Ok, so I have a 2001 Audi S4 stage 3. Fairly clean, I can't find any rust on it. Don't like it so I haven't driven it much in the close to two months I have owned it. Keep in mind that I haven't driven it in 150 miles in the last month or so. My friend drove it a lot when I first got it, put close to 700 or 800 miles on it. So the car has seen close to 1,000 miles since it has been in my possession.
I have had it up for trade and like I mentioned, I don't like it much so I hardly ever drive it. It does get started about three times a week, though. The last time I went to start it to let it run (three days ago, the car had issues starting.) It was tuned to run 30lbs, but I turned it down to 8lbs. Spark plugs fouled, so I changed them. Slightly better, but not good enough. I thought that would improve the "slight miss" and it did, but it is still there.
1. Changed coil packs (with good, tested ones).
2. Changed spark plugs (tried gap at .028 and .025) -- no improvement.
3. Charged and tested battery.
4. Replaced battery.
5. Reset ECU.
I checked the MAF when I replaced the coils and it was CLEAN.
Car still doesn't like to start, although it is about 3x better than it was.
Push clutch down, turn key and it sounds like the starter is spinning 70% of the time, the other part of the time it does nothing.
I don't have a Vagcom and I am NOT seeing any CEL's until after the car is off. They go on and off.
Oh yeah, another couple symptoms that are odd:
1. Once I get the car started, let it run. Does fine, until you drive it. Gets 1/4 - 1/2 mile, dies. (This was yesterday before changing the battery--not trying that venture again. This car is HEAVY to push).
2. Got the car started today after replacing battery (started on second crank). Let the car run for ~10 mins. Closed the hood, dies. Another time before I replaced the battery I turned the lights on immediately, died.
Car does have a turbo timer and an after market alarm.
I am thinking bad ground? What else could make it act like this? I am stumped. Didn't have this issue prior to a couple days ago.