Tacos 4KTQ I0vt Swap: The Red Baron - buying parts again

[AngryTaco]

so by changing your spring perches you can fit t44 5ktq springs>?

As 40v4k stated, I did the opposite. If I used 5k springs, I would have to fab them up into the 4k shock mounts, which isn't very viable.

This route using t44 struts / 4k springs helps retain the OEM look but allowing me to run the bigger G60 brakes, more HD shocks, and the 5-lug swap.

[AngryTaco]

Rear sway bar is done!!!

[scubadave]

wow i am impressed this is looking terrific. great progress that car is going to scream. great color too.

Thanks man! The end is in sight! I can't wait to see how this thing runs and handles!

With CIS, rediculess speed. With EFI, ludicrous speed!

[40v4kq]

Rear swaybar is probably the best suspension upgrade you can do on a 4kq. I cant beleive the factory didnt put one on there. Even a dinky one would have been a huge improvement.

[AngryTaco]

I was trying hard to find a rear sub frame from a 91+ 90 quattro so I wouldnt have to make my own mounts. Oh well, I just hope the 1/4" steel and my horrible welding skills hold together. Guess well find out after the first jump

[85oceanic]

Rear sway bar is done!!!

Looks familiar

[my2000apb]

so by changing your spring perches you can fit t44 5ktq springs>?

He did just the opposite. Fitted 4kq spring perches to the 5ktq strut housing so the 4kq springs will fit them for a nice clean 5 lug swap. Same thing that derracuda has done a couple times and the same as extreme90path.

and axles go right together? 5k brakes? any 5k or tq only?

[AngryTaco]

You need to use a set of rear 4kq axles up front now. The splines are different between the 5 lug hubs and the front 4k axles. Strangely, the rear 4kq axles are the same spline count as the 5-lug hubs, so they bolt right up. Rear left goes to front right and vice-versa. The G60 brakes bolt right up with no further modifications. Just throw the 5x112 rotor on there and away you go. As far as brakes, any non-UFO brakes which basically leaves the G60's I believe. Not sure if you can go with a bigger caliper/rotor without other modifications or special combinations. Extreme90path has Porsche Boxster Brakes on his. Originally thought about going that route, but theres quite a bit involved and some $$$

[AngryTaco]

5-lug swap list:

2 Front 5kq Struts
2 MKII GTI Tie-Rod Ends
1 set of rear 4kq axles
2 4k spring perches
2 4k springs; I used some CQ springs because they are stiffer and raise the car a little
2 URq Shocks; I used T44 and I modified my 4k spring mounts to make the T44 shocks work
Matching Brakes/Rotors; I used G60s
18mm URq Balljoints

[AngryTaco]

Since it is raining today....I think I am going to swap 5th gear this weekend....How To Video to follow.....

[AngryTaco]

Front Sway bar is done


All that's left is the aluminum sub-frame bushings


Bent my tie-rod


New Oil Pump Gasket


New Front Main Seal


Old Front Main Seal >:)

[40v4kq]

Looking good so far. Thanks for making a recipe for the front five lug swap. About the frint brakes, I believe derracuda has B5 A4 brakes on his lifted 4kq with 5k struts. Thats means you should be able to ditch the really heavy G60s for something a little lighter. Not sure if he had to space anything, but I could ask him.

[AngryTaco]

Yeah thatd be cool man! Are the A4 brakes bigger too?

[40v4kq]

Not sure if they are bigger, but they are definately lighter and somewhat easier to find/newer so they may be in better shape than used g60s.

[AngryTaco]

Ordered the Valves, Windage Tray, Pan gaskets, and 2 Aluminum sub-frame bushing kits today

[my2000apb]

you bent your own tie rod?!?!?

[AngryTaco]

Yep, simple as putting it in a cheapo harbor freight press and well....pressing it

[my2000apb]

sketchy

[AngryTaco]

Lot's of people do it. Others do it with a piece of pipe and a vice but that way tends to be less controlled. I'd rather bend my own then pay $200

[Rogviler]

sketchy

Nah... How do you think 034/2Bennett make them? The horror stories come from when you heat it to bend it, especially those who mistakenly "let it cool nice and slow." THAT is a good way to anneal (soften) the metal.

I've never seen a cold bent one fail. That's doing it right.

-Rog

[AngryTaco]

sketchy

Nah... How do you think 034/2Bennett make them? The horror stories come from when you heat it to bend it, especially those who mistakenly "let it cool nice and slow." THAT is a good way to anneal (soften) the metal.

I've never seen a cold bent one fail. That's doing it right.

-Rog

x2

[AngryTaco]

YAY!!!! Sub-frame bushings, windage tray, and pan gaskets arrived today! Now I can get the bottem end back together while the head is in the shop getting new exhaust valves!

[AngryTaco]

Head is currently in the shop. Intake valves are getting a grind and all seats are getting cut as well. Motor should be alllllll back together next week!

[DE80q]

looking good. I wish my motor was this far along. I just ordered my valves, springs, retainers, guides and ARP head studs. When all the head parts finaly show up, off it goes to the machine shop YAY.

Keep plugging away, and you will be done before you know it!

[AngryTaco]

Yeah this project is starting to drain me thats for sure. Probably due that I'm moving as fast as I can to get it out of the shop. Should be all done about middle of July now