Why the S3 is going ‘Fast Road’ rather than full track mode

Hello hello, long time no see. Well 2 weeks to be precise. Last week was busy, hence the radio silence. However, not to fear, I am back and with a bit of an update post for the S3 and the plans for it.

So let’s get into it!

From the inception and first posts on the blog I’ve spoke about the S3 and how I’m unsure on which path I was going to head with it when it came to the build and all that kinda stuff. So overtime I’ve toyed with different ideas and I think recently I’ve come to a decision. So let me walk you through it.

Currently I’m doing the boring maintenance bits getting the car running right, boring but it needs to be done. There’s a point though where that maintenance comes to a slow and I can start building the car out to what I want it to be. And that means interior, exterior and performance all come into the equation. And I’m planning to head down the route of a “fast road” build.

So what does a “fast road” build entail? Well a fast road car generally has the benefits of a track car but without going all out. So it’s track ready but still maintains the ability to be driven on regular roads with ease. So no roll cage, no harsh suspension, AC and climate controls and a radio of course. So let me run you through the vague necessities that will make up the S3 build.

So when it comes to the interior I’m not wanting to go crazy but I am wanting to update it a little whilst keeping some of the less modern feel. I’m lucky enough that the interior is in really good condition for the age of the car but there are some pieces that need a tidy and I’m going to resolve those in a carbon fibre kind of way. A new head unit is also a must as I am a bit of a sucker for Apple CarPlay. Other than that, I have a few other ideas to bring to life and make the cabin a nice place to be.

Exterior, I’ll be honest this is the part I want to mess with the least. To me the 3 door S3’s are perfection, they don’t need no Maxton kit, no spoiler extensions or anything along those lines, they look good exactly how they came out of the factory. So other than a tidy up and some alloys I’m looking to keep the exterior pretty similar to what you see now. I have plans to change the alloys as I’m not the biggest fan of the current ones, improve the stance and maybe a couple of other little OEM+ touches. I’d love to chuck some carbon fibre pieces for the exterior but I’m not made of money so that would have to be a long way down the line.

Then onto the biggest part, performance. More specifically engine performance. As soon as you mention the EA113 engine, especially in the UK one tuning company will be mentioned and known to be one of the best, that is R-Tech. So yes, the plan is to get the car to them at some point for tuning of course and maybe some other bits too of course. But before then there is some bits I want to change. Firstly a new air intake to replace the current one, new internals for the high pressure fuel pump along with a new exhaust too. I’m not 100% sure on how this will all pan out but if you know the EA113 engines, you’ll know there’s so many little things you can tweak and do to aid performance. From the RS4 Fuel Pressure Return Valve, the 5mm mod, numerous Diverter valve options and other little bits and bats to make them perform better. But until I get to all that, we will just have to wait.

Other things worth mentioning is suspension and brakes. These need an upgrade too especially when increasing power, so a set of coilovers paired with a few other bits will help with handling. Then with the brakes an upgrade front and rear will help improve stopping distances and eliminate the rear brakes seizing just like they’re known for doing.

When all of this comes together I’m hoping the S3 will feel like a totally different car, and it may take a while to get there but that’s all part of the process I guess. I’m not planning to break the bank on all of this, I’m hoping to do a decent chunk of work myself, and that is what you guys will see. The plan is to document each stage of the build and walk you guys through some aspects of it too!

So it won’t be long till the blog is filled with S3 posts and hopefully some helpful posts for my fellow S3 owners too.

If you’re planning a build at the moment or maybe your midway through, let me know in the comments your next plans and what you’ve done already, always love seeing and hearing what other people are up to!

Until the next one, enjoy the ride!

E.