My 01 S8
 

In March of 2019, I purchased a 2001 S8. The car is black with black interior and has the Recaro seats. Here are the upgrades the car received before my ownership: a B5 S4 01E 6 speed manual transmission was swapped in, aftermarket mufflers and x-pipe, euro bi-xenon headlights and carbon fiber interior trim was installed. This is the first picture I took of the car when I picked it up from the previous owner.
http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/attachmen...1&d=1652558409




Here are a few pics I took of the car when I got it back home.
http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/attachmen...1&d=1652558409

http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/attachmen...1&d=1652558409

http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/attachmen...1&d=1652558429



I did some maintenance to the car by installing new spark plugs and new D3 coils. Also I replaced the leaking valve cover gasket and while the valve covers were off, I painted them silver.
http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/attachmen...1&d=1627072165



I have replaced all the interior lights to LED lights and was annoyed that there wasn't a driver side foot well light. Come to find out that the HVAC foot well trim panel was cut up where the light needs to mounted to.
http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/attachmen...1&d=1604959588



Here is the replacement panel. Thank you MikkiJayne for helping me on this replacement panel.
http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/attachmen...1&d=1604959588



While I removed the old panel it looks like it was separated from the vent tube part and I had to pull that part out.
http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/attachmen...1&d=1604959588



I had to do some digging to find the wires for the foot well light which I eventually found but had to repair one of the wires.
http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/attachmen...1&d=1604959588



Here is the new panel installed.
http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/attachmen...0&d=1604959588

Welcome and well done mate! Get some megs nxt metal polish on those exhaust tips, use some 00 wool wire. Should come out a treat. Also are those 17 alloys? 20s will look pukka +++

Very nice! +++

And the best colour for a D2 S8 too :D

Thanks. I'll look into getting those exhaust tips cleaned up. I might end up changing them since they are a little on the large size for my taste. Those are 18" alloys on the car. I'm not sure what brand as they are replicas if I remember correctly. I'm not a fan of big wheels and will be sticking with 18" for now.

I do like the color but I would love to have ming blue with black interior. We did get ming blue here in the States but only with platinum interior.

Here is a sneak peak of the new set of wheels that I bought. These wheels are Neuspeed RSe10. The size of the wheel is 18" x 9" with a 40 offset. It'll be a while before I get these installed as I'm not sure what size tires to use yet.

http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/attachmen...1&d=1604960702

Able to go back and work on the car some more and removed the steering wheel that was installed.
http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/attachmen...1&d=1604960890



I got the correct S8 steering wheel installed and also bought a new S8 emblem +++.
http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/attachmen...1&d=1604960890

What are you going to use the tiptronic buttons for now?

I don't have any plans on using those tip buttons. I just have the black connector tucked out of the way for now.

Very nice looking car! Congrats!
And a manual conversion too +++
I’m jealous, black interior is the best. I have the beige interior and I dont like it. Need to swap black leather in.

Looks great! Where in the US are you located?

Nope. Black and red all the way!

:ROFL:
Theres no use arguing about tastes +++

Thanks. I've never done a interior swap before and I'm guessing it a pain to do? I've had vehicles in the past where I wasn't a fan of the interior color and wanted to do a swap but never got around to doing so as I just ended up selling them.

I'm in the midwest.

I kinda like that color combo. I believe we had 2 unique colors here is the States which was only available for the 2003 model year, oxblood and caramel.

I reckon its possible to complete in a weekend, and will be attempting so in a few weeks +++ Everything from the glass down, including dash. I'm keeping the headlining since its alcantara, but everything else goes from dark grey to black.

A small update on my S8. It's been a very long time since the last time I have driven this car :( and the reason for this is because during my research on these cars, I found out that it's possible that a valve spring could fail and I don't want to take that risk of having one break. I have no records of this happening to my car or any record that the have been replaced for precaution reasons. It's currently sitting inside the garage at the apartment that I'm living at.

My plan is to replace the valve springs and do a complete timing service job all at the same time. I've been slowly (and I mean VERY slowly) buying the parts that I need. I have many more parts to buy :(

http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/attachmen...1&d=1627073736
New OEM cam chain tensioners (it's ridiculous how expensive :mad: these are!)




http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/attachmen...1&d=1627073736 http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/attachmen...1&d=1627073736
Upgrading to these valve springs +++ (these are also expensive :mad:)

I have a 39 valve V7 coffee table because of a broken inlet valve spring, but thankfully its a pretty rare failure. IIRC the RS6 and D3 use a revised version of the original D2 springs which the D2 supersedes to.

