PROJECT CAR : C.U. SPORTS CAR CLUB RALLY V8

BIG ENGINE,  SMALL CHASSIS.

What on earth would would motivate someone to remove the compact and efficient 1.8T engine from an Audi A4 and replace it with the 4.2L V8 from an Audi A6 ?

For University of Colorado Sports Car Club president, and current C.U. mechanical engineering student Valantin Ivanitski, his decision to undertake this project was informed by several factors :

• His love of motorsports and dedication to the Audi brand
• His need for reliable, torque-rich power plant for rally racing
• His need for a unique and one-of-a-kind vehicle
• The opportunity to apply his educational training and craft

Val first came to the doors of 3ZERO3 Motorsports several years ago, with his flat green Audi A4 1.8T. After a few brief discussions and tours of the shop, Val not only brought us his A4 for performance and motorsports work, but soon after our first introduction he became a valuable member of the 3ZERO3 staff. Helping out at the shop in between mechanical engineering classes.

Here we see Valentin tapping a hole where he will later install an idler roller for the serpentine belt.

As time progressed and Val’s knowledge and passion for not only the Audi, VW, and Porsche brands grew, but also in regards to Rally racing, Val decided it was time for a radical change. Val decided to install a 4.2L Audi V8 into the same B5 chassis.

But the question remains, with all of the tuning and motorsports parts available for the Audi 1.8T engine available, why choose to swap in the 4.2L V8 ? There are several reasons for this

• This car is built for Rally racing primarily. Though it will see use in other capacities, Val want to race this car in the mud, and dirt off road. Rally racing is typically low speed, and rally cars need to have the engine power and toque on hand at all times to power the car out of the turn. Which suites the V8 engine to a ‘T’.
• This is a golden opportunity for Val to apply his knowledge of mechanical engineering. The hurdles that this type of project presents are the type of complex problems that Val enjoys solving. His passion for motorsports, and for engineering shine thru on this project.
• Val wanted something unique. From the roads of colorado, to the dirt tracks of the rally courses, Val wants this car to turn heads and be one-of-a-kind, and it certainly is.

Count the number of coil packs on this side of the engine…..1, 2, 3, 4. It’s a real V8 my friends !

Before any parts were purchased, or any bolts were turned, months of extensive research were carried out to ensure that the V8 engine swap was even possible. Reviewing numerous wiring diagrams, and consulting with 3ZERO3 Motorsports technicians, everyone decided that this project was not only possible, but it was exciting and unique.

Val brought us his A4 1.8T and the newly sourced Audi A6 4.2L V8 to his Denver home for maintenance, repair and high performance tuning , 3ZERO3 Motorsports. A plan was quickly formed, and the project was quickly under way.

This project, and others like it would not be possible without the help of manufacturer wiring diagrams from VW, Audi, and Porsche. Having these resources on hand everyday is  essential to performing the highest levels of maintenance, repair, and high performance tuning.

Look, Val is smiling ! Where this project has the potential to frustrate and anger those performing the work, Val’s enthusiasm has provided the energy and positive outlook to make this project a personal success each and everyday.

Here we see the big aluminum V8 installed in the Audi B5 A4 chassis.

Note the custom torque mount on the passenger side of the engine bay, just above the alternator. Another clean, custom fabricated piece.

If this project interests you, and you have a project of your own, please contact us and let us know how we can make YOUR dream come true.  Email us : info@3zero3motorsports.com

Here we have a modified driveline stabilizer that has been customized to help support the factory 5 speed transmission.

Technician Keith Andrews is sorting thru the engine wiring harness. Keith’s factory training, and personal love for unusual  and unique motorsports projects plays a big role in the success and speed of this project build.

The digital multi meter being put to good use here, ensuring that all of the electrical components for the engine are operating correctly. This was a tedious part of the project, but highly essential to Audi’s drive by wire engine management system.

Comments

Aug 20, 2009
Zac Foxx
Great article you guys. I saw the pics up on facebook awhile back and couldn’t believe my eyes! I can’t wait to see this thing in action Val!


Sep 11, 2009
gerry
wow v8 in a 2001 s4 dam u have any video on youtube or some thing?


Sep 11, 2009
Max
Gerry,
No videos just yet. Put we will definitely let you know when we get some video content !


Sep 18, 2009
Daniel
Hey Val i was searching things for my a4 and this came up. hows the car going mine is being a bitch but ill get it back soon.


Aug 5, 2010
dean andrews sr
is the keith andrews on your team, grew up in new zeland son of mitchell andrews car hauler. I would be his uncle from Florida. I last saw him in morresville,nc where he went to nascar institute around 2005. please tell him hello from me.


Aug 5, 2010
Max
That is our Kiwi indeed !

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