Hi All!

This is my first post here, going over to the dark side after owning a MK4 TDI wagon for the past few years. One thing that we never got in the states was the combo of manual transmission, diesel & station wagon - but this is starting to change due to the 25yr rule!

About a month ago, I pulled the trigger on importing a laser red 2000 Audi A4 Avant Quattro with the 1.9 ATJ engine (currently en route to the US). For the 2000 model year, VW/Audi started introducing PD diesel engines, with this car being among the first produced.

My main question (and one I maybe should have asked before purchase, lol) is parts compatibility between the ATJ and say the BEW, BHW and BRM we got here. From what I can see, the BEW overall looks really similar, besides added emissions equipment for the US market. Should most things be pretty much directly shared? Looking through parts catalogs the timing system is pretty much the same as the earlier 1Z/AHU/AFN.

I've also read some anecdotal accounts online about the AJM and ATJ being more prone to head gasket issues - I was thinking this might be something I could prevent by swapping out for a new gasket and adding proper ARP TDI head studs such as the ones Kerma sells. Can anyone think of any other ways to remedy this?

I realize I may be among the first to see these engines on US soil, so I'm more just curious what other people's input might be. I plan on posting online on what I find out, diesel+quattro seems like a great combination!

Here are some pictures of my new wagon, for those interested :)