Full DIY guide 1.8t forged connecting rods upgrade for Audi TT Mk1 8N & 1.8t Maxpeeding rods review

Next steps on the Desert Green Pearl Audi TT Mk1 restoration is the detailed step by step guide to removing the cylinder head and OEM rods to upgrade Maxspeeding forged conrods. I give tips and tricks throughout to ensure you have a smooth install. Remember: T45 TORX for that bloody oil pump sprocket bolt!!!

0:29 First is unboxing the Maxpeeding Rods and & ACL Race bearings.
They appear to be packaged well and of decent enough quality. You can see they’re machined nicely without and visible imperfections. Many people on the S3, TT and A4 B5 forums run these rods. A quick review on the Maxpeeding rods for 1.8t are that they seem pretty solid and only a good proper run will tell if they hold up well or not. So far - they look, feel and fit really nicely.

3:31 Removing 1.8t head bolts.
This is done in a specific pattern which is displayed as a screenshot from Elsawin. Loosening the bolts in this order ensures an even removal of the cylinder head. Make sure you’re using the proper tool for this (not a torx bit) which is a 10mm PolyDrive or M10 ribe extended bit.
https://www.tetools.com/m10-ribe-1-2-...

5:35 Before removing 1.8t timing belt it’s good practice to mark it up at the timing notches. I’ll transfer these marks over to the replacement belt.

6:24 Removing the cylinder head.
Once all bolts and timing belt is removed is pretty easy. Just make sure your path to where you’re going to rest the head is clear as it’s quite heavy and you don’t want to risk dropping it.

7:16 Removing 1.8t conrods and pistons.
This is the good bit! Finally the block is stripped down enough to access the connecting rod / piston assembly. First on the list is a quick clean up before removal. I like to use a plastic handled tool (can be wood too) to help push the hardware out of the cylinder. They won’t automatically fall out when the block is upside down because the piston rings keep them in place.

9:32 Upgrading Audi TT conrods to Maxpeeding forged rods – trying to be as detailed and possible and giving you some nice close ups of the hardware.

11:55 1.8t big end bearing tang direction.
It's important to note – make sure you install the rods the right way. The tangs on the 1.8t should always face toward the inlet manifold side (the side where the piston has the flat section).

13:16 Piston wire lock installation tips and tricks.
I give some tips and tricks for installing the1.8t wrist pin circlip / wire locks. This can be tricky! Take your time to make sure you don’t lose any of the wire locks.

15:37 Clocking 1.8t piston rings

16:08 Woohoo! Installing the Maxpeeding conrods into 1.8t BAM engine.
The ring compressor tool I’m using isn’t the best one but when used carefully it works quite well. Just make sure to be careful on tightening the tool around the piston rings and ensure you tap the sides down first before attempting to push the piston back into the bore.

20:00 Removing 1.8t oil pump gives you easy access to cylinder 1.

25:07 Maxpeeding rods ARP2000 bolt torque spec is 50ft/lb

26:00 1.8t Oil pump torque spec is 15Nm

Now all I have to do is wait for the head gasket kit to arrive before building the engine back up again!


Looking forward to the next update and thanks for watching.


Ian
  / auditt3.6