Since I got an A6 Avant a few months ago I have been thinking it could use some more oomph. So I did some poking around about swapping the 2.8l for a 32 valve V8, I have read a few places that it is possible but haven't found anybody who actually did it. Dose anybody have any info about doing the swap?

 

Just go get an 2002 or 2003 S6. It will be cheaper. I am serious.

 

I like my car, and I want to keep with the sleeper mentality. My plan is to build the v8 in the process of doing the swap, then supercharge it when I have the spare time and money to build a custom SC setup. It doesn't make sense to me to spend 14k on a S6 that is in the same shape as my A6, then tear it all down to build up the engine and swap the trans to a manual.

 

I fully agree about the sleeper mentality, but here is my reasoning for asking you to look for a S6.
1. You can buy a S6 for around $12K.
2. A wrecked A6 with 4.2 will cost you around $2K if you are lucky.
3. Labor hours of doing a swap, including motor, transmission, rear end, cooling system and etc are easily over 80 hours by a qualified mechanic. A Joe Schemo??? Hours and hours and hours more. Let's do a simple math. 80 hours x $95/hr = $7,600. I am being overly optimistic by saying that you can find someone at $95. Also most mechanics will not take this kind of a job.
4. Dealer coding issue with immobilizer, convenience feature settings and etc? Easily $1K.

So you just spent close to $10K, not to mention that you won't have a working car for months...

I do believe in taking on a project and I don't have a slightest clue on what you are capable of... but all I am saying is that you may really want to think about it.

 

Anyways, I haven't seen any engine swap, but here are some tranny swaps to 6 speed MT.

RS6 6 Speed MT Swap

A4 Manual Conversion

If you are really serious, you may want to look at the vagcat to assess the parts list. You probably will need a new subframe as well as all new steering, and suspension components. Meaning, fine another car, not just the motor.