Currently running a stage 3 1.8t. Need..more...POWER! What would you do?

[lilman05]

As the title suggests I have a B6 2002 A4 1.8t (5 speed) with a full APR stage 3 built. The car should be pushing around 330hp at the crank, however being that my motor has 185k miles, I probably am not quite at that number. I bought the car 3 years ago, and have gotten used to the power, so now I NEED more.

The engine will need to be rebuilt/replaced soon, as well as the clutch. I want to be making around 450hp plus as the crank. What are my options? I am all about value, so although money isn't necessarily limited, I would like to keep the whole build cost with installation less than $4K if possible.

I was initially planning on doing the most obvious thing and dropping in a 2.7t from the b5 s4. However someone mentioned I could get a 3.0 block with a 2.8 head, and use the 2.7t hardware for turbo bolt ups. Is this a better route? If I do get a 2.7t what would be the needed turbos and supporting engine internal upgrades I would need in order to handle 450+hp?

Finally I found someone selling a fully built 2.7t motor with drivetrain. He wants $4500 for the full build, just curious if this is a decent deal, and or if I could replicate it for cheaper.

From the listing:

"This drive train came out of my totaled 2002 S4 Avant. Build was stage three / RS4 by Achtuning out of Seattle. Build of this APM code engine included Pauter Steel rods, Mahle RS4 spec pistons, Borg Warner RS4 spec K04 turbochargers, Bosch 52lbs injectors, K04 specific stainless downpipes, cat back stainless exhaust, ECU with matching software, RS4 spec clutch disc and pressure plate, solid 01E transmission (never owned or driven by fools so no issues with 1-2 shift collar), driveshaft, and rear differential. Build was done in a couple stages while there were 32K to 35K miles on the car. An offroad excursion totaled the car with just over 38K miles on it. I scrapped the chassis saving the drivetrain. I was planning a swap in to a B6 S4 cabriolet but just haven't been able to locate the right candidate. I am now working on another Audi project so this needs to find its way to the right buyer. Will drop right into any 2.7T application in the A6 Allroad C5 chassis, A4 S4 B5 chassis, or with just slightly more effort in to the A6 C6 or A4 S4 B6 cars. Engine is still bolted to the transaxle and dressed with all accessories and wiring harness, driveshaft and exhaust are long and awkward so plan your transport vehicle accordingly. Before you call and bug me about the price add up what it would cost to duplicate this collection of Audi parts goodness."

[BlueBoostedAudi]

Do it. Sound solid!

[lilman05]

So I just spoke with the seller and got more information on the motor. It has been sitting is a dehumidified garage for 8 years. How much should I be concerned about that? He mentioned it would be good to replace the orings on the injectors, and maybe the valve cover gasket. Anyone have any experience with a motor that has been sitting around for a while?

[16vCorey]

I've installed several engines that have sat that long or longer and never had a problem. The lifters take a lot longer than normal to pump up, but that's about it. Just make sure it turns all the way over, and you'll be fine.

[walky_talky20]

I'd advise a fresh timing belt. 8-10 years is the normal change interval for a t-belt anyway.

[Kevin C]

Drive a really slow car for a few weeks.... Then take yours out again; it will feel like a whole new car.

[diagnosticator]

The 2.7T swap is only worthwhile if you keep the car and get your moneys worth out of it. Make sure it is insured to take into account the cost and final value after the swap.

All of the emissions controls must be included to allow registration and assure the cars value is not compromised. Federal law only recognizes swaps as legal if the new engine is the same model year or newer than the original engine with functioning emissions controls included. Federal emissions rules are not satisfied by simply passing an emissions test. Any swap without the complete specific emissions equipment included, is a Federal Offense. Just FYI.

A 3.0l block is not suitable for a 450 hp build. The aluminum block is not strong enough to handle that much power. Block strength is also why the 2.7T is displacement limited. The bore diameter needed for 2.7l, allows the cylinder walls between cylinders to be thick enough to handle very high cylinder gas pressures occuring with high boost pressures. Thinner block sections between cylinders cannot reliably handle high boost pressure.

[redline380]

Finally I found someone selling a fully built 2.7t motor with drivetrain. He wants $4500 for the full build, just curious if this is a decent deal, and or if I could replicate it for cheaper.

That's the one on St. Cloud craigslist. Seems a little high if you ask me, but not terrible I guess. Going to be a lot of work putting it in.

My recommendation? GTX3076 or EFR. 2.7 swap would be a lot of work. They are pretty awesome though and pretty quick even at 250hp. If you want to test drive a b5 s4 and are close to Sauk Rapids, I'll let you drive mine. I'll then take you for a ride in my 01 A4 with a 2871 at 320awhp. Easily 150chp more than the S4, but the S4 is damn near as fast, and it is completely stock.

Drive a really slow car for a few weeks.... Then take yours out again; it will feel like a whole new car.

I put on 150miles a day in my stock B5 Avant, and drive the 320awhp A4 on the weekends. That amount of power has gotten kind of old. Obviously the modded one is a lot faster, a lot more fun, and has way more goodies lick sways and stuff, but it isn't the night and day you make it out to be. I'd really like to bump it up closer to 450awhp, but am putting funds towards my S4 now.

[diagnosticator]

So I just spoke with the seller and got more information on the motor. It has been sitting is a dehumidified garage for 8 years. How much should I be concerned about that? He mentioned it would be good to replace the orings on the injectors, and maybe the valve cover gasket. Anyone have any experience with a motor that has been sitting around for a while?

Actually the stated specs of the parts, makes the asking price very reasonable for what you are getting. If you attempt this swap, take your time with it and don't rush the job.