Gwyneth Krauttro, the rescue of an Avant

[Duece McCracken]

Well, a few years ago a buddy of mine's friend was trying to offload this 2008 A4 Quattro Avant 6spd. I passed on it.

It came back up in conversation, about a month ago, and the owner just wanted it outta his driveway. It's kinda been sitting this whole time, started up here and there, idled. So, being a glutton for punishment, decided I could use the project. It's been quite awhile since I've owned any german cars, ugh darn triple square fasteners!! I'm not new to fixing cars, or performance modifications. Turbos, E85, tuning, all the good stuff. My current cars are a 2023 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon 6spd, and a 2019 Mustang Bullitt. I can't leave anything stock, everything gets modded!!

It's a 2008, im the second owner, 101k miles. S-line, Titanium, heated front seats, has a little damage on the front. Interior is rough, exterior is rough. Needs a lot of maint. Runs and drives though!! Brakes though rusted, seem to work decent. Suspension feels decent, not blown. Flex section off downpipe is split open, lol. Needs 4 tires. Some oil leakage on the valvecover.




Well, checked fluids, threw a batt in her, whipped here around the block a few times. Full operating temp, pulled the plugs and comp tested. It did better than I expected.







With not much rot, just some surface rust. I decided to ready the first volley of the parts cannon.

[Jayz691]

Manual TI avant is def worth it...

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[Quattro 4 Life]

Manual TI avant is def worth it...

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+1 good on you for saving her!

[CycloSteve]

Rescue-worthy effort! Keep up the good work and post a few pics along the way. Good to see more stewards of 6MT Avants out there.

[Duece McCracken]

Rescue-worthy effort! Keep up the good work and post a few pics along the way. Good to see more stewards of 6MT Avants out there.

1st post updated!

[Duece McCracken]

Took her to a carwash real quick, and got her home.

[Duece McCracken]

oomph.

Needs a DP, motor mounts,, straight control arm lower shock mount bushings, oil leaks fixed.

Figured as much, lol

[Duece McCracken]

XZN's!!! Also the most expensive used Bentley manual ever, lmfao

I pulled the plugs and swapped in NGK Rutheniums in stock heat range. Also, NGK hotmod coilpacks.

Car had misfire codes, so I just decided to replace all the stuff. Easy peasey.

[Duece McCracken]

Service mode is fantastic. Turned what I initially thought would be terrible, to a very easy job.

Timing belt, water pump, the timing belt idler roller guys. Check them off the list!

I wasnt a fan of the rotted crank pulley/harmonic balancer triple square bolts. So mI added them to my ECS tuning cart.

Next thing you know, I black out and come to with an ECS Tuning order to get me to "stage 2" well, without tuning.

Their exhaust, Luftech intake, FMIC, Forge DIverter valve, a snubmount, 034 street motor mounts, ECS rear diff complete mounts, and all 14 gasketed valve cover bolts (ouchies)

Looking at what else I should do, and I guess im going to do the Cam timing chain, tensioner, coolant block, and all that jazz.

Down the road I'll upgrade the HPFP, and get with JHM for their stage 2+ tuning. Should make this a fun daily.

Even further down the road, I'll do the JHM shifter stuffs, and probably some bilsteins with eibach springs.

Forgot to mention, had a third gear nibble on a 4200-ish rpm high load shift merging onto the highway. So I have redline MTL coming to try and prevent more damage. Im not above rebuilding the trans, but this "budget project" is already over budget, lmfao

[CXSnail]

Nice project, looks like you're overdue for the k04 maintenance!

[Duece McCracken]

Nice project, looks like you're overdue for the k04 maintenance!

Lol, well thats not far fetched. I'll have to see how it drives maxing out the K03. I've had 400 plus whp in a hot hatch before (fwd), had something like 375awhp in my old modified Edge Sport, 300-ish awhp in a DSM and the Bullitt should be around or at 500whp still N/A, then like 23 other slow ass cars. So I have a decent idea of what I want to do.

