Hello all and Merry Christmas,

I have a 1996 an Audi A4 Quattro, which I obviously love with all my heart. In June I had a $1500 suspension job, tie rods, bearings, etc all replaced brand new since the bearings were on the skirts. Car ran fine, besides the ABS issue most people have.

Fast forward to about 1 month ago. I had a coolant leak somewhere. I took it to the shop and they told me it was a bad heater core and over the 3 days it spent at the shop (I dropped it off on Friday and got it on Monday) they told me the engine was toast also. It was milkshaked from Oil/Coolant mixture and to cut your losses/ditch the car. I never noticed a lick of trouble from the engine until I sat there for 3 days at the "best shop around here", but whatever. Its over and done with. I have my theories.

So now I find a local part vendor that was a "running 2.8 b5" with low 100k miles on it. (Mine had 180k) He wants $800 w/ 90 day warranty, or $700 as is. I called a local guy that can do it after he gets off work If I tow the car to him for $450. He will also do the heater core for $200 + part ($75).

The problem is, a friend of mine and myself ripped the engine out of the car. Its completely out and sitting on a cherry picker in my garage. We are out of our league, this wiring and setup is just too much for my little amount of time and patience.

So I ask you, would you spend roughly $1450....
$700 engine
$200 for heater core labor (I know this job is a bitch)
$450 to drop in engine

I thought $450 for just putting in a engine was a little high, but I have no clue. Considering the car has little to no value in its current state, is this the proper move to repair? Or am I just blinded by the German engineering and personal bias? Any help in making the best decision on this would be greatly appreciated. I go to college and don't have time or money to make $1500 mulligans.

Thanks for any help


PS.
If anyone does, or knows of someone who is a good Audi wrench in Northeast Ohio (Cleveland/Akron area), I would LOVE to have their information.