That's good to know

New update on my car. I totally forgot to mention that not long after I bought the car in 2019, I bought all new Sachs shocks and new shock mounts, new front wheel bearings, and new front axles. While the car was getting all this work done, the shop found that both front springs were broken. I bought a pair of good used front springs. While the shop was waiting for the springs to come in, one of the axles pulled out from when they were driving my car in and out of the shop when the shop is closed for night.

http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/attachmen...1&d=1653764764
I only took one picture but both springs were broken at the bottom coil.

http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/attachmen...1&d=1653764764
The front axle that pulled out.





http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/attachmen...1&d=1653765198
I replaced the stock air bag with a mk1 TT air bag and mk1 6 speed shift knob.

http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/attachmen...1&d=1653765198
I looks like I need to make some adjustment as the ash tray cover doesn't close straight.

http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/attachmen...1&d=1653765198
I also bought a new shift boot but I might end up replacing this with a shorter shift boot.

Update continued. I'm now getting ready to replace the stock valve springs with the SuperTech Prefromance valve spring kit that I bought. Do I really need to replace the stock valve spring? Probably not but with all the researching that I've done with these cars I found out that it's possible that a valve spring could break. It's a risk I'm not willing to take, so with replacing them will ease my mind. This is the reason why I haven't really driven the car in a long time.



Since this car had a electric fan installed, I'm going to try and clean up all the wiring that has been routed in the engine bay. The main one is this relay that was mounted to the air box.
http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/attachmen...1&d=1652568558

The area that I'm thinking about mounting the relay to is this frame for the air box but not sure which spot to mount it where it won't be in the way.
http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/attachmen...1&d=1653850012

http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/attachmen...1&d=1653850012

http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/attachmen...1&d=1653850012
Which one of these 3 locations is the best place to mount the relay where it's not interfering with something?



http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/attachmen...1&d=1653850522 http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/attachmen...1&d=1653850522 http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/attachmen...1&d=1653850522
I removed the washer tank and found out that there was a rubber grommet inside :tuttut:.



http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/attachmen...1&d=1653850903
I removed the left side spark plugs and all 4 of them look like this. What is causing the oil on the plugs? How concerned should I be?



http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/attachmen...1&d=1653850903
What is this wire for (at the red arrow)?




http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/attachmen...1&d=1653851469
This is what the left cylinder head looks like. Any tips on removing the cam shafts so I can replace the valve springs?

http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/attachmen...1&d=1653851469
It looks like the cam chain tensioner had new pads installed before I bought this car.

http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/attachmen...1&d=1653860115
Right cylinder head.

http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/attachmen...1&d=1653860115
Right cam chain tensioner.


http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/attachmen...1&d=1653851469
This is the underside of the left cam cover and the grey color that you see is the high temp sealant that I used when I replaced the cam cover gaskets.
This probably isn't going to be fun cleaning off this sealant.

Anywhere in that area should be fine since there's nothing else there. I'd stick it next to the chassis leg since its closer to the warm engine.

Oil on the plugs on a V8 is quite rare as it can't get in via the cam cover gasket like on the V6. The only route really is if the spark plug tube isn't seated in the head properly. Clean it and see if it comes back

Oil level sensor in the sump

RTFM +++ There's an order to remove the cam caps so the cams don't bend. It'll be in the Tech Dump somewhere. Clean all the schmutz out of the bolt heads before starting, and using the T30 torx bit as a drift, hit each bolt sharply with a hammer to break the stiction. They take a surprising amount of force to break loose, then just spin out. Buy the best quality T30 Torx bit you can find.


WD40 or naptha-based brake cleaner usually makes short work of silicone sealants.

Thanks for all the above info MJ.

I'm guessing the spark plug tube is screwed into the cylinder head? Or is it pushed into it?

Is it worth the troubles cutting this wire harness and install wire pigtail connectors like these? Reason why I'm thinking about doing this is because it will make easier to disconnect this harness and move it out of the way when removing the cam cover and when reinstalling the cam cover.



http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/attachmen...1&d=1653859830
What is this sensor for?

