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Description
About the Audi RS3 Engine
Get your car roaring back on the road with the legendary Audi RS3 2.5L TFSI engine. This turbocharged five-cylinder powerplant is renowned for its exceptional power, distinctive exhaust note, and historic significance in Audi’s heritage. Producing 400 horsepower and 354 lb-ft of torque in the DAZA variant, this is one of the most celebrated 4-cylinder-class engines ever produced (despite having 5 cylinders, it competed in the 4-cylinder displacement class internationally). Whether you’re thinking of replacing your existing engine or undertaking a performance build, the Audi RS3 engine for sale here is the perfect match of potency and Audi heritage.
The Heart of Performance: The RS3 2.5 TFSI
The heart of performance in the Audi RS3 lies in its engine , a true masterpiece of engineering that seamlessly blends power, precision, and Audi’s racing heritage. The essence of this fantastic car is the famous 2.5 liter five-cylinder turbocharged engine in its EVO generation, often regarded as the finest small-displacement performance engine of its era. This powerplant is not just an engine but identified to reflect the spirit of Audi’s racing past , including the legendary Audi Quattro that revolutionized rally racing in the 1980s with its turbocharged 5-cylinder and all-wheel drive.
The Audi 5-Cylinder Heritage
To understand why the RS3’s engine matters, it helps to know Audi’s 5-cylinder history , one of the most distinctive engine bloodlines in automotive history:
| Era | Vehicle | Engine | Significance |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1976-1980s | Audi 5000 (US) / 100 (Europe) | Naturally aspirated 5-cylinder | Audi’s introduction of the 5-cylinder concept |
| 1980-1991 | Audi Quattro | Turbocharged 5-cylinder (200 to 600 plus HP) | Revolutionized motorsport with turbo + Quattro AWD, won Group B rally championships |
| 1984-1987 | Audi Sport Quattro S1 (Group B) | Turbocharged 5-cylinder, 600 plus HP | Legendary Group B rally car |
| 1989-1994 | Audi S2 / RS2 | Turbocharged 5-cylinder | Continued 5-cylinder performance tradition |
| 2000s | (5-cylinder went on hiatus) | Various V6 / V8 | Audi focused on V engines |
| 2011-2012 | Audi RS3 8P | CEPA 2.5 TFSI inline-5 (340 HP) | Audi revives the 5-cylinder for the RS3 |
| 2013-2016 | Audi RS3 8V pre-facelift / TT RS 8S early | CZGB / CTSA 2.5 TFSI (367 HP) | Improved 5-cylinder, still cast iron block |
| 2017-2020 | Audi RS3 8V.5 (THIS LISTING) | DAZA 2.5 TFSI EVO (400 HP) | Aluminum block EVO engine |
| 2021-Present | Audi RS3 8Y (THIS LISTING) | DNWA 2.5 TFSI EVO (401 HP) | Latest EVO with revised tuning |
The 2.5 TFSI EVO in this listing is the direct descendant of the rally Quattro engine , a turbocharged 5-cylinder that represents Audi’s distinctive engineering DNA.
The EVO Engine: Aluminum Block Revolution
The EVO version of the 2.5 TFSI (DAZA introduced 2017, DNWA 2021+) represented a major upgrade over the earlier 5-cylinder TFSI engines:
| Feature | CEPA / CTSA / CZGB (2011-2016) | DAZA / DNWA EVO (2017-Present) |
|---|---|---|
| Block Material | Cast iron | Aluminum (cast-in iron liners) |
| Weight | Approximately 173 kg | Approximately 147 kg (26 kg / 57 lbs lighter) |
| Output | 340 HP (CEPA) to 367 HP (CTSA) | 400 HP (DAZA), 401 HP (DNWA) |
| Torque | 332-343 lb-ft | 354 lb-ft |
| Firing Order | Traditional 5-cyl | Revised 1-2-4-5-3 for improved acoustics |
| Compression | 10.0:1 | 10.0:1 |
| Bore x Stroke | 82.5 x 92.8 mm | 82.5 x 92.8 mm (same) |
The aluminum block represents a significant engineering achievement , Audi engineered cast-in iron cylinder liners to provide the durability of iron without the weight penalty.
RS3 / TT RS / RS Q3 Variant Identification
| Model | Engine Code | Years | Output | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Audi RS3 8V.5 (Sedan / Sportback) | DAZA | 2017-2020 | 400 HP / 354 lb-ft | First aluminum block 2.5 TFSI |
| Audi RS3 8Y (Sedan / Sportback) | DNWA | 2021-Present | 401 HP / 369 lb-ft (some markets) | Refined DAZA with revised electronics |
| Audi TT RS 8S | DAZA / DNWA | 2016-2022 | 400 HP / 354 lb-ft | Coupe / Roadster body, same engine |
| Audi RS Q3 | DAZA / DNWA | 2020-Present | 400 HP / 354 lb-ft | SUV body with same 2.5 TFSI |
All four vehicles share essentially the same engine with minor application-specific differences (ECU tune, exhaust routing, etc.).
