hgoodman

So, do companies like Audi/VW just quit making a certain engine after awhile? For example, if I wanted a brand-new 5-pot (2.2L), could I get one, or once engines get past a particular age is it rebuilts only after a certain point? I just wonder if there are stacks of these old beauties sitting around somewhere... mine has 123K and runs beautifully, but I just wonder what I'd do in case of catastrophic failure someday. I mean, the rest of the car is in great shape with very, very little rust and I'd like to keep it going as long as I can.

87 4000 Q
123.5K, running like a dream

Evilclown

but there's also probably a load of NOS engines sitting in a wherehouse somewhere. The question is, how much are you willing to pay for it? A rebuilt engine is probably the best bet, and it's just as reliable as a new one, as long as you get one from a good rebuilder(ie., NOT Jasper or Recon).

rikgus

....as long as you even half way take care of it. If your car REALLY has that low a milage (I never trust Audi odometers on these old cars), it's only about halfway thru it's life. But yes, if one of mine ever goes, I'll just rebuild it, and use that as an excuse to do some mods :0)

4Driver4

The factory long blocks are just as good as new. Pricey, but very good.

Evilclown

Yep.

Chris in VA

Automobile manufacturers are required to make parts for 10 years after the model has expired. I may be off base on that however.

squidix9

You totally destroy that block, hold on to it. Many of the good motor builders don't start working on a race motor, till the block is well seasoned.

Before you bore a block you want to make sure it is heat and stress cycled for awhile. That way when you're removing metal, the block is already relieved of any manufacturing stresses.

The 2.2 and 2.3 are still good race motors, and you can still get plenty of parts. Tomorrow, who knows?

Nervikterklieb

legally, a car company has to keep making every part for 10 years