So this A4 isn't going to be a crazy build or anything. Platform is a bit limiting, and If I want to haul ass I'll jump in the Mustang.

I am excited to make this a fun daily though! Which is my true intentions with it. Who really knows. If I really enjoy the platform I may push it out further than my current goals.

Yeah, K04 is on the table for sure. I have local E85 as well, so getting like 325-350 awhp could happen. Wouldn't surprize any of my friends if I went down this path again, lmfao!!

[Older_not_Wiser]

If you are going to do the oil cooler block, you might also want to do the oil filter housing. Being plastic, they all start to leak oil from the housing to block interface/O-ring eventually. If you get enough shit out of the way to do the oil cooler, it is only a little more work to do the filter housing.

They make a cast aluminum oil filter housing now. Have not used one myself yet but others have and do not recall seeing any complaints. Some early users had some issues with the crankcase breather attachment, but it seems they may have fixed that now.

Manual Titanium Avants are desireable and not very common. Also, clean your battery cavity of leaves, many an ECU has become flooded because the drains get plugged and it rains or you wash the car and then u r chasing electrical gremlins.

[Duece McCracken]

If you are going to do the oil cooler block, you might also want to do the oil filter housing. Being plastic, they all start to leak oil from the housing to block interface/O-ring eventually. If you get enough shit out of the way to do the oil cooler, it is only a little more work to do the filter housing.

They make a cast aluminum oil filter housing now. Have not used one myself yet but others have and do not recall seeing any complaints. Some early users had some issues with the crankcase breather attachment, but it seems they may have fixed that now.

Manual Titanium Avants are desireable and not very common. Also, clean your battery cavity of leaves, many an ECU has become flooded because the drains get plugged and it rains or you wash the car and then u r chasing electrical gremlins.

I wasnt planning on doing the oil cooler, and havnt diagnosed any oil leaks off the filter housing yet. I am going to do the rear coolant distribution fitting since Im going to do the cam timing chain/tensioner etc. Probably grab the ECS aluminum coolant block. I need to finish all the top end work. It would make sense to do the oil cooler/filter housing after I pull the intake to clean the valves, so it'd get grouped into that operation.

Yeah I've read about the ecu area getting leaks through the firewall and whatnot. I plan on pulling all that and vacuuming it out, clearing all drains, and resealing anything that's suspect. My Sunroof also needs some work. Probably have to replace the perimeter glass seal. Not looking forward to that additional work, lol

Going to replace all fluids as well. Still havnt confirmed brake function 100 percent, so not sure If I'll be replacing calipers outright. Which at that point I'd just grab SS lines and hook up the power motive for a full on bleed fest.

[Jayz691]

Looks like your jumping in head first
Good luck with everything, gonna be a sweet ride.

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[Older_not_Wiser]

One of your posts said 'coolant block' so my head went to the oil cooler right away.

Looking forward to seeing updates on the progress

[Duece McCracken]

Tools and trans fluid rolled in!

[Duece McCracken]

CTS got me their toooooooooob really fast!! Welds are good enough, i have a little slag to remove internally at the bungs, and there's a lil gap pipe to flange on one side. They internal and external welded one of the sides. Overall though, I like it! I've seen much worse, this is excellent at this pricepoint.

Came with studs, gaskets, copper nuts, a sticker. Excellent packaging! Super fast shipping, which was signature required, which sometimes sucks, but in this case worked out fine.

[Duece McCracken]

034 Snub mount is here!

[80sGuy]

Great work and love the Avant. One thing; how come you didn't replace the Cam Seal while doing the timing belt? That thing is a known issue for oil seeping through sooner or later.

[Duece McCracken]

Great work and love the Avant. One thing; how come you didn't replace the Cam Seal while doing the timing belt? That thing is a known issue for oil seeping through sooner or later.

