Need new engine and advice on what to do next..

[AdamChach]

As some of you have maybe read this post https://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/961678-I-have-done-the-impossible/page2, I’m in the market for a new engine and wanted to merge all into one post. There are some smart people on this forum, so I wanted to reach out to get some advice on replacing an engine. I know the 3.0t are in a a lot of other Audi’s. I’m assuming I can’t just toss in a S4/Q5/Q7 3.0t in there. Where would I even start looking for a used or rebuilt engine? Ebay/copart? What should I be looking out for to make sure the engine is compatible? This is all new to me so any feedback is helpful.

The original quote I got was around 10k for both the motor and labor, has anyone tackled a job like this and is their quote off-base?

Since I don’t have the technical know-how or space to even consider a job like this, my plan was to have an engine shipped to a reputable indie shop and pay labor.

Side note, because I’m insane and apparently haven’t learned my lesson, has anyone done a 4.0t swap?

Shop's diagnosis: "piston ring melted causing cylinder wall damage, either caused by a misfire or high air intake temps"
283556

2012 Audi A6 3.0t s-line prestige.

[Botbasher]

I know the 3.0t are in a a lot of other Audi’s. I’m assuming I can’t just toss in a S4/Q5/Q7 3.0t in there.

And other than some accessories, yes... you can. VAG is pretty good that way in making multiple uses of one powerplant. All the mounting lugs are there say for power steering pumps even if you have electric steering. You just bolt this bracket or that bracket into place and off you go!

It truly depends on how much work you want to do. If you want a quick swap, find a like for like motor (same years/models) and shove it in. This is the quickest "back on the road" option, but it often means you are paying a premium for a running, popular motor.

If you don't mind doing a little wrench time, any 3.0t will do and then you pull yours and swap all the various pieces over and then shove it all back in. This lets you cherry pick the best parts from both and upgrade the bits you should while they are apart and out. You may end up swapping heads and core bits this way though, so it's not a simple swap.

4.0t... if you are having difficulties about accessing the parts to do a 3.0t swap... I'd forget a 4.0t. If you did you'd be best served by buying a wrecked 4.0t based car and using all the needed bits.. ECU, TCU, body controls, Central Electrics, etc... for all the things that will be missing. There is a series on YT about a guy that did something similar with an RS6 a few years ago. He stripped the donor and COMPLETELY reworked the recipient car to make it a true RS6. It was an epic swap. It can be done, but the couple I know of have stalled and I have not seen any recent updates!

Anything is doable if you have the wallet to back it up! We redid my buddies S4 3.0t with a Q5 donor. Swapped heads and accessories (basically made it a short block swap) and it's still happily ripping around town with no issues.

Cheers,

KS

[prestige.phantom]

As some of you have maybe read this post https://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/961678-I-have-done-the-impossible/page2, I’m in the market for a new engine and wanted to merge all into one post. There are some smart people on this forum, so I wanted to reach out to get some advice on replacing an engine. I know the 3.0t are in a a lot of other Audi’s. I’m assuming I can’t just toss in a S4/Q5/Q7 3.0t in there. Where would I even start looking for a used or rebuilt engine? Ebay/copart? What should I be looking out for to make sure the engine is compatible? This is all new to me so any feedback is helpful.

The original quote I got was around 10k for both the motor and labor, has anyone tackled a job like this and is their quote off-base?

Since I don’t have the technical know-how or space to even consider a job like this, my plan was to have an engine shipped to a reputable indie shop and pay labor.

Side note, because I’m insane and apparently haven’t learned my lesson, has anyone done a 4.0t swap?

Shop's diagnosis: "piston ring melted causing cylinder wall damage, either caused by a misfire or high air intake temps"
283556

2012 Audi A6 3.0t s-line prestige.

That quote is accurate. I would budget slightly more because when they open up the engines there is a good chance you might want to replace some broken or common wear items.

