Best VW/Audi Engine To Modify. 

Which one do you think is the best?

Id love to see some 2.5L builds!

07k the world. I've had my boosted 2.5l longer than any other VAG car for a reason. It's hands down my favorite. There have been many fast cars inbetween, but that 5cyl is special.

I picked up a MK1 225 TT my wife called her dream car... I used to hate it because I didn't understand it. I called it my nightmare because a 20 year Audi needs lots of attn... Now after watching this channel I am learning how to spend my money and enjoy my wife's dream car since she stole my wrx... So i'm looking forward to the 1.8t build and learning why they never lose. 🤔

My favorite to mod is 3.0 supercharged. My favorite to work on is 1.8t all day every day. Can’t wait for the 1.8t engine build video.

2.5 is a slow economy engine by design. However I love the daam thing it sounds amazing and the 2.5 community really has gone out of their way to provide much love to the aftermarket and turbo mods you can do to it.

1.8 t20 valve in the Mark 4 platform was my favorite because it was so unassuming from factory and so dominant with just a little bit of work you could do yourself. I finally got one and it's so amazing that it's dead reliable and I love the sound 🤠

2.5 07k I personally don't have a VW but I have a Porsche 944 and 924s. The 07k are becoming a popular swap in them and that's what I'm planning on building my car around. I'm not looking for crazy hp, I think 300whp would be pretty fun in my light weight 924s rallycross car.

Still a sucker for a TDI but a 500awhp mk7 golf/a3/s3 with basic bolt ons is definitely a great no brainer choice. Simple to the point video while still covering all the bases, loved it!

Well I swapped a 2.0 gen3 for a 2.5 DNWA. So 5 cilinders definitely my favorite! Although I am building it for 7-800hp. Its not a fun engine to build but the sound makes it all worth it!

You were kind on the FSI engine. So far it has been a whole lot of expense, work and frustration for very little HP gain. I wise man once told me that before I got started though LOL.

I’m currently working on a 1.8 in a 225. I’m gathering all parts and prepping it. FMIC, 3” downpipe, all new forge hoses and DV. Ramair intake, 2.0 conversion power packs. Saving for the forge internals and larger turbo then tune.

My favorite hands down the 2.0 T EA888 gen 3, so easy to make gobs of reliable power , Bomb proof engine to boot . I have an 18 Audi S3 with stage 2 , it’s about an extra 100 HP over stock , high 11,s in the 1/4

My 1.8t blew up on my gli this past weekend and can’t decide what to put in it , video came in so clutch 🙏🏽

Okay i do believe theres some fact in this: Best most fun vw engine-2.5l 5cylinder!!! Best efficiency/performance/reliability/ease/cost-hands down ea888/1.8 and 2.0. Zero question. Performance/fun factor is hands down the 5cylinder tho Power/power/power though hands down 3.0 super

Best VW engine ever and the best to modify (diesel) is the TDi PD (last 1.9TDi to be exact). The older 1.9 TDi ones, while capable of doing a lot of km/miles, weren't nearly, without a doubt, as good as the last one (injector pump). You can count by the fingers of one hand the engines VW made that were really that good.

VR6 most def!

As an owner of a mk7 R I can’t recommend it more highly. Perfect daily for me with lots of creature comforts

Awp 1.8t is the best 4 cylinder turbo ever made hands down. Reliable, tons of power, cheap and easy to work on. I had several with all power levels up to 700hp and they are just amazing. Also I own a 40v 4.2 v8 phaeton that’s getting supercharged 😊

Great video guys! Following you for a couple years now. I have a mk5 Gti gen 4 haldex swapped with a CDL engine. Beneath the bonnet its actually a MK6R lol. Currently pushing 350hp but thinking about upgrading everytime I see a vid of you. Keep going guys 💪🏼

