The engine had a complete bottom end rebuild about 40k ago. Scat rods, custom 83mm pistons, bored and honed. Bearings, ARP main studs. Like any good Audi, I had oil leaks and the engine was dirty, so sure let's just disassemble and clean and replace things as needed. I had the head gone through from a very reputable shop here in KC and they found some very interesting wear patterns on the 40k old exhaust valves. It seems the springs were worn too much (not stiff enough) and caused the keeper grooves to wear and almost fail. 20 new valves later I was back in business, along with new guides and seals, and supertech springs I had originally purchased as the only "head upgrade".
Because of the high mileage on the car, the suspension really needed some attention. I was running Neuspeed race springs and Bilstein sport struts. The car was a blast to drive but I was getting the typical knocking you get from failed struts. I also wanted something better, height adjustable. I decided on PSS9's and placed the order. As I was disassembling the suspension components there were a few control arms that I had yet to replace overtime. Luck would have it, I ended up breaking ball joints or bending the threaded joins while trying to disassemble. A few new control arms later and I was ready to roll.
The turbo kit was the purpose of this install and I knew I needed a new fuel pump so I hopped on the 034 site and started looking for the 044 drop in pump. Found it... and then continued browsing. It's not financially safe to leave me in front of a computer screen with shiny parts and a credit card.... 30 Mins later and I had a considerable order on the way. TB kit, front and rear subframe bushings, fuel pump, and some misc odds and ends.
Shortly after going through the rear subframe bushing install (have to remove the subframes to do these). I noticed some rust on the subframe so off to the sandblaster we went and painted it up for protection. The upper strut mounts were also rusted through so I had to source some used ones locally. While shopping at 034 a few weeks back to order the rest of the parts, I noticed those fancy subframe support mounts for the swaybar. Then I found the bigger swaybar. No way could I not spend more $$ on shiny aluminum!! So we went ahead and ordered this too.
Now you're probably wondering, where's the turbo?! At this point I was more then 1/2 way to my $5k budget on the project and the end was no where in sight. Screw it, it's just $$ right?! I was recommended to give Marc Swanson a call at EFIExpress in NH. I highly recommend this guy. Knows his stuff, very knowledgeable and helpful, and looking forward to working with him on my tune. I was dead set on going with a GTX2967 as the turbo choice. T25 manifold, internally gated, quick spool, price wasn't TOO bad. After a 10 min convo with Marc he had me sold and giving him a CC number for an EFR 6758. I don't really know a lot about these turbos, but man it sure is pretty. Aluminum cartridge housing, big Vband 3" out, internally gated, and T25 input so it will mate up to my APR manifold no problem. I order some injectors (honestly have no idea what he sold me, but I took his advice), and a VEMS standalone ECU with a custom harness to utilize the OEM ME5 harness and sensors.
So here I am, credit card bill going up, car is going back together, and I can't stop looking up YouTube videos of crazy HP Audi's or some tuner throwing an EFR turbo on and getting crazy power out of it. Call me crazy, call me dumb.... I don't really care. I'll be sure to snap a selfie of the shit eating grin on my face when I turn up the boost and run through all 6 gears.
More to come!!!
-josh
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Originally Posted by Davdraco1
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