Reading the current Audi driver magazine and someone writes in about his quattro with 135K miles and what performance mods he can do. The editor writes back that he will soon need to overhaul or replace the cylinder head. Others have told me that these engines are pretty bombproof, and you can expect 200K with regular maintenance (I'm assuming new head doesn't fall under "regular maintenance").

Anyone know which is correct? Would a modded 5 cylinder turbo (115K) require a new head a lot sooner? One plus is that the mods were done at about 90K miles, so there is only about 25K in 290hp land (and that with Mobil 1).

I have never seen or heard annything like that the only thing that can go on the head are the velve seals and the velve guides and if the timing belt snaps then you need to replace some velves (10v)if not all the velves (20v) so you don't have to be woried.
P.S. those motors are german build (not Honda)

I read Audi Driver alot also. I have seen them recommend this a couple of times. I can see how it could be very confusing because I always hear the opposite about Audi's lasting 200-300K with few engine problems.

What I think is happening is the difference in "ways of thinking" compared to us Americans. Remember, the British have fairly strict car codes(MOT, etc). Alot of the junker cars you see in America would never be up to code enough to be allowed to drive over there. Anything from a cracked headlight to a car burning oil could fail you at a MOT test...

I think that with proper maintenance you should be able to go 200K with very little problems. My friend has a 87 5000TQ that has 340K miles on the original engine and tranny. It has been his daily driver and track car since he bought it.

IMHO
Steve Ankney
88 5000
Holland, MI

short for velvet---a soft and furry like fabric. Never seen it on a motor! haha Sorry!