I started writing this before you panned over to the 2.5 which was going to be my choice. I recently drove a 2018 RS3 on a long trip and was really impressed!!! I love the way an I5 sounds so much more than an I4 (I have a Volvo turbo I5). I would really like to see a build starting with a VW I5 block & then seeing what can be done with that. From what I read (IDK how accurate this is..) the VW & Audi blocks are pretty similar or basically the same it's just the upper end of the engine (and turbo obviously) that is so different. I think I was even told the cranks on the VW 2.5 is forged & is just as capable as the Audi crank. It would be really interesting to see a turbo build of the VW 2.5 where you cover the differences between a stock VW engine & stock Audi engine & what each is capable of. Another idea would be be similar to the above but working with the VW 3.2 & the Audi 3.2 especially with the prices of the Audi 3.2 vehicles. Then there are a ton of options if you open the door to Porsche & their engines/parts which I would also love to see!! With the old Cayennes being relatively inexpensive (IDK about engines & parts) we could see some nice 3.2 & 3.6 VR builds. I've driven some of the V8 & V8 turbo's in the older models & was really impressed & IDK if there are any VW where these would fit besides maybe a Toureg & newer Tiguan (which I wouldn't turn my head from). The Audi supercharged V6 would be interesting as these were used in the B8 S4 & C6 A6, Q5, SQ5, Q7, etc & the price on these is very obtainable now & we get the continuation of this engine as the turbo charged model in the later years of many of the above models. These tune nicely & are pretty robust from stock (I've been told) & I think Porsche has used the block as well in their SUV's even if slightly debored at times. I also found a lot of non-VAG parts that can work with many of these models everything from pulleys, intercooler upgrades to suspension & brakes - many available from GM vehicles (I found that good used parts available for about 1/5 the price of new aftermarket parts for VAG vehicles - so some of the builds could be very economical). I listed the above in order of what I'd like to see in a project car down to the bottom where I think these would make affordable daily drivers that are very tuneable in stock form but can also produce some very respectable numbers with a more thorough build. I'm guessing you don't do much supercharge builds other than the G60 but for a I currently have a 99.5 12v VR6 GTI (5sp) which I don't know what I want to do with as it seems like a nice project car but I really am not a fan of FWD & would really like to find the 6sp manual from the 25th anniversary edition.

For sound, The VR6 and on turbo's they can make great power 2.8 12v to 3.6 24v. The best bang for buck would be the TSI I'm thinking.

VR6 the World! I drive for sensation sound and the raw analog feel with every notchy shift.

VR6 all the way for me. I had Mk4 GLI 24v VR6 and now a MK5 R32, I love the instant power and torque it delivers, though it's not easy to get more out of them NA, they're pretty much set for a Turbo or Supercharger setup.

Would love to see more 2.5 content. I have a mk5 rabbit and am looking for some more inspiration regarding power mods.

2.5 07k swap stuff would be fun. trans options and whats needed for boost. Gen 2 ea888 is something I'm looking into. B8/8.5 A4 have been catching my eye.

I have the exact same lathe! Best engine in VAG is the 5 cylindres, VR6 and any TDI. 5 cylinder proven in rally and tarmac back in the 80's! Sold my 1994 UrS4 this summer. Best car I ever owned!

Im beginning the process of 07K swapping my MK4 GTI, got my hands on a 2006 beetle 2.5 with a manual so i have everything. Love the 1.8t but i think the 07K might yield the results im aiming for

AFP 12 valve VR is my favorite, on my second one and its so perfect, other than gas mileage

Been rocking the 4.0t on a 2018 s7 for about a year now. It's my first Audi engine I've owned and I'm pretty happy with it. Within the first two weeks of ownership I got a stage 1 tune by apr. Hoping to eventually go higher. Never watched this channel before but I was definitely curious by the title :]

Awesome video guys. Im a VW/Audi guy through and through. Ive built I dont even dont know how many turbo cars over last7 years i lost count. And My favourite motor is...... All of them. Ive built so many different iterations and combos of different cykinder head on different block and custom TDI cranks ground to fit ABF16v blocks with bmw 328I pistons. 1.816v and 2.016V heads on a variety of blocks. A super cheap killer combo is a ADY or 2E longblock woth 16v head all stock parts handles 500hp easy day in day out. Ive done low power 12v vr6 turbos to 1000hp vr6 turbos and fulle cemented 1300hp R36 drag motors. There really is such an amazing variety of choices. Im currently building a destroked R32 down to 3000cc 8000rpm revving 1200hp combo motor for myself. One thing I have notice through all of these builds for customers is that is has never been about what makes sense. It has always been about passion for a particular motor.

will love to see more 2.5 turbo content. still waiting on updates with that last 2.5t golf yall had on the channel

"What is your favorite engine to modify" should be the namesake of the vid, how you going to leave out the TDI? They are HUGE in the swap world (and the majority of swaps aren't stock). I doubled the miles *and* smiles per gallon in my Jeep for example.

2019 GLI here. upgraded to HPA IS38 OEM+ all the other goodie upgrades. almost at the final tune stages with the downpipe being changed. just sitting new in the box right now. last dyno session made 315 WHP / 354 torque. for now. but not opening in the engine here. With all that upgrades and the tune on 93 still got 34MPG on the road trip from texas to Ohio. pretty amazed by that. With that though I am only looking for about reliable 320-330 could be more will see once downpipe is changed and tune adjusted. Love my GLI though.

