Simple Question.. not an easy answer....

Reply Subscribe

Thread Tools

Search this Thread

Jul 9, 2002 | 01:34 PM

88ST165

Thread Starter

New Member

Joined: Jul 2002

Posts: 3

Likes: 0

Simple Question.. not an easy answer....

OK here goes... I'm starting with a 97A4 2.8 QM. i have access to a donor 2001 S4. You know whats coming... Will the 2.7T swap into the A4 easily? Don't bother telling me it's too expensive, and to just buy an S4. I dont' want an S4 I want to swap the 2.7L into my A4. So what kind of snags can I expect?

Thanks,
Scott
88 ST165
91 SW20
97 A4 2.8QM

Jul 9, 2002 | 01:37 PM

Monster1pt8TQ

Senior Member

Joined: Apr 2001

Posts: 7,941

Likes: 0

You better have access to the tranny and everyother conceivable part.

oh and lots of free time or lots of money to throw at labor

Jul 9, 2002 | 01:55 PM

88ST165

Thread Starter

New Member

Joined: Jul 2002

Posts: 3

Likes: 0

I will...

Yes, I'll have a complete (wrecked) donor car, and I will be doing the work myself.

What about wiring? Will the 2.7T ecu and engine harness plug right into the A4 chassis harness? Are there any structural differences between chassis? Has anyone ever done this before? If so How do I contact them

Thanks,
Scott
88 ST165
91 SW20
97 A4 2.8QM

Jul 9, 2002 | 02:12 PM

Speedy72t

AudiWorld Super User

Joined: Mar 2002

Posts: 5,118

Likes: 0

I can't comment on the specific swap but

I have done similar in years past. Lots and lots of man hours so I hope you are doing much of the work yourself. The biggest problem I had was the wiring harness. They usually are specific to the what engine the car has. It may be more modular with the A4 but that was the biggest nightmare for me. I ended up stripping the car and moving the entire harness from the donor to the new car. If the engine harness can be separated then I would say you will just run into the normal stuff of not having all the holes in the right places to mount stuff up. Also check to see how similar the drivetrain is. I thought I was fine only to find the wheel hubs and half shafts were different. Wasn't any big deal to fix but could be very expensive if you have to start digging for all the pieces.
Of course the other option is to fix the S4 and put your VIN from the A4 on it. figuratively speaking of course

Jul 9, 2002 | 04:38 PM

Rack 'em Willie

AudiWorld Super User

Joined: Mar 2002

Posts: 10,438

Likes: 0

How bad is the donar part? You might be better off salvaging parts and sell the A4 and buy an S4.

Jul 9, 2002 | 04:49 PM

Speedy72t

AudiWorld Super User

Joined: Mar 2002

Posts: 5,118

Likes: 0

yea, what he said, except the insurance might be cheaper but

you could be in for pure hell on emissions

Jul 11, 2002 | 07:45 AM

88ST165

Thread Starter

New Member

Joined: Jul 2002

Posts: 3

Likes: 0

Nah I'm in Texas. Emissions are a breeze.

I have not found the donor car yet. I'm waiting till one pops up in my area. The cars I'm looking @ are not re-builders, just good for parts. i have access to a salvage license so I'll be getting the donor car @ auction. Thanks for all your replies guys. I'll let you know how it turns out.

Scott