Siena: Hello guys!

I've just gotten hold of a '96 Cabrio 2,6 auto, which will form the basis of Sachi Motorsport's Cabrio project.

Now this wouldn't have been my choice, but it was free, so I honestly couldn't turn her down. She's Ming Blue with black leather, black mohair hood. She's been stood for 2 years, though she does run. The rear window's gone yellow and brittle with age, and literally fell out when I poked at it. Usual cabrio electric roof issues, but that's life.

Now I'm going to install a 6-speed manual trans, and replace the ageing 2,6 V6 12V 150 hp motor with either a 2,7T or 40V S6 motor. I would choose the 340 hp S6 motor over a 310 hp A6 version due to the ease of coding the S6/S8 ECU for manual use. A6/A8 ECU is a bit harder to work with.

I have access to a 2002 A6 3,0 Quattro, and to make the integration of a 2,7T or S6 motor neater, I'm going to use the entire wiring harness of the C5 A6 in the Cabrio. It'll also make the car OBDII compliant, as well as enable the use of either the '00 B5 dash, or that of the '02 C6 dash and cluster. Nice, easy, neat and OEM. I will also be able to install my RNS-E, and add future upgrades that would be tedious with the older B4-based, non-CAN system.

My issue is integrating the Cabriolet power hood harness with the C5 A6. It won't be a big deal, without wiring diagrams of the Audi Cabriolet's power hood control, it'll just take longer to complete than it should.

Pictures to follow!

Thanks guys!

ninz: Gurus in tha hauz, pardon the
distraction.
Am still in a quandary concerning a
durable, easy-to-maintain, first
car.
I am now torn between a Audi 80
B4 Quattro and the Benz 190
sportline.
Advice me, please guys.

Siena:

I would go for the Audi 80 B4 2.0 8 or 16V. Easy and cheap to maintain, even for DIY owners, and with the 8V, fuel economy is reasonable. Shares many engine parts with the VW Golf II and III, so no shortage of parts either.

The Mercedes-Benz 190 Sportline (if it's a real Sportline) is a rare beast. Not many come up for sale used, and when they do, they command high prices. MB are not renowned for good gas mileage, though in terms of prestige, are up there with the best, and the Audi 80 won't match it in this regard. Both cars are equally durable.

It all boils down to what you want from a car.

Bossforeva: Sienna wah bout this?

Siena:

What about it bro?

Bossforeva: still with U?

ba7man: Mr Siena, I'm sorry to derail your thread but can i need your advice.

Firstly, I'm seriously considering an Audi A3 2004 MY upwards because i believe it shares mechanical components with the VW Golf. To what extents are the similarities?

Then would it be cheaper if i sourced for a RHD version and Convert it with you or you help me source for a LHD version?

Siena:

The Audi A3 8P chassis shares engine, transmission and suspension with the VW Golf IV. It's pretty much a VW Golf with more exotic clothes. ECU's and some interior electricals are also interchangeable.

I can convert a RHD to LHD easily, as the bodyshels are global (no separate LHD and RHD). The rices of LHD cars is lower, and LHD conversion kit prices are higher, thanks to demand, which the Germans have cottoned onto, and increased their prices.

I can source you a LHD car, cheaper than it would cost you to buy a RHD model, then convert to LHD. My contact details are in my signature, so we don't contravene forum rules.