At least he mentioned the 2.5's. But the B9 3.0T's, 2.9TT, and the 4.0's are monstrous. Still cant forget the easy and reliable 500 wheel from the B8 Supercharged 3.0T. Cheap to get into them too.

Cant wait to see more 2.5!

I own a 1.8T myself and well, let's just say it is amazing how easy it is to gain power with these engines. I had mine tuned, K04-015 turb and 550cc injectors and a 3 inch downpipe. The only thing that made this engine blow up was an improper tune. But even with the sh*tty tune, it flew past those mk7 GTI's with a bit of ease while costing me only like 3 grand including the car. Lovely engines, lovely aftermarket support, VW (turbo) engines are just lovely overall

As a mkv rabbit owner i would love some 2.5 content na or turbo!

2.0T hands down the most mod friendly/available engine in terms of reliability for Vw/Audi mqb platform

Planning on getting a 2.5 next and hopefully hitting you guys up for advice

2.0L 16V turbo or 1.8 supercharged G60 now this dates back 10-15 years ago for me now we have much more displacement options and combinations.

Will always love the VR for its straight power and sound, but nowadays for me it would be the 2.0 in my 2016 sS3. I love it.

I'm German. I like your efficient talking. Straight to the point. Thinking about my old 8j mk 2 TT 3.2 which I truly love. Still waiting to come to life. Turbo off course. 500hp would be more than efficient. I love the sound. I love the quattro. Time to get it moving.

I have owned two 1.8T cars a Mk4 GTi and a Mk1 TT Quattro. The Mk4 was alright, didn't really impress me as a car but the TT was so much better, both engines were reliable and did 185k miles before I sold them. I now have a B9 A4 TFSI Quattro with a CYRB engine (MPI from factory in Europe). I'd love to know how to make 400hp (at the crank) but useable on track days etc so it wont over heat and shit the bed.

5 cylinder turbo, no doubt

I personally drive a 2.8 vr6 24v. Stock its very pleasant to drive.

I'd love to see a video of a basic breakdown of how much it costs to hit certain power miletones of the Gen 3, 2.0. I have a golf R that I'd love to get 500hp out of, but I'd like to do it reliably, and I'm curious about what it takes to get there!

I love the 1.8T. Bank for your buck but I would like to see 2.5L content. Thank you for a good video.

~3:30, your cost / benefit analysis of the larger number of parts for building a VR6 vs any 4-cylinder can work the other way for those of us who would be paying somebody else to do the engine build. That labor is so much more expensive than the parts either way that overall, we get more performance / $ by spending more on parts, by a small percentage compared to the total bill. (I won't say "a little bit more," but the difference is small *compared* to the total bill.) If you do the work yourself, sure, then whether / how much you consider the work a cost or something you'd pay to do, is totally subjective. Anyway, I can see how saving $ on parts could make a lot of sense but for me, I'd rather just spend a small fraction more for the higher power at lower dangerous boost levels, no doubt about it.

2.7T for daily driveability. Spend about $3000 ($2000 for K04 hybrid turbos, $300 for injectors, $150 for a MAF housing and $500 for a clutch) and it'll make 500chp/450lb-ft of torque at 3500 RPM, something you could only dream of with most 4-cylinder VW engines; and it will do it for 100k miles, virtually trouble-free. Beyond that, everything gets expensive, no matter the engine.

First things first, love the channel. My Wife and I have owned roughly 20 cars in the 20 years we've been together (easy to see how often we go thru cars LOL) and half of them have been Mustangs. All V8's, from 2001 GT to 2013 Boss 302 to 16 and 19 5.0's. I retired from my career after only 16 years and sold my 19 5.0 just to get rid of the payment. I bought a 21 Kia Forte GT 1.6T with the intentions of doing bolt ons and that's it. However the car wasn't that fun especially coming from newer 5.0 Mustangs I sold it. Did so much research and landed on my current 2020 GTI DSG. Within 2 weeks it had Stage 1 ECU and TCU tune and currently sitting waiting to be installed is the Trueflex sensor and HPFP so I can run E85. It's actually been one of the funnest cars I've owned and can't wait to run E85 with my new intake and catless DP. 👍

Im still partial to the old NA or SC 2.0's. Fully built ABA 8v 2.2 liter stroker, or w/ a 16/20 valve head swap or 9A same build. KR, PL 1.8 16v bored over. Either high compression w ITB's or super charged. Instant torque, in light cars, mk1, mk2, mk3, puts the smile on my face, more than heavy 600hp turbo cars.

