help with 2003 A4 engine replacement
#41
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: help with 2003 A4 engine replacement - Sludge TSB
Greg,
A4 "upgrades" - hmm...you might check with the postings at Audiworld or even
Motorgeek to see what people are doing there. I may be wrong, but if it's
the same engine as is installed in a similar vintage TT, one of the
differences between the 180 hp and 225 hp engines is a cast vs forged crank.
If you can get your hands on a 225 TT crank, or bottom end, you'll be better
off for chipping/bigger turbo/..../JATO unit strapped to roofracks....
As for selling tactics to the better half....I'm not one to ask. Mine has
already decreed that the next car I get I have to live in. (Maybe I could
get a DKW camper...)
Cheers!
Steve Sears
1987 Audi 5kTQ
1980 Audi 5k
1962 and '64 Auto Union DKW Junior deLuxes
(SPAM Blocker NOTE: Remove SHOES to reply)
"gcoz" <gcoz@optonline.net> wrote in message
news:1140092671.068657.176270@z14g2000cwz.googlegr oups.com...
> Art, Steve, Pete,
>
> Thanks a lot for the information you've provided. I'm wrung-out over
> haggling with Audi and want to get the car fixed to get past the
> headache.
>
> I found a performance shop specializing in Audi/VW and feel comfortable
> doing business with them. Initially they recommended replacment with a
> used low mileage engine but at the moment a reasonably priced,
> low-mileage engine is not available. He thinks the engine rebuild
> would be more cost effective. So I am arranging to transport the
> vehicle to their facility and may wait a while to see if an engine
> becomes available. In either case, I am thinking to add a performance
> exhaust and coil-over shocks while I am at it. Add the ECU upgrade and
> 18" wheels later.
>
> I'm rationalizing the upgrades to sooth the emotional trauma caused by
> Audi's poor service, Just have to be careful to have a straight face
> when I tell the wife that they were worn out and need
> replacing......
>
> The exhaust and ECU upgrade seem to be the base set of upgrades - do
> you guys agree or should I upgrade any engine components while the
> engine is getting rebuilt?
>
> Greg
>
A4 "upgrades" - hmm...you might check with the postings at Audiworld or even
Motorgeek to see what people are doing there. I may be wrong, but if it's
the same engine as is installed in a similar vintage TT, one of the
differences between the 180 hp and 225 hp engines is a cast vs forged crank.
If you can get your hands on a 225 TT crank, or bottom end, you'll be better
off for chipping/bigger turbo/..../JATO unit strapped to roofracks....
As for selling tactics to the better half....I'm not one to ask. Mine has
already decreed that the next car I get I have to live in. (Maybe I could
get a DKW camper...)
Cheers!
Steve Sears
1987 Audi 5kTQ
1980 Audi 5k
1962 and '64 Auto Union DKW Junior deLuxes
(SPAM Blocker NOTE: Remove SHOES to reply)
"gcoz" <gcoz@optonline.net> wrote in message
news:1140092671.068657.176270@z14g2000cwz.googlegr oups.com...
> Art, Steve, Pete,
>
> Thanks a lot for the information you've provided. I'm wrung-out over
> haggling with Audi and want to get the car fixed to get past the
> headache.
>
> I found a performance shop specializing in Audi/VW and feel comfortable
> doing business with them. Initially they recommended replacment with a
> used low mileage engine but at the moment a reasonably priced,
> low-mileage engine is not available. He thinks the engine rebuild
> would be more cost effective. So I am arranging to transport the
> vehicle to their facility and may wait a while to see if an engine
> becomes available. In either case, I am thinking to add a performance
> exhaust and coil-over shocks while I am at it. Add the ECU upgrade and
> 18" wheels later.
>
> I'm rationalizing the upgrades to sooth the emotional trauma caused by
> Audi's poor service, Just have to be careful to have a straight face
> when I tell the wife that they were worn out and need
> replacing......
>
> The exhaust and ECU upgrade seem to be the base set of upgrades - do
> you guys agree or should I upgrade any engine components while the
> engine is getting rebuilt?
