HRE FF15 19×8.5 ET47 / Michelin Pilot Super Sport 235/35-19 Tires on Bilstein B14 Coilovers
As good as the original article is, things can always be improved. Such is the case with this impressive 8V Audi A3, built by ModBargains customer Chun. Chun has been working with Sr Mod Expert Alan for some time to turn a stock-as-they-come A3 into the machine you see today.
HRE FF15 19×8.5 ET47 / Michelin Pilot Super Sport 235/35-19 Tires on Bilstein B14 Coilovers
The genius of what Chun has put together here is its subtlety. This does not ‘look’ like a heavily modified car, but those who know what an A3 is supposed to look like, the difference is immediately apparent.
HRE FF15 19×8.5 ET47 / Michelin Pilot Super Sport 235/35-19 Tires on Bilstein B14 Coilovers
While it may not look all that wild to the untrained eye, under the hood lurks a 2.0 TFSI that’s been reprogrammed with a GIAC Stage 2 ECU and matching United Motorsports Stage 2 DSG program. The hardware backing that up is a Unitronic Intercooler and CTS BOV, along with an APR Turbo Muffler delete. Letting the motor breathe and enhancing sound as well as rear end appearance is a Billy Boat Turbo-Back Exhaust for Audi A3 with quad tips, custom powdercoated matte black. Not one to stop there, Chun took it a step further with a custom electric cutout in the exhaust system to control the volume on demand.
HRE FF15 19×8.5 ET47 / Michelin Pilot Super Sport 235/35-19 Tires on Bilstein B14 Coilovers
Chun by no means slacked off on the handling either, doing a heck of a lot more than just throwing a set of coilovers on it and calling it a day- oh no, he gave it the whole nine yards, starting with Bilstein B14 Coilovers as a base, then complimented that with H&R Front and Rear Sway Bars for 8V Audi A3, Eurocode Front and Rear Endlinks and a Unibrace UBQ Chassis Brace to tighten things up. To get rid of the slop in the subframe that plagues other VAG cars as well as prevent the dreaded subframe clunk, he’s also fitted a TyrolSport Deadset kit, which replaces the failure prone OEM stretch bolts with heavy duty ARP Hardware, eliminating the movement in the subframe for better steering response, tighter turn in, better braking performance, improved chassis feel and in general, an improvement over virtually all road surfaces. With the subframe secured, the engine mounts needed some attention – so BFI Stage I Engine, Transmission and Torque Arm mounts were fitted as well.
HRE FF15 19×8.5 ET47 / Michelin Pilot Super Sport 235/35-19 Tires on Bilstein B14 Coilovers
Aesthetics are just as important as performance – dressing things up front and rear from Emmanuel Design is a Carbon Fiber Front Splitter and a Carbon Fiber Rear Diffuser. Bringing that together is a set of Audi OEM Carbon Fiber Mirror Caps, an RS3 grille and the A3, 2.0T and Quattro badges were all omitted for a cleaner look.
HRE FF15 19×8.5 ET47 / Michelin Pilot Super Sport 235/35-19 Tires on Bilstein B14 Coilovers
So when it came time for wheels, Chun reached out to Sr Mod Expert Alan for a set of HRE Performance Wheels.
HRE FF15 19×8.5 ET47 / Michelin Pilot Super Sport 235/35-19 Tires on Bilstein B14 Coilovers
To clear his StopTech Big Brake Kit for Audi, Chun would need just the right offset, and Alan was just the man with the expertise to make the right fitment happen.
HRE FF15 19×8.5 ET47 / Michelin Pilot Super Sport 235/35-19 Tires on Bilstein B14 Coilovers
There’s so many great photos of this incredible build, we couldn’t narrow it down – so enjoy the rest of the gallery below.
HRE FF15 19×8.5 ET47 / Michelin Pilot Super Sport 235/35-19 Tires on Bilstein B14 Coilovers
HRE FF15 19×8.5 ET47 / Michelin Pilot Super Sport 235/35-19 Tires on Bilstein B14 Coilovers
HRE FF15 19×8.5 ET47 / Michelin Pilot Super Sport 235/35-19 Tires on Bilstein B14 Coilovers
HRE FF15 19×8.5 ET47 / Michelin Pilot Super Sport 235/35-19 Tires on Bilstein B14 Coilovers
HRE FF15 19×8.5 ET47 / Michelin Pilot Super Sport 235/35-19 Tires on Bilstein B14 Coilovers
HRE FF15 19×8.5 ET47 / Michelin Pilot Super Sport 235/35-19 Tires on Bilstein B14 Coilovers
HRE FF15 19×8.5 ET47 / Michelin Pilot Super Sport 235/35-19 Tires on Bilstein B14 Coilovers
HRE FF15 19×8.5 ET47 / Michelin Pilot Super Sport 235/35-19 Tires on Bilstein B14 Coilovers
HRE FF15 19×8.5 ET47 / Michelin Pilot Super Sport 235/35-19 Tires on Bilstein B14 Coilovers
HRE FF15 19×8.5 ET47 / Michelin Pilot Super Sport 235/35-19 Tires on Bilstein B14 Coilovers
HRE FF15 19×8.5 ET47 / Michelin Pilot Super Sport 235/35-19 Tires on Bilstein B14 Coilovers
HRE FF15 19×8.5 ET47 / Michelin Pilot Super Sport 235/35-19 Tires on Bilstein B14 Coilovers
HRE FF15 19×8.5 ET47 / Michelin Pilot Super Sport 235/35-19 Tires on Bilstein B14 Coilovers
HRE FF15 19×8.5 ET47 / Michelin Pilot Super Sport 235/35-19 Tires on Bilstein B14 Coilovers
A big Thank You to Chun for sharing his story with us and for choosing us to be a part of his build. Need some guidance for your project? Whether it’s just wheels for your daily or turning your ride into the ultimate A3, the Mod Experts at ModBargains like Alan are here to help. Give them a call at 714-582-3330 (x8006 for Alan), chat live at ModBargains.com or stop by the ModAuto showroom in La Habra CA any day during business hours.
Photos Courtesy Chun Hui & HRE
Editorial Nick Gregson