I also thought about liquidating some stuff to pick it up, however my clutch already can’t take the headers so I’m pretty sure I’d kill it with nitrous.
So here are the heads off the replacement engine that is no good… its no good because there was debris in the intake manifold from the first engine explosion… that debris ended up in the cylinders on the passenger side bank (this is the theory as of now). That is pretty clear from these photos… whats less clear is why the debris only went into the passenger side bank, and not the drivers side… You can see that the drivers side appears to be undamaged.
Wondering if you guys have any thoughts on this… also wondering what you think these are worth? The drivers side is fine, and keep in mind that both were just serviced with new guides and seals, and i believe at least the drivers side mechanical adjuster is brand new.
Drivers side:
https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5695/22044975808_edcc0ee70f.jpg
Drivers Side Head by Dan Gray, on Flickr
Passenger side:
https://farm1.staticflickr.com/728/22044976078_4fab6873db.jpg
Passenger side head by Dan Gray, on Flickr
Top side:
https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5756/22206643926_945bb0cfe3.jpg
Heads-9944 by Dan Gray, on Flickr
Adjusters:
https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5779/22232720195_ec9f8dcbab.jpg
Heads-9942 by Dan Gray, on Flickr
Drivers side adjuster:
https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5821/22045840739_9ce8ccb511.jpg
Drivers side head by Dan Gray, on Flickr
Is it possible to just machine or use buffing or de-burring device to smooth the passenger side deck area back out?? Everything else looks fine… anyways, any thoughts on these are appreciated.
More updates on the RS4 swap in the coming weeks. It is happening! ;D
Any feedback on these heads??
That damage seems minimal. I would bring it to an automotive performance machine shop to see what they say.
few updates…
Sold most of my parts off from the S4 engine… just posted about the FI catback… otherwise just have the heads and auto tranny! So thats been a huge help in terms of keep this new build funded.
So im in process on an RS4 engine swap. I have acquired two separate partially complete blocks ($5k combined) one has 50k miles on it and has some cracked mounts on the lower block, but has good heads, and came with the headers, intake manifold, ECU’s and harness… the other is a newly rebuild short block, oil pans, and RS4 airbox combo… so between the two i should have everything need for a complete assembled long block with ECU’s.
Ill be adding intake spacers, and for exhaust i have a set of JHM 2.75 catless downpipes, and i just ordered one of the last catback setups from EBWerks… 2.75, catless, non-res, x-pipe, black anodized tips.
This think is going to be loud! :-X
Anybody have any strong opinions on whether i should go JHM or APR tune?
Sounds like a fun project, good to see the pieces are coming together. Where did you source the RS4 blocks if you don’t mind saying?
JHM tune for sure. I don’t think the APR tune has produced any noticeable gains,
especially when compared to the JHM tune.
One came from Auto Haas in NJ, and the other came from a friend of JR’s at Redline.
yeah seems to be a JHM or nothing on the tune vote
It would be funny if one of those donors turned out to be the supposed motor that came out of FlyingTomatoes RS4?
Lol wouldn’t it.
It’s surely isn’t the first one as they had a full DG RS4 they were parting and I’m assuming that’s where the first motor came out of.
Wow! That is great news on the RS4 engine, this will be an awesome swap.
I am amazed you were able to sell all your parts so fast! especially with a niche engine. You had excellent prices, but even then, wow! I am sad, I was going to try and snag those headers next month lol
I vote JHM tune, I don’t think anyone has as much street cred with the RS4 as them.
easy to find out by seeing what was wrong with it.
It comes from someone connected to Redline…and that someone is connected to Flying Tomatoes. Interesting.
Isn’t each block numbered? If so, one could trace that block to a specific vin where it came out of. I’m sure AoA customer service would be able to assist with such task.
I believe the VIN is right on the block
I just now noticed the update.
As for the heads you posted on the last page. They dont look too bad but it can be hard to tell unless you spin them over.
Tune wise. like the others said. I dont think the APR tune has been show to make any power over stock. I think a small amount where the TQ limit and throttle closing might have been removed.Also given that this is a body and full transplant swap. It would be a good idea getting with the JHM guys due to the possible issues you might run into with compatibility or little gremlins.
The EB works catback. Some say the muffles choak off the car and kill top end power. That seems to have been an issue.
So nice to see your project it moving along.
I read what i would describe as 85% positive reviews… i would say thats about what you could expect for most systems… I like that its a true x-pipe, and the price and lead time are right. I believe the mufflers are packed with steal wool, and have a better reputation for longevity than the mufflers used by JHM in their FI setup. I guess ill have to find out… can always swap the mufflers out if need be.
Ill keep you all posted on what i find out related to the blocks… i dont suspect any foul play at this time.
Unless some one steels the wool.
badump…Pshhh… 
On another note, looks like i still need an RS4 airbox… anybody have a lead on one? I know there is a flap on the RS4 airbox that opens at high RPM’s, but are there any other differences? Im sure i will end up doing the flap delete mod anyways…
eBay #131611041999 and located in Jersey too.
Thanks! ordered up