Audi Quattro and the LS1
Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 21
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Audi Quattro and the LS1 Has anyone ever tried to mate an LS1 to a Quattro system. I am sort of playing with the idea of trying to put an LS1 in a B5 A4 with the B7 six speed clutch for the quattro. I know they have put the B7 V8 in the B5 before several times so why not. I'm not going to lie I dream about putting an LS1 in just about everything. What do you guys think? Any directs, advice, research, share what you know please.
When I looked into doing this the general consensus was that the transmission was not going to last very long with over 400 or so hp. The torque of a decently built LSx motor is a lot different than anything Audi makes and with AWD there is nowhere for it to go.
I would like to see this proved wrong, because it would be a fun car
I would like to see this proved wrong, because it would be a fun car
Teching In
Joined: Nov 2006
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I think there is a guy on here that swapped an LS into a Subaru WRX. Not sure if he kept the all wheel drive or not. Im sure if you search Audi, or Porsche tuners you'll find solutions for the weak transmission. Its worth a try.
On The Tree
Joined: Nov 2006
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From: Hong Kong
This has been discussed before on these boards and the general consensus is that even though the LS1 is very lightweight it would still be too far forward causing chassis balance issues. I'm a Tech at a VW dealership and often wondered about doing the same to a B5 Passat which is the same chassis as the A4. However looking at the W8 Passat the engine is 21.5 inches long and 28 inches wide and no heavier than an LS1. I'm not sure of the measurements of the LS1 but I'm sure its longer. W8 Passats came with 6 speed manuals also so probably can be done. Who will be the first huh!
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Thread Starter
Teching In
Joined: Dec 2007
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If I did it I would like to keep the quattro. I was thinking that maybe an upgraded B7 S4 clutch should be able to handle the power. The B7 S4 is a V8 already and I have seen it in the B5 A4s before on several occasions. Seems like it could be a really fun vehicle if it'll fit.
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TECH Resident
Joined: May 2004
Posts: 792
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From: SoCal
I'm not aware that anyone makes an adapter plate for either the 5 or 6 speed Audi B5+ to an LS1. Might be a guy in OZ that makes one, but you'll need to search it out. The adapter will add another 1" (to get the LS1 starter to work) to the installation, so you'll need to consider that as well. With the Quattro, you split the torque through the Thorsen between the front and rear differentials so they are not as prone to failure. I seem to recall that the late Audi A8 V8's make 400+HP through the same transaxle.
Andy1
Andy1
On The Tree
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 186
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From: Hong Kong
Well there you have it, an LS1 is roughly 7 inches longer than a W8 engine (the biggest engine fitted to any B5 platform Audi or VW). This will require seriously moving the whole cooling system more forward than it is which wouldn't make any sense. What you can do is scrap the idea of keeping the AWD drivetrain and just making it RWD utilising the rear subframe/axle assembly and driveshaft and mating it to a T56/LS1 that would be pushed as far back and low down as possible in the engine bay. The car already has a bellhousing hump in the floor you'd just have to massage it a bit for the T56 to fit. Man I wish I had the cash to undertake such a project it would be so freakin cool.
TECH Apprentice
Joined: Nov 2006
Posts: 369
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From: Copenhagen
there was a build thread here where a guy installed an ls1 with sy-ty transfercase and an awd front diff in an s13 IIRC... so it should work even without the audi tranny... the I5 quadro engine is as long and weighs almost the same as an ls1... but its not a bolt in swap for sure
TECH Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2001
Posts: 585
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From: Green Oak, MI
I would think the C5 6 speed trans out of the A6 would hold the power.
I run about 375ft lbs in my car with an RS4 clutch and no problems so far and I'm dragging around a lot more weight than a A4.
I never measured to see how much long the A6 is versus the A4, chassis wise. My wife has a 3 liter B6 and I have a 2.7t C5.
They are pretty near identical underneath, at least up front.
Maybe a A6 would be a better fit. BTW if you don't keep the AWD nothing changes. Audi's are basically rear engine/transaxle setups flipped around with a shaft and transfer case for the rear.
There is a decent amount of room between the rad and the accessories in the 3l in her A4, not sure how the extra 3/4 inch will hurt you over the 4.2.
What I want is a B6/B7 with the 2.7t.
I run about 375ft lbs in my car with an RS4 clutch and no problems so far and I'm dragging around a lot more weight than a A4.
I never measured to see how much long the A6 is versus the A4, chassis wise. My wife has a 3 liter B6 and I have a 2.7t C5.
They are pretty near identical underneath, at least up front.
Maybe a A6 would be a better fit. BTW if you don't keep the AWD nothing changes. Audi's are basically rear engine/transaxle setups flipped around with a shaft and transfer case for the rear.
There is a decent amount of room between the rad and the accessories in the 3l in her A4, not sure how the extra 3/4 inch will hurt you over the 4.2.
What I want is a B6/B7 with the 2.7t.
