Hello There,
Need help and thought I'll seek from an unbiased sorce. Apologies if I am using the wrong forum, I'm new to this wholesystem.
Well I own a 2002 S3, the car has never had any major problems in it's life until now. Recentlythe engine hasbeen causingme major concearns and after my son in laws diagnosis(used to be a mechanic) he believes there is a problem with one of the cylinder andsomething to do with theturbo (I'm not mechanicly minded so cannot remember the correct terms he used, but theengine wont run now).
Anyway the dilema I have to decide is shall I break the car (usual specs), dish out over 4k to get the problem fixed or another alternative that someone may be able to give me guidence here? This other alternative comes in the form of a 2002 Audi 1.6 engine. As my matesAudi 1.6was totalled the other week, he is willing to give me a complete 1.6 engine if it fit within my car.The only problem I have is, will it fit and will it work with the gearbox?
I know it sounds crazy that I'm deducting power, but when his literally giving the motor away, I'm not complaining. However I obviously know there will be a mass drop in performance, but hopefully a mass drop in insurance and fuel bills can anyone comfirm insurance drop?
BTW my S3 has gone 90k and is in good condition.
Thanks in Advance
John

 

Personally I think the switch from a 2002 S3 engine to a meek 1.6 engine is a very noticable drop of perfromance. I look around for a different engine to drop into car. Perhaps you could locate a another Jetta, A3 or A4 that has been crunched and buy that 1.8 T engine and install it.

 

Very true indeed, but as it's there I sure wouldn't mind giving it a go. I'm sure there is a massive difference between the two, but at this present time, I just want the car up and running for the least amount of cash possible.
In the near future I will begin looking for a 1.8T, but can't really afford that scenario at the moment.
Ihaven't began looking at the engines yet, soI don't know weather they will fit, hopefully someone on hear will be able to give me some guidence.
Many Thanks
John

 

i'm not sure where you are located, but I'll tell you my story. I had an old bmw M3 that the engine blew up in, so I swapped in a smaller, cheaper 2.8 liter engine.

Performance was not as good, but also the insurance company refused to acknowledge the swap and still considered it an M3 so it kept the high insurance premiums.

 

Yea I thought that may be a problem. There's me thinking it's an easy job which should be relatively cheap. Obviously this is not the case, I don't particularly want to pay the same rate for a smaller engine.
Tomorrow I will visit the local garage, see what they have to say.
Thanks for the advice, most appreciated!