2.5 Engine Replacement Options
 

1999 Base Automatic, purchased on the cheap. Runs but has dead cylinder and putting coolant into the exhaust and exhaust into the coolant. Have not performed a compression test (no need) It appears the head gaskets never fail so it is a cracked head or cracked liner or both. Engine has got to come out... If I am lucky weld the head and install a steel liner. If not...

What Audi engines will bolt up to the tiptronic? A few minutes on the internet produced three Audi's all under $1,000 for the whole car.

-2.7 twin turbo v6(turbos and exhaust would be a challenge)
-3.0 V6 in an A4 (seems like the best choice for a swap)
-4.2 V8 from an A8 (ABZ- I know this has been done, but have not seen an automatic)

Please chime in.