Quattro Squad

Quattro Rally Build Engine In!

Thanks for sticking around an following our 10 year build! Last month we discussed how we struggled to install the exhaust manifold, wastegate and turbo, made the crank position and speed sensors fit and installed the flywheel and clutch. In this update we put our game face on, get falsely relayed, strapped in and, if we’re not exhausted, get the engine and transmission in, maybe even in the right end of the car! (our other rally car is a 911 btw)

We hosted a Hagerty Driver’s Club event in our building recently so decided to put the car’s game face on. Best face forward as they say. It looks like a car again. A rather spicey car even.

Front view of an Audi sports car in a workshop setting, featuring a white body with visible wiring and an incomplete body assembly.


Another distraction or waiting for parts? You decide. We always liked these original relay panels so thought we could replicate them. Nearly nailed it in our humble opinion. What do you think? Like the fuse panels, we don’t actually need these as we are using a Power Distribution Module (PDM) but couldn’t resist adding this authentic touch.

A laptop displaying a close-up image of a vehicle's fuse box with labeled wires, next to a roll of yellow adhesive labels with handwritten notes and a black Sharpie pen on a desk.
A close-up of labeled electrical relays and fuses on a desk, with a laptop showing a similar setup in the background.
An image showing a fuse box mounted inside a vehicle, with labeled yellow stickers indicating various functions such as 'Blinker', 'Horn', and 'Fern'.


We added some works-like door straps for added authenticity and not because we need them, as we are using the original door checks; as you’d remember if you’d been paying attention because they were one of the first parts we bolted to the freshly painted shell because “priorities”.

Close-up view of a car's interior showing a mechanical component with a white cable connected, highlighting details of the dashboard.
A collection of crafting materials including white ribbon, numerous gold grommets, a wooden block, and various tools for applying grommets.
Close-up of a white automotive interior showing a safety strap secured to the frame.


We continued the striving for authenticity into the trunk because we couldn’t help our selves and once you’ve got the punches out….

Close-up view of a car trunk hinge mechanism and interior lining, showcasing the attachment point and structural detail.
Close-up of a vehicle's interior with metal brackets and bolts, featuring a white strap and black wiring attached to the structure.


Finally it was time to stop playing around and get the engine and transmission in! It was a tight squeeze but we managed it. Maybe we should have dropped the subframe to make it easier? DOH!. We’ll know better next time. What next time?

A person installing an engine into a car chassis in a workshop. The engine is suspended from a chain, and the chassis is partially stripped of components, showcasing wires and other elements.
An incomplete car chassis on a lift with an engine being worked on, surrounded by tools and automotive components in a workshop environment.
A partially assembled race car with a visible engine and wiring, set in a workshop. The car's body is mostly white with protective green plastic on the edges. A teddy bear can be seen in the background.


and no, we didn’t add roof vents. We just put the hood on the roof to see if you are paying attention. Well spotted.


Stay tuned, follow and subscribe, or whatever forums do these days. Next time we might just fire up the Quattro!

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