Stage 3 build help needed!!

[s4biturb0]

Starting to hear my turbos go and finally decided to pull the trigger to go stage 3. I'm going to be getting SRM K24's, SRM SMIC'S, SSAC 3in down pipes and all other maintenance that can be addressed while the motor is out. I'm considering doing the work myself although I've never done anything this technical, I'm confident that this will be an excellent learning experience. Would like to start the build after the new year once all my parts are collected. Anyone near orlando that has a garage or space for me to rent out would be greatly appreciated since I live in a apartment complex with no garage. Also, it would be awesome to find a fellow tuner enthusiast to help with the removal and installation of this BEAST!! Anyone know someone crazy enough to take this with me please shoot me a message or post your response. Currently the car has 144k miles with the timing belt/water pump replaced about 3 months ago and RS4 clutch installed about 1 year ago. I've had this car almost 10 years and have always been on the fence to go stage 3 but finally ready to see this come to reality.
Any help or advice is greatly appreciated!

[Corradovolksb]

That's great you are wanting to go stage 3 but you need to know that it's not a simple job and will take a lot of time and know how to get it done. If you don't have a lift or access to a good set of jack stands it will be Almost impossible. I'm really happy with my srm k24s but just a heads up they don't build full boost until 4,300 rpm but once they spool up its a good kick in the pants. You will need to upgrade your fuel system too so at least an 85mm Maf housing, 630cc injectors and bigger fuel pump such as a walbro 450. I can help you with tuning if your willing to flash the ECM and take logs to tune it remotely.

[s4biturb0]

Trust me I can tell this will be the most challenging build I've ever done but it will be worth it. I plan to take care of the fueling and all other maintenance issues that may need to be addressed. I'll definitely have at least some jack stands and will be renting a cherry picker to pull the motor. Thankfully I've been watching and reading all the build I can find. There's a member on here that has a YouTube channel and give a great break down on pulling the motor but not for re instalation...I feel like the install will be the trickiest part. This community is awesome though and has always been there to support myself and others attempting this build. Good to hear that you're enjoying the SRM's, I was considering getting the ball bearing journals but haven't heard much reviews about them. Please let me know if you've heard anything about that? I've been wondering who to go with as far as tuning goes so thanks for the offer!!! My goal is to reach 400hp-450hp on pump gas, later down the road I'll add rods to get full potential out the K24's. Well for now I'm gathering all parts that will need to be placed and any tools I see on sale. I need to source a list of all the different tools I'll need and any specialty tools that would help. Thanks for all the help!!

[CJ_]

My advice is to just research research research. I just recently finished my k24 build and it was defiantly the biggest car project I've taken on, but I had done just about everything else short of pulling a motor before. Just make sure you are comfortable knowing what your getting into before diving in. If you do it properly, you'll have a great car to enjoy for a long time after. Also Corradovolksb is a great guy to work with for tuning and can defiately get you straightened out. Make sure before you start buying parts, you get in touch with a tuner and see what fueling setup they like/recommend for your goals first.

[christianb5s4]

What the previous guys said. Plus you are going to run into all kinds of unexpected issues and expenses, I guarantee you there will be tons of bolts, nuts, hoses, clamps, seals, gaskets, you name it that you will have to or should replace assuming you want a reliable stage 3 car.

All my aftermarket parts for my build was around $6K, but total build was around $10K from all the OEM parts I replaced that were needed but also preventative.

[axnjaksn]

yea what they said hahaha.....corradovolksb is a solid member and has real world input....listen to what he has to offer....you wont regret it...

[FlyboyS4]

Any help or advice is greatly appreciated!

Checklist I use.

[s4biturb0]

Wow it's always amazing to see this community come to life and help out other enthusiasts like me! I've been reading just about everything I can get my hands on to prepare me for the build but I'm sure I will run into unforeseen issues. I'm hoping to keep this build under 10k but will definitely take my time and replace anything that needs attention to help with reliability. Rather take my time and do it right the first time to avoid having to pull the motor more than once. I'll definitely be reaching out to corradovolksb once I can find a place to start the build lol. Right now I might be looking at renting a storage unit and just do the work there for the time being. Got some great links from CJ and Flyby so HUGE shot out to you both for the help!!! Aside from buying the parts for the build I need to focus on the tools aspect to avoid making multiple runs to find a tool in the middle of the build. Thankfully I'll have my girls car to use in the meantime while the S is getting built but obviously I'll be wrenching my life away to get my beast on the road!!! Hoping to start this after the new year and will post many pics!!!!

[Corradovolksb]

Right on man it's cool to see you excited to get stated on your build. Remember to stay as positive as you can through out your build because it will be a rollercoaster of a ride. Pm me with any questions you have and I'll try and get them answered for you but for sure update this thread or start a new one once you start your build. There is a lot of knowledge on here so ask as May questions as you want but before you do make sure to do a search so that your not asking a question that is already been answered multiple times.

[Corradovolksb]

By the way I see your in Orlando did you make it through the hurricane ok?

