1996-1999 Audi A4 1.8 or 2.8

[SocoJay]

Hey there everybody, I am currently in the market for an Audi A4 1.8 or 2.8 from 1996-1999. I have looked them up all over the net, and I wanted to get some background info on one from someone who has one. So if anyone could give me any tips, problems with certain years, or things to look for it would be greatly appreciated.
Jay

[Talibangunner925]

f the 2.8

[MikeLee2484]

well as far as the engines go it really depends on what you want the car for...if you want to modify the car then go wth the 1.8T unless you can afford an additional 5 or 6 grand for a supercahrger for the 2.8...the turbo is much easily to do smaller mods that add more performance...however if thats not what your looking for then the 2.8 has more power stock than the 1.8T but the gas milage is about 2 miles per gallon less...but if you were to do the 2.8 for the power then you would have to get a 98 or newer...the 96s and 97s are 12 valve engines opposed to the 30 valves in the 98s and above...the 12 vavle engines are 172 hp and 184 ft-lbs of torque while the 30 valves are 190 hp and 207 ft-lbs of torque...power hp and more torque equals more fun...plus the mods are better for the 30 valves

[SocoJay]

Thanx for your help mikelee

[jwalk1200]

The previous respondant was correct. The 1.8L is a whole lot simpler to upgrade and more cost effective to add components slowly. The 2.8L can be upgraded to a (True) dual exhaust offered by AWE via their S4 Borla, Cold Air Intake, and chip. That would may get you anywhere from an extra 15hp to 25 hp. After that, you have to go to a supercharger that cost about 5 grand (preferably from www.pes-tuning.com.)

There is one other thing to think about is if you want to upgrade the car and keep it in a state where it is still reliable. The 1.8L starts at 150hp and can be upgraded to 240-245hp tops to remain reliable. The 2.8L with the supercharger will go to 295hp with no other upgrades and remain reliable. I do know of some folks who have upgraded beyond 240hp on their 1.8L, but they baby their car and don't drive it they way you'd like to drive it. The 1.8L I'm talking about is prior to the 1.8 that audi upgraded the hp to 170hp. Not sure if it is the exact same engine, just tweeked, or a slightly better one where the 240hp threshold is not applicable.

[blacknight]

Simply said, the 1.8T is easier to mod than the 2.8

Also, here's a link I found of the problems some people have had with tieir Audis. I see I'm having about half those problems
http://www.alldata.com/recall/make/Audi.html