4.2 swap into 2001 A4

[The Russian]

I know there is already another member doing this swap, but this one is a bit different due to different model V8. BTW this is not a competition of any sort i hope we can both help each-other out with this.

after months and months of research I took the first step today.

I have a 2000 A6 4.2L engine with 62k miles. It is the drive by wire engine so it will be virtually a direct plug and play with my 2001 drive by wire chassis because all of the plugs are the same. I have the ECU and the entire wiring harness that came with the complete motor assembly...

Did the first test fit today to see if it is possible to mount the V8 onto my 5spd trans. IT IS! this means that i am not going to need to modify any of my driveline. Plus for the purpose that I need the 5 speed gearing will me much more usable with this power range, not to mention the 5 speed is a bit more reliable that the 6spd.

To make it work we used an S4 flywheel spacer so that the crank position sensor lined up with the RS4 flywheel. With that all in place the 5 speed clears the clutch assembly with no interference. I do still have to modify the spacer for a starter bolt hole.



RS4 Stage 3 performance clutch kit that makes everything work.

[Nebone]

Very nice. You seem to finish projects quick so this should be no exception

[The Russian]

yeha hopefully the extra $2000 i spent on a drive by wire engine rather than the older drive by cable will make this more manageable. Going to get all the parts ordered this week and the plan is to switch the two motors out next monday. I'll put up pics as the come.

[projectb7]

Subscribing... This sounds like a cool swap and can't wait for the results. GOOD LUCK!

[JEmm]

sounds awesome! how much power do you expect to have at the wheels?

[jrock]

Always diggin in deep arent you russian! Cant wait to see a local v8 swapped a4. Pleasse tell me you have plans to turbo it tho... That would be pure sex!

[Siena]

Nice project!

Bear in mind, the 40V engine is larger than the 32V - both in terms of width as well as length.

Are you going to retain aircon?? Because, no room for the electric fan, not in its stock location at any rate.

[The Russian]

Nice project!

Bear in mind, the 40V engine is larger than the 32V - both in terms of width as well as length.

Are you going to retain aircon?? Because, no room for the electric fan, not in its stock location at any rate.

Yeah I'm going to have to play around with fan ssetups, probably end up putting them infront of the radiator like you did... From what I've measured so far the width should be in the clear and length wise I might need to chop the first firewalls bit but should clear to the radiator, we will find all this out next Monday I guess :)

[revbjeff]

I wish it was Monday....

[biketsai]

Wow! Cool to see another V8 going in a B5.

[The Russian]

did some machining today, got a piece made up for the trans spacer that is needed to place a hole for the starter bolts. Machined it down so that its the exact thickness so that there is no strain on any of the other components. Tomorrow, I will get the piece welded on so i can drill the rest of the hole out and then put it on the engine block which will allow me to use the RS4 clutch and flywheel and use my 5spd and stock sensor positions...

[STS9king]

Is Troy helping you with this?

[The Russian]

Is Troy helping you with this?

Troy was supposed to but he quit from 3zero3, so it is mostly me and scott, as part of their sponsorship they are letting me use the facilities and their knowledge lol

[Siena]

You're best off running a single-mass flywheel, that way you won't need the spacer.

The spacer is 11,2mm thick, that's more forward length you don't want in your already tight engine bay.

Not much room to move rearwards either, especially if you're running a stock 5-speed propshaft, which is longer than the 6-speed one.

[The Russian]

yeah, we'll see how it all works out, trying to do it the most cost effective way, and I already had an RS4 clutch kit... the plan is to redo the cooling system anyway so that there is some extra room. Spacer is complete.

[NeedingAnAudi]

You should make somewhat of a DIY, that would be amazing.

[McGovs2.7TB5]

Subscribed. Cant wait to see it person.

[Flash]

Sweet! Another one. Thanks for sharing with us! Seeing this kind of thing is very inspiring. It makes me want to follow suit after I finish my RX-7.

[josmo]

this is awsome

[acollicott]

Looks awesome

Dont forget LOTS of pics :D

[bernB5]

can't believe someone else is doing this. can't wait for the result

[The Russian]

gone.


$1700 OBO, 90k miles, new timing belt at 82k miles, driven softly


Truck bed liner makes it pretty :)


RS4 clutch and flywheel on the V8 now.

[Siena]

Good work, can't wait to see the mounted pictures.

[The Russian]

so what a wonderfull way to spend my birthday, sweating and fighting with a V8

had to pull the trans because it was impossible to attach the motor with it in the car


after 4 hours of fighting to get it on success!


in we go


drive train stabilizer bar to be used as the new transmission mount


stabilizer mounted.


wooden motor mounts until i weld some up.


sitting on its own


it fits :)

[Siena]

Nice work there!

Actually, the engine can be fitted to the tranny, without having to pull tranny from the car.

You just need to undo the 2 front subframe bolts, so the front crossmember drops low enough to allow the V8 rear oil pan projection clear it. Mine went in that way with ease.

Did you remove the oil pan webbing, and the thick lip at the rear? It's not needed on a manual tranny, and makes future removal and installation easier.

[AWD Mike]

I want to see vids of both V8 B5's .... in car.

I want to be able to see the powah!

Then, I will buy one.

[getslideways]

did you end up knocking the 2nd firewall at all or were you able so squeeze the motor in there while keeping it in tact?

i am really excited about these projects hopefully I can pull the trigger on doing this aswell. Props to both of you for paving the way!

[The Russian]

Nice work there!

Actually, the engine can be fitted to the tranny, without having to pull tranny from the car.

You just need to undo the 2 front subframe bolts, so the front crossmember drops low enough to allow the V8 rear oil pan projection clear it. Mine went in that way with ease.

Did you remove the oil pan webbing, and the thick lip at the rear? It's not needed on a manual tranny, and makes future removal and installation easier.

yeah we tried to stab it with the trans in, but for some reason we were having trouble with the last 5mm, could not figure out what was interfering, until after wiggling it around out of the car it finally went in.

hmmm, how far can you grind the rear lip on the oil pan? because ther would be fantastic if i could make that go away, because it is way too close to the subframe otherwise, do you have a pic of how much you ground down?? don't want to go too far haha

did you end up knocking the 2nd firewall at all or were you able so squeeze the motor in there while keeping it in tact?

i am really excited about these projects hopefully I can pull the trigger on doing this aswell. Props to both of you for paving the way!

there is actually plenty of room behind the motor, so the firewall does not need to be touched.

[Madnik]

total hard on.. cant wait for a video on youtube :P:P

[The Russian]

driver side mounted up with a V8 S4 mount, and passenger side motor mount modified to work...

[The Russian]

Motor is sitting entirely on custom mounts...

[Jc61990]

have u considered getting rid of the 1.8 trans and using a 2.8? since its got longer gears it would probly be a lot better for the v8.... ill take the 1.8 trans off your hands too lol :P

[belinko]

No need for the 2.8 trans IMHO

[The Russian]

i'm looking for more power down low because for rallying and the tracks i'd rather be able to pull out of a corner faster than have an extra few MPH for top speed. plus you never really find yourself going above 120, and all the torque out of the corners is just going to be a dream with the 1.8 trans i think.

[JaVa]

freaking awesome!!

[The Russian]

toque mount done, will hopefully get everything hooked up and fire her up next week...

[biketsai]

good work!

[AEB A4]

Watching this. Great progress

[antoanS4]

Nice build,when do u thing this is gonna be done

[somebody5788]

Wow the front of that engine looks exactly like a 2.8 almost. Water pump, alternator, timing gears, tensioner, and idler pretty dang close setup.