Help deciding on a parts car

B6/7 S4/RS4
#1

Hello everyone. I am new to the Audi world. I’ve done some basic mechanical stuff, and I’m looking forward to diving in more.

I currently have a 2007 S4 Manual Avant with almost 200K, and it is burning oil, missing cats/oxygen sensors, along with some other bits that need fixing. Other than that, it’s in decent good shape. I came across a parts car that is local with only 80K (2006 S4) for about $2000 but requires timing chains and has a misfire—trying to decide if it could be a good option for an engine swap.

Is the misfire something that I should be concerned about?

#2

Welcome Stone,

The short answer is yes, you keep the engine, and buy timing chain kit from $$ made selling off the rest of the parts car.

The longer answer is maybe. If if runs and just clacks/smokes then is should be a predictable repair. If its a no start engine then there’s a chance something detonated in there and you run the risk of a lot more work. I feel timing chains on these motors are easy to replace…its getting to them that’s the hard part. You’ll already have the motor out so it makes sense. Between the 2 years there may be subtle differences but no deal breakers. To give you an idea, I bought a parts S6 car last year for the engine, $2500, and recouped all of my money back plus a few hundred. Just have to be savvy with classifieds.

Good luck!

#3

Thanks for the info. I saw a video of it running without any visible smoke. I guess I will find out when I go in person.

#4

Bring a scan tool if you have one. Could definitely give you a better idea.

#5

Good idea. Hopefully, he hasn’t already cleared the codes.