01E Manual Swap process begins

[Brav]

I don't have much to report just yet, except that my auto is slipping. Its drivable, but annoying.

While doing all of my cost/benefit analysis of going back to an auto or doing the manual, it was clear it would never be close in price. It was a big nut to swallow, estimating at least 10k including labor and parts, without unforeseeable problems. I searched for a donor car, salvaged or otherwise, and came across the cheapest 6 speed A6 in the country which was only about 20 miles from me. Picked her up for 3200. I think it was fate..

After a test drive and a trip to Raven to confirm its condition, it was decided it was the perfect car to cannibalize. Remarkably good shape for the mileage, except the paint was pretty faded and dinged. As far as the parts I needed were concerned, it was perfect. More expensive initially, but a LOT easier than chasing down individual parts. And she shifted beautifully. There is maybe 2k in salvageable parts (engine, interior, brakes, chassis) so in the end it won't cost me so much, but I do have to pay Raven to dismantle it.

I bought it Friday and drove it the same day 600 miles round trip on a shooting adventure in Nevada.. without regard for the exterior, off-roading on a dry river bed was awesome! Kept up with the trucks, as long as I had clearance. More parts for Raven to clean. I will say, its been a relative joy to drive the A6 manual.. very confortable daily driver. For the price, its outstanding.. I would consider picking up another like this in the future just to take some miles off the RS. Rides like a boat however..

Anyhow, here is the happy couple, ready to be joined in holy Frankenstein matrimony. Just waiting for Raven to finalize their new clutch package for it, and their new adapter plate which is being engineered now. I will post the progress as it comes, probably a few weeks out from anything else.

[kday]

Nice!

I looked for a donor car for a while but didn't find anything that was suitable. I'm still collecting bits and pieces...

[mik15]

i had an A6 like your donor car some years ago, exactly same interior and outside color , loved it, even though the regular C5 is a boat in terms of handling, it's very comfortable on long distances. Good luck with the project !

[ben916]

you are my new best friend!

I am watching this one forever!

[4everRS]

Please update us regularly! This will great to watch. I'm excited for you.

[bmlee007]

I've been thinking about parting ways with my 6-spd C5, but finally decided that I'll follow this same path when the tranny fails in the RS.

Will you do a writeup of the parts salvaged from the A6? It will be a great help to know what not to sell when I rip mine apart!

[Brav]

Thanks all for the encouragement. I will update each step as I go, and will try to take pics @ Raven during the more serious surgeries.

There is already a list of parts needed posted on the other Manual Swap thread, but I will go through my own as well.

[mrdave]

Yes!! I will be watching this closely as I plan to do a manual swap once I have funds available. Are you going to do any rebuilding or gear swapping for your transmission? Is the adapter plate still readily available? What's the latest on the software situation?

[Brav]

Yes!! I will be watching this closely as I plan to do a manual swap once I have funds available. Are you going to do any rebuilding or gear swapping for your transmission? Is the adapter plate still readily available? What's the latest on the software situation?

Due to budget, I am just throwing the damn thing in. Its already expensive without doing any mods. Waste of future labor, but thats all I can swing while starting a new business. Adapter plate is being made now as is the new multi-friction clutch. Raven suggests EPL custom tune for manual, but is not necessary. Its just optimized for shifting without a TC, etc.

[alrightroad]

Watching... Did Raven suggest a rebuild on the trans? That looks like an early style 01E car... i.e., 1-2 shift collar weakness. Just curious what they said. Also, what are you ending up paying for adapter plate?

[Brav]

Watching... Did Raven suggest a rebuild on the trans? That looks like an early style 01E car... i.e., 1-2 shift collar weakness. Just curious what they said. Also, what are you ending up paying for adapter plate?

Naturally a rebuild would be the prudent thing. But I have driven this car 800 miles with zero engagement issues. As I said, budget forces risk. Price not set, but expected to be around 950 IIRC.

[alrightroad]

Naturally a rebuild would ...

I bet she'll be fine. I call first dibs on your TCU if you want to sell. That will tide me over until I'm ready for 01E magic. Making the 01E swap in my allroad next month along with stage 3 goodies so it wil be of a dry run. RS is different beast for sure but hopefully the allroad swap will be a confidence booster.

[Brav]

I bet she'll be fine. I call first dibs on your TCU if you want to sell. That will tide me over until I'm ready for 01E magic. Making the 01E swap in my allroad next month along with stage 3 goodies so it wil be of a dry run. RS is different beast for sure but hopefully the allroad swap will be a confidence booster.

Sure. I will have a lot of items to sell to offset some of my costs..

[alrightroad]

Sure. I will have a lot of items to sell to offset some of my costs..

Alrighty. I'll be on standby when you're ready to unload. hopefully price is within reach. email me when ready... ehartley at bluetowne com

Thanks... -eric

[SteveKen]

Raven ... Adapter plate?????

[alrightroad]

Chris, any update on the project? its been a month!

[Brav]

Still waiting for them to finish and test the new clutch. Nothing new to report, except I have been able to drive my RS6 a bit my jumping the high pressure solenoid... :/

[kismetcapitan]

if only the ABS and traction control issues were solved - I would have done this swap already.