Hello gentlemen,

I am new to this place, but my 2004 audi a4 3.0 timing belt went out on me yesterday . Beside being mad at myself for not changing it when i was told, i have a question for you guys the pros. Is it possible instead of replacing the same stock engine, but to go with 4.2L v8? cuz my friend found one dirt cheap from an s4, cheaper than replacing with my stock. And if i go that route what should i be aware of or watch out for.

Thanks in advance for your help.

 

Why are you replacing the engine? Were only the valves damaged or the pistons as well? If not then replace and lap the valves and compression check it, if it's holding compression try and start it.

 

Well i don't know a whole lot about mechanic, but that is what my mechanic suggested depending how bad things are. I will be able to find out tomorrow when he is done diagnosing it. " but i am looking at the situation as a worse case if i have to replace my motor".

 

One of my old cars (audi) threw a belt by the previous owner. Ended up pulling the head, replaced the valves and cleaned things up along with a new headgasket and all was well. What were the RPM's when the belt snapped?

 

It does not matter of engine rpm , there are still bent valves. The heads will need to come off , the pistons are probably OK unless a valve broke off in the cylinder but they usually just bend.
As far as the v8 swap , don't even go there , much too much work. You will better off investing the time & money repairing your engine.

Just curious , what mileage is on the car?

 

My point of asking about the rpm is because obviously at a higher rpm snap, you'll have more damage. It's an interference engine, so yeah there IS damage but only to what extent. Hence I said when the head was pulled off of mine, since it was a low rpm TB snap, only the valves were bent, no piston damage.

 

Never seen piston damage on a VAG products.The valves just bend making the engine spin over real fast.

 

Seen it done, friend of mine had his a4 leave a valve impression right on the piston creating a lot of problems