Reseal motor and update, or replace with low mileage motor?
 

This is for my 06 S4 Avant. It has 70k on it, but there are oil leaks. It will need a reseal, and while the motor is out, update the timing chain guide. This motor is a PITA because the front of the motor is actually in the back of the engine compartment, right next to the firewall. The chain guide rail is plastic. Later iterations used metal chain guides.

Or, there is a complete motor and trans from a Japan market car for $4500. Low miles at 40k, but leaks and guide rails are unknown.

This car is fairly rare with only 1300 brought to the US, and made for only 3 years for the B7 body style. The B6 body has only 1800 brought to the US in 2 years. Audi will never make a V8 wagon again. To me, this one is the perfect size for driving around town for errands, hauling the dog, and moving stuff.

I will have my mechanic do the work. He is fairly reasonable, and does a lot of work rebuilding motors on delivery trucks/mini bus. He gets them out in about a week.

Better the devil you know, than the devil you don't?

If you trust your shop, the choice is clear, go with what you know. Especially with such low mileage.

I've heard, can't confirm, that engines are backward for better weight distribution. Cayenne's are the same.

Thanks, Shaun.

Are the metal chain guides an available upgrade?

The engine is coming out either way. Thorough research, assess and address all the things then put yours back in.

I am not sure. Later versions of the motor have the metal guides, but they are also 4 valve, vs 5 valve. Some say the metal guides will work, but only 2 of the 3 will fit.

it may be worth 5 minutes of googling to see if anyone has CNC'd ones for your engine.

the devil you know

Leak down, compression test, borescope and running condition of current engine.



If you want to buy it as a spare, but tbh there’s a lot of variables to make this a good idea.

Looking at ECS' website and they have timing chain kits that run from $500 to $11k!