Other options for motor swap in a A4 B5 2.8 shell

**Frizo** · 01-19-2009 06:55 AM

My son and I might be getting our hands on a A4 2.8 5-speed shell. Motor was pulled but thats it. I myself have an S but we were looking to see if there are any other motor swap options that we could drop in the shell other then the 2.8. I tried to do a search to see if anyone has swapped the 2.7t or even the 1.8t into one of these and what was involved. Was wondering if a motor, ecu and harness were the only things needed along with mounts im guessing.

I'm really looking to hear from you experts on this chassis and was thinking of doing this as a project with my son, esp. since the shell is really cheap and in good condition other then not having a heart. Dont really want to grab it to put another 2.8 in it.

**haus4** · 01-19-2009 03:12 PM

Well as you know, the 2.7 and the 1.8 were both stock options on the b5. I would assume you need a different sub frame depending on which engine your looking to drop in as well as tranny. There are others that have done this and hopefully will chime in.

**AMC** · 01-19-2009 03:24 PM

if u go 1.8t your gonna need the 1.8t sub frame but if your gonna add a 2.7 then u can use the 2.8 sub frame

**DxC** · 01-19-2009 03:41 PM

2.7t is boring, put an ls1 in there :)

**Frizo** · 01-19-2009 05:24 PM

Originally Posted by AMC

if u go 1.8t your gonna need the 1.8t sub frame but if your gonna add a 2.7 then u can use the 2.8 sub frame

Thanks AMC, off the top of your head what other components would need to be swapped over?

**Kruat** · 01-19-2009 05:25 PM

Do a VR turbo...

**Frizo** · 01-19-2009 05:27 PM

Originally Posted by DxC

2.7t is boring, put an ls1 in there :)

Thanks Dave but this is going to be for my son as a project for us. LS1 is not an option, lol!

**Frizo** · 01-19-2009 05:28 PM

Originally Posted by Kruat

Do a VR turbo...

Any certain reason you would go with the VR6 Turbo'd?

**lowered97a4** · 01-19-2009 05:32 PM

i think u need the 2.7 s4 subframe i think something with trans mounts are different

**A4 Meets 27t** · 01-19-2009 07:33 PM

Will be putting in the 2.7t in the next few weeks, my 2.8 is out, will post progress pics in the next few weeks.

**Ringlord** · 01-19-2009 09:36 PM

Installing a 1.8t in the place of the 2.8, invloves replacing the front rad support, as the 1.8t has a different lower section with the boost pressure pipe running through it. You dont need to change the subframe, in fact, you can use the 2.8 transmission. You will also need the bracket that supports the intercooler, and the power steering pressure hose from pump to rack. Also, you need a 1.8t radiator, as the inlet/outlets are positioned differently.