[Valpo A7]

As for the 4.0 swap, there was a guy in the Q5 section paying for a swap, not sure if it ever got finished.

https://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/942410-SQ4-0T-Build-Thread-by-Sittin-Pretty-Autowerks


Now for swapping in another 3.0 . . . still not cheap and you have no idea on the engine health. 430HPS4 has done the engine swap but his new engine had problems as well but not totally sure his car did not detonate the new used engine or if he got a bad engine in the search.

[RedS-line]

10k job in a 10 year old car is foolish. If you can swallow your pride just put a 2.0t in there, tune it, and go big turbo when you have the dough. Still very fun and a less expensive lesson.

[Botbasher]

... If you can swallow your pride just put a 2.0t in there, tune it...

If only it were that simple. You'd need almost as much work to downgrade the motor to a 2.0 as to upgrade to a 4.0... maybe more!

Motor mounts, brackets, fuel rails, AC lines, coolant hoses to name but a few. I've pulled and worked on motors in all 3 platforms and although similar, they are not like legos!

Then on to the trans... again needing all the TCU bits. I don't know if the same gearing works 2.0 to 3.0 (I've been told the transmissions are different by Audi) and I would bet that the rear diff is also different.

A trust-able, low mileage, running donor 2.0 is well into the $3-4k range currently. It's not a $10k motor, but with all the bits you'd have to change to make it work, I imagine the cost coming close to the 3.0 install.

A big turbo kit and tune to get the 2.0 into the 3.0 realm of power (my 2.0 is currently running 425ish at the crank) is going to run you another $2-3k plus the tune... unless you just want to roll with minimal power.

The reality is that a like for like swap is about the cheapest and easiest way to get back on the road quickly.. IMHO.

Cheers,

KS

[Botbasher]

2012 Audi A6 3.0t s-line prestige.

Adam... I know where there is a short block (albeit in pieces) 3.0t.

I don't know the current condition of the block, but if you want me to investigate it as an option for you, I can. I have the crank and pistons and can vouch for them. I did the pull and swap of the parts. The block was perfect, but my buddy squirreled a bit and wanted to swap blocks, so we did. No internal issues and cyls were perfect.

It's just been sitting since.

Let me know.

Cheers,

KS

[AdamChach]

The 4.0 swap is a fun idea, but I'm going with the 3.0. Props to anyone that has the patience and wallet for that kind of endeavor! 3.0 seems like the most plug & play option.


10k job in a 10 year old car is foolish. If you can swallow your pride just put a 2.0t in there, tune it, and go big turbo when you have the dough. Still very fun and a less expensive lesson.

I don't know if I agree, I already put a lot of work into the car, and at the end of the day 10k doesn't get you a decent car. From what I gathered 3.0s are around 4-5k or so. I don't think I'd be saving all that much vs 2.0


Adam... I know where there is a short block (albeit in pieces) 3.0t.

I don't know the current condition of the block, but if you want me to investigate it as an option for you, I can. I have the crank and pistons and can vouch for them. I did the pull and swap of the parts. The block was perfect, but my buddy squirreled a bit and wanted to swap blocks, so we did. No internal issues and cyls were perfect.

It's just been sitting since.

Let me know.

Cheers,

KS

If you don't mind checking it out that would be awesome! My worry is would the labor to strip my current engine and install the parts on the block negate any savings getting a bare block vs. an entire engine assembly? I'm also in Maine, so there's that too.

Another wild idea.. could another option be to get a used Q7 to last me through the winter, swap engines in the spring, then flip the Q7 for parts?

[Botbasher]

Another wild idea.. could another option be to get a used Q7 to last me through the winter, swap engines in the spring, then flip the Q7 for parts?

Best idea yet! At least you'll know about the motor and any issues before doing the work! My vote!

I would take the block, but I'd also build it (head studs, rod bolts...) at the same time I do all the swaps

Cheers,

KS

[Botbasher]

I don't know if I agree, I already put a lot of work into the car, and at the end of the day 10k doesn't get you a decent car. From what I gathered 3.0s are around 4-5k or so. I don't think I'd be saving all that much vs 2.0

And then there is driving it. If you like the off the line power of the 3.0, the 2.0 will leave you a little wanting. I can beat my buddies Stage 2 3.0 S4 at the top end, but he'll take me off the line every time (B8.5 S4 manual vs B8.5 A5 manual) simply due to the instant torque avail on the SC motor. I could keep up better stock turbo with a tune but ran out of breath quickly.

