January '08 Featured AZ'er: A4Rob's 1999 A4 1.8T sedan

User Name: A4Rob
Real Name: Rob Michals
Location: Minneapolis, MN USA
Year of Vehicle: 1999
Model of Vehicle: A4 quattro sedan
Engine of Vehicle: 1.8 Turbo

 

For Audizine's second Featured AZ'er, we wanted to go back a bit. Back to what kicked off Audi's resurgence into the American market. Back to one of the most popular tuner-cars that Audi has ever produced. Back to the B5 A4 1.8 Turbo. Still a very popular car, with near endless tuning options, we had a great number of worthy AZ'ers to chose from. Picking a great one out of the mix was no easy task, but Rob's car was extremely difficult to overlook.

 

Stocked with some of the very best in both go and show, this car has it all. The mod list just goes on and on, so you can see why we contacted Rob for a feature article on his A4. And like any hardcore enthusiast, he isn't done yet! We are definitely looking forward to keeping up with his exploits and the continued progression of this car.

 

Please read on to glean a bit of knowledge from Rob and what's led him to build the car you see here today. From the turbo upgrade and roll bar, to the suede headliner and custom stereo install, Rob and his A4 are showing all of us just what's possible in the world of Audi tuning. 

 

Q: How has your ownership been with this vehicle overall?
A: Great. I have been very lucky to have almost no problems.  I even drive it in the cold Minnesota winter.

Q: Think you'll be getting another one anytime soon?
A: I plan to keep the A4 for a while. I will be getting a 90 or 5000 soon.

 

Q: How long have you been into Audis and in the European tuning scene?
A: I have always wanted a Mk3 GTI since I was about 15.  From there, I got in touch with the local Audi club and decided to get a A4.

 

Q: How long have you been into cars in general, as an enthusiast?
A: My Dad was always into kart racing, so from a early age I had the bug to go fast.

 

Q: Where do you think that passion and enthusiasm comes from, can it be traced back to anyone or anything?
A: Like I said above, my Dad always has had a passion for racing.  He gave me to opportunity to co-drive his 1992 Porsche 968 F class on several tracks in the Midwest.

Q: What do you most love about your car?
A: How it drives in the snow. I am not afraid to rip around when there is a few inches of fresh snow on the roads.

Q: What's your biggest peeve in regards to the car, the one thing you dislike the most?
A: The electrical gremlins. I have had a few really annoying problems with wiring.

Q: Can you explain your modding style? Do you prefer more go, more show, perhaps a combo of both?
A: I would say I have a good combo of both.  The PES kit is great for the street. I have over 139K on the stock motor and it still chugs around pretty well. I also have a passion for going to shows with Midwest Europrojektz.

Q: Do you prefer to do the work yourself, or do you have a shop or specific person perform the work?
A: I do as much as I can. I learned how to paint on my car, and do regular maintenance. I did get some help with the welding on my fenders and door handles.  Every weekend I am in the garage working on something DIY. I have also re-done the interior in suede.

Q: Which mod or aspect of the car are you the most proud of or happy with?
A: The overall use of my car.  It is constantly changing style and summer/winter mode. Currently I have some 17' rims on it with my snowboard roof rack with no Carbon Fiber for winter.  It looks like a  completely different car in the winter.

Q: What brought you to Audizine, and how long have you been with us?
A: I was browsing AZ for a while even before I became a member.  I liked looking at everyone's sigs during my college English class a few years ago - haha.

Q: What would be in your ultimate garage, if you could have any two vehicles?
A: A 993 Turbo, and of course a daily driven B5 RS 4.

Q: What do your friends and family think about your passion for Audis?
A: My brothers like borrowing my car on the weekends. I live with other car enthusiasts so they probably like it too.

Q: How does your love for cars and Audis affect your life, does it play a pretty big part?
A: It does not come before family or friends, but it does play a big part of my life because I have gained so many car friends locally and here on AZ.

Q: Describe your fondest memory of owning, modifying, or driving this vehicle.
A: Within the first week of owning it I had exhaust, intake and suspension. I knew what I was getting into.

Q: When you're not on Audizine, or out playing with the Audi, what do like to you do for fun?
A: Snowboard in the winter, and be on the lake with friends in the summertime.

Q: Have an interesting day job? Care to talk a little bit about it?
A: Currently I have been re-modeling homes with my brother and dad while I finish school. After I graduate in May I plan to start my own company. I have a degree in Construction Management, Business Administration, and Urban Studies. I think I will do alright.

Q: Any word of advice for your fellow enthusiasts, a bit of wisdom you'd like to impart on the masses?
A: Keep it clean and SEARCH the forums before asking.

Q: Do you have anyone you'd like to thank, any shout-outs?

A: My Family and Friends, Chad at SCI Performance, Brent Luther, The Midwest Europrojektz guys, Minnesota Audi Club, urotrash.net.