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2008 Audi RS4 Engine-Out Service: Crank Girdle Reseal, Clutch, Carbon Clean, and Upgrades

Mon, 03 Nov 2025 21:15:51 GMT

Addressing oil leaks, drivability, and known B7 RS4 weak points in one comprehensive service

The B7 Audi RS4 is a special car. The high-revving 4.2L naturally aspirated V8 delivers a driving experience that modern Audi platforms simply don’t replicate—but at higher mileage, these cars demand careful planning and thorough execution when major work is required.

This 2008 Audi RS4 came to Griffin Motorwerke with a significant oil leak from the crank girdle , along with the owner's clear request to address everything that makes sense, including clutch, carbon buildup, known wear items, and recommended upgrades.

Inspection and Planning

Initial inspection confirmed heavy oil leakage originating from the lower engine, consistent with crank girdle and sealing failure. Additional findings included:

Cracked upper and lower control arm bushings
Worn front tires approaching cords
Aging intake manifold runner components
Opportunity for suspension and driveline upgrades while fully disassembled

With the scope defined, the decision was made to proceed with a full engine-out service , allowing all major items to be addressed correctly and efficiently.

Engine Removal, Sealing, and Timing Service

Once removed, the engine underwent extensive resealing and preventative service:

Crank girdle reseal
Cam girdle reseal
Rear main seal replacement
Timing chain service with new chains, guides, tensioners, and hardware
Valve cover gaskets and associated seals

These are well-known problem areas on the B7 RS4 and addressing them with the engine out avoids repeat labor and future leaks.

Clutch, Drivetrain, and Supporting Systems

With the engine and transmission separated, we replaced the complete clutch system, including:

New clutch kit and dual-mass flywheel
Slave cylinder, guide sleeve, pivot hardware, and main shaft seal
Driveshaft center support bearing

Incremental opportunities were also taken to replace components that are otherwise difficult to access, including sensors, hoses, seals, and the oil separator.

Carbon Cleaning and Fuel System Refresh

As expected on a high-mileage direct-injection V8, carbon buildup was present on the intake valves. While disassembled, we performed a carbon clean of the intake ports and valves .

At the same time, all fuel injectors were replaced with new OEM units , along with seals and intake gaskets. Doing injector checks during a carbon service is smart preventive maintenance and helps prevent future misfire or leakage issues.

Recommended Upgrades and Suspension Work

With the mechanical foundation addressed, we installed several upgrades aimed at improving longevity and driving feel:

Upgraded intake manifold runner arms
Front and rear upgraded sway bars
New front upper and lower control arms
Street-density engine mounts

These upgrades tighten up the chassis, improve response, and address common RS4 wear points without compromising the character of the car.

Final Assembly, Service Catch-Up, and Road Setup

Before reinstalling the engine, additional items were handled while access was available:

Oxygen sensors
Auxiliary radiator replacement
Heater core hose repair
Ignition coils, connectors, and spark plugs
Brake fluid flush
Full oil service and fluid top-offs

Once reassembled, the RS4 received new Michelin Pilot Sport 4S tires , a road force balance, and a full four-wheel alignment to complete the package.

The Result

The result is a B7 RS4 that’s properly sorted from the inside out. Oil leaks are resolved, driveline operation is smooth, throttle response is restored, and the chassis feels tight and composed again. Most importantly, this car is now set up for long-term ownership without chasing recurring issues.

This kind of work isn’t about shortcuts—it’s about doing the job once, doing it right, and preserving what makes the RS4 special.

Audi RS4 Service at Griffin Motorwerke

Griffin Motorwerke specializes in Audi, BMW, Porsche, and Volkswagen service, including engine-out repairs, major resealing work, and platform-specific upgrades. If your B7 RS4 is due for clutch work, timing service, carbon cleaning, or oil leak repair, our team can help you plan the right approach.

2012 VW Golf R Maintenance: Carbon Buildup, Fuel Injectors, Suspension

mike@g-werke.com (Mike Roberson) — Thu, 05 Jun 2025 22:19:35 GMT

Restoring drivability and ride quality on a high-mileage performance hatchback.

We recently serviced a high-mileage 2012 Volkswagen Golf R for drivability issues, carbon buildup, and aging suspension components—common concerns for the Mk6 Golf R platform and other direct-injected VW models.

Carbon Cleaning and Fuel Injector Replacement

Like many direct-injection VW engines, the 2.0L TSI suffers from carbon buildup over time. We removed the intake manifold and found heavy deposits on the intake valves, restricting airflow and causing rough starts and hesitation under load.

With the manifold off, this was the ideal time to install new OEM fuel injectors along with all-new seals and install hardware. Replacing injectors during a carbon clean is highly recommended to prevent future leaks and misfires. The result was dramatically cleaner intake ports and restored flow to all four cylinders.

