Hey new to the Audi forum and new to the Audi world as I just got my car a few weeks ago and love it. I bought a 2002 Audi A4 1.8T Quattro with 67k miles in mint condition for $10,700. After I take care of it mechanically the first thing I'm goin to get is a new set of rims, I'm thinkin HP Design Evo's.

Now my question is do any of you run Synthetic and on top of that run Amsoil? Not sure about the history of the car on what oil was ran in it and such. But I was told this year car has a poorly designed oil pickup that synthetic would help avoid the damage it could encounter. I am thinking on running Amsoil but don't know what blend to run 0W30? 0W40? and should I get something like turbo specific?

Another thing I was told is to get the timing belt changed as soon as possible to avoid a worn belt that would cause major damage, is this true?

Last question is what is this power chip some of you speak of? not looking to do too much for power for this car but would still like to know.

Sorry for the noob questions but any help would be appreciated, thanks, Dave. (included is pics of my car and my bike)

 

Everything I have heard is synthetic only. Not sure of the weight, but I am sure the manual will have the answer and I am also sure others will weigh in.

Welcome to the forums, and pray you dont encounter the problems I have had.

 

what problems happened to you?

 

Bought my 05 A4 1.8T Quattro in March of 2009.

1. Passenger window wouldnt go up or down.
2. Faulty brake switch, brake lights stayed on when they shouldnt, car wouldnt accelerate at times.
3. Coolant leak.
4. Recalled ignition coils. Misfiring.
5. A week after getting it back, towed to dealer, misfiring.
6. 2 months after getting it back, misfiring, coils replaced.
7. 2 days after getting it back, misfiring, at dealer for 2 weeks, coils, sparkplugs, and coils wire harness replaced.
8. 2 days after getting it back, misfiring and coolant loss when engine running, at dealer for 2 weeks now. Blown head gasket, cracked cylinder head, failed thermostat, scratched cylinder wall, engine is being replaced.

No plans to get rid of it. Unless of course the extended warranty company drops me. Good Luck.

 

welcome dude...

Power chip is a reprogramming of the ECU (computer that controls the engine) for higher performance specs. Easiest, usually first, and possibly the greatest hp gains per dollar...

I got APR reprogrammed mine right through the diagnostic port, and can be turned to different modes via the cruise control stalk.

 

Yeah, synthetic only, just get a good brand. I used royal purple for a while but last time i used mobil 1, which is what a lot of guys use. You should put half a bottle of seafoam in the oil and drive about 50 miles and then change the oil. This will help clean out any sludge that it may have, caused by infrequent or non synthetic changes. Seafom is also good in the gas, and in a vacuum line on the intake manifold. Search seafoam you will figure it out.

The timing belt is critical, but 67k is very early. Some have broken that early but its rare. The plastic water pump failing is more to blame for belt failure, so its important to use one with a metal impeller when you replace it.

 

0W40 for the oil.

 

x2 on waterpump. When u do ur tb change do ur waterpump and check ur valve cover gaskets. Will save u trouble in the long run. I used 5w30 but i live in a hot environment. I n ormally used castrol synthetic.

 

just curious- whats the life expectancy on the valve cover gaskets?

 

hmm no clue i know mine started to leak around 70 or 80 i think. Though i had to have the cam tensioner gasket replaced at around 60 or so.