how much money should I save up?

[foxracing4500]

so I got the basic HP gains down, next step would be dsmlink + Eprom ECU but my car has close to 159,000 miles, should I just drive her until I lose compression in the cylinders? how much would an engine rebuild cost or just buy a built one from dsmgraveyard? looking for 500hp goal in the future and I only had my car for 6 months....but they been great

really like to hear input from others who have gotten there engines rebuilt, also what was the time frame (months).

 

[deflator]

If I were you, and still in college, I would build a junkyard 6 bolt up on the side while the original is still going. You don't technically need forged internals for 500bhp on a 6 bolt, especially if it just a fun car and money is an issue, just take care on the detonation.

I got my eagle/wiesco stroker shortblock for $1500 back in the height of the recession. Great deals can be found on secondhand built shortblocks if you are willing to get them checked out or take the risk.

 

[Mrdiamondstars]

I've done both in my lifetime and they're really the same. It depends on the monetary facto ar. A used Japan replacement motor only took a week for the shop to throw together. A rebuild took a couple months. Cost was around the same

 

[My1GLaser]

I prefer not letting a shop do my motor build. Not that there aren't plenty of capable supporting vendors. Its up to you if you want to build the motor yourself or not. It is fun and a real learning experience to do a complete motor rebuild. Take your time and measure everything! Don't skimp, cut corners or rush and it will be a great experience. A little nerve-racking, but a real accomplishment.

I have $3500 into my motor, but it is fully built. You don't really need that for 500whp, but I did it as added security and I know I will continually need more power cause I'm addicted. It took about 2 months with building and researching and delays from a couple things not measuring out to my liking. I have about 18k on my motor and I am happy with most of my choices during the build.

 

[foxracing4500]

I got my eagle/wiesco stroker shortblock for $1500 back in the height of the recession.

I envy you, im pretty much looking for the same thing. I saw someone on the classifieds about a 7bolt decked and bored .20 but how can you really tell. It didn't look really shinny where the head gasket went

 

[goodbuds]

buy a 600 dollar old corolla drive that and rebuild your engine. 99 was a good year..

 

[foxracing4500]

buy a 600 dollar old corolla drive that and rebuild your engine. 99 was a good year..

I have an Audi A4 1.8 turbo as my daily driver and yes I thought about building that engine with the 5 valves per cylinder but....way to much money for little hp gains.

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soo $2,500 might be a good saving point before I start buying parts, maybe less? I am still on the bench about building it myself but another forum member just pm'ed me about a machine shop near me.

 

[re-rx7]

Why not just use the ecu you have in the car right now to tune with ecu flash.

 

[lowboost13]

I have an Audi A4 1.8 turbo as my daily driver and yes I thought about building that engine with the 5 valves per cylinder but....way to much money for little hp gains.

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soo $2,500 might be a good saving point before I start buying parts, maybe less? I am still on the bench about building it myself but another forum member just pm'ed me about a machine shop near me.

Build it yourself! There not hard, If you can use a torque wrench, feeler gauges, and plata gauges, you will be fine! My first rebuild was my 6bolt and its still running strong!

 

[foxracing4500]

Why not just use the ecu you have in the car right now to tune with ecu flash.

been thinking about it but the fan base seems small compared to dsmlink. Do they have the same similar interface?

 

[deflator]

Another plus about building it yourself is you don't have to save a lump sum. You can buy the components separately, over time.

 

[ed1380]

99's came with a programmable ecu from the factory. All you need is a $200 cable ($150ish used) and $25 software.

I'd keep it a 7 bolt, and build it myself. You have the upgraded thrust bearings, 7bolt 2.4 cranks are easier to find, and 7 bolt has better designed main bearing caps. (fyi eveo's are 7 bolt and they seem to make good power )

I would personally get a $100 crank from a galant or something with a 4g64 7 bolt. eagle rods, wiseco stroker pistons and keep the stock head with some 272 cams. If you keep it under 600hp then you can keep the stock fuel lines and ignition. All said and done should be under 2k. But over 400 I would start looking at upgrading the transmisison.


Just wondering what year A4? Quattro? I just sold mine last month.


Oh and forgot one thing. Stay away from DSMgraveyard. http://www.dsmtuners.com/links/dsm-vendors-2/thedsmgraveyardcom-306/?ltr=T#posts

 

[re-rx7]

Thanks for posting up on the ecuflash ed1380.

 

[ed1380]

Thanks for posting up on the ecuflash ed1380.

Ha we have to stick together. The only reason everyone says ecmlink is because they're 1g guys that are stuck with only ecmlink or they bought dsmlink before ecuflash came out

 

[re-rx7]

I agree. It will catch on after they realize they can save alot of cash.

 

[foxracing4500]

99's came with a programmable ecu from the factory. All you need is a $200 cable ($150ish used) and $25 software.

I'd keep it a 7 bolt, and build it myself. You have the upgraded thrust bearings, 7bolt 2.4 cranks are easier to find, and 7 bolt has better designed main bearing caps. (fyi eveo's are 7 bolt and they seem to make good power )

I would personally get a $100 crank from a galant or something with a 4g64 7 bolt. eagle rods, wiseco stroker pistons and keep the stock head with some 272 cams. If you keep it under 600hp then you can keep the stock fuel lines and ignition. All said and done should be under 2k. But over 400 I would start looking at upgrading the transmisison.


Just wondering what year A4? Quattro? I just sold mine last month.


Oh and forgot one thing. Stay away from DSMgraveyard. TheDSMGraveyard.com - Directory

alright I got an idea, the valve cover I took from a junkyard 2g was actually a galant VR4, I thought it was a rare JDM valve cover . anyways this was car was involved in a front end accident, I could easily get that block and buy parts and build. As for the fuel lines as I already got my eye on a STM fuel line kit from tank to rail with -6an fittings.

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what would I have to do with upgrading an auto transmission? I thought it was around 600hp before they start to go? I never realized how ATF cost until I cut a hard line in my A/T cooler and had ATF spill all over the place, that stuff smells like ass but ever since then she shifts very smoothly and predictable.

EDIT: I have a 99.5 A4 with a Ko4 turbo+chip and I still only probably put out 220hp . I only have the FWD but from what I heard the Quattro are even more sluggish.

 

[ed1380]

I thought you had a manual. The auto's hold more power, but don't spool as fast.


Yea awd always have more drivetrain loss. But I was able to go up my steep driveway last icestorm. The jetta made it halfway up

 

[hediki12]

I would say save at lease 3k . Search classifieds religiously to catch good deals on parts that are ok in used form, then things that need to be new get them from extreme psi. I got alot of nib things for great deals by not rushing to vendors . Good luck!