BEW or ALH block?

[marc_vdberg]

Hey, I am planning a big turbo build for an a6. I am hoping for something around 250hp. I am wondering what is a better block to start with. I have access to a bew block and already have a spare alh block. I don't know which is stronger. And if any better I might be able to get ahold of a BRM block too..
Any info would be appreciated.

 

[TDIMeister]

A6, you mean Audi? Start off with a BHW.

 

[JFettig]

Definitely BHW or euro AWX

 

[jimbote]

I agree with above ^^ ...however are you planning on going with a PD or a VE setup?....if you go with a VE and use a PD bottom end ie; BHW, BEW you'll have to drill/tap a hole in the block for the small lower idle roller...if your going with a PD setup forget about the ALH block completely....

 

[marc_vdberg]

I am planning VE. It's easier for me as I have pretty much all accessories and wiring for it. And yes it's going to go in an Audi. Is there any advantage with the pd block? I can do the work to make it fit that's not an issue. But if it's not worth it I have a perfectly fine alh bloc to start with.

 

[DIESEL DAZZLER]

PD or ALH

Using a pd bottom end not work with an alh computer system.The crank shaft reluctor is incorrect,has too many notches.Consists of a pulse train about 60 notches were as an alh has only 4 notches.Reluctors are not interchangeable so I was informed.

 

[jimbote]

Using a pd bottom end not work with an alh computer system.The crank shaft reluctor is incorrect,has too many notches.Consists of a pulse train about 60 notches were as an alh has only 4 notches.Reluctors are not interchangeable so I was informed.

you were mis-informed ....I'm using a BHW PD bottom end with an ALH head and reluctor wheel....very interchangeable ....I did have to drill the block for the lower Idle roller stud but over 16K miles on the "frankenmotor" so far .... http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=308134

 

[keaton]

you were mis-informed ....I'm using a BHW PD bottom end with an ALH head and reluctor wheel....very interchangeable ....I did have to drill the block for the lower Idle roller stud but over 16K miles on the "frankenmotor" so far .... http://forums.tdiclub.com/showthread.php?t=308134

forgive me if im wrong but wouldn't the BHW/BEW head and computer better? the PD injectors can give the injectors more fill time & higher RPM as each piston has it own pump, there for its own plunger...not 1 plunger shared between 4 cylinders + the extra stress of twisting and compressing fluids.

 

[jimbote]

forgive me if im wrong but wouldn't the BHW/BEW head and computer better? the PD injectors can give the injectors more fill time & higher RPM as each piston has it own pump, there for its own plunger...not 1 plunger shared between 4 cylinders + the extra stress of twisting and compressing fluids.

Really was not going for RPM in this build...it's a truck motor....I agree the PD is better in many ways, I love my 05' ....however I built the engine based on my resources and knowledge @ the time...Had I been in possesion of a complete PD BHW engine it most likely would have made it into the conversion....

 

[marc_vdberg]

I have a alh with a vnt17 in a 90 Toyota pickup as my daily driver. An alh is the best choice for me as I have everything for it. All the pds I can get ahold of have bad heads. From the sounds of it I should just stick with the alh block I have.

 

[turbocharged798]

As for the block its self, BEW and ALH blocks should pretty much be the same thing. The differences are in the connecting rods and pistons. The rods are triangle shaped on the small end to help take load better. Ditto for the pistons. The problem is that BEW pistons have no valve cutouts like ALH pistons do. BRM pistons should work as well as ARL PD150s.

 

[jimbote]

I'm pretty sure the lower idle roller stud is in the wrong location on the BEW block to use in a VE application...of course that's what drills and taps are for ....and that's how I was able to use a BHW with a VE head I redrilled the block for lower idle roller stud...

 

[marc_vdberg]

Ok then really if I am going to replace the pistons and rods with upgraded stuff then there is no difference. I will stick with the alh block I have then.
thank you all for the input.

 

[jimbote]

ALH block will be fine ....I've been considering another hybrid of sorts with BEW pistons and rods in an ALH block (stuff I have sitting around of course)...the BEW pistons will need valve reliefs cut for the VE head but hey I've got the stuff!!...good luck with your swap...keep us updated!

 

[FlyTDI Guy]

Are the rod and main journals, caps and fasteners the same size between the two? I thought the PD's were heavier, or is it just the rods?

 

[jimbote]

Are the rod and main journals, caps and fasteners the same size between the two? I thought the PD's were heavier, or is it just the rods?

BEW, BRM PD rods have the same journal size as ALH, AHU, 1Z...the euro PD150 and the US spec BHW PD have large beefy rod journals although the mains are the same size in all the above....

 

[loudspl]

16v PD BKD like this would be a good way to start for 250+:

http://shopping.boraparts.com/product_info.php?cPath=21_28_139_148&products_id=690

But if you already have the VE just upgrade the rods & pistons. The crank should be just fine for 250+. Cheaper to just build the VE since you already have the block, etc

 

[FlyTDI Guy]

BEW, BRM PD rods have the same journal size as ALH, AHU, 1Z...the euro PD150 and the US spec BHW PD have large beefy rod journals although the mains are the same size in all the above....

Thanks Jim... though I've worked on mine a ton, nothing yet on internals. My day will come, no doubt.