Hi, So I am about to sell my b5 v6 a4. I love the car but there is not much you can do to it to upgrade it. So I am going to buy a b5,b6 1.8t to upgrade it. I am on a college budget. I have a job, but where should I start far as working on it. I plan to keep this car for quite awhile. So I want to upgrade it over time. My goal is 400 hp is or so. So the first thing i do should i change the connecting rods and a few other parts for forged parts? Or should I forget the idea all together and just aim for 275 hp? What parts should i start to get first?

 

If you're still in school on a budget, keep the car you have - it has nowhere near the bullshit issues of the 1.8T. Get done with school, get working, then look into a toy to mod.

 

sad, but true.

I've had my 1.8 for almost 4 years now with dreams and aspirations... I'm on a family of 5 with a huge *** house payment budget.

Maintenance always takes away my funny money

 

I haven't heard the 1.8 t has issues. My 2.8 is a great car but my grandmother the previous owner paid 6000 before the car had 50000 miles due to engine issues and transmission issues. And from 50000 miles up at least another 10000 in repairs...

 

Sounds like a typical 18 months with a 1.8T, or 8 weeks with an S4.

 

Do you know the most common problem with the 1.8t? I have a ko4 turbo ready to put in, I'm just still trying to figure everything I need

 

All the normal B5 issues like control arms, ignition switches, wheel bearings, headlight switches, and abs modules, valve cover gasket leaks, plus misfires (plugs, coils, ICM), vacuum leaks and failing check valves, shaft seal oil leakage and turbo failures, clutch death, oil sludge issues, etc. check the new owner guide and FAQ at the top of the B5 subforum for more info.

 

You know that DirecTV commercial where the guy is like, "I just saved you over 500 bucks, looks like you owe me now!"

Just give me the KO4, and we can call it even!