>
> Greg
>
#42
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: help with 2003 A4 engine replacement - Sludge TSB
Greg,
A4 "upgrades" - hmm...you might check with the postings at Audiworld or even
Motorgeek to see what people are doing there. I may be wrong, but if it's
the same engine as is installed in a similar vintage TT, one of the
differences between the 180 hp and 225 hp engines is a cast vs forged crank.
If you can get your hands on a 225 TT crank, or bottom end, you'll be better
off for chipping/bigger turbo/..../JATO unit strapped to roofracks....
As for selling tactics to the better half....I'm not one to ask. Mine has
already decreed that the next car I get I have to live in. (Maybe I could
get a DKW camper...)
Cheers!
Steve Sears
1987 Audi 5kTQ
1980 Audi 5k
1962 and '64 Auto Union DKW Junior deLuxes
(SPAM Blocker NOTE: Remove SHOES to reply)
"gcoz" <gcoz@optonline.net> wrote in message
news:1140092671.068657.176270@z14g2000cwz.googlegr oups.com...
> Art, Steve, Pete,
>
> Thanks a lot for the information you've provided. I'm wrung-out over
> haggling with Audi and want to get the car fixed to get past the
> headache.
>
> I found a performance shop specializing in Audi/VW and feel comfortable
> doing business with them. Initially they recommended replacment with a
> used low mileage engine but at the moment a reasonably priced,
> low-mileage engine is not available. He thinks the engine rebuild
> would be more cost effective. So I am arranging to transport the
> vehicle to their facility and may wait a while to see if an engine
> becomes available. In either case, I am thinking to add a performance
> exhaust and coil-over shocks while I am at it. Add the ECU upgrade and
> 18" wheels later.
>
> I'm rationalizing the upgrades to sooth the emotional trauma caused by
> Audi's poor service, Just have to be careful to have a straight face
> when I tell the wife that they were worn out and need
> replacing......
>
> The exhaust and ECU upgrade seem to be the base set of upgrades - do
> you guys agree or should I upgrade any engine components while the
> engine is getting rebuilt?
>
> Greg
>
A4 "upgrades" - hmm...you might check with the postings at Audiworld or even
Motorgeek to see what people are doing there. I may be wrong, but if it's
the same engine as is installed in a similar vintage TT, one of the
differences between the 180 hp and 225 hp engines is a cast vs forged crank.
If you can get your hands on a 225 TT crank, or bottom end, you'll be better
off for chipping/bigger turbo/..../JATO unit strapped to roofracks....
As for selling tactics to the better half....I'm not one to ask. Mine has
already decreed that the next car I get I have to live in. (Maybe I could
get a DKW camper...)
Cheers!
Steve Sears
1987 Audi 5kTQ
1980 Audi 5k
1962 and '64 Auto Union DKW Junior deLuxes
(SPAM Blocker NOTE: Remove SHOES to reply)
"gcoz" <gcoz@optonline.net> wrote in message
news:1140092671.068657.176270@z14g2000cwz.googlegr oups.com...
> Art, Steve, Pete,
>
> Thanks a lot for the information you've provided. I'm wrung-out over
> haggling with Audi and want to get the car fixed to get past the
> headache.
>
> I found a performance shop specializing in Audi/VW and feel comfortable
> doing business with them. Initially they recommended replacment with a
> used low mileage engine but at the moment a reasonably priced,
> low-mileage engine is not available. He thinks the engine rebuild
> would be more cost effective. So I am arranging to transport the
> vehicle to their facility and may wait a while to see if an engine
> becomes available. In either case, I am thinking to add a performance
> exhaust and coil-over shocks while I am at it. Add the ECU upgrade and
> 18" wheels later.
>
> I'm rationalizing the upgrades to sooth the emotional trauma caused by
> Audi's poor service, Just have to be careful to have a straight face
> when I tell the wife that they were worn out and need
> replacing......
>
> The exhaust and ECU upgrade seem to be the base set of upgrades - do
> you guys agree or should I upgrade any engine components while the
> engine is getting rebuilt?
>
> Greg
>
#43
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: help with 2003 A4 engine replacement - Sludge TSB
Greg,
A4 "upgrades" - hmm...you might check with the postings at Audiworld or even
Motorgeek to see what people are doing there. I may be wrong, but if it's
the same engine as is installed in a similar vintage TT, one of the
differences between the 180 hp and 225 hp engines is a cast vs forged crank.