Havnt read about that being an issue. This is the first im hearing of it. I'll keep an eye on it, if it starts leaking I'll replace it and perhaps the timing belt. Not too worried about it. More worried about the cam timing chain assembly, which is my next area of focus.

Actually, since I'd be locking the cams, I could do the seal with the timing chain job. I may consider this. The Krauttro is still in service position, and on jackstands.

[Duece McCracken]

The big round of parts ECS Tuning came.

Forge diverter valve
ECS FMIC
ECS Exhaust
ECS Luftnic(i forget the exact name,lol) intake
034 Motorsports engine mounts
034 Motorsports Trans mount
ECS rear diff support full kit
Prosport Boost gauge kit
New Valve cover bolts

As you can see in the picture, the ECS tuning downpipe, though advertised as a Big Bore 3", is actually 2.5" that necks up to 3". I have a full 3" test pipe, so this is a bottleneck. ECS has conflicting pictures and descriptions, but they at one point had a full 3" downpipe. Which Im in contact with them to try and figure this out. If It was just a straight section, I'd get it chopped and welded to full 3". Its on an angle though, so that complicates things.


We are still getting snow, so Gwyneth has been tarped for now. The sunroof seal is leaking in one spot, that seal is like 300 bucks, oomph. I may try to do so careful silicon work to re-affix the seal at the spot it detached. Water intrusion is not good. Gotta clear out those drains too. If anyone has a link to a tool or something that works, that'd be helpful. I could buy like a brake cable or something to fish it down the drains and clear them out.

[a4audi4fun]

Is weed wacker nylon cord stiff enough to clear sunroof drains?

[Duece McCracken]

Is weed wacker nylon cord stiff enough to clear sunroof drains?

Thats actually a great idea!!!

[All_Black_A4]

I think we have the same problem. I've just recently went and bought a neglected B7 A4 wagon



2007 Titanium edition 3.2L, 6 Speed to be exact. It was too good of a deal too say no to at $950USD. For whatever reason I've never been a fan to the 2.0T. My first Audi was a 3.2L Sedan and sold it a few yrs back and thought one day I'd like to get another one. This one is a little tired. Has around 256K kms/160K miles and is in need of a new clutch. Still drives ok you just have to watch you don't over rev it Figured I'd just keep my eyes open for a lower mileage replacement engine since it'll be my new DD. Also needs some body work due the usual VAG rust issues on rear fender arches and doors. Won't be going too crazy. Will be an OEM+ restoration - S4 seats, maybe coil overs, mounts etc.
Will be a little while before I can start work on it due to the weather - constant -18 deg C - and a B7 S4 that needs putting back together after its timing job.

[Duece McCracken]

I think we have the same problem. I've just recently went and bought a neglected B7 A4 wagon



2007 Titanium edition 3.2L, 6 Speed to be exact. It was too good of a deal too say no to at $950USD. For whatever reason I've never been a fan to the 2.0T. My first Audi was a 3.2L Sedan and sold it a few yrs back and thought one day I'd like to get another one. This one is a little tired. Has around 256K kms/160K miles and is in need of a new clutch. Still drives ok you just have to watch you don't over rev it Figured I'd just keep my eyes open for a lower mileage replacement engine since it'll be my new DD. Also needs some body work due the usual VAG rust issues on rear fender arches and doors. Won't be going too crazy. Will be an OEM+ restoration - S4 seats, maybe coil overs, mounts etc.
Will be a little while before I can start work on it due to the weather - constant -18 deg C - and a B7 S4 that needs putting back together after its timing job.