The spark plug tube is pushed in to the head. Its an extremely tight interference fit but its really the only component which could allow oil to get in there.

Just disconnect the oil level sensor cable at the sensor on the left side of the sump. Its cable tied in a couple of places but not difficult to get to. You don't need to cut it to move it. I actually run that cable behind the belt cover when reassembling as its much neater and not in the way - there is plenty of space on that side.

The connector inside the right hand cover is for the cam position sensor.

Did some minor work today by installing the electric fan relay in a new location and rerouting the wires.


http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/attachmen...1&d=1653941532
Finished installing the relay to this new location.

http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/attachmen...1&d=1653941597
In case you were wondering what the electrical connection is that's to the left of the relay is for. It was a wiring kit for coolant temp sensor that I installed to automatically turn on/off the electric fan. I totally forgot that I bought and installed this kit.

http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/attachmen...1&d=1653941610
Test fit the bottom half of the air box. This wire needs to be rerouted.

http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/attachmen...1&d=1653941665
Finished getting the wires out of the way. I still need to figure out where to tuck this fuse holder out of the way.

http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/attachmen...1&d=1653941751
It looks like I need drill a small hole to feed this wire (red arrow) through the side of the ECU box just like you see for the grey wire in front of the ECU box and seal the hole with waterproof silicone to keep water out.

http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/attachmen...1&d=1653941765
I need to remove this connector to fix this properly.

I finally got around to start on the valve spring replacement job on this car. This job is such a pain as the first valve spring compressor tool kit that I bought does not really work correctly. Then I went to the local parts store to buy a different tool and that one does not really work either.


I started by removing the intake valves. If anyone is interested, here is a side by side comparison of the two springs. The Supertech valve spring is slightly taller then the stock spring.
http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/attachmen...1&d=1656882618



Here is the first valve spring compressor tool kit that I bought.
http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/attachmen...1&d=1656882618



How this tool works is the anchor adaptor is screwed down into the cylinder head and the other end with the open window adaptor is used to compress the valve spring down which allows you access for reinstalling the valve keepers. Also as you can see in this picture I'm using nylon rope (I don't have air compressor nor the adaptors) fed into the cylinder chamber to help keep the valves closed during this job.
http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/attachmen...1&d=1656882618


Only problem with this tool, is there is too much movement and not completely stationary to do the job correctly without causing problems. This picture here I want to illustrate the top part (left in picture) of this adaptor where it screws into the tool and....
http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/attachmen...1&d=1656882618

....caused slight damage to this area (not sure the correct name) on the cylinder head. It's not as bad as it looks in this picture as I zoomed in when I took this picture. So I stopped using this tool as it was a struggle to use to compress the valve spring down to reinstall the keepers. Can this be fixed?
http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/attachmen...1&d=1656882663



I went to the parts store to buy a different tool and the center fork part is too wide.
http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/attachmen...1&d=1656882663 http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/attachmen...1&d=1656882663


I had to modify it to get it to fit correctly. The problem with this tool is the lower hooks are too long where you have the valve spring in the tool and compressed, you can't slide the spring over the valve stem as the hooks come very close together and does not allow the valve stem to pass though. So I ended up returning the tool for a refund. Sorry I didn't take a picture showing the hooks coming too close together.
http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/attachmen...1&d=1656882663


So as of right now, I stopped working on my car until I find a better tool kit to use. Has anyone used this tool kit? Anyone have other suggestions?

Use a fine round-edge needle file to take the raised edge off so you can't feel it with a fingernail.

A little missing metal from underneath the cam is not an issue because all the force on the cam is upwards, but you don't want a raised portion of aluminium touching the cam since you won't be able to torque it properly and as soon as the cam starts spinning it will melt the aluminium, spread it all round that journal like shiny mayo, and ruin the head.

Thanks for the info MJ. I do have fine round-edge needle file but just need to find it lol.


I did some more searching and came across this compressor kit which looks like the best one to use especially when you working by yourself (here is a demo video). As the other kits may need a second person to help you.


Since I'm doing this valve spring replacement job, I might as well replace the valve seals. I did a quick vendor search and it looks like the valve seal is the same size for both the intake and exhaust valves?

