[danzick]

so, Im headed to go pick up a 2002 AWM parts car for my car. its the same exact car as mine. Im actually getting it for the tires, and the car is a bonus. it has a brand new set of studded snow tires on it. Im paying 550 for the whole car. it was in a front end collision. still runs and drives fine. There is a few passats in my area for cheap that need new auto transmissions that are the same year. beings how I would have a complete car, how difficult would it be? Ive read some things about having to machine the crank down? sounds like a pain. it also comes with a new in box full timing belt kit.

 

[Mtech]

Depends on your level of mechanical experience, skills and tools. Does it make sense? TBD.

 

[ponyboy]

Go for it! I swapped my 03 from auto to manual this last spring and have enjoyed every minute of it since. I'd rate my mechanical skills at 6/10; I've rebuilt engines, etc. I used a non-running parts car for the transmission and pedals and sold the other parts to help offset the cost. You do have to grind the crank. Biketsai's write up is very helpful:
http://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/299543-Biketsai-s-DIY-Auto-to-Manual-Conversion

 

[PZ]

You also need some electrical work to get it right. I swapped the entire harness from the dash of the donor so I could have a working clutch switch and cruise control. The hardest part for me was fitting the pedal set, it was brutal on my neck.

Be careful with that writeup, Chris is a great guy but not a great mechanic and did catch the car on fire. His car is running well, I just re-sealed his oil pan after it started leaking recently.

 

[danzick]

yeah.... looking at different write ups, it looks like a lot of work. I did one of these swaps in an old 88 subaru GL and it was a breeze. this doesn't looks so simple. I may just keep my eyes out for a passat in the area that needs an engine. Would this AWM engine be a direct fit into any audi's? also, I'm assuming if I would have to grind the crank down that means I couldn't swap this engine into a car that had an auto. Would it have to be a 5 speed?

 

[PZ]

The AWM was available in the A4 and should be a straight swap. I think you could still swap the engine into an Tip car as there is still enough of the crank left after grinding to fit the front of the TC in place.

 

[boblong24]

I'm also wanting to do the manual swap. Is yours a 4 motion. Mine is so its going to be more of a headach

 

[danzick]

thanks for the info guys! headed to get this car tomorrow morning. Id really like to find an audi with a 5 speed and a blown AWM engine, but that would be a pretty rare sight around here.