Quick question, the answer to which I couldn't find in the archives.

I've got a 98 A4 2.8 30v, with about 136,000 miles on it. Now the engine seems fine for the most part; of course, there is a coolant leak, and there is often the smell of oil burning, coming somewhere from the engine; and there is some smoke and whatnot..that all sounds somewhat distressing, but it really doesn't happen massively, and I would expect a leak here and there in an engine with that many miles on it.

But, since I want to keep my 2.8 permanently, I'm thinking that a rebuild may be a part of my near future. So the question is: How much do I expect to pay for a rebuild of the 2.8 30v?

Ben

This is an Audi. The engines are known for their longevity....they are also known for leaks. Fix the leaks and drive the car. If you find that you need major ring or valve work, buy a used engine, swap it in, and hit the road.

Thats what my plan is. I have 129K on my A6 Avant and I am averaging 35K a year. So I figure in 3 or 4 years I will just get a used engine from http://www.shokan.com/used-audi-parts.php
I also agree that if you fix the leaks and keep and eye on the oil you can get many miles out of the 2.8 . I was lucky and had a few engine seals and a control arm replaced right before my 100K warranty expired.
I know I want to keep my Audi and the parts and time for a rebuild may just not be worth it.

Lonnie<ul><li><a href="http://www.shokan.com/used-audi-parts.php">http://www.shokan.com/used-audi-parts.php</a</li></ul>

Fix the leaks and drive the car.

I'm really not all that worried about the cost of rebuilding the engine. I could get a used engine; sure, but then the question is, what condition is that engine in? Will it give me problems I didn't face with my 2.8?

I've been extremely happy with the engine unit I purchased with the car. It has had, count them, zero problems in the four-plus years I've owned the car and the 100,000 miles I've put on it myself: coast-to-coast and from a mile high to sea level. Given my extreme contentment, I wouldn't mind rebuilding.

The question wasn't "should I rebuild"; the question was "how much does it cost".

Ben

seems that you said to just buy a rebuilt motor rather than rebuilding the existing one..

I would much prefer a used engine over a rebuilt one. To do a rebuild with quality parts is far from cheap, and the factory does a much better job than most rebuilders.

doing your own one-off rebuild. The people that do it all the time will produce a better engine than someone who does it infrequently. Now if you want to do your own as a project, that is different story (no idea on the cost, sorry). That would be practical and fun (for some).

A rebuilt short block is 3000 from Stevenscreek Audi..