4 Awesome Engine Swaps For Your Classic Audi
Is your classic Audi engine starting to wear out? If so, you're not alone. The 2.1-liter inline-five engine favored in the eighties rarely makes it over 300,000 miles. If your engine has surpassed 250,000 miles, it may be time for a rebuild or replacement. You can easily gain more power for your beloved Audi by investing in a simple engine swap. Newer Audi engines bolt right into the older chassis for an instant power boost. Check out the following for swap options for inspiration.
Inline 4 1.8 Turbo (A4)
If you wish to move away from the inline-five toward a more traditional engine configuration, think about installing the four-cylinder 1.8-liter turbo from the A4. This engine creates 170 horsepower, thanks to its stock 8.7-PSI turbo system.
You can obtain this engine from donor A4 vehicles made from 1994 to 2000. For the easiest swap, match the transmission type to your own vehicle. The A4 either came with a manual, automatic or four-wheel drive system, also known as Quattro. Whether you choose two or four wheel drive, the small size of the 1.8 turbo ensures it will fit in older compact Audi models of all kinds.
Inline 5 20V Turbo (B3/B4 S and RS)
On the other hand, if you'd rather stick with Audi's traditions, instead of the others guys', pick the 2.2-liter inline-five (or 20VT) found in the B3/B4 S and RS models. Audi has been running five cylinder engines in its lineup since the debut of the 1976 100 sedan fitted with 2.1-liter.
Although you can find the 20VT in slightly older Audi's, the 230 horsepower variant only rests in models made after 1991. Since the 20-valve turbo comes in the performance-based S and RS lineup, tuners seek out this engine for their builds. As a result, it can be quite difficult to find in good condition and at a reasonable price, though it's well worth the search.
2.7L V6 Bi-Turbo (A6)
The A6, manufactured from 2000 to 2004, houses an impressive 2.7L V6 bi-turbo. This engine propels this overweight Audi down the track using 250 horsepower and 258 ft/lbs of torque. The 2.7-liter V6 features five valves per cylinder for a total of 30 valves. You can improve power even more by increasing the turbo size, chipping the ECU or installing bolt-on upgrades.
Since this engine is made for such a big car, you'll need to address potential clearance issues before beginning the swap. If you can fit this power plant into your engine bay, your lighter car will greatly benefit from its high power output numbers.
4.2-Liter 8-Cylinder 32 Valve DOHC (V8 to R8)
Audi began putting the 4.2-liter V8 in their cars starting in 1988. From there, this awesome engine has landed in everything from the RS4 to the R8. Although the newer engines cost a pretty penny, even when banged up and beaten, you can enjoy a slice of the pie with one from the Audi V8 or nineties S4, S6 or A8.
This engine puts down 300 horsepower and 295 ft/lb of torque. Older models used finicky Motronic injection, but ones from the nineties ran multi-point sequential systems. Carefully consider the size and weight of this engine before putting in your own car.
Getting The Install
Once you make a decision about the engine you'd like in your car, you can click here for more information or talk to your favorite installer to have the work done. Audi repair professionals easily solve fitment complications that frequently arise while performing an engine swap. Furthermore, these professionals can help you obtain hard to source parts and fluids for your swap. Obtain a few quotes to determine if you can work a rebuild into the swap project to give your car several hundred thousand miles of life.