only touch in a few places. Mainly where the screws are attached. So there are lots of places on the inner and middel door panels where you can apply both 2 and 3 mm thick layers.

Deheld !

I'll post a lot of pictures from the work I'll perform on my A2.
And also try to make a "manual" of some kind to the pictures.



BK

Soon the owner of a Silver 1.4 TDI S-Line (Sport in the UK) with Open Sky, ECC, APS, CruiseControl, Navigation Plus + TV + BOSE + CD changer, Sideguard, Mobile phone, El. rear windows, Fog lights, Winter Package, ISOFIX, Headlight washers, Space Floor +++++++

[paulj]

BK!

Thanks regards the wheels :D

All !

As for DynoMat (soundproofing)I am having some more work do
ne on my A2 so the front panels will be off for a photo session also.

The best way is to cover the outer skin completly, and then cover the opposite panel facing the sticky side back in to the inside of the car. Then the door panel fits with no problem.

Also fitting it around the speaker surrounds has great effect.



2001 1.4 TDI SE, Crystal Blue, Open Sky System, Climate Control, El.Rear Windows 16" six spoke alloys, Alpine CD/MP3 & Genesis Components & Amps, Focal Sub all custom fitted.

[Stratos]

See my signaure for spec. Are invesigating in "eyebrows" for frontlamps and possibly fitting 8*17" (or maybe 18")with 225/35.
The rear wheel arches are easy to modify but front is plastic and therefore new have to be made.
Also a twin exhaust similar to TT will be considered.

1.6 fsi, Azur, S-line, powerwindows f/r, sideguard, cruise, Concert II, fog, H&R lowering, towbar, etc.....

[Stuart_D]

Stratos - please could you submit some photos of your A2 when possible when you are or have finished making all the modifications.

Thanks, Stuart.

2001 TDI SE, Open Sky System, 16" six spoke alloys, Kenwood Mask CD.
A2 Owners Club: www.Audi-A2.co.uk

[Potato]

Does the s-line difer from the UK spec sports pack? I lkie the introduction of the s-line logo UK doesn't have that? Any thoughts?

A2 1.6fsi sport climate cd amulet red

[Stratos]

quote:Originally posted by Potato
[br]Does the s-line difer from the UK spec sports pack?



Don't really know.
However, the S-line in Sweden consists of the following items:

Exterior
* Sportschassis from quattro GmbH ( NOT lowered)
(thats why I have the H&R kit)
* Aluminum wheels in 9 spoke design, 7JX17" with 205/40R17
* Rearview mirrors painted in car colour.
* S line badges on front fenders, front grill and rear door.

Interior
* All black interior; panel, ceiling, carpets,doors and seats with cloth/leather.
* Sportseats with electrical adjustment of lumbar support.
* Black leather sport steering wheel. Perforated
* Panels in matt aluminium.
* Gear knob in black perforated leather.
* Gear "bag" and handbrake in black leather.
* All instruments in coulour "titan"
* Onboard computer DIS.
* lights on inside mirrors

Also at no extra charge you can choose two additional exterior colours; Misanored (bright red) and a dark grey metallic which I forgot the name off.

S-line retail (available to all models except 1.2 tdi) is approx 1700£


1.6 fsi, Azur, S-line, powerwindows f/r, sideguard, cruise, Concert II, fog, H&R lowering, towbar, etc.....

[paulj]

Stratos !

How's the H&R suspension kit ? I've just ordered it so any feedback would be great.

Also how much did it lower it ?

2001 1.4 TDI SE, Crystal Blue, Open Sky, Climate Control, El.Rear Windows 16" six spoke alloys, Alpine CD/MP3 & Genesis Components & Amps, Focal Sub all custom fitted.