Alright guys, I'm brand new to this forum, and I signed up specifically to ask this question. I have a 1999 Audi A4 Quattro with a 1.8T. The engine has 190K, multiple collapsed lifters, needs new cylinder heads, and failed a smog test. Garages gave me repair quotes up to 3000-5000 dollars. Therefore, I talked to my friend about an engine swap, and he has the garage and tools necessary for such a job. I would like to know if it would be possible to drop a 1.8T (much less miles) from an automatic A4 2002, or if it would be a pain in the *** to do electrical and hook this engine up. If not, I am completely open to suggestions taking this into account- I would like a trustable engine that will carry my car for many miles to come, knowing that this car is my hobby car and there are modifications to come. Thanks for any help guys!

 

I would recommend doing a rebuild if you have the AEB engine in there. Using an automatic with the different AMB engine code could mess with your ECU to the point where you would need to buy a stock tune. Depending on the damage to the head, if you can clean it up and get new valves you will be fine there, the AEB is the best head for the 1.8t. Here's a link to an awesome rebuild kit:
Integrated Engineering 06A 1.8T 20V 2.1L 2067CC Stroker Engine Kit (8.5:1 CR)

Other option would be find an engine from a manuel 99 and switch it out, much less of a headache

 

I would recommend doing a rebuild if you have the AEB engine in there. Using an automatic with the different AMB engine code could mess with your ECU to the point where you would need to buy a stock tune. Depending on the damage to the head, if you can clean it up and get new valves you will be fine there, the AEB is the best head for the 1.8t. Here's a link to an awesome rebuild kit:
Integrated Engineering 06A 1.8T 20V 2.1L 2067CC Stroker Engine Kit (8.5:1 CR)

Other option would be find an engine from a manuel 99 and switch it out, much less of a headache