Stay with the 3.0. Least amount of effort needed to get you back on the road and smiling as quickly as possible!

Cheers,

KS

[dalmation53]

Hey check your dms.

[RedS-line]

If only it were that simple. You'd need almost as much work to downgrade the motor to a 2.0 as to upgrade to a 4.0... maybe more!

Motor mounts, brackets, fuel rails, AC lines, coolant hoses to name but a few. I've pulled and worked on motors in all 3 platforms and although similar, they are not like legos!

Then on to the trans... again needing all the TCU bits. I don't know if the same gearing works 2.0 to 3.0 (I've been told the transmissions are different by Audi) and I would bet that the rear diff is also different.

A trust-able, low mileage, running donor 2.0 is well into the $3-4k range currently. It's not a $10k motor, but with all the bits you'd have to change to make it work, I imagine the cost coming close to the 3.0 install.

A big turbo kit and tune to get the 2.0 into the 3.0 realm of power (my 2.0 is currently running 425ish at the crank) is going to run you another $2-3k plus the tune... unless you just want to roll with minimal power.

The reality is that a like for like swap is about the cheapest and easiest way to get back on the road quickly.. IMHO.

Cheers,

KS

I was told you can buy a whole salvage car with 2.0t for 3-4k meaning you would get all the pieces, my mechanic did it. either way good luck

[AdamChach]

Hey guys! Back again with an update. I'm finally ready to get this whole process underway and will be purchasing an engine this week! Super pumped to hopefully be back on the road at the and of January or so!

I'm now in the process of getting the other things in order. The first is I'm going to be moving the stock cats downstream. My indie shop swears by Redstar test-pipes. They are also recommending I divorce the HX cooling system. For exhaust, I had my eye on the following:

JHM test pipes & high flow cat downpipes w/ baffle system:
https://jhmotorsports.com/products/exhaust/exhaust-high-flow-cat-downpipes-with-integrated-baffle-system-w-race-pipes-jhm-combo-for-the-b8-s4-s5-q5-sq5-c7-a6-a7-3-0t.html

Is anyone out there running this setup? If so, how do they like it? Is there much of an advantage (drone or otherwise) running the x-pipe setup instead?
I'm looking for as stock sounding as possible. Are there any setups that come highly recommended? I also plan to have the test pipes heat wrapped - anything to prevent this from happening again.

Happy Holidays everyone!

[sepheroth86]

Hey guys! Back again with an update. I'm finally ready to get this whole process underway and will be purchasing an engine this week! Super pumped to hopefully be back on the road at the and of January or so!

I'm now in the process of getting the other things in order. The first is I'm going to be moving the stock cats downstream. My indie shop swears by Redstar test-pipes. They are also recommending I divorce the HX cooling system. For exhaust, I had my eye on the following:

JHM test pipes & high flow cat downpipes w/ baffle system:
https://jhmotorsports.com/products/exhaust/exhaust-high-flow-cat-downpipes-with-integrated-baffle-system-w-race-pipes-jhm-combo-for-the-b8-s4-s5-q5-sq5-c7-a6-a7-3-0t.html

Is anyone out there running this setup? If so, how do they like it? Is there much of an advantage (drone or otherwise) running the x-pipe setup instead?
I'm looking for as stock sounding as possible. Are there any setups that come highly recommended? I also plan to have the test pipes heat wrapped - anything to prevent this from happening again.

Happy Holidays everyone!

I recently saw a post from JHM in the B8 S4 section where they stated that they are making a specific exhaust system designed for catless cars. So I would hold off for that option.

[AdamChach]

Hm, maybe I'll run over to those forums and take a look. I'd like to keep my cats if I can though - Maine does do emissions inspections. After my indie shop recommended redstar I saw they offer headers. Kinda want to go full bore and get those too. They look really nice. V pricey though [o_o] https://redstarexhaustusa.com/audi-b8-30-supercharged-headers