Maint/Mod time. Questions about IC's, and TC replacement

[kevin]

Well guys, my timing belt/water pump maintenance is in full swing. I decided to remove the entire front support to gain easier access to everything. Took the stock IC’s to a local radiator shop today and they said they both are leaking like sieves.

Now I need to decide on Apikol or Wagner. Both are larger than stock (the Wagner IC’s are a lot larger and cost more) Are Wagners too big for my car with stock turbos? I’ve got Milltek catless dp’s on order and will be adding a water/meth kit this winter as well.

Other mods this winter will include an ACE TQ. Since I already have the front removed and need to replace the DP’s and TQ, Would I be better off just dropping the engine/trans assembly to do the work or drop just the trans??

The only other mod this time around will be ditching REVO and getting a Eurocharged tune!

Looking for opinions and advice.

TIA!

[ben916]

Not sure of the differences between Apikol vs Wagners but there is another player in the game - ER (http://www.evolutionracewerks.com/node/154) and their website has been indicating "coming soon" for quite some time... (I am not affiliated nor receive any $$$$ for a recommendation).

DP - well, if you have been lurking for a bit, it seems that there is a major pain in the ass bolt on the passenger side turbo to DP. Some people have broken this bolt... I am sure that someone will post about doing this yourself...

MTM TCU chip should be in conjunction with your EC tune.... or there is always that "snake-ity snake" (no harm intended or pun) one on "The Isle of Man" -> both ECU and TCU...

Good luck!

[V8weight]

Kevin, I wasn't fond of the fitment of the wagners....They would however be just fine paired with stock turbo's. I have no experience with the Apikol's, but my experience with all other Apikol products has always been positive. As for the TC replacement, I would recommend dropping the engine/trans as an assembly knowing that you have the means to do so.....Pulling the trans with the engine in the car is grueling. Not sure I would do it again even knowing all the tricks..

[4everRS]

^ As Pat said, drop the assembly. Don't f*ck with the trans only proceedure. It takes as long, or longer, with the potential for removing it anyway if you break a turbo stud.


Edit: Pat, I still have night terrors of that bell housing bolt we nearly didn't get.

[lswing]

Just a note, my mech pulled the TC and Trans the first time, was a pita but worked out well, looking to pull the engine this time to get to the steering rack bolts...

[kevin]

Had time to slide it out this afternoon. Ready for mods and maintenance!

[lswing]

Nice! How long did that take you?

[kevin]

1/2 day total.

[lswing]

Alright, good time...sitting here contemplating how for down the rabbit hole to go...turbos, meth, ceramic exhaust coating, hoses....it adds up!

[MaxRS6]

1/2 day total.

Wow- That is the way to do it with some skillz! Good luck with the continued progress.

[kevin]

Thanks! BTW, I decided to go with Apikol IC's. Time to split the trans from the engine. Miltek cat DP's will be here next Tuesday!

[hahnmgh63]

While you have it out and the starter removed definitely pull the water/oil heat exchanger and replace the little plastic coolant pipe with the Bufkin Engineering part.

[kevin]

Yeah, I need two kits, the oil cooler on the wife's A8 is leaking.....

[4everRS]

Great work Kevin! Good time too. I wish we did this with mine rather that screwing with leaving the engine in.

Do you think you can do it even quick next time?

[kevin]

Not sure I could do it any quicker!

Brown delivered some Milltek love today from the UK!

[MaxRS6]

Swwwweeeeetttt..The flex covering seems a bit narrower than on my set (probably the picture or my poor memory). What are you doing for the exhaust system?

When you say 1/2 day is that 4 hours or 12 hours?- You need to move to the my area and teach me- Bud Light (or ale of choice) would certainly be on tap..

[kevin]

Swwwweeeeetttt..The flex covering seems a bit narrower than on my set. What are doing for the exhaust system?

When you say 1/2 day is that 4 hours or 12 hours?- You need to move to the Sherwood area and teach me- Bud Light (or ale of choice) would certainly be on tap..

I currently have a Milltek system installed. And yes, approximately 4 hrs to remove powerplant which doesn't include the hr or so I spent deciding how I was going to go about it.

Did I mention I do this professionally for a living? About 35yrs experience

[hahnmgh63]

Kevin, the only two things I have a problem with or suggest is you were probably just fitting them but I bolted up my downpipes (Milltek) to the Turbos before installing engine/tranny and "Bud Light"? Comeone, you need something stronger when working on the RS6.