<center><img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/74792/engine_pics_017.jpg"></center><p>Le hole...

So this is the almost 6x6" hole left behind in the side of the crankcase after a 4" piece of block support flange (And presumably a few other things) flew out of it.

I believe I've also found the reason for the catastrophic failure... See the tubing right above the hole? well it's PLASTIC and it cracked open and broke apart a few inches higher up. I haven't yet determined if it's some kind of oil return or ventilation but it could have led to loss of lubrication and a rod or journal failure.

So there you have it, engine blown to pieces (literally!) because of a cheap piece of plastic.

I'm really starting to think that post 1996 audis all suck... Oh, the new S4 weighs over 4000lbs with a few options... ;)