[urq] 1.8T or V8? Decisions, decisions...

[Louis_Alain_Richard at computerhorizons.com]

First I wrote:
> > Finally, I guess the harder task will be which engine management to
use:
> > new cars all have the multiplexed electrical system, so going to a
custom
> > setup might be the "easiest" way to go.
>

Then Jeffrey Goggin wrote :
> In this instance, it will be OEM all the way.  Private correspondence
> from an Audi Tech confirms there is no immoblilizer setup on the '99 A4s
> and since I have the complete wiring harness (all the way back to the
> fuse box!), the only thing I'll need to add to the existing UrQ
> electricals is an electronic speedo, since the A4 ECU uses this signal
> for some purporse or other.  Since I also have the Type 016 out of my
> '89 200q on hand, I should be able to just swipe its electrical speedo
> drive setup...
>


Good to know that a recent engine like this one can be swapped easily,
electronically speaking.

On the car I am working on these days (2005-2006 Renaults), the engines are
part of a vast network of ECUs, and can't run without their companion ECUs.
As an example, speed data is provided by the ABS sensors, starting involves
the body and transmission ECUs, the airbag ECU can kill the engine, the
electronic throttle body is dependent of the ABS/ESP desires, etc. But
then, maybe the 1.8T is less dependent, permitting an easy swap.

On the same subject, and I am sure you are a VERY good mechanic to try such
a swap, splicing wires in these systems involves a sophisticated technique,
and some expensive equipment. Up 'til this summer, Renault wouldn't allow
mechanics to repair any harness in their multiplexed cars, replacement of
the partial harness was mandatory. Now, they issued a TSB to allow small
local repairs of some wires, including the twisted pairs used for the data.
These repairs are made with trick waterproof solder-filled shrink tubes, a
custom wire stripper and a sophisticated programmable heat gun.

But I guess you already know that, :-)!

Good luck with the swap.

Louis-Alain
always seeing problems were there isn't...