Reno's 4.2 Swap Progress/Update Thread

[RENOxDECEPTION]

Replaced the cluster LCD.

There is no EPC LED. Feelsbadman.

[RENOxDECEPTION]

Been almost a month since I posted an update.

I got a code for crankshaft/camshaft timing correlation and decided to stop running the engine until I had a chance to doing a timing refresh.

I have been gathering parts to do a timing job (some parts not pictured).

I tested my aftermarket thermostat by boiling water as well as boiling the OEM thermostat that came off the car, all I can say is, DO NOT use a non-OEM thermostat, they do not open anywhere near as far as the OEM units.

I went to the audi dealership after the below photo and bought one because I'd rather not deal with an overheating engine. If anyone needs video comparisons of OEM vs aftermarket, I can provide it.



Figured out where the code originated from: drivers side head, cam chain tensioner guide was completely missing:



I started worrying about finding an OEM one while I had the engine apart without even realizing that I could just snap new guides onto it.

I put it back together and my conscience got the best of me and I tore it apart again to replace the chain.



The passenger side was already replaced with an aftermarket one, oh well, code was for driver's side.



Lots of parts replaced:



S6 intake manifold installed, well, sort of. The electrical connections for the solenoids need to be extended because both of them are on the passenger side of the S6.

I also need to make a line going from the two circled points for proper radiator self-bleeding.



Passed smog, and I love the tune that k0mpresd wrote, he said to drive it a few days and he'll do a revision to nail fueling properly.

I found out that the vehicle speed sensor signal goes from the VSS to the cluster and from the cluster back to the ECU, turns out I didn't have the cluster to ECU wire connected so my ECU was confused about its location in the map, but two step was activating above 3.5k rpm, still have some wiring to do on the white ecu/body plug.

Video with some sounds, keep in mind the VSS signal is now properly connected to the ECU so the car is not doing this anymore and has more balls due to the ECU knowing its position in the maps:

https://photos.app.goo.gl/QJALKX7bAcr8mUWXA

Next, besides clutch/brake switch wiring, I need to align my front subframe because I see that camber is WAY off as well as toe. I'll fix the subframe alignment and take it to an alignment shop to get the toe fixed.

[coolgraymemo]

Are you bringing this to any meets soon?

[wolfe2118]

I like it! It's funny how you are half a country away yet your roads look just like mine (covered in construction barrels).

[RENOxDECEPTION]

Are you bringing this to any meets soon?

Maybe locally until I get a feel for its reliability.

[RENOxDECEPTION]

5 Speed 01e died due to my stupidity.

Starter ring on my SPEC flywheel was loose (bolts were tight) causing a metallic clanking noise under engine bogging; fixed.

Finished swapping my 6 speed 01e.

Dropped oil pan and removed the bits of the tensioner pad from the pan and cleaned the pickup screen.

Oil change.

Adjusted exhaust to stick out an extra inch or two.

Fixed a minor heater core leak.

Car is registered.

Looking for an upgraded rear sway bar, if you have one, slide into them DMs.

[thedanplasse]

Most important is sticking the exhaust out a bit. From the looks of the flames and whatnot. I need to start building my 01E soon. I'm not looking forward to it, but it'll be a learning experience for me. I've never slpit a trans before.

[fR3ZNO]

Idk if they're free but JHM has a lot of videos on building the 01E.

Nice work on the BRAAAP, John.

[RENOxDECEPTION]

Most important is sticking the exhaust out a bit. From the looks of the flames and whatnot. I need to start building my 01E soon. I'm not looking forward to it, but it'll be a learning experience for me. I've never slpit a trans before.

I will likely be rebuilding my 5 speed, will be a fun learning experience.

[LakeTahoeQuattr]

You have been busy!

Dumb stuff about the tensioner guide, that is to be expected.

Ill look for ya on the streets. I like the 4.2 badge, nice touch. I assume most folks will not believe it to be true until you rocket off in that monster. Nice job John

[RENOxDECEPTION]

I have to get rid of that A4 badge, going to be replacing the trunk anyway and rebadging the new one. There's a dent in it that really bothers me more than it should.

4.2 is nice, unless you find me and pull up next to me in that 5.2

[Blazius]

Get bentley, a puller , MAP and tools, JHM has the 01e dissassembly on youtube for free. 5 speed is a bit diff but its the same in its core.

[Jhb5]

Do you know if the ART harness is similar to an AWM harness? The document you provided is super helpful and has done half the work for me. Just instead of going from v6 to v8 I’m going v6 to 1.8t.


Sent from my iPhone using Audizine

[RENOxDECEPTION]

Similar, but I know there is a significant difference.

Devon probably has some insight from his v8 thread lol

https://www.audizine.com/forum/showt...ct-4-2-EH-FOUR

[Pumpkinslap]

do i need to swap to the facelift cluster or can i keep rolling with the pre facelift simple one?

[RENOxDECEPTION]

I'm sure it's possible on prefacelift clusters. Mine is a partial facelift cluster.

[Pumpkinslap]

who did you have code out the srs/ airbag system/ crash bs, i keep getting a vehicle crash code after the car runs for about 2 seconds which then cuts off the spark and it wont run and the code wont clear, the guy who tuned my ecu doesn't know what i am talking about and says the ecu isnt getting power and or ground.

[RENOxDECEPTION]

Aw man, the wiring spreadsheet got deleted, if I find it I'll reupload.

[RENOxDECEPTION]

Link updated in post #53

[flapoperator]

I love how this was basically being done in a dirt lot. And here I won't even do brakes unless I have a garage.

[coolgraymemo]

Did Heisenberg own it at one point?

This joke relates to why the car was never picked up from the tow yard...

Just re-read this thread.


Selling that car to Person A (not Reno) was probably one of the sketchiest transactions I’ve ever been a part of. I probably still have their pictures/IDs in an old laptop.

[RENOxDECEPTION]

I love how this was basically being done in a dirt lot. And here I won't even do brakes unless I have a garage.

Haha yeah, basically changing the clutch on the motor, bolting the trans to the engine, and changing the rear diff were all done in the dirt with those goat head prickly seeds.

After I installed that concrete, that's when the engine got dropped in.

Just re-read this thread.


Selling that car to Person A (not Reno) was probably one of the sketchiest transactions I’ve ever been a part of. I probably still have their pictures/IDs in an old laptop.

Haha, I bet that guy was super sketchy!


I've replaced the gas tank (previous tank had a very difficult time adding fuel to it), I suspect the previous owner of the white car had someone that hated them shove something down the filler neck.

Still doesn't solve the car overheating whenever the temperature is remotely warm outside. Need to upgrade the front fans and get some serious air moving.

[RENOxDECEPTION]

Posted for sale.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace...78237188449303

[Arvai]

Posted for sale.

https://www.facebook.com/marketplace...78237188449303

Sad to see. I just recently bought a 4.2 swapped car that ironically also needed a clutch. That price is very good for an already swapped car. I paid $3100 for my 00'. Has the 4.2 with the six speed, and its on air suspension. Excited to get it going again. Should have no issue getting that price.