Audi S5 B8 Performance Parts & Tuning Mods

Top Brands For Audi S5 B8

The Audi S5 B8 is well supported by several top performance brands, offering everything from intake and exhaust upgrades to suspension kits and brake packages. You will find a strong range of quality tuning parts and styling mods from trusted manufacturers to suit serious enthusiasts.

Audi S5 B8 Exterior Styling Upgrades

To sharpen the presence of your Audi S5 B8, there is a full range of exterior styling mods, from body kits, spoilers and splitters to diffusers, custom grilles and more. These upgrades help you dial in a more aggressive, unique look while complementing the car’s existing lines and performance character.

Suspension & Handling Upgrades

The Audi S5 B8 is a quick and capable GT from the factory, but it can feel a bit nose heavy with safe understeer when you really lean on it. Start with quality tyres and performance brake pads, as these give the biggest real-world jump in confidence. Grippier rubber sharpens turn-in and traction, while uprated pads and discs resist fade and give more consistent pedal feel on spirited runs or the odd track day. From there, suspension tuning transforms the car’s agility and balance. Lowering springs or a well-matched coilover kit reduce the factory float, cut body roll and help the S5 sit flatter through fast bends without ruining comfort if you choose sensibly. Uprated dampers, stiffer anti-roll bars and fresh performance bushes tighten everything up, so the chassis feels more precise and predictable. Add a front strut brace or rear anti-roll bar upgrade and you will notice better feedback, stability and a more playful, rear-biased feel on corner exit.

Audi S5 B8 Performance & Tuning FAQ

What are the best first performance mods for an Audi S5 B8?

For most Audi S5 B8 owners, the best first upgrades are a quality performance exhaust, an intake kit or panel filter, and a proper ECU remap. These give a noticeable bump in power and torque, sharper throttle response, and a much better soundtrack without going too wild.

If you want the chassis to match the extra power, look at a set of lowering springs or coilovers and uprated anti roll bars. These suspension mods tighten up the S5 in the bends and make the car feel far more planted without ruining daily comfort if you choose sensible spring rates.

How much power can I gain from tuning and remapping my Audi S5 B8?

On the 3.0 TFSI supercharged S5 B8, a good remap combined with an intake and exhaust can deliver very noticeable gains in horsepower and torque, especially if you add a smaller supercharger pulley kit. You will feel stronger mid range pull and better in gear acceleration, ideal for fast road use.

The 4.2 V8 version responds well to an ECU tune plus intake and exhaust, but the gains are more modest compared with the supercharged engine. In both cases, the aim is improved drivability and response rather than chasing headline dyno numbers, so choose a reputable tuner that understands VAG engines.

Will tuning my Audi S5 B8 affect reliability and engine longevity?

Light to moderate tuning, such as a stage 1 remap, intake and cat back exhaust, is generally safe for a well maintained Audi S5 B8 when carried out by a trusted specialist. Staying within sensible boost, timing and fuelling limits keeps stress on the engine and drivetrain under control.

As you move to more aggressive setups, for example pulley upgrades on the 3.0 TFSI or high rev mapping on the 4.2 V8, supporting mods become more important. Upgraded cooling, high quality oil, regular servicing and keeping an eye on belt, chain and clutch or gearbox health are all key to long term reliability.

Do I need supporting mods for a pulley upgrade on the 3.0 TFSI Audi S5 B8?

A supercharger pulley upgrade is one of the most popular power mods on the 3.0 TFSI S5, but it should always be paired with a specific ECU tune calibrated for the extra boost. Running a pulley without the correct map can lead to lean conditions, knock and excessive intake temperatures.

For a safer and more consistent setup, many owners also fit an upgraded heat exchanger or intercooler, plus a free flowing intake and exhaust system. This helps control charge temps and back pressure, giving more reliable performance on the road and on track, especially during hard use or in warmer weather.

What suspension upgrades are recommended for the Audi S5 B8 for fast road use?

For fast road and occasional track days, a matched set of performance springs and dampers or quality coilovers works very well on the Audi S5 B8. These upgrades reduce body roll and improve turn in without making the ride unbearably harsh if you choose a reputable brand.

Adding uprated anti roll bars and fresh bushes, plus a proper alignment with a touch more negative camber, really sharpens the handling. Combined with lighter performance wheels and good tyres, the car feels more agile, with better grip and feedback when you push on.

What wheel and tyre setup works well on a tuned Audi S5 B8?

Most owners stick with 19 inch rims on the Audi S5 B8, as they offer a good balance between looks, grip and ride quality. Lightweight alloys help reduce unsprung mass, which improves steering feel and acceleration more than many people expect.

A common performance tyre size is 255/35R19, although some go a little wider with the correct offset and arch clearance. Focus on quality tyres from a reputable brand, as grip and braking performance will make more difference to real world pace than an extra few horsepower from engine mods.

Is a performance exhaust worth it on the Audi S5 B8, and will it pass MOT and emissions?

A performance cat back exhaust is one of the most satisfying upgrades on the Audi S5 B8, especially the 4.2 V8. It improves sound, reduces weight, and can help the engine breathe a little better, particularly when combined with intake and ECU tuning.

Most cat back systems that retain the original catalytic converters or use high quality sports cats are designed to pass UK MOT emissions testing, as long as the rest of the engine and exhaust system is healthy. Always check local regulations and choose an exhaust that is specifically listed as road legal if you use the car daily.

Do I need to upgrade the brakes on a modified Audi S5 B8?

The standard brakes on the Audi S5 B8 are reasonable for stock power, but once you start adding tuning mods and driving harder, upgrades are a good idea. A simple first step is performance brake pads, high quality discs, and fresh DOT 4 or DOT 5.1 brake fluid.

For more serious fast road or track use, a big brake kit with larger calipers and rotors offers better heat management and more consistent stopping power. Combined with good tyres, this gives you the confidence to use all the extra performance from your engine and chassis upgrades.

Final Thoughts On The Audi S5 B8

The S5 B8 has strong foundations, a solid chassis, a punchy engine and that all important all wheel drive confidence. Out of the box it is a quick, refined coupe that does everything well, but like most fast Audis it can feel a touch muted and a bit soft if you drive it hard. That is exactly where sensible tuning and a few carefully chosen upgrades start to bring out the real character of the car, sharpening it up without ruining its everyday manners. With power mods such as a quality remap, intake and exhaust upgrades, plus cooling improvements where needed, the S5 B8 responds with noticeably stronger mid range pull and crisper throttle response. Pair that with suspension tweaks, coilovers or upgraded springs and dampers, and perhaps stiffer anti roll bars, and you can tidy up the factory understeer and body roll. A good wheel and tyre package, whether you call them wheels, rims or alloys, finishes the handling side, giving more grip and better feedback without making the car harsh. We have seen plenty of S5 B8 builds, and a common theme is addressing known weak points once power is increased. The stock clutch on manual cars can struggle, and the S tronic box benefits from a proper TCU tune and regular servicing. The factory brakes are fine for the road, but on spirited drives or track days they can fade, so uprated pads, discs and fluid are very popular. Looking after cooling and staying on top of typical 3.0 TFSI issues like thermostat or PCV problems keeps things reliable as you turn the wick up. Put all that together and the S5 B8 becomes a very rewarding all rounder, sharper and more engaging, yet still comfortable enough to daily. You are not trying to turn it into a stripped out race car, just refining what is already a very capable platform. With the right combination of performance parts, handling upgrades and subtle styling mods, you can tailor your S5 B8 to suit your driving style and taste. It is a brilliant base for tuning, and with a bit of planning you can build a car that feels genuinely yours every time you get behind the wheel.