Hey guys, this is my first post here so bear with me! 

So in a bid to get a bit more mechanical knowledge I've decided to (try to) rebuild an engine. The 1.8T found in the S3/A3 8L to be exact!

 

So my end goal is to clean out, strip and rebuild the engine but I also want it to be improved. 

I was thinking of the future and I would like to fit it into an A3 Quattro to make a sort of road legal race car!

So I was thinking of rebuilding the engine with forged internals, getting a better turbo and generally just making it better from the basics.

Money isn't really an object as I want to do it as a project when I get chance which will usually be on weekends.

 

Now for the bad news: 

My mechanical skills go about as far as servicing the car and fitting aftermarket parts such as exhausts, filters, etc. 

Although I know how an internal combustion engine works, I have no idea what a lot of people mean when they are on about honed boring and all that stuff. I have no clue if it improves the engine or what.

 

So I guess overall I have three questions:

Where could I start? Is there a book someone can recommend. List what tools I'll need and generally how difficult it will be.

 

Is it worth putting it in an A3 since it will be completely rebuilt or is it worth getting an S3 to put it in? I'm not 100% sure of the differences in terms of suspension and brakes between the two! Generally I don't care about that stuff since it will all be more than likely replaced anyway as I build the car up afterwards.

 

Is there another engine you recommend to put into the A3 instead? I was only thinking the 1.8T since it's built for the car and it would be easier for me being a beginner!

 

 

Any help will be greatly appreciated and I look forward to becoming an active member of the forum and getting to know you all!

 

Josh 

 

 

Hi Josh...welcome to the Club!

To start with....I would look at the basics of rebuilding any engine....which is: if you want performance its gonna cost you money...how fast can you afford to go?

Secondly, cleanliness is next to godliness when it comes to rebuilding an engine...so make sure the environment is totally clean and cover the engine over when not working on it.

Tools, I think you'll find out what you have and don't have as you go along but you will definitely need a torque wrench, piston ring compressor, and a few other basic hand tools.

Lay out the components in order of removal and refit in the reverse order...if in doubt, label and photograph everything.

Technical Data is a must...clearances, torques and settings are essential if you want it to stay running.

Good luck with your project and definitely keep us updated of progress

Cheers,  Trevor - Admin

There are loads of websites and pages relating to the 1.8t as its an engine that's been covered absolutely countless times. Useful info such as strokers, types of rods to use (RD rods) etc etc. Depending on how far you'd like to go with your rebuild really..