Just a quick update, the guy doing my engine swap has been delayed massively due to his other personal commitments.
Still looking at other engine options than the 2.5. not looking for smaller engines such as the 1.9 etc.
Still torn as what route to take. I do appreciate it seems like I'm going in circles regarding engines. But I'm torn between performance or reliability, the latter for being able to get parts when on road trips.
One of the biggest issues is that Audi is the only modern manufacturer that produces cars that are fwd with a longitudinal engine.
Most cars are now transverse, those that have longitudinal engines are either 4wd or rwd.
Regarding technical matters, my plan is to get the imobiliser removed from the instrument cluster so that they can be used for any engine option. There would be no imobiliser in the fuel pump as I'd run one suitable for the engine.
Regarding emissions, as my A6 was registered in 2002 (02 plate) under DVLA rules it has pass the emissions figures stated for the year the engine was produced. For example 1993 for a land rover 200tdi, 198x for an isuzu 2.8 etc.
Naturally I'd be notifying DVLA of engine change.
Option 1:
Fit a simpler diesel engine that's more mechanically simple such as the Isuzu 2.8 4jb or the land rover 200/300tdi, both of which are inline4 and will be slower but are some of the most reliable diesels ever and will run on veg oil. The Isuzu has the same clutch size as the A6 and the land rover engine is the same cc as the A6 which means notification to DVLA simpler. The drawback is both engines a long strokes. So would require the bonnet to be raised.
Option 2
Fit a v8 petrol engine, which would be a tight fit but doable. Not quite sure how this will work in the fwd setup.
The Audi 4.2 will bolt straight up and parts are available as it's production run has been longer and as it was available in quattro I'm thinking this could easily be run in fwd.
Chevy small block (lt/ls), is more mechanically simple and parts are plentiful in the state at least as it's the most mass produced v8. Also theres a direct adapter plate for this engine to my current gearbox. Not quite sure how this would work in a fwd configuration though as ls are usually mated to rwd setup.
Rover V8 which has great parts supply but least reliable V8 option but cheaper to repair than the other two v8s. Not quite sure how this would work in a fwd configuration though as rover v8s are usually mated to rwd setup or 4wd. I'm assuming it's doable.
Lexus 1uz engine which is one of the most reliable V8 engines ever made. Just worried about parts availability. Not quite sure how this would work in a fwd configuration though as 1uz are usually mated to rwd setup
Option 3
Fit a totally different engine, possibly transverse which I can mount longitudinally. Such as the Toyota 2ar-fxe or the mercedes a45 any engine.
Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.