Audi B7 RS4 DIY: Modified Brake Cooling Ducts

[koolade9]

I'm putting this in the DIYs (even though I didn't write it) simply for archive purposes. I'm sure there is a large amount of people who never knew about this (like me).

Now I've been looking for a good solution for awhile. My first instinct was to use a traditional backing plate and hose-style duct. The B5 guys I talked to all said they ended up with a reduced turning radius as the ducting would rub the tire near full lock. Seeing as I didn't want to do any major reconstructive surgery...I was at a stalemate. Then, dparm brought to my attention something the RS6 guys have been doing for years, using brake cooling ducts from the VW Phaeton. There's a detailed write-up here.

Updated part numbers:
3D0 615 447E - cooling duct left
3D0 615 448E - cooling duct right

3D0 615 311C - splash shield left
3D0 615 312C - splash shield right

You'll pay around $180-190 retail for everything depending on tax.

The cool thing about these on an RS, is they line up almost perfectly with the factory naca duct exits in the wheel wells. Now I have a full turning radius, and directed brake cooling.

Pics:

[frmomiller]

I love this mod! I just ordered 380mm Brembo rotors made for the RS4, after ruining the stock 365s and a set of JHM 380s (due to track time). Just got the parts in from the VW Phaeton and realized the alterations necessary to make the parts fit over the lower strut. Have you noticed any clearance issues with the scoop and the bottom strut bolt? The RS6 guy cut out a hole in the scoop and riveted a piece of rubber over the hole. Also, you didn't bother with welding a 2mm plate at the top to make the top mounting hole. Everything seems solid to you using just the 3 mounting holes?

[serena85]

Hmm interesting upgrade there I wonder if this can be done to a Golf....

[koolade9]

Have you noticed any clearance issues with the scoop and the bottom strut bolt? The RS6 guy cut out a hole in the scoop and riveted a piece of rubber over the hole. Also, you didn't bother with welding a 2mm plate at the top to make the top mounting hole. Everything seems solid to you using just the 3 mounting holes?

No clearance issues...They've made a few revisions to the part number over the years, and I believe one of those was the notch on the lower end of the scoop so it will clear the lower clevis bolt without any issues.

As for not welding a plate...I've been running with three mounting points with no problems at all. The backing plate is pretty sturdy as-is