I can't comment on the tool as I think you're the first person to ever document doing the job like this!

The stem seals are the same yes, 036109675A used on loads of things.

Lucky me I guess :eek:


This vendor's site have multiple brands for the valve seals and wtf at some of the price for one seal!?! They want $10.95 USD for one genuine Volkswagen/Audi seal :tuttut: that's crazy! The other brands are Victor Reinz, Eling, Meistersatz, Corteco, and Febi. Which is the best brand to go with since I don't want to pay the genuine Volkswagen/Audi price?


I found the part number for the cam chain is 058109229B. Are both part numbers 058109229B and 058109229 exactly the same? 058109229B is expensive and 058109229 not as expensive.

According to the parts catalogue 058109229 was never used in the A8. However, for those cars that did use it, the superseded part number they give is 058109229B, so in theory either should do... but I'd wait for a definitive answer from MikkiJayne.

I don't change the chains. There is no measurable difference between a 200K example and a brand new one, other than the aftermarket items I've seen are flimsy looking tat. If you must change them, genuine only. 058109229B is the number in the catalogue so go with that, although you do appear to be getting fairly reamed on the price - genuine are <$100 here.

Elring or Reinz for the valve stem seals. They are OEs for those types of components. Febi as third choice. I have not had good results from Corteco parts and will not buy them.

I ended up buying this valve spring compressor kit since the other two that I bought didn't work. The kit has arrived and I haven't used it as of yet.

http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/attachmen...1&d=1658083520




I bought new valve stem seals and valve seal pliers.
http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/attachmen...1&d=1658083520 http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/attachmen...1&d=1658083520



I removed one valve seal and here is a close up picture of the old seal.
http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/attachmen...1&d=1658083520 http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/attachmen...1&d=1658083520

After removing the other two seals, here is a close up picture of the crud on top of the valve guides. What is the best way to clean this off?
http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/attachmen...1&d=1658083520

Brass wire brush and carb cleaner. Make sure the bristles are actually brass and not plated steel.

Thanks for the info. Is this the best brush to use? Also forgot to ask, should I use oil when installing new valve seals?

Well this is disappointing. I quick did a pre-setup of this new spring compressor kit and I found out there will be no way that I'll be able to use it for the exhaust valves. As you can see in this picture below (I know I have it setup for the intake valves) there will be no room to use this kit for the exhaust valves because of the brake lines to the ABS unit. This is just frustrating! Now it looks like I'm going to have to remove the cylinder heads to do this job :( which I was trying to avoid.

http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/attachmen...1&d=1659289721





MJ, do you have any tips on how to remove the cylinder heads with the engine still in the car? I really want to avoid pulling the engine out of the car.

My tip is to remove the engine.

Its really not worth the hassle of trying pull both heads in the car, especially since you don't actually [i]need[/] to pull the heads with this tool you have. Its pretty simple to lift the engine and box out of the front with a 6-speed, if you don't want to remove the subframe and drop it out of the bottom.

Unfortunately that's not going to work for me as I don't have a engine stand and also don't have a engine crane.

I'm going to try and see if the new compressor kit will fit.

Have you tried the Facebook groups? Some helpful chaps in the US

How about renting them? Thats what I used to do until I had my own kit.

I could rent them but I really don't have garage space to pull out the engine and have the engine sitting on the engine stand near/away from the car.


These pictures I took show the compressor tool at only pre-setup.



This is the new compressor tool pre-setup for the exhaust valves and as you can see it rests against the upright tower.
http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/attachmen...1&d=1661028865


As you can see in this picture the angle isn't enough for the tool.
http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/attachmen...1&d=1661028865


This is the first compressor tool that I bought and it looks like it might work for the valves towards the front of the engine.
http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/attachmen...1&d=1661028865


This picture shows the tool for the valves at the rear of the engine and it looks like it'll be very challenging to do the rear valves.
http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/attachmen...1&d=1661028865



So I'm down with two options, either fight the challenge of doing this job with the tools that I have or remove the heads. This has been very slow going as I've been working a lot of overtime at my job and some weekends I'm just to exhausted to work on this car. The other issue that I have is a bad back, so there are times my back doesn't allow me to work on the car.

Whatever you do, don't give up. No guts, no glory! +++