Hi everyone! I am a newbie here.
Here in the UK all Audi S8s have auto transmission.
I want a manual.
I am toying with the idea of buying an auto S8 with failing transmission (hence get it cheap!) and do a manual transmission transplant.
Apart from sourcing a genuine manual S8 tranny from germany (1500 euro plus delivery for a 200 000 km unit), do I have any other options? For example would another Audi Quattro, say a 2.5 tdi (6 speed) Audi A6 (B5 platform, or a later 2.7 tdi Q on B6 platform - or is that B7) suit, possibly with a custom propshaft? I am aware the rear diff ratio would need to match front axle ratio, so might need a rear diff transplant too - so all this could prove much more complicated than just getting an S8 manual tranny from Europe.
Does anyone have any ideas? Much appreciated!

 

I'd look at another car that uses a 4.2, like a B6/7 S4, B7 RS4, or R8. Gonna cost a lot regardless.