LakeTahoeQuattro

So knowing what I was getting into, I had the opportunity to pick up this L for only 700. Int/Ext is an 8 and engine is excellent. No codes what so ever. However I am positive the trans is completely shot, and at this point just a direct replacement would be the easiest to get her rollin again.

I have not put it up on a lift yet to check out the transmission code, but I am reading that it can be DPC, FUN, or FBF. My question is, what transmission codes can I run in this car? Can I run 1997 a8 trans. The DTE or the EPG? I would like to retain the tiptronic features obviously.

nossisnave

Very handsome car LTQ. Nice rims.

What makes you sure the trans is bad?

LakeTahoeQuattro

Well I am not sure I guess. Previous owner dropped the ATF pan and said he found "chunks" in there, not sure what that means. Car has 120K. I have not yet opened the atf pan myself, but was just planning to do a replacement, assuming the worst. Discovered that the original trans code is FUN. Here were the codes when I got the car:



I was considering repairing these codes and doing an atf flush.

S8ilver

Message Tozo.

BTW, sweet ride...love those exhaust tips!

LakeTahoeQuattro

Yea, actually messaged him last night. He said that my trans is f***** and to just get a "new" one with a warranty. It is probably the easiest course of action. He insisted that I get one that is post face lift and one that is not an s8.

Yea actually they are not tips per-say, but the PO had some form of custom 3" exhaust on it. Sounds nice. To me it looks like original resonator, not cats, and aftermarket muffler. Have not taken it down to look at it closely yet.

nossisnave

Chunks? Ouch. Mine is also FUN.

I'm pretty sure l had the 17114 gear ratio code on mine as well when l rebuilt it. Mine would show no symptoms for one or two miles then act as if l was shifting the trans into neutral at random intervals. Turned out to be the O-ring inside the A clutch basket. I didn't have chunks tho, l wonder if one of your baskets lost some pieces from the top lip.

Well at least the rest of the car is near mint so when you get it on the road that'll be sweet! Wish I'd gotten mine for only $700. And known the trans was bad lol.

Does it drive at all?

LakeTahoeQuattro

I have decided as of yesterday that I am going to rebuild it myself. CTSC sells all of the ZF clutches and Seals for pretty cheap, and am then going to install the Kuhle clutch A drum as well along with the ZF Reverse Piston.

This is going to cost me about 1k. Same price as another used trans, but I know that it will last me a while. So Ill be tearing this thing down soon. Excited to see what is damaged inside.

No fluid in the trans currently. The engine runs, and there are no codes. AC also blows cold. It was mechanic owned so the engine is in near mint, with no oil leaks, etc. I owned an a8L 6 years ago and had to get rid of it, I am so excited to have another one. Funny thing is that my old a8 also had a screwed up trans haha

nossisnave

Good choice LTQ, then you know it was done right. CTSC was very reasonable for parts.

D'u have access to a lift or are you gonna use a hoist?

If you need it, my rebuild thread is on here and there are quite a few pics of the process. I had also linked to the threads that inspired me tear it down, lots of excellent info there. Hope it goes smoothly!

LakeTahoeQuattro

So I decided to order a new/used transmission w/ 65K. Should be here Friday. Found one shipped with reman TC and 6 month warranty for 1200. I will be able to install and run the car for a while. Meanwhile, I will be able to patiently rebuild the current trans that is coming out of the car and make sure I do it right, being un-rushed. Seems like it may be good to have two of these around

I am finishing my engine pull this weekend, I am about 80% finished. I am using a cherry picker

Below are a list of the parts I have compiled that I will need for a complete re-fresh:

Full TB kit
Serp belt
SAI Block Off Plates, for SAI delete
ATF Filter/Gasket
Drivers Side Axle "Raxles"
Coolant
ATF Fluid
Diff Fluid
New TC Bolts
Prop Shaft / Axle Shaft Gaskets
Custom Fabed Downpipes in 2.5" - 3"
Intake manifold vacuum arms

*I am sure I am forgetting things..

I was also able to find an s8 facelift grill along with the missing chrome piece on the bumper. Will post up some more pics eventually.

LakeTahoeQuattro

Here is a teaser of what I did with the instrument cluster, will post an installed pic later:




I got the rings from a 2003 Passat at a wrecking yard. I had to cut out the a8 holes a bit so they could fit. It was sort of a pita. I just like how thick they are.