Ignition Refresh: Spark Plugs and Coils

The original spark plugs were still in place, clearly overdue. We replaced them with fresh NGK Laser Platinum plugs and installed new ignition coils. We also noted the engine oil was slightly low and topped it off during the service. Small steps like these make a significant difference in reliability and drivability.

Suspension Work: Control Arms, Ball Joints, and Shocks

Suspension components were also showing their age. We replaced the front lower control arms and ball joints, then performed a four-wheel alignment to bring the geometry back into spec. The rear received Bilstein B8 Sport shocks and new upper shock mounts, restoring ride quality and handling stability.

Bringing It All Together

This Golf R now delivers smoother power, improved throttle response, and a more planted ride. It’s a great example of what proper maintenance and mechanical refresh work can do for a high-mileage performance VW.

Griffin Motorwerke provides full Volkswagen service, diagnostics, and repair for all generations of performance models, from daily driven Jetta to track-prepped Golf Rs. Whether you're chasing down carbon buildup, suspension wear, or drivability issues, we have the experience and tools to keep your VW running like it should.

1975 Porsche 914 Mechanical Refresh

Thu, 29 May 2025 21:35:02 GMT

Bringing a beautifully restored 1975 Porsche 914 back to proper driving form with our mechanical refresh services

This 1975 Porsche 914 arrived with a freshly restored body but a drivetrain and suspension in need of attention. While the engine still pulled well, years of wear meant the mechanical systems weren’t delivering the driving feel a 914 should.

At Griffin Motorwerke, decades of experience with classic Porsches allowed us to approach this project with the right balance of preservation and improvement.

Mechanical Issues and Inspection Findings

The owner reported a clutch engagement issue, difficulty selecting gears, and some door alignment concerns. A complete inspection revealed:

Worn pressure plate
Stretched clutch cable
Oil-soaked clutch disc
Hardened rear main seal, likely original to the car
Rear axle CV joints needing service
Both front brake calipers seized or binding, with worn rotors and pads

Work Performed

With the issues identified, we carried out a complete mechanical refresh to restore drivability, reliability, and proper Porsche 914 character.

Clutch & Gearbox: Installed new clutch kit with pilot bearing, flywheel shims, mainshaft seals, and fresh rear main seal; cleaned, bead blasted, and machined the flywheel; fitted heavy-duty transmission mounts and a new reverse light switch.
Driveline: Rebuilt rear axles with serviced CV joints.
Brakes: Replaced front calipers, rotors, pads, hoses, wheel bearings, and seals; bled and bedded the braking system.
Engine & Exhaust: Installed stainless-steel exhaust; performed valve adjustment with new gaskets, along with an oil and filter change and oil analysis.
Suspension: Replaced sway bar bushings and hardware; completed a four-wheel alignment.
Shifting & Controls: Replaced worn shifter bushings and cables; follow-up service included reclipping the throttle pedal and correcting spring positioning for smooth pedal response.
Interior Fitment: Installed new door panel clips and seals with improved alignment.

Result

The result is a Porsche 914 that now drives every bit as good as it looks, with mechanical systems that match the quality of its restored exterior. The precise clutch engagement, smooth gear selection, and strong, confident braking transform the way this 914 feels on the road. The lightweight chassis, balanced handling, and direct steering remind us why the Porsche 914 remains one of the most rewarding classic Porsches to drive when properly sorted. This example now delivers the lively, connected experience that has made these mid-engine cars so beloved among enthusiasts for decades.

AWE Tuning SwitchPath Exhaust on Porsche 718 Cayman S

mike@g-werke.com (Mike Roberson) — Mon, 07 Apr 2025 07:18:02 GMT

Enhanced sound and drivability with a valved AWE system that retains full factory PSE functionality

We recently installed an AWE Tuning SwitchPath™ Exhaust System on a 2020 Porsche 718 Cayman S. This valved version retains full factory PSE button functionality, allowing the driver to toggle between quiet and aggressive modes, while remaining CARB-legal and emissions compliant.

Constructed from T304 stainless steel, the system uses factory hanger points for a proper bolt-on fit and features 102mm double-walled tips. It delivers modest weight savings and AWE-documented gains of up to 9.5 hp and 6 ft-lbs of torque at the crank. The resulting sound is deeper and more refined under load, with no unwanted drone during steady cruising, adding character and enjoyment to every drive.

Griffin Motorwerke is an authorized dealer for AWE, Akrapovič, Soul Performance, and other leading exhaust manufacturers — offering solutions tailored for both street and track use. We also provide full Porsche service, repair, and maintenance, along with performance upgrades including tuning and suspension.