Nice! I wish mine looked that good, lol

[Jayz691]

I think we have the same problem. I've just recently went and bought a neglected B7 A4 wagon



2007 Titanium edition 3.2L, 6 Speed to be exact. It was too good of a deal too say no to at $950USD. For whatever reason I've never been a fan to the 2.0T. My first Audi was a 3.2L Sedan and sold it a few yrs back and thought one day I'd like to get another one. This one is a little tired. Has around 256K kms/160K miles and is in need of a new clutch. Still drives ok you just have to watch you don't over rev it Figured I'd just keep my eyes open for a lower mileage replacement engine since it'll be my new DD. Also needs some body work due the usual VAG rust issues on rear fender arches and doors. Won't be going too crazy. Will be an OEM+ restoration - S4 seats, maybe coil overs, mounts etc.
Will be a little while before I can start work on it due to the weather - constant -18 deg C - and a B7 S4 that needs putting back together after its timing job.

Wow!! $950 for the highest trim.? Sweet man!

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[Duece McCracken]

Ok, still waiting to hear back from ECS Tuning on their downpipe.

Trying to figure out my order of operations. ECS tuning has a big delay on their coolant flange. Car is still in service mode, coolant has not been topped off since water pump replacement.

Makes sense to do the timing chain stuff, valve cover gasket, hpfp tappet, and all the coolant distribution stuff at once. Just would get held up another month on parts.

I can do the brakes, the engine mounts, remove the side mount intercoolers, diff mount, trans mount, and at least install the test pipe. Can remove the factory exhaust too. Forge diverter valve, maybe the boost gauge. Probably bleed the brakes/change brake fluid while Im in there. If any of the calipers give me grief, I'll be replacing them and going SS lines.

I should just order the parts, and fiddle with this stuff for now. I just dont like having too many loose ends, also introducing a bunch of variables without having the ability to test drive the car between mods.

We are getting more snow and ice, so wrench time is cut very low right now, being winter and all.

[jbain2]

audifun;[emoji6][emoji[emoji6]][emoji[emoji6]][emoji6]]Is weed wacker nylon cord stiff enough to clear sunroof drains?

Yes it is. That’s what I’ve been using for years. Get a thicker gauge. I run it on my gas trimmer anyway.


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[Duece McCracken]

Yes it is. That’s what I’ve been using for years. Get a thicker gauge. I run it on my gas trimmer anyway.


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Yeah, it makes a whole lotta sense, going to get a spool and snake the drains out.

[PNW Avant]

Did you even have to pay for it? This thing is getting a great turn around. I would have stuck with OEM coils but time will tell. Cam follower checked/ changed yet?

[Duece McCracken]

Did you even have to pay for it? This thing is getting a great turn around. I would have stuck with OEM coils but time will tell. Cam follower checked/ changed yet?

I got these NGK at a fair price, if they fail I'll get the updated OEM. Car had the original coilpacks on it.

Yes, the hpfp tappet is in question. I have a replacement, but havnt inspected for cam carnage yet. Its on my list. Car ran fine after new plugs and coilpacks, so hpfp is working as intended. If theres damage, I'll replace/fix whatever is necessary. Itd be a good excuse to grab the JHM hpfp internals, lmfao!!!

[PNW Avant]

I got these NGK at a fair price, if they fail I'll get the updated OEM. Car had the original coilpacks on it.

Yes, the hpfp tappet is in question. I have a replacement, but havnt inspected for cam carnage yet. Its on my list. Car ran fine after new plugs and coilpacks, so hpfp is working as intended. If theres damage, I'll replace/fix whatever is necessary. Itd be a good excuse to grab the JHM hpfp internals, lmfao!!!

For sure - those coils are worth a try but hold on to those OEMs in case. Mine are 170k miles. Still original.

I would check the cam follower - just because its the last common failure item that might suggest not to drive it further, if damaged or close to wearing through. But the 2008's are a little more resilient than the early years since there were revised parts, revised cams etc.

Once you get the hang of it on a 2008 (without the banjo bolt) I have found the cam follower is a ~15min max job and I do it every 3rd or so oil change. I have a specific 17mm stubby open end wrench I keep specifically for that job. happy wrenching

[Duece McCracken]

For sure - those coils are worth a try but hold on to those OEMs in case. Mine are 170k miles. Still original.