If you can get your hands on a 225 TT crank, or bottom end, you'll be better
off for chipping/bigger turbo/..../JATO unit strapped to roofracks....
As for selling tactics to the better half....I'm not one to ask. Mine has
already decreed that the next car I get I have to live in. (Maybe I could
get a DKW camper...)
Cheers!
Steve Sears
1987 Audi 5kTQ
1980 Audi 5k
1962 and '64 Auto Union DKW Junior deLuxes
(SPAM Blocker NOTE: Remove SHOES to reply)
"gcoz" <gcoz@optonline.net> wrote in message
news:1140092671.068657.176270@z14g2000cwz.googlegr oups.com...
> Art, Steve, Pete,
>
> Thanks a lot for the information you've provided. I'm wrung-out over
> haggling with Audi and want to get the car fixed to get past the
> headache.
>
> I found a performance shop specializing in Audi/VW and feel comfortable
> doing business with them. Initially they recommended replacment with a
> used low mileage engine but at the moment a reasonably priced,
> low-mileage engine is not available. He thinks the engine rebuild
> would be more cost effective. So I am arranging to transport the
> vehicle to their facility and may wait a while to see if an engine
> becomes available. In either case, I am thinking to add a performance
> exhaust and coil-over shocks while I am at it. Add the ECU upgrade and
> 18" wheels later.
>
> I'm rationalizing the upgrades to sooth the emotional trauma caused by
> Audi's poor service, Just have to be careful to have a straight face
> when I tell the wife that they were worn out and need
> replacing......
>
> The exhaust and ECU upgrade seem to be the base set of upgrades - do
> you guys agree or should I upgrade any engine components while the
> engine is getting rebuilt?
>
> Greg
>
A4 "upgrades" - hmm...you might check with the postings at Audiworld or even
Motorgeek to see what people are doing there. I may be wrong, but if it's
the same engine as is installed in a similar vintage TT, one of the
differences between the 180 hp and 225 hp engines is a cast vs forged crank.
If you can get your hands on a 225 TT crank, or bottom end, you'll be better
off for chipping/bigger turbo/..../JATO unit strapped to roofracks....
As for selling tactics to the better half....I'm not one to ask. Mine has
already decreed that the next car I get I have to live in. (Maybe I could
get a DKW camper...)
Cheers!
Steve Sears
1987 Audi 5kTQ
1980 Audi 5k
1962 and '64 Auto Union DKW Junior deLuxes
(SPAM Blocker NOTE: Remove SHOES to reply)
"gcoz" <gcoz@optonline.net> wrote in message
news:1140092671.068657.176270@z14g2000cwz.googlegr oups.com...
> Art, Steve, Pete,
>
> Thanks a lot for the information you've provided. I'm wrung-out over
> haggling with Audi and want to get the car fixed to get past the
> headache.
>
> I found a performance shop specializing in Audi/VW and feel comfortable
> doing business with them. Initially they recommended replacment with a
> used low mileage engine but at the moment a reasonably priced,
> low-mileage engine is not available. He thinks the engine rebuild
> would be more cost effective. So I am arranging to transport the
> vehicle to their facility and may wait a while to see if an engine
> becomes available. In either case, I am thinking to add a performance
> exhaust and coil-over shocks while I am at it. Add the ECU upgrade and
> 18" wheels later.
>
> I'm rationalizing the upgrades to sooth the emotional trauma caused by
> Audi's poor service, Just have to be careful to have a straight face
> when I tell the wife that they were worn out and need
> replacing......
>
> The exhaust and ECU upgrade seem to be the base set of upgrades - do
> you guys agree or should I upgrade any engine components while the
> engine is getting rebuilt?
>
> Greg
>
#44
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: help with 2003 A4 engine replacement - Sludge TSB
"gcoz"
> The exhaust and ECU upgrade seem to be the base set of upgrades - do
> you guys agree or should I upgrade any engine components while the
> engine is getting rebuilt?
Not engine-related per se, but you might also want to get a beefier
aftermarket bypass valve (BPV). The stock one is not up to task to handle
higher boost levels. I had a Forge DVR on my A4, but there are plenty
others that work well also. Even the stock one from a TT might do the job
apparently.
