Rare Ara S3 Vortex XL build

[Rare Ara S3]

Starting a thread to document my rebuild and get feedback on parts. Even though its an S3 there seems to be more activity here than audizine as far as MQB goes. I've been reading old threads for weeks.
On September 26th I went to the drag strip with my Integrated Engineering stage 2 tuned 29k mile '17 S3. Ran consistent 11.60s on the 104 octane file with recommended MS109 in the tank. Otw home it began misfiring and I found that cylinder 3 had lost compression. Bore scoped at a friends shop and it looks like that piston is broken or melted. With a several month ETA on new longblocks and the ones available for salvage not working out, I pulled the engine and dropped it off for a performance rebuild on October 13th. I will post more info and pics of damage as I get it. I will post current mods and a list of plans.

That being said here is how I use the car: It was purchased to be my daily and has served that purpose since I got it in January 2019. I have attended one open track day and been to the strip once. Things I would like to continue in the future on occasion. Otherwise it doesn't get beat on and needs to be reliable so this isnt a max effort build. I would run 93 most of the time but E is available everywhere in Michigan near me. If I'm putting better parts in it I figure I might as well make some external upgrades and increase the power. Any input from those with experience with listed parts is appreciated.

Log of one track pass. Slight timing pulled on 3 compared to the rest
https://datazap.me/u/arablues3/14-mile-race-gas?log=0&data=9-10-11-12-18

BUILD PLANS
IE pistons and rods, Which version of rods should I go with ?
EQT Vortex XL
EQT charge pipes
Accessport with custom tune by EQT
OEM Euro manifold
Precision Raceworks MPI
RS3 brushless drop in LPFP
4 bar MAP ?
Ethanol sensor. P3 add-on ?

Current Power Modifications
IE Stage 2 ECU/TCU
IE Intercooler and Downpipe
Modified stock intake with K&N filter and CTS inlet

SUSPENSION
EMD Springs
EMD rear sway and endlinks
Neuspeed RSe10s 19x9
Michelin PS4S 235/35/19
TTS front caliper swap (shopdap kit)

COSMETIC
OEM Euro headlamps (no ugly amber)
OEM ROW tail lamps
eBay RS front grill
Dark AF tint
Milltek exhaust tips welded to factory muffler
Full lighting package retrofit
p3 vent gauge

 

[Rare Ara S3]

Before the grill and headlamp swap

 

[Rare Ara S3]

Here are a few more exteriors. And one of my other project.

 

[Rare Ara S3]

Motor pulled

 

[JC_451]

Pretty cool man.

 

[Rare Ara S3]

Here’s some of the damage. Valve seal appears to have been leaking as well.

 

[aaronc7]

Any pics of the piston in question yet?

How's the catalyst holding up in the IE downpipe after X miles? (I have the same one)

 

[Rare Ara S3]

Any pics of the piston in question yet?

How's the catalyst holding up in the IE downpipe after X miles? (I have the same one)

Awaiting pics of it.
regards to the IE downpipe, cat looks like the day it was installed

 

[Rare Ara S3]

Any pics of the piston in question yet?

How's the catalyst holding up in the IE downpipe after X miles? (I have the same one)

Ive put about 13k miles on the downpipe.

 

[Dubstro]

Very cool! Looking forward to the finished product. We are going to have very similar performance setup minus the built block and S3ness.

 

[Rare Ara S3]

Parts are starting to arrive. Not that a manifold is exciting but it’s a nice used euro one.

 

[eventhorizon]

Sick build man!!!! Can't wait to keep an eye on your progress!! MQB, good with me!

 

[PowerDemon]

Sweet looking build! Your fitment is perfect!! Getting rid of those orange reflectors in the headlights makes a world of difference... Love the garage too.

What's all done to the Chevy? She looks clean.

 

[Rare Ara S3]

Sweet looking build! Your fitment is perfect!! Getting rid of those orange reflectors in the headlights makes a world of difference... Love the garage too.

What's all done to the Chevy? She looks clean.

It’s really clean. For those that don’t know, the trailblazer SS came with the LS2 (6.0) Ported heads. Big cam. Aftermarket intake manifold/rails/bigger injectors. Headers and full exhaust. Full KW suspension
Build trans with 3600rpm stall converter
Every bolt turned by me.
custom tune

 

[PowerDemon]

Feel free to post more pics of it... Or maybe even a video of that cam loping. You know while the Audi is being worked on and whatnot.

There is a Whipple somewhere with your name on it