W8 Swap is it possible

[sgt_g]

So my 1.8T is in need of a re-build. Looking at several thousand for a re-build so was looking for motors to swap in and cam across a W8 motor local to me, that has everything, harness, ecu, alternator, starter ac compressor, etc. I researched online about the problems the motor has relating to the cam timing and sensors but what I'm wondering is would it fit and can it be made to work? I saw reference that the W8 chassis is basically an a6 Chassis. I searched around on here but found nothing on it. everyone is doing 4.2 swaps no W8. Thinking there is probably reasons for it but hey never hurts to ask right?

-Will the harness/ecu swap into my car and still run the cluster ETC.
-Will the motor bolt up to my quattro 5SPD trans
-if the answer to above is no then how much hacking, splicing and or modifying would it take?

[PSU S4]

sounds like an awesome swap, plus fab work would be cool to see. if you do it start a build thread please

[NeedingAnAudi]

It is possible, since the passat w8 is built on the same chassis. After I put a rod through the block I almost bought a wrecked passat to do this build, ended up not doing it and rebuild the 1.8. I wanted to be the first one to do it but if you have a cheap w8, I say go for it

[sgt_g]

Guy wants 1500 for the motor. its got 65K miles on it.

[bmx_a4]

That's a steal for that motor! Especially if it comes with all those accessories.

[onemoremile]

The swap shouldn't be that difficult since the A4 and Passat are virtually identical up front. The concerns I would have with the swap are directly related to the W8 being very rare, a pain to work on, and the lack of aftermarket or even factory support. If left stock or lightly modded (exhaust) it should be a very unique and somewhat reliable car. I would love to see it.

[sgt_g]

If i grabbed it i would leave it mostly stock. would make up a decent heat shield with intake and re-use most of my current 3" borla exhaust. and of course no cats. I'm also wondering how the gearing in my 1.8T transmission would work with this motor. another concern is emissions.

[JEmm]

If i grabbed it i would leave it mostly stock. would make up a decent heat shield with intake and re-use most of my current 3" borla exhaust. and of course no cats. I'm also wondering how the gearing in my 1.8T transmission would work with this motor. another concern is emissions.

I would consider swapping in an 01e or a 5 speed 2.8 trans for some longer gears.

[Scotty@Advanced]

Yes the W8 is possible.. But why? although unique it's proven to be a problematic engine (one reason why VW discontinued it after only 3 years of production). A 4.2 would yield better results in the end power wise.

[sgt_g]

why? well cause i can i guess. I'm always about different and doing things that no one else has done. the power it makes is what my power goals are with my a4 anyway. I'm going to research further into its issues for reliability and what not to see exactly what i would be getting into.

[biketsai]

Victor, this would be sick! You probably would need the whole front end stuff, like radiator etc, and probably an adapter for the transmission.

[NeedingAnAudi]

See if you can get the 6 speed from the W8. That would be the way to go

[sgt_g]

See if you can get the 6 speed from the W8. That would be the way to go

The W8 was never sold with a 6SPD in the US.

[somebody5788]

It can be done. I want to see it because it would be sick. Also you need to get W8 winter wheels and quad tip exhaust =). Is it worth it? Not really from what I've heard the W8 isn't too great a motor. Although I really think it would be worth it for the uniqueness myself. If you just want some extra power and don't plan on any future modding then its probably worth a shot. I would look at a wiring diagram of the ECU's side by side to see if the cluster portion is the same. and depending on the year of your car the clusters having or not having LCD's could be but probably wont be a problem. Also you may very likely need to get a custom fly wheel. I say thats minor for what your getting but I think they use the same bell housing.

Oh and you must get a W8 badge in place of the front quattro badge and just debadge the back.

[Nebone]

One big step forward for you is that your 2001 A4 has Me7 management. w/o that it would be loco to do this. You can do the swap and be different or just buy a used transverse 1.8T (which are typicall healthier than ones from Passats/A4s) for $1000 or so.

[NeedingAnAudi]

The W8 was never sold with a 6SPD in the US.

Oh yes it was, I almost bought one. Look here

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eB...&category=6020

[onemoremile]

Why ditch the cats if you are worried about emissions? Just run a set of better aftermarket ones.

[sgt_g]

Sadly the motor that i was going to sell to fund this project turned out to have two broken valves. :( So i'm left with swapping around parts and making my 1.8T work. but going to at least pick up a ko4. :)

[BlkBullitt]

Yes the W8 is possible.. But why? although unique it's proven to be a problematic engine (one reason why VW discontinued it after only 3 years of production). A 4.2 would yield better results in the end power wise.

+1

Not only is the W8 problematic, but also...

1. There are little to no replacement parts available for them when they do go bad
2. There is little to no aftermarket support for them since they were produced in such limited numbers
3. They have little to no performance aftermarket

More people would probably look into them if they were more solid and didn't cost an arm and a leg to get parts to fix them when they do have problems. I'm all about the idea of a unique swap, but honestly unless you like the idea of having a sweet W8 swapped A4 that doesn't run and basically requires you to buy a new W8 engine when/if the one you put in has issues you're really better off staying away from them.