Cheers,
Pete
#45
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: help with 2003 A4 engine replacement - Sludge TSB
"gcoz"
> The exhaust and ECU upgrade seem to be the base set of upgrades - do
> you guys agree or should I upgrade any engine components while the
> engine is getting rebuilt?
Not engine-related per se, but you might also want to get a beefier
aftermarket bypass valve (BPV). The stock one is not up to task to handle
higher boost levels. I had a Forge DVR on my A4, but there are plenty
others that work well also. Even the stock one from a TT might do the job
apparently.
Cheers,
Pete
#46
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: help with 2003 A4 engine replacement - Sludge TSB
"gcoz"
> The exhaust and ECU upgrade seem to be the base set of upgrades - do
> you guys agree or should I upgrade any engine components while the
> engine is getting rebuilt?
Not engine-related per se, but you might also want to get a beefier
aftermarket bypass valve (BPV). The stock one is not up to task to handle
higher boost levels. I had a Forge DVR on my A4, but there are plenty
others that work well also. Even the stock one from a TT might do the job
apparently.
Cheers,
Pete
#47
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: help with 2003 A4 engine replacement - Sludge TSB
"gcoz" <gcoz@optonline.net> wrote in message
news:1140092671.068657.176270@z14g2000cwz.googlegr oups.com...
> Art, Steve, Pete,
>
> Thanks a lot for the information you've provided. I'm wrung-out over
> haggling with Audi and want to get the car fixed to get past the
> headache.
>
> I found a performance shop specializing in Audi/VW and feel comfortable
> doing business with them. Initially they recommended replacment with a
> used low mileage engine but at the moment a reasonably priced,
> low-mileage engine is not available. He thinks the engine rebuild
> would be more cost effective. So I am arranging to transport the
> vehicle to their facility and may wait a while to see if an engine
> becomes available. In either case, I am thinking to add a performance
> exhaust and coil-over shocks while I am at it. Add the ECU upgrade and
> 18" wheels later.
>
> I'm rationalizing the upgrades to sooth the emotional trauma caused by
> Audi's poor service, Just have to be careful to have a straight face
> when I tell the wife that they were worn out and need
> replacing......
>
> The exhaust and ECU upgrade seem to be the base set of upgrades - do
> you guys agree or should I upgrade any engine components while the
> engine is getting rebuilt?
>
> Greg
If you are rebuilding make sure you at least have the ventilation tubes
around the engine that are marked in the TSB inspected and replaced if
necessary. The problem with that is that as far as I know these parts are
available only through the dealer and are expensive. For instance, in
picture 17-A056 (I'm assuming you misheard your mechanic... your engine
should be AMB?) the plastic pressure valve labeled #20 goes for more than
$100 at my dealer. Definitely replace the bleeder valve (#6; 035103245G?;
$17).
Even though the TSB says to scrape the sludge off the head in place, I'm
guessing it would be a whole lot better to have it removed and soaked in
some solvent, carb cleaner?
Can't help with upgrades. Mine's stock.
--Art
http://www.pookrat.com/uploads/pics/TSB.pdf
#48
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: help with 2003 A4 engine replacement - Sludge TSB
"gcoz" <gcoz@optonline.net> wrote in message
news:1140092671.068657.176270@z14g2000cwz.googlegr oups.com...
> Art, Steve, Pete,
>
> Thanks a lot for the information you've provided. I'm wrung-out over
> haggling with Audi and want to get the car fixed to get past the
> headache.
>
> I found a performance shop specializing in Audi/VW and feel comfortable
> doing business with them. Initially they recommended replacment with a
> used low mileage engine but at the moment a reasonably priced,
> low-mileage engine is not available. He thinks the engine rebuild
> would be more cost effective. So I am arranging to transport the
> vehicle to their facility and may wait a while to see if an engine
> becomes available. In either case, I am thinking to add a performance
> exhaust and coil-over shocks while I am at it. Add the ECU upgrade and
> 18" wheels later.
>
> I'm rationalizing the upgrades to sooth the emotional trauma caused by
> Audi's poor service, Just have to be careful to have a straight face
> when I tell the wife that they were worn out and need
> replacing......
