So I have my eyes open for any engines that come by. This week a AQJ engine popped up for little money (it could actually be a ARS, not 100% sure from the ad, for that money even an ARS would help me along...) So time to dig a bit further before driving over and spending the cash.
What I found so far (please do correct me if I miss any insights here);
- Most swaps have the transmission lowered (by up to 2")
- This is ok in terms of height (engine not really lowest point)
- Done to fit the cam belt covers at the front and the cam actuators at the back
- Still required to reshape some metal to fit the intake.
- Means the cross bar between both suspension sides need to be reshaped or replaced
- Some swaps have left the transmission in the original location
- This angles the engine down towards the front and cause issues on getting the timing belt cover to fit
- Cross bar of suspension left untouched
- Significant metal work to get things to fit
Lowering the transmission is a real concern for me. I already feel that this part of the car is rather weak and it will weaken further. Also, maybe more importantly, I fear it will give me a headache when trying to get the car through the required inspection (authorities need to clear it, it will remain a road car).
Also chopping up the car (ok, I am exaggerating..) is not my preferred way forward.
From the data I have, the chain engines are significantly smaller (length and height). Also looking at the pictures of the swaps with belt engines and pictures of the chain engines, I think the front side will clear the engine bay of the 986. The rear side however will be more challenging I think. There seems to be a bit more overhang over the transmission and we'll need to get the intake routed somewhere. Original intakes seem to route over the head on one side of the engine. This might work with the Cayman engine cover I have, but unsure.
As stated before, the BBK engines (S4 model) go for ridiculous sums of money. Getting myself a full S4 will be cheaper (and ensure I have all I need etc.). Plus, the S4 was available with a manual. More likely though, I better search for an engine out of the C6 A6 model (BAT engine). Slightly higher torque, slightly lower more, much better on the wallet.
I think I need to stay away from the FSI engines as the ECU will be much more difficult and the high pressure pumps seem to be really high on the engine.
Anythink I am missing here? What do you think, worth trying out the smaller chain engine?