The V8 Owners Forum -

Hello guys!

Just thought I'd start my project build on here.

I'm a great fan of Audi, right from 1980, when the first Audi Quattro was launched, and Group B rallying began.

Subsequently, Group B was banned in 1986, due to a series of accidents, mostly involving spectators. I spent a lot of time abroad, following the various teams, but my first (and only) love was Audi. In the early 1990's, I developed an interest in the BTCC, which was an evolution of the German DTM series.

Audi first entered the Audi 80 quattro, which were later replaced by the Audi A4 quattro B5. With the rules, the maximum engine displacement was 2,0.The Audi A4 was of course either 8V (1,6) or 20V (1,8/1,8T). The rules also only allowed 4 valves per cylinder, meaning the 2,0 16V engines from the Audi 80 quattro were carried over.

Now, we in the V8 Owners Forum are not governed by any such rules. We're here due to our love of V8 motors, with their deep-throated rumble, and beefy torque. My project introduces V8 power to a DTM-influenced Audi A4 quattro B5.

I currently run a 2001 Audi S8, which of course is V8-powered. 4,2 V8 2 x DOHC 40V making 360 hp at a heady 7,000 rpm. The S8 is a full-size luxury sedan, and ferries myself and family around in supreme comfort, all the bells and whistles to keep me occupied and entertained on long trips.

This left me free to have a stripped-out DTM-inspired car with Audi S8 power. I purchased the engine way before the car it was to be fitted to. The spec is as follows:

Audi S8 motor (1998).

Engine: 4,172cc
Cylinders: 90 degree V8.
Valves: 32V.
Camshafts: 2 x DOHC Quad Cam.
Fuel system: Sequential Multi Point Injection.
Ignition system: Individual Coil On Plug, distributorless.
Engine management: Bosch Motronic ME.
Power: 340 bhp.
Torque: 420 Nm.

I purchased my project car, a 1996 Audi A4 2,6 V6 quattro B5. I had the car on a ramp, only to find the floor pan and boot floor was creased to hell. This ride had been rear-ended, and simply panelled up. Even the rear subframe was cracked.

This car has since been returned to the seller, and my money handed back, plus "inconvenience" money. I'm now on the hunt for another car. The car will end up:

01) Dashboard ripped out, and just the instrument cluster area retained.
02) Aircon / heating ripped out.
03) Headlining ripped out.
04) Electric window motors and harness ripped out.
05) Central locking pump and harness ripped out.
06) Carpet ripped out.
07) All seats ripped out, lightweight bucket seat for driver only fitted.
08) All side glass ripped out, replaced with perspex. Sliding panels for fronts.
09) Door cards ripped out, inner door shells cut out.
10) Airbags and modules ripped out.
11) Hood replaced with carbon fibre item.
12) Trunk replaced with carbon fibre item.
13) All sound proofing ripped out.
14) ABS pump and control unit (combined) ripped out.
15) All non-essential wiring ripped out.

I will be putting the power down through the standard quattro (AWD) system. However, the Audi A4 B5 quattro 01A 5-speed manual will be replaced with one of my 01E 6-speeders.

The body styling will be custom, and will be the last aspect of this project to be tackled. My aim is to end up with a car that tips the scales at around 2205 lbs, including driver.

I have opted to retain the OEM Bosch Motronic ME engine management. This will allow me to run diagnostics via the standard OBD port, using VAGCOM or other generic OBD code reader.

Some pictures of the major ingredients:

Audi S8 4,2 V8 32V motor:

01E 6-speed transmission:





01E 6-speed shifter:

Bosch Motronic ME ECU:



...Immo. interface:



...and matching transpondered-key to keep it all happy:

Audi S8 MAF:



Audi S8 twin ignition POS (power-output stage):



Twin 12" electric fans:

I have opted to run a pair of OEM Audi A4 B5 air con electric fans. They have curved blades, as opposed to the straight type, which give a superior cooling, due to increased surface area.

They are also rated at 300 watts each, the ones pictured above are 80 watts apiece, which will not be enough to cool the big V8 motor.

I won't keep climate, so the compressor can come off. Though I have considered having 4 rams at each corner to use as jacks, using air pressure from the compressor to pressurise them.

The compressor weighs a fair bit though, at least 13 kilos from memory, and as the main goal is to end up with a car weighing no more than 1000 kilos...

The PAS vane pump is going too, assistance will come from an electric column as fitted to Fiat Punto, Toyota MR2, the current Kia range. So many possibilities.

I started cleaning up the 01E 6-speed trans that's going into this car (modified DSY) in preparation to painting.

I've started looking into having a crossover pipe made, that will fit between the stock S8 AHC headers.

I need to send the timing covers and rockers off, I want to get them either crackle painted or powder-coated. Powder coating will be my choice, just need to decide upon color.

Anyone know any good shops in the Essex area? I'm aware I can Google, just wondered if there were any particular shops that come recommended from experience, thanks!

Pipecraft in Basildon, a shop I've used for custom exhausts and mufflers in the past, may well be building custom headers that will flow better than the stock items, without intruding too much into the B5 frame rails, we'll see.

Just spoke to Dean at Pipecraft. He doesn't make headers anymore, and recommends Hayward & Scott. They're good, but wickedly expensive.

I'll need to source a pair of dead V8 cylinder heads, as the custom flanges will need to be bolted to the exhaust ports to prevent distortion when welding.

Nice project. Any pics of the car as it will be finished ?

What is that gearbox off ? I take it this is a mid engined deal ?

stevieturbo wrote: I take it this is a mid engined deal ?

Audi's generally have this terrible weight distribution issue, as they are front wheel drive with a longitudinal engine. So you need a transmission like this, with the diff between gearbox & clutch.

On the upside, they are ideal transmissions for mid-engined cars!!

Chris.