[s4biturb0]

It's crazy just how much knowledge and resources that are available on this forum. Lmao yeah the search button is my best friend!!! I will most definitely be asking you and other plenty of questions as I go through this process. I've never pulled a motor or considered it in the past but I know I'd gain a wealthy of knowledge and experience. Hopefully after this build I'll feel confident enough to start looking for a job with audi, has always been a dream to work for audi and become master certified!! I'm super excited and nervous to start the build but appreciate the words of encouragement and will try to keep positive throughout the build. Honestly if I had a garage or some place to wrench, this build would start this weekend lol!!! Yeah the hurricane wasn't so bad for my part of town but some of my coworkers had it worse and are still without power!!! I've been reading so many different builds these last few nights and have barley got any sleep but the pure excitement I get just thinking about my build wakes me right up! Back to work for now and need to start ordering tools and parts soon, but might wait until black Friday and Xmas deals!
Btw- off the top of your head what was the most challenging part of the removal and installation? Seems like the slave cylinder is a PITA...

[FlyboyS4]

If the driveshaft has never been detached that can be a chore.
Reinstalling the axles just before the engine is in place has the potential to be time consuming.
I leave the slave cylinder in place and disconnect the line from it after pulling the engine a few inches forward. Same time as I disconnect the heater hoses and get coolant all over the place.
Removing the bolts from the exhaust manifolds that attach to the turbochargers can be a challenge.
Driver's side coolant and oil supply bolts on the turbocharger are tight to reach.
A lot depends on if work has been done before, or if this is the first time some of these nuts & bolts are being loosened since being put on the car.

[s4biturb0]

If the driveshaft has never been detached that can be a chore.
Reinstalling the axles just before the engine is in place has the potential to be time consuming.
I leave the slave cylinder in place and disconnect the line from it after pulling the engine a few inches forward. Same time as I disconnect the heater hoses and get coolant all over the place.
Removing the bolts from the exhaust manifolds that attach to the turbochargers can be a challenge.
Driver's side coolant and oil supply bolts on the turbocharger are tight to reach.
A lot depends on if work has been done before, or if this is the first time some of these nuts & bolts are being loosened since being put on the car.

That's quite a list you got there and thanks for the heads up, I'll be sure to inspect the car top to bottom! I bought this car back in January of 2005 and I know it hasn't seen much wrenching aside from general maintenance which will means there might be some super tight bolts...fml but looking to start the build in January and have her back on the road before summer! Going to take advantage of the holiday seasons to buy most of the tools and parts needed.
So I'm on the fence about either tuning for 93 octane or E85 since I've noticed more stations offering both here in FL! Eventually I'd like to add some rods to bring out the maximum potential of the K24's but that will be much later after the build.

[Yuppie]

Checklist I use.

This is excellent. If someone can take this and add pictures beside it I believe they would make it extremely easy for anyone who is pulling motor.

Again, Great job having in this an excel format.

[CJ_]

This is excellent. If someone can take this and add pictures beside it I believe they would make it extremely easy for anyone who is pulling motor.

Again, Great job having in this an excel format.

x2, That is awesome with torques and everything.

OP, yeah biggest thing you will run into is old bolts that have never been loosened and old brittle hoses, plastic parts, etc. I stripped/broke quite a few bolts on the manifold,exhaust, turbos, coolant hoses, vacuum lines, etc. Also, reading though builds will help you see what other people have broke and problems they have run into.

[passamj20]

Good luck with the build man, I'm currently gathering all the parts for the same type of build. Basically waiting for another daily so I can start. I'll be following your build!!!! Keep us posted.

[QuinnsterKID]

Idk if anyone has suggested this but, maybe see if you could rent a storage unit around your place and just do the build in there. I would not want to do it inside of an apartment complex. This way you can leave parts lying out and just close the door when you're finished for the day. Its going to take you awhile and you definitely do not want to rush things or overlook anything.

[s4biturb0]

Yeah I've had a coworker suggest the same thing but I'd really be concerned of theft. Plus I'm not sure if it's allowed to work on cars but I'll call around and see if it's feasible. Thanks for the advice my friend! Might be starting sooner if the storage unit idea works out.

I'm currently making a list of all the tools needed for this build and trying to take advantage of the approaching holidays. Right now I have a Durabuilt 101 piece mechanics tool kit and that's it lol but it's a start! I'd like some power tools but not sure of I'll really need it. Those that have done these build do you find yourself using mostly power tools or just by hand? Stay tuned, build coming very soon!!

[Zba]

An electric impact is awesome just make sure you break everything loose before using the impact.

[CJ_]

An electric impact is awesome just make sure you break everything loose before using the impact.

This, I shaved off probably an hour or two for pulling the motor after I got my electric impact, favorite tool Ive bought by far

[s4biturb0]

This, I shaved off probably an hour or two for pulling the motor after I got my electric impact, favorite tool Ive bought by far

Any brand you recommend?

[Zba]

Anything with a lithium battery and make sure you get TWO batteries.

[CJ_]

Yep, I went with a Dewalt 20v set and I like it a lot better than the Rigid stuff we have at work, seems like it has better break away torque too.


Or if you want to go crazy, get a Snap On 3/8 electric impact, those things have nearly as much break away torque as the cheap air impacts.

[y3ti]

My Milwaukee M12 FUEL 3/8 impact has broken every bolt free so far. Except the front crank bolt, lol... Needed air for that.

But seriously I love it, best tool I've ever invested in. I have it paired up with the M12 3/8 ratchet and use them both all the time.

https://www.milwaukeetool.com/power-...rdless/2454-20

[s4biturb0]

Yeah I was looking at getting the Dewalt or the bosch but price seems kinda steep. I'll see what kind if savings I can find for black Friday!

[y3ti]

Eh. This is something you will ALWAYS reach for when you're working on a car. They're worth the extra cash for a nice set.

[s4biturb0]

Yeah all the tools will be a decent investment for future projects, repairs and maintenance.