>
> The exhaust and ECU upgrade seem to be the base set of upgrades - do
> you guys agree or should I upgrade any engine components while the
> engine is getting rebuilt?
>
> Greg
If you are rebuilding make sure you at least have the ventilation tubes
around the engine that are marked in the TSB inspected and replaced if
necessary. The problem with that is that as far as I know these parts are
available only through the dealer and are expensive. For instance, in
picture 17-A056 (I'm assuming you misheard your mechanic... your engine
should be AMB?) the plastic pressure valve labeled #20 goes for more than
$100 at my dealer. Definitely replace the bleeder valve (#6; 035103245G?;
$17).
Even though the TSB says to scrape the sludge off the head in place, I'm
guessing it would be a whole lot better to have it removed and soaked in
some solvent, carb cleaner?
Can't help with upgrades. Mine's stock.
--Art
http://www.pookrat.com/uploads/pics/TSB.pdf
#49
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: help with 2003 A4 engine replacement - Sludge TSB
"gcoz" <gcoz@optonline.net> wrote in message
news:1140092671.068657.176270@z14g2000cwz.googlegr oups.com...
> Art, Steve, Pete,
>
> Thanks a lot for the information you've provided. I'm wrung-out over
> haggling with Audi and want to get the car fixed to get past the
> headache.
>
> I found a performance shop specializing in Audi/VW and feel comfortable
> doing business with them. Initially they recommended replacment with a
> used low mileage engine but at the moment a reasonably priced,
> low-mileage engine is not available. He thinks the engine rebuild
> would be more cost effective. So I am arranging to transport the
> vehicle to their facility and may wait a while to see if an engine
> becomes available. In either case, I am thinking to add a performance
> exhaust and coil-over shocks while I am at it. Add the ECU upgrade and
> 18" wheels later.
>
> I'm rationalizing the upgrades to sooth the emotional trauma caused by
> Audi's poor service, Just have to be careful to have a straight face
> when I tell the wife that they were worn out and need
> replacing......
>
> The exhaust and ECU upgrade seem to be the base set of upgrades - do
> you guys agree or should I upgrade any engine components while the
> engine is getting rebuilt?
>
> Greg
If you are rebuilding make sure you at least have the ventilation tubes
around the engine that are marked in the TSB inspected and replaced if
necessary. The problem with that is that as far as I know these parts are
available only through the dealer and are expensive. For instance, in
picture 17-A056 (I'm assuming you misheard your mechanic... your engine
should be AMB?) the plastic pressure valve labeled #20 goes for more than
$100 at my dealer. Definitely replace the bleeder valve (#6; 035103245G?;
$17).
Even though the TSB says to scrape the sludge off the head in place, I'm
guessing it would be a whole lot better to have it removed and soaked in
some solvent, carb cleaner?
Can't help with upgrades. Mine's stock.
--Art
http://www.pookrat.com/uploads/pics/TSB.pdf
#50
Guest
Posts: n/a
Re: help with 2003 A4 engine replacement - Sludge TSB
The TT diverter valve is a good choice at about $50. the part number is 710N
Pete wrote:
> "gcoz"
>
>>The exhaust and ECU upgrade seem to be the base set of upgrades - do
>>you guys agree or should I upgrade any engine components while the
>>engine is getting rebuilt?
>
>
> Not engine-related per se, but you might also want to get a beefier
> aftermarket bypass valve (BPV). The stock one is not up to task to handle
> higher boost levels. I had a Forge DVR on my A4, but there are plenty
> others that work well also. Even the stock one from a TT might do the job
> apparently.
>
> Cheers,
>
> Pete
>
>
Pete wrote:
> "gcoz"
>
>>The exhaust and ECU upgrade seem to be the base set of upgrades - do
>>you guys agree or should I upgrade any engine components while the
>>engine is getting rebuilt?
>
>
> Not engine-related per se, but you might also want to get a beefier
> aftermarket bypass valve (BPV). The stock one is not up to task to handle
> higher boost levels. I had a Forge DVR on my A4, but there are plenty
> others that work well also. Even the stock one from a TT might do the job
> apparently.
>
> Cheers,
>
> Pete
>
>