LOL on "helluva car" right after the trans clunked into limp mode. :)

G

Basically, I'd either remove the resonator and put straight pipes in it's place or I'd remove the rear muffler and weld in a different, aftermarket one.

JR

Yeah, your telling me. I'm just glad it happened on his watch while I was still riding shotgun.

I probably could, just don't know if I have the time; trying to button up a couple projects here at home plus I'm in Europe once a month. There's a guy on QWorld that is pretty well known for his 6 speed swaps that I might get in touch with.
Going to have to see what the owner wants to do...he was devastated with it all; don't even think he noticed me leave.

There's a guy in Chicago that's done several 6 speed swaps

We speak of the same man. :cool:

Quite the coincidence that it happens just when he decides to sell the car, don't you think?

It may be different if you really want a manual trans and are planning on the swap anyway, but stories like this would certainly scare me away from that particular make/model.

G

I tried to talk MRM into having Tozo do the 6 speed swap on his RS6 when he started getting torque converter slip codes.....he went to the local Audi dealer instead. Ask him how much.

Normally I would be skeptical. But the seller is a pretty rigid straight shooter, and would have no intent to dump the car. Original owner, open checkbook maintenance, etc. Only reason he’s selling is to make room for his S5 on order.

I have a pretty good idea what the dealer would charge...

You'll have to message MRM. It broke five figures. It might help you negotiate. On the other hand, the RS6 isn't exactly the same as the S8, so the seller may view it as apples to oranges. Same transmission though.

A 6 speed swap using a used 01E trans from a B5 S4 or C5 A6 2.7T runs about $3500 parts and labor. It's truly just a bolt-up deal with off the shelf parts. Well documented on many Audi sites.

Thanks for the info. Much appreciated.

Good luck finding any car that doesn't have at least one serious potential issue post-100k. Don't want to roll the dice? Buy a new one for $100k.

I was going to say something similar, but stopped myself.

All Sarc has to consider is what it costs when all is said and done, fixed.
The fact that the issue popped up now is a blessing in disguise, IMO
He can buy an otherwise flawless car and have the $$$ to reset the transmission's clock or convert it to a manual and have something unique and dependable

He'll still spend less, fixed, for a 2003 Audi S8 than a similar miles/condition 2003 Toyota Tacoma Double Cab 4x4 as-is. Think about that....

This.
The only drawback in my mind is how thirsty the car will be, but I'm not losing any sleep over it.

An S8 isn't a particularly thirsty car, if you drive it with a little restraint. Personally, I'd rather have the 5 speed auto than the 6 speed manual, as I feel it suits the character of the car better. I'd probably allow around $6k to replace the tranny with a rebuilt one.

JR

If you still consider the car (and I would) I would strongly suggest taking an agreed upon value off of the price and taking care of the transmission yourself. That way you choose the shop, rebuilder, any "while you're in there" work, etc. For a guy already taking a bath on a car, it would be very tempting to take the cheapest possible route to getting it fixed.

Sarc, you really should PM TozaM8, now, on the Audi boards to get an accurate feel for what it takes to rectify the problem, and what those options really cost. He is affordable. He can rebuild the existing transmission, do the 6 speed swap, or do the R&R labor with a different used/reman transmission.

It will help you make an informed decision, and maybe you'll use him. He's a nice guy.

Have you tried either with an S8?

Nope, thus the desire to buy a used part and play with it.

JR