[audinutt]

I was offered a 2003 S8 for a very good price.
It had been sitting in this dilapidated structure for years..
118K on the clock and a tank full of varnish.
A new fuel pump and she was able to pull out under her own power.

This was my previous build, which I am still driving with the hail damage, while I complete this build.

Before said hail storm.

The AYS engine going into the build - mid teardown

Engine cleaned up.. New supertech springs and a full valve job is complete.

One of the rare parts.. The last NOS Milltek was found in a corner of a building and offered for sale, I quickly made the decision to secure this.

 

[audinutt]

D3 S8 385mm brakes are going up front.

New european bi-xenons will go on once the paintwork is complete.

Paint is cleaning up fairly well.

Before polish...

Low mileage front subframe that is rust-free was sourced..

 

[zipdoa]

Sweet build, I'll be watching.

I thought D2's were all aluminum? would all subframes be rust free in this case?

Also - why did you choose the euro xenons instead of a Mini H1 8.0 retrofit in the stock lights? These euro xenons were interesting in that they seem to be an proper HID without a projector housing. IIRC they also have a motor to change the bulb angle for high beam mode?

 

[audinutt]

One of the only parts that is steel in the d2 is the subframe.. the bixenon lights are wonderful at night.. I found one side for a steal of a deal but had to pony up big $$$$ for the other side.. But at this point, why not?

The bixenon does move the assembly to shift the light pattern on high beam as well as activate another h1 light bulb.

Here's a video of some used bixenon on my 01 that I refurbished.

I thought D2's were all aluminum? would all subframes be rust free in this case?

Also - why did you choose the euro xenons instead of a Mini H1 8.0 retrofit in the stock lights? These euro xenons were interesting in that they seem to be an proper HID without a projector housing. IIRC they also have a motor to change the bulb angle for high beam mode?

 

[varia]

Awesome! I love the D2 S8. One of the forum member here (Alex) is a big guru in the subject.

 

[audinutt]

I am very familiar with Alex and his project. He's a stellar guy and has some very cool cars and projects.

 

[Pete82]

While I'd have liked to have got a s8 I wanted a a8L for the extra rear legroom. Looking forward to watching your progress.

 

[DaveDoolittle]

Good stuff!!

 

[ase1972]

Thanks for sharing it looks like it will turn out to be an amazing car.

 

[BrianC72bgt]

Sweet build, I'll be watching.

I thought D2's were all aluminum? would all subframes be rust free in this case?

Also - why did you choose the euro xenons instead of a Mini H1 8.0 retrofit in the stock lights? These euro xenons were interesting in that they seem to be an proper HID without a projector housing. IIRC they also have a motor to change the bulb angle for high beam mode?

The chassis is aluminum, but the front and rear subframes are steel. Also pre FL uprights are also steel on the A8, alloy post facelift. Not sure about the S8 uprights.

 

[audinutt]

New KW Variant 2 coilovers - these are no longer available, another rare item going into this build

Some cleanup of parts.. D2 A8 uprights to fit the d3 s8 calipers.

Some NOS engine mounts - mounts on the right are new - notice the used mounts -on the left - are shorter (compressed)

That's all for today, much more to come!

 

[wilke_jb]

Love it - beautiful cars. Can't wait to see it finished.

 

[audinutt]

Some more parts than have been cleaned then painted universal aluminum color.

Trying to keep this build clean.

New S8 Badge will be installed on this wheel.

-Richard

 

[Tumbler510]

Following. I love these threads, and these cars. You're doing great work!

 

[audinutt]

Well, as life is constantly changing, so have my plans...
A neighbor backed into the quarter panel and squashed my enthusiasm to build this.
I have however sold this to another enthusiast who will build this car.
I decided to find a clean example and put all of goodies on that instead.

This was a 2 owner car, always garaged, never driven in the snow.
Had 111k, flew in and drove it home.

I was calculating costs of paint and bodywork when making this decision..
This route was definitely the way to go.