B5 A4 1.8T project car?

[Moes]

Hi,

Quick question, I'm looking for a B5 or B6 A4 1.8T project car. I would like something I can get a year or two out of before I go big turbo and rebuild the bottom end.

I have two options:

Buy a B6 for around $4K with 100,000 miles on it

or

Find a B5 with around $1,000-$2,500 with 160,000+ miles and possibly minor issues

If I plan on rebuilding the motor in 1-2 years (after a lot more reading)for a big turbo set up, do you think it makes more sense to spend more now and get the car with a fresher motor? or if I get one with 200,000 miles will I need to spend more prepping the engine?

I guess I'm asking if there is no major issues with either motor (broke rods / pistons / bearings ect) does going with the older cheaper car make more sense so I can spend more on the new motor/turbo or do I spend a little more on a newer car with a younger motor? is there any reason I should stay away from cars with 200,000+ miles or more for rebuilt? are there things to look for in older motors that could cost a lot more to rebuild down the road?

I still have a lot to learn but i'm trying to get some experienced opinions while I'm researching potential cars,

Thank you!

[OverSpun]

B5 and search until you find one with low enough mileage. I got mine with 85k on it about 3 years back. I have done everything short of a built motor or a BBK yet.

[redline380]

Get a B5, the car as a whole is better. We can get a little technical, but for know I'll say get an 01 if you want to do a build.

The BEST option is to have two B5s, a stock one and a project one. Everyone's doing it. Don't want that? Second best option is to buy the car, and build a motor on the side. Motor's are cheap, especially if it needs a rebuild. Who cares, you are going to rebuild it anyways. So, get the car, learn it, love it, maintain it, and buy a junk motor on the side to build. They can be had for $100 or so. Sell good motor and profit. I did that. Sold my good motor for $1000, but that was a few years ago.

The problem with the older cars is chassis crap. I see you are in MN, I am too. I can certainly give you specific resources to help you out. A good B5 pops up for sale every couple weeks or so, the wait isn't long.

As a note, my DD, a 2000 1.8t Avant, has 263k on it now. The motor is fine as it has been well taken car of all its life.

[dalazybastard]

Good points made thus far.

I picked up two b5's within a year and half with both sub 95k and for less than 2.5k each.

And as redline380 stated it's the chassis thats to worry about at this point.

My 2.8 had 86k(now 119k) when I got it in July 2015 and had no issues (mechanical or chassis) while the 1.8t which I picked up last month had rust next to the cabin air filter (trapped leaves and dirt) which allowed water into the cabin and a faulty abs module.



After I cleaned it up and before I did my first try at any kind of body work.

And from driving my friend's b6 it doesn't feel as tossable through the corners. It also feels way bigger when driving it.

Whereas the b5 is more feels more lively and personally is the better looking car.

As a note I'm building a motor on the side for the 1.8 and plan to keep the 2.8 as a daily.

Ultimately, it comes down to what you find and what you like more the b6 or b5, because fundamentally it's the same engine between 2001 b5 and all b6s. There's plenty of b5 vs b6 posts around. There's plenty of technical info about which year/optioned/color/body b5/b6 is the best.

I'm not the best b5 know it all out there, but I like sharing my experience and help out where I can. Reading and searching have taught me so much about not only b5/b6 a4s but all cars in general.


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[gtsingh91]

I have both. My B6 has been my stage 2+ daily for almost 9 years with one issue (the MAF sensor taking a crap out of nowhere). Never had any leaks or weird things happen and i currently have 107k on it. I bought an 01 B5 with 188k for $1k and it has been a great daily with the exception of a small oil leak and a slight brake fluid leak that I'm working on. I personally enjoy driving the B5 more because it feels more connected to the road but the B6 just feels more refined and newer in the handling. My B5 is bone stock but if I were to build one of them, it would be the B5.

[Moes]

Interesting, thanks for the feed back everyone.

I see the 99, 00 and 01 B5 can have different engine codes for the 1.8T, if I had to settle for a 99' with the 150hp without VVT is that a major issue? Can they handle the boost about as well as the 170hp VVT model? or will I always be about 20 hp short for running equivalent boost?

Is the VVT a pain to deal with or a benefit if you rebuild the motor?

I'll keep reading/researching..

thank you

[2000zxt]

B5 is where is at. Older the better on the 1.8t. The 170hp has weaker (skinnier) rods than the 058 (150hp)...but my theory the main downgrade between the two is the fact they went to rod bolts not stud/nut when they move away from 058 to the 06A. They kept necking the rod as they went and the 06F rod is even skinnier than the 06A. The 058 based A4 stuff is a little harder to get stuff at the dealer/locally, since the 06A stuff crosses to a million vw/audi cars, but the 058 is the superior engine in stock form imo...regardless of miles as long as the rings sealing well. Just my 2 cents. They are fantastic project cars. Start with the best chassis you can even if its more work, you won't regret it.

[redline380]

06a engines are superior to 058 engines in nearly every way. And if they aren't in a certain way, they can easily made superior.

[dalazybastard]

Also already having the wbo2 in the awm is a plus.


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[nynoah]

The 01 B5 A4 is the best A4 audi ever made. Don't let anyone tell you any different. The B6 rust out easier and the earlier than 01 have a narrow band ECU which SUCKS to try to tune.