I was seriously worried you weren't going to even consider the 2.5. In the end you chose the 2.5. Thanks, I didn't choose wrong.

I know it’s not as popular but I’d love to see a gen3 1.8t build. I have a 2016 Passat and it’s just so tough to find information on these.

For me the best one is 2.0 TSI (EA888) in all it's 4 gens the reasons are: 1. Engine with more gens ever so VAG has been putting all of its experience on that engine 2. There are a complete market of hardware in order to tune it! Since engine supports to ECU tune with more stages levels complex 3. Not for nothing is the VWs engine's icon and wins as the best engine by International Engine Awards (IEA) in 2019 4. Because it's connecting rods and Pistons config it supports some stages up with stock engine! If I could get that piece of engineering, I buy it without thinking!!!! By now I have 07k Jetta

In regards to the ea888.3 and the manifold being cast into the head there are a few workshops now developing 4 port head conversions but not cheap!!

Big VR fan here. It would be cool for VW to build a GLi with a 3.0 VRT 4 motion 6 speed manual. At this point a GLi with a VR would be amazing.

Fantastic video guys, for me.. it's a no brainer if you take price per performance you cannot beat the 1.8t 20v with a k04 turbo 👌 best bang for buck in the Audi VW engine by facts 👌 Amazing that mine still pulls 40-50mpg at 60mph, whilst still having almost 300hp on tap! For a couple grand and and 18 year old car, it cannot be beaten.. newer engines are insane but the price gap for performance increase doesn't warrant it for me 🤷

I’ve owned majority of the herein listed power plants. To this day, my 1.8t 20v is my favorite. May not sound as good as the VR, but an absolute blast

Love every video you guys make no matter how mundane. On the side note 1.8T FOR LIFE. 🙂

you guys are great, blessed thee for sharing such info. hopefully in the future you guys may share more on the bottom end, like example for the crank on reducing bending or even crankwalk, overlooked stuffs like the harmonic dampers & even lubrication cooling.. like the gurdle stuff, cheers

Wait till the mk8 r has been around a few years, currently in the uk mk8 golf r stage 1 basic map 400-410bhp 99ron map. Then 460-470 with intercooler and exhaust and mal tweak. The current standard conti turbo on the mk8 r can push the mk8 r to mk7 r hybrid turbo power numbers with ease. It’s amazing the way the things have changed in the past 10-15 years. Remember back in 2005/6 a 1.8t 225 Audi TT stage 3 was blowing the doors off most things 😂

2.5T I believe can make crazy power when tested. I'm building a B4 Passat wagon 2.5T in Canada love to see tf make 400 to 475 whp. Will be reaching out to you guys for tuning & parts. Love the channel keep it up gentleman !

I’m rocking my boosted 8 valve. Easy and cheap power.

I have a 2018 vw Passat vrs 3.6l v6 .. I love it

I think the EA888 is a no brainer for “cheap” power. I love my CRZ MK6 golf R EA113 though. The sound for a 4 cylinder is very deep for some reason and besides the cam follower is a pretty nice engine. Just need to do the TSI roller Conversion. Can’t go wrong with the 07K either, 9 psi turbo on stock manifold and engine is close to 400 wheel which is amazing

I have golf MK4 with 1.8t k04s turbo S3 injectors remapped on rolling road absolute rocket made a beautiful noise stainless steel Scorpion exhaust ,one of the best cars I've drive

The aba! 8v 16v or 20v head choices. Preferably with the 16v head fully built big turbo.

Back when I was a wee lad, I owned a 97 2.8 30v v6 from a C4 Audi A6 Quattro. I always wondered what the limitations of the engine was and how much it could make.

Did you heard about 1.9TDI PD? My runs on 170hp 380nm just mapped with 222k miles, only engine falut was burst pipe between turbo and intercooler.

I got a 2.0 Volkswagen engine with a 185000 miles on it and it's cast iron but it's starting to go now little things in 2001 cabrio 3,5 guys are great video

2.5 5cylinder is my favorite

1.9 TDI VE and/or PD hands down :)

AGU, BAM best for me easy to work on and a lot of power with not much work.

I love my 08 MkV GTI. Stage 2+ 110k miles needs some tlc but she's been good for the last 3years. I plan on getting an Alltrack in the near future for the Family. But wanna sell the MKV and get a MK3 vr6 also.

The new evo4 is already pushing crazy numbers with very supporting mods

Absolutely love my 2.0t fsi

Best engine hands down for power is the 16v, 35+yrs it's been around and still can't be beat.

