I bought a 2001 a4 1.8t FWD auto, I was wandering how far I can go with mods without upgrading my tranny or engine internals. I put in a DV 30, CAI, and new spark plugs. would a gt2871r be a good choice

 

I have a 97 A4 FWD 1.8t and mods i did so far are GIAC chip, Bailys Dv, straight exhaust, and a home made CAI. The car is pretty fast and makes about 180hp at the wheels. The only priblem i have is that i cant hook up on the stock rims and tires so upgrading the rubber would be worth it. I think the 1.8t can handel 350 tq and the tranny is supposto be indistructable. The next upgrade i'll probly do is a stage 3 southbend clutch cause the stock one cant handle the power.

 

Check the sticky post at the top of the B5 forum called "So you've decided to go BT" - it'll answer a lot for you.

 

the weak part of your engine is going to be the rods, they can take torque spikes of 300-350ft-lbs. a 2871r will most likely snap them. some people have had them break on GTRS's, some have run GT2860s without breaking them. but if your doing a 2860 or anything bigger its a good idea to replace them. its worth the piece of mind not being scared every time you step on the gas and wondering if its going to be today you blow your engine and crap your pants.

 

arif has been running a 2871r on stock internals for a few years w/o problems. He also has ~160k.

 

yeah, its kind of a personal choice on how far you want to push it. it is possible for a 2871r can snap rods, but a 28rs should be fine.

 

The rods are questionable over 350whp. The tranny on the other hand is the real question.

 

arif also uses the stock flywheel which probably helps.