BHPian Tvk1991 recently shared this with other enthusiasts: S4 Build Update:After getting all the parts I needed, the next step was to find the right workshop for the build. The garage had to tick a few important boxes – someone who has worked on similar cars before, local (so I can go anytime for help or troubleshooting), and who is okay if I use my own tune. After assuring him I was aware of these points and I would do all preventive maintenance before tuning, I also told him to tell me openly if I am overdoing anything. He agreed and was fine with me using Jackal Tune even though he himself can tune. He said Jackal and 034 tunes are already proven on this platform. Initial Inspection & Maintenance Plan: Ashwin took around 2-3 weeks to fully check the car and shared a list of things to do before we start mods and tune. He said the car was very clean for its age, and even the underbody plastic covers were intact. Some wires in the engine bay were brittle, and he replaced/repaired them. The engine and transmission mounts were still factory originals, and he strongly advised to change them. Since the engine was coming out anyway, we also discussed pulley upgrades also. The supercharger was removed and serviced fully, including oil change. We then decided to do some preventive work along with a few upgrades. Preventive Maintenance: 1. Full supercharger service kit from GPS Solutions (including PCV) 2. Supercharger oil 3. Magnetic drain plug for supercharger 4. General service – engine oil and filters 5. Transmission oil 6. Differential oil Additional Mods: 1.034 Engine & Transmission Mounts (Street Version) 2.034 190mm Crank Pulley with 7PK1320 Belt 3.034 Supercharger Pulley (57.7mm) 4. Pulley removal tool 5. HPFP piston upgrade (for E40/E85 tune later) 6. Transmission mount 7. Billet front main seal 8. Downpipe upgrade with decat (to prevent cat melting) 9. Upgraded fuel pump (was not in stock then) 10. Injectors cleaned and checked to be in spec 11. Upgraded spark plugs First Drive & Initial Results: The car was delivered in July, and I was honestly more excited than when I first got the A35 AMG! On testing, I got 0-60 mph in 3.9s, though there was clear heat soak because of an upgraded pump. In many other countries with 93 tune and HPFP, people see 0-60 in 3.0-3.4s. But considering our ambient temps and DA, I expected some difference. There was also a flap error since my first service – sometimes the flaps stay closed even at full throttle. Ashwin told me he had done a flap delete, and that could be the reason the AFR is a bit off and might need a custom tune. Tune from Jackal: I sent logs to Jackal Tuning, and Matt shared their logging software. I did WOT runs in 1st 3 gears and sent the data. After around 10 days, they shared a custom Stage 2+ 93 Oct tune (with HPFP and flap delete). Flashed it and took the car out – the difference was crazy! Launch rpm was 3400, and 0-60 came down to 3.69s. There was some wheel spin during launch and also between shifts. When I repeated back-to-back, times increased a little bit due to heat soak. From logs, IAT (intake air temp) was crossing 60C very easily. I learnt that performance drops once it goes above 60C. In Chennai weather and humidity are common. Ashwin said still good numbers for this setup. Mr.Bhuvan Chowdhary has reviewed my car, covering the supercharger whine after the mod. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DNz_u…J2ZXFnMzNrejh3 Problems Faced: 1. Pulley tensioner failed once, belt shredded. Lucky I noticed early. Changed to the new OEM tensioner and the same 7PK1320 belt. Had to drive 30+ kms with the supercharger disconnected (below 3000 rpm). Surprisingly got very good mileage that day. 2. The alternator failed once, the car stopped in the middle of the road. Should have gone to the nearby workshop, but I tried to drive back to ICD (around 12 km), thinking the battery would hold. All warnings started coming up slowly, somehow parked it safely and towed it after that. Upcoming Upgrades: 1. Better brakes 2. Fuel-It Bluetooth ethanol sensor kit 3. P3 car gauge 4. 255/40/18 Michelin PS5 5. New aftermarket alloys 6. CWA100 upgraded water pump 7. GAS divorce kit Note: Took the family out after the mods – they looked at me like I’d completely lost it! My son told me he did not like it a bit and told me not to floor it. Too loud, too much supercharger whine. So now the A35 is officially the family car, and the S4 is my night and weekend toy. Here is the best 0-60mph captured after the tune, not bad for <4000 USD on just mods and tune. Apologise for not posting good exterior pictures, I rarely get down of the car when taking the car out, the only time I get out is to refuel the car. Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.