I am a bmw enthusiast through and through but you guys just earner a sub from me simply due to the fact how professional and calm the presentation was. Great stuff. p.s. from a bimmer guy, a 3.2 VR6 and 2.5 R5 are one of the two best engines of all time, as well as the old Audi 2.7 TT V6.

Stumbled across your page, great content. I really enjoyed the layman’s technical descriptions. Easy to follow across manufacturers platforms when you describe it that way. Good job gents.

My MK7 GSW has a 1.8T with a golf r turbo on it and it makes about 330hp with a fairly mild tune…. With 4 motion I can pretty much mess with anyone I want in the rain or damp….. and when it’s dry I can beat the vast majority of regular commuters and hang with even mild sports cars…. My next step up will be to an S6, S7 or S8….. the best value in cars today is being able to get the same engine that comes in a $300k Lamborghini Urus in a $35k car.

also got complete car with 1.8t aeb quattro, about to change some parts make clean 400hp

I’m a VR guy, one thing I’ll say… a 67mm turbo on a vr or a 1.8t… the vr will be nicer to drive around off boost, and better to build boost. And it sounds way better. And you don’t have to build it to make 400hp

Thanks MD.Dave! Respect.

I’ve only ever drove super old vw engines and the newest one. 73 super beetle with barely any power at all. A vr6 in a 95 Jetta, then the 2.0 tsi gen 3. It’s nice to know the current 2.0 can be beefed up like crazy. Be insane to see how the atlas drove then. I wanted the v6 initially. just the way it drove around the mountains with all the weight it’s carrying made it drive worse than the 2.0 turbo. I guess if you live in some flat place at sea level it’s the better engine.

My favorite is 2.0T FSI

The legendary 1.8. Not too expensive, great power and great reliability. Its objectively the best

I enjoyed the information provided in this video. I found it informative. VR6 has a sound unlike the 4cyl but I like them all.

wanna see more 2.5 content for sure. I think a video on the different tunes you can get on a 2.5 would be awsome. comapring IE to UM, Doman8 and whoever else sells tunes for the 2.5.

I daily a late B5 A4 1.8t ready for a big turbo but only has a K04 with an unopened engine (for now) and methanol. Never been on a dyno but going by weight (CAT scale says 3280 with me in it) I just got it to hit 280hp at the wheels with 22-24psi... I would like to it on a dyno just to see how accurate that is but I know I've surprised a few people driving way nicer cars... The AMG Mercedes I was surprised I kept up with.

I would love them to build my 2016 audi a6 3.0t premium plus. This channel is amazing and so informative. Keep up the great work

Here in South Africa we have 2009 Golf 1 aka Citi Golfs most enjoyable motor is the 1.6i 8v(AFX one of the best VW 1600 8v ever)we love to fit Estas 272 cam some headwork 50/57mm free flow exhaust and Unichip Q standard ECU is Bosch Mp9, honestly not the most power but with 890kg the car is Nippy and fun to drive and fun off the line..

I think the 2.0tsi…. The cars are more expensive compared to a mk4 1.8t butttttt a mk7 GTI/R stage 2 FBO is a HUGE power bump for just a “tune” and still keeps the vehicle very reliable for a daily

Best dyno compilation I have ever seen 🤙

Just get crazy 1.8t compound rear mount turbo. So like a 225 with a k03s/ko4 then a real big old skinny boy feeding the intake mounted in the rear. Should be able to cool the charge a lot running pipes under car to the front and avoid lot of lag cause when the big ones spooling it's basically just a 225.

AWX PD TDI. Bulletproof and pennies to tune

07K is the top of my list

I think it's worth noting that if this advice we're to be taken by someone building a street car or a non-drag track car, that the VR (because of higher displacement) will have torque earlier in the powerband than the 1.8t or the EA with similar total power outputs and similar sized turbos. Now yea, sometimes that hurts more than it helps but it's definitely important to point out in case you might have a car that doesn't have a traction problem.

i heard that modern 1.4/1.5 engines tune pretty good too (mk7 for example) only downside is you cant get aftermarket clutch for manual mk7 golf for example and manual transmission itself...what i could find online a guy said that he lost 3rd gear only after making 400 or 450nm i think and 15k km...sooo stage 2 still shouldnt be a problem i think just go easy on the clutch and engine should handle it without a problem

I'm not racing or modding heavily. My EA888.3 2.0 stage 2 is a blast to drive. It was super easy to add a downpipe and a tune. I could do more, but my fwd GLI already has traction problems. Maybe an A3/S3 in the future.