i got a b5 audi with the 1.8t and was either gonna do a 2.8 swap with a supercharger or get a 2.7t s4 motor... what are the pros and cons of the 2? what are some good places where i could buy the whole swap? and will my 5 speed tranny mount up to either of those or will i have to buy a new tranny for either of those as well?

any input will be much appreciated. thanks TR

 

dont waste your time on the 2.8 supercharged.....2.7 is a completely different monster. For the price of b5 s4 going down every time its not worth doing the swap, instead just sell your 1.8t and buy the b5 s4. Maintenance on the 2.7t is a bitch, there is little to no space in the engine compartment to work around. I love the platform and thats why i ahve owned two b5 s4. BUT i ahve also owned two 1.8t and maintennace is way cheaper and easer to work with. If what you really want is go fast and dont spend so much cash, just build the 1.8t. you can just drop rods with stock pistons and a gt3071r and a good tune and you are set. If you really wanna go FASTER go 2.7t stage 3, meaning k04 turbos, but with this decision requires deep pockets.

just my .02 cents

 

This.

 

To be honest I would mod the hell out of the 1.8t they are very capable and respond well to mods. Plus you already have it

 

One question I have is your current B5 1.8T Quattro or fwd? If it's fwd I'd say just trade/buy an S4. No point in getting gobs of power if you're just going to melt tires and go nowhere.

 

^ it's a quattro.

how hard and about how much $ would it take to get the 1.8t to the 350-400hp range? it definitly sounds like it would be easier on the pockets. but this is my first audi i've owned so im new to the platform. i appreciate all your input.

all repped!

 

To make it reliable, you would still spend quite a bit. I wouldn't say that it is hard to do it as it has been done many times before since that engine/platform has been around for a long time now. At that power range, you should be making enough torque to kill the clutch and possibly grenade the 5 speed tranny. Also a 1.8t making 400 will drive nothing like a 2.7tt making 400.

 

With proper tuning annd engine management you should be able to get there much cheaper that you could get there with a 2.7, those swaps arent cheap or that easy to do. A good turbo upgrade, fueling, ecu tuning, and supporting bolt ons you hsould have no problem reaching the mid 300's reliably
And you also would prolly wanna do so some bottom end work, (rods and pistons)

 

Plus modding the 2.7 is expensive and working on it can be a bitch

 

for a 350 awhp you would be on the verge of bending a rod....its still doable but on a very conservative tune. what you can do is install the turbo "kit" and run low boost, after you build your wallet again you can do at least rods, pistons can handle ~500hp. What year A4 is it that you have? if its pre 99 than you have the AEB head cylinder which it has better air flow compared to the post 99 cylinder heads. Many people "upgrade" to the AEB cylinder head for better flow on a bigger turbo. know the list that would take you to your desired WHP.

gt3076r (there are plenty more turbos like bullseye, garret, etc...)
3" turbo back exhaust
tuning: Eurodyne or Unitronic or standalone
high flow turbo manifold
Injectors (440cc maybe higher)
clutch: very important, clutch masters make very good clutches.

and little things here and there. MAke sure the car is up to par in maintennace before you make more hp.

any questions dont hesitate to ask