I would check the cam follower - just because its the last common failure item that might suggest not to drive it further, if damaged or close to wearing through. But the 2008's are a little more resilient than the early years since there were revised parts, revised cams etc.

Once you get the hang of it on a 2008 (without the banjo bolt) I have found the cam follower is a ~15min max job and I do it every 3rd or so oil change. I have a specific 17mm stubby open end wrench I keep specifically for that job. happy wrenching

Yeah I have the oem coilpacks on the shelf. I've dealt with bad/poor aftermarket in the past, the car did have misfire codes on 2 or 3 cylinders prior. Could have just been the beat up plugs though, lol. Time will tell.

I did read about the 2008 updates to the tappet/cam follower. Im really hoping its ok, despite it being a one owner car, no service records...

Its all coming apart to do the timing chains, so I'll document whatever I find when I do those. The Krauttro is going to be on jackstands for the next month at least. As I comb through, install parts and what not.

Very excited to get this thing all sorted and tuned. From what I've read, the 2008 Ti package manual avants are the unicorns of the B7's. I am going to get her back up and better than she ever was.

[oVeRdOsE]

Nice project.

this rare avant definitively deserve a save.

all_black_a4 3.2 is surely a rare and cheap find, however, depends how much love people are willing to give to save a car. When the motivation is low, the 2.0t is easier to work on to keep the car going.

unfortunately, I really might do the opposite ; my avant is in very very good condition with mods, I dont drive it in winter. But I dont use it much, last year I probably put 1500km on it. And I'll need a winter beater . Back to rust city.

[Duece McCracken]

Ugh, dropped more coin today.

Got all the timing chain stuff

Bought the timing tools

Bought new rubber. Going Conti DWS 06 plus in 245/40r18 back on the Ti rims.5 tires, so I can 5th tire rotate.

ECS got back to me, they dont make a full 3" downpipe, well, they really werent clear. There was a salesman intermediary and it feels that my technical questions got not properly responded to. I'll have to call them if I want more. Email sucks. Going to modify the DP probably.

[jbain2]

Years ago I had the Unitronic downpipe. I’m pretty sure it was a full ” and it was a well crafted piece. For what it’s worth.

Had a [emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji6][emoji6]][emoji[emoji6]] Black avant myself.

Like what you are doing. Keep it up!


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[Duece McCracken]

Got the timing chain stuff, timing tools, depinning tool, oil filter housing tool.

I went with the rein coolant bits kit. The ECS aluminum stuff is a month out from shipping, so Im just going plastic this go around. I'd like to get the Krauttro back on the road sooner than that.

[Jayz691]

NGK coils are just fine, I run Bosch, but they are both an OEM brand. You can get a metal coolant flange off AliExpress for $15, and it's basically what ECS used for their design.. Can get it in about 2 weeks. ECS brand parts are basically rebranded stuff from China anyway, so either will do.
Nice to see it getting so much love.
Just be careful buying "ECS kits", lots of them include cheap Bremmen parts. That's their Chinese house brand. Using a Chinese coolant flange is dif than say timing parts..

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[Duece McCracken]

NGK coils are just fine, I run Bosch, but they are both an OEM brand. You can get a metal coolant flange off AliExpress for $15, and it's basically what ECS used for their design.. Can get it in about 2 weeks. ECS brand parts are basically rebranded stuff from China anyway, so either will do.
Nice to see it getting so much love.
Just be careful buying "ECS kits", lots of them include cheap Bremmen parts. That's their Chinese house brand. Using a Chinese coolant flange is dif than say timing parts..

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Good to know on Bremmen stuff, I can cross shop ECS kits via Rockauto and piece meal better if necessary. Really just trying to get her back on the road, safe and mostly reliable, lmao.

[Duece McCracken]

Fresh rubber!!! The 245/40 is still a narrower sidewall than I expected. I'll have to see how these do.