B5 S4 take my vote!!FI FTW when come to mod!!

 

The K04 turbos for the B5 S4 are about $3k with the right inlet pipes to make it fit. These turbos will work on stock programming with a little increase in lag. However, not much more power. You need a "fueling kit" with the right programming.

Normally I would just recommend a $600 chip (MTM, GIAC, etc.) as it's pretty cheep for a 50-60hp increase; but, if the car is still on the same K03 turbos from the factory you'll be looking at spending the $3k mentioned above when they let go. The stock K03's seem to be pretty delicate...as I've heard. This simple fact alone keeps me from chipping the car and just spending the money on the Evo.

Also, you have to yank the trans out of the car to try and get to the turbos. So while you're up there you might as well swap out the downpipes ($1500), get a new clutch and flywheel ($1200 total, the factory flywheel is almost as heavy as the car itself), add a drivetrain stabilizer bar ($300), swap out the motor and trans mounts to the RS4 type ($400, the drivetrain feels like it's not even bolted to the car), add the Stasis center diff ($500) and maybe think about adding a rear LSD ($2K) since there isn't one from the factory. After that comes brakes and suspension to try and keep the car on the road. I simply can't drive my S4 immediately after the evo, it makes it feel like a buick. Thank God it's not that bad though.

You might wonder why I bought the car in the first place. Well, I thought I was going to do all of the above to it, which would really make it a great car for long distance trips. Unfortunately the Air Force isn't paying me the big bucks I think I'm worth , so it will have to wait...or get replaced with a B7 S4...

 

BTW, my car is still up for sale if you want it!

Also, if you're looking at S4's your power goals should be your determining factor on which platform to get.

The B5's are cheap to 320hp - chip and catback ~$1250. After that it get's pretty pricey for any more power so you might as well go for broke and get the Autospeed GT25R2 kit ($13k) and enjoy life at 500whp.

The B6-B7's don't cost much for engine mods because they're aren't any. You can get a chip for $600 for a few extra hp (less than 10) get downpipes, a catback and an intake. This should take the car from 340hp stock to roughly 380hp (all at the crank), and that's being generous. However, you're at the end there, unless you want to spend $21k on the MTM supercharger and get 450hp at the crank.

However, even though the B6 and B7s are slightly heavier than the B5 (not like it matters, you want a 400lb fat chick or a 425lb fat chick?) the chassis, drivetrain, driver position and brake feel are lightyears ahead of a stock B5.

 

In your case, why not go for the 2007 Subaru STi limited? I know this is an Evo website, but I've driven the new STi and I have to admit, the fit and finish of the interior is much better than the Evo.

The STi limited will not have the big wing, and will come with leather and heated seats. If you stay away from modding the exhaust, it's relatively quiet. STi will also be easier to mod compared to the M3 or S4.

Here's a link: http://www.subaru.com/sub/misc/2007/sti/index.html

 

I have to say M3. Audi's in general from what ive heard are not reliable in the long run. Ive seen plenty of the older M3's with over 250k on the original motor and still running strong.

 

The STI Limited Edition is an interesting option, but if I was going to get that quality of a car in general, I would just go with the Evo as I like the looks over the STI atleast 3 to 1.

It seems like everyone seems to be picking the M3, but one question I have is, is that because I picked the new S4 in the poll instead of the V6TT S4 or do you guys think the majority would still pick the M3?

I am on an E46 Forum right now asking some questions about modding, it doesnt seem like power mods are very highly prasied and that most people just save up for a supercharger or get pretty much nothing done power wise.

I am def looking to mod whichever car I end up getting, weather its a Pinto, so hopefully I will find something I like that has atleast some decent power potentional without destroying my bank account.
If I were to get an M3 I would like to get the 333HP up to probably about 400-420 and I would be happy.

If anyone has anymore advice, or opinions, please let me know!

I love the Evo community

 

Also, everyone is talking about how the new S4 is a pretty bad handler, which S4 was mentioned in the TopGear episode of the STi vs S4 vs Evo, because the S4 beat the STI.....
I remember that being the new S4???

 

Why don't you test drive the cars and see for yourself? Driving them will answer most of your unanswered questions.

 

Depnds on your reasons for getting either. beauty & luxury+BMW & Audi.
All out performance & handleing=Evo.
I jsy got back fro running Sebring International Raceway, I was passing modded M-3' like nothing, thru the straights & corners. There was 1 modded S-4, passed him too in all areas.

 

BTW,
Both of the cars you mentioned are excellent cars, I plan on owning one or two in the future, Deo Volente!

 

oops! My spelling sucks, sorry about that!

 

m3, if you want to mod, let me know.....Active Autowerke is where its at!

 

yep AA ftw for M3's...but SC kit will cost an arm, and a leg.

if u want a car that could run 350whp with bolt-on's mods etc just get the Evo MR. the interior is lacking, but the ride quality isn't that bad, and the car is IMHO pretty damn quiet for what it is.

it's hard to find a good car that blends perofrmance and luxury....but the m3 has been the benchmark for that car.

how about the new 335i? according to vishnu there are still powers to be untapped from the stock engine...plus the i6tt engine will be offered in a sedan trim soon.

 

the 335 is pretty nice. depends on your price range, because if you have the extra money laying around, you could always wait for the new M3. there will always be a "better" car in everyone's eyes, so its up to you. but the M3 is a very, very nice ride. we havent got one yet (335i), but if you get the M3 and wanna go turbo or supercharger, then PM me when you are ready . Ill see what I can do at that time.

 

I like both however I visit Colorado and feel the S4 is better in that regard.