So of course I love my ’01 2.8Q with every option to think of, but of course I have the mod bug. I have considered purchasing the S/C kit from PES b/c it’s on sale, but I am a bit apprehensive in doing so b/c of reliability. Not sure how long the 2.8 could take the extra push. So I am considering buying a 1997 1.8 and going crazy with it. My question’s are: Is there the potential to make that engine safely commit to 300HP and 300 TQ? If so, will the clutch be able to handle the power? I have seen some people putting an S4 or RS4 clutch in their 1.8. So upgrading the turbo, adding a GIAC chip, cold air intake, and a new exhaust might put me close to the goal numbers? I want a sleeper car so some idiot in a riced out Civic or Eclipse can pull up and be smoked by a German luxury automobile. Any ideas? Any thoughts? Anything.

 

You are taking a real chance buying a used 1.8T, unless it has a full set of service records with synthetic oil. (Most from that era were fed dino oil by the dealerships and/or the owners.)

 

from what i've heard on the internals of a 2.8... you can probably see 250hp 250tq without a problem... but i'd never trust THAT big a jump (to 300) on stock internals on any engine. if you're going to go *** deep into the 2.8... do it right. build the internals, then S/C it

the stock clutch will never handle it, it wasn't designed for that power, nor the abuse you're going to be giving it running out your new s/c. instead of dropping in a new clutch... drop in a S4 tranny.

really... you don't half *** a s/c job on a 2.8. if you want a fast and relativly cheap audi... do 1.8T... if you want a more reliable, flatter powerband unique audi... you go S4... for something in between... 2.8 i guess