From Dream to Drive: Epic Audi A4 Transformation into a LS-Powered Beast

Caleb Kipp had always dreamt of owning an Audi RS4 (B7). The allure of its V8 power, manual transmission, and AWD drivetrain was irresistible. However, the price tag was a bit steep for him. So, he decided to take matters into his own hands and build his dream car from scratch.

Caleb's journey began with a 2008 Audi A4 that came with a 3.2 L V6 engine, which wasn't running. He replaced this engine with a 5.3 L LS4 V8, using custom mounts he crafted himself. These mounts seamlessly bolted onto the factory Audi mounts. To make everything fit, he installed a front sump oil pan and a Pierburg CWA400 electric water pump, allowing the V8 to clear the factory subframe. Caleb also engineered a custom adapter to pair the V8 with an A5 six-speed manual transmission, keeping the all-wheel-drive (AWD) system intact.

Caleb enjoyed driving his creation a few times before the LS4 V8 encountered an oil pressure issue due to an oil line failure. Not one to be easily discouraged, Caleb saw this as an opportunity to build an even better engine. He is now working on a new 5.3 L LC9 V8, featuring 243 heads, a Brian Tooley Racing (BTR) Stage 4 camshaft and valve springs, a Holley intake, a 102 mm throttle body, and a Moroso front sump oil pan.

The new setup will still use the A5 six-speed manual transmission, equipped with 4.11 gears and a factory 3.0 L TDI twin-disc clutch. Since there wasn't an aftermarket solution, Caleb designed a custom single-mass flywheel for the engine and transmission combo. If the manual transmission can't handle the new power, Caleb plans to upgrade to an Audi S4/S6 manual transmission or an 8HP90/8HP95 automatic transmission.

Car Categories Involved in the Modification:

Engine Swaps: From the original 3.2 L V6 to a 5.3 L LS4 V8 and then to a 5.3 L LC9 V8.

Transmission Upgrades: Custom adaptations to pair the new engines with A5 six-speed manual and potential future upgrades to S4/S6 manual or 8HP90/8HP95 automatic transmissions.

Custom Fabrication: Custom mounts, oil pans, adapters, and a single-mass flywheel designed and built by Caleb.

Drivetrain Enhancements: Maintaining and potentially upgrading the AWD drivetrain to handle the new power output.

Performance Tuning: Installing high-performance parts like the BTR Stage 4 camshaft, 243 heads, Holley intake, and more.

This project showcases Caleb's dedication and ingenuity in transforming his Audi A4 into the RS4 of his dreams, making it a true enthusiast's story.

Source:

Project LS Audi A4;