It seem hard to find a nice manual 1.8T B5, but I come across lots of 2.8 V6 auto.

a) How 'lame' (handling) is the 2.8 Auto vs. the 1.8T Manual?
b) With no turbo to tap into additional power easily, what can be done to the 2.8 V6 to bring it to life?
c) Is engine swap (1.8T into 2.8V6) possible? Mechanical, ECU/electrical?
d) Generally: Can engines be swapped between auto and manu cars?

 

Search and read the faq! but in short:
a) it makes a small difference due to weight, but its fwd or quattro that really changes the handling
b)intake and exhaust are the basics for the 2.8. Next up is a pes supercharger which runs about 3k
c) pointless, as it would cost as much as the car was in the first place to do. Swap in a s4 motor IF you get a 5 speed quattro
d) Mike hood would be better suited to answer this, but I think if its an auto, it has to go into an auto and vise versa, because I remember reading the crankshaft for the auto and manual engines are different

 

I'll sell you mine for 10 grand... that about how much you'd be looking at spending anyway