Key Engineering Features
- Aluminum Block with Cast-In Iron Liners
Revolutionary engineering that delivers the durability of iron cylinder walls with the weight savings of aluminum. The 26 kg weight reduction over the earlier iron-block 5-cylinder dramatically improves response and weight distribution.
- Revised 1-2-4-5-3 Firing Order
The EVO engine uses a distinctive firing order (1-2-4-5-3) that produces the signature offset rhythm exhaust note that has become iconic. The earlier 5-cylinders had different firing patterns; the EVO firing order was specifically engineered for acoustic character.
- Single Twin-Scroll Turbocharger
Compact, responsive turbocharger with twin-scroll design that uses dual exhaust pulses (from grouped cylinder pairs) for efficient spool-up. Capable of significantly more boost with aftermarket modifications.
- Direct Fuel Injection (FSI)
Primary fuel delivery via high-pressure direct injectors firing into the combustion chamber. Some markets and later variants add port injection in parallel for reduced carbon buildup.
- Variable Valve Timing on Both Intake and Exhaust
Continuous variable timing on both camshafts for optimized performance and efficiency across the RPM range.
- Audi Valvelift System (AVS)
Two-stage valve lift profiles on the intake side for optimized breathing across load conditions.
- DOHC, 4 Valves Per Cylinder (20 Valves Total)
Modern multi-valve cylinder head for optimal flow.
- Forged Internals (Crank, Rods)
Heavy-duty forged crankshaft and connecting rods designed to handle 400 HP and tunable to 500+ HP.
Performance Characteristics
The RS3’s 2.5 TFSI EVO produces remarkable real-world performance:
- 0 to 60 MPH (RS3 8V.5 / 8Y): 3.7 to 3.9 seconds (Quattro AWD)
- 0 to 100 MPH: 8.1 to 8.5 seconds
- Quarter mile: 11.8 to 12.3 seconds
- Top speed: 174 MPH (limited, optional unlimited package available in some markets)
- Distinctive 5-cylinder exhaust note , widely regarded as one of the best-sounding small displacement engines in modern automotive history
Tuning Potential
The 2.5 TFSI EVO is one of the most tuneable European performance engines:
- Stock: 400-401 HP / 354-369 lb-ft
- Stage 1 (ECU tune only): 480-520 HP on premium fuel
- Stage 2 (intake, intercooler, downpipe, tune): 540-580 HP
- Stage 3 (bigger turbo, supporting mods): 650-800+ HP possible
- Built engine with bigger turbo and methanol: 1,000+ HP achievable on aftermarket internals
The forged crank and rods support significant power increases with proper supporting modifications.
Why Choose a Used 2.5 TFSI EVO?
- Significant cost savings vs new ($9,999 used vs $25,000+ new crate)
- EVO aluminum block engineering with proven 5-cylinder reliability
- Direct OEM replacement for RS3 8V.5 / 8Y, TT RS 8S, RS Q3 owners
- Foundation for performance builds with proven 500+ HP capability
- Audi 5-cylinder heritage , one of the most distinctive engines available
Here at Vaz Auto Solutions, you’ll find this Audi RS3 2.5 TFSI engine for sale at the most reasonable price possible, with engine code verification (DAZA vs DNWA) and aluminum block EVO confirmation.
Vehicle Compatibility
Direct Fit Applications:
| Vehicle | Compatibility |
|---|---|
| Audi RS3 8V.5 Facelift Sedan / Sportback | 2017-2020 production with DAZA engine code, 400 HP / 354 lb-ft |
| Audi RS3 8Y Sedan / Sportback | 2021-present with DNWA engine code, 401 HP / 369 lb-ft (some markets) |
| Audi TT RS 8S Coupe / Roadster | 2016-2022 with DAZA (early) and DNWA (late) engines, same 400 HP rating |
| Audi RS Q3 | 2020-present with DAZA / DNWA, 400 HP / 354 lb-ft, SUV body |
Earlier Audi 5-Cylinder Variants (NOT Direct Fit):
| Vehicle | Compatibility |
|---|---|
| Audi RS3 8P (2011-2012) | Uses CEPA engine (340 HP, cast iron block) , earlier 5-cylinder generation, NOT the EVO |
| Audi RS3 8V Pre-Facelift / TT RS Early 8J | Uses CTSA / CZGB engines (367 HP, cast iron block) , predecessor to EVO |
Condition and Inspection
- Engine code verified (DAZA or DNWA)
- Aluminum block confirmed (EVO generation , NOT earlier cast iron CEPA / CTSA / CZGB)
- Generation identified (8V.5 RS3 / 8Y RS3 / TT RS 8S / RS Q3)
- Donor vehicle confirmed
- Compression tested all 5 cylinders
- Oil pressure verified at idle and operating speed
- Turbocharger condition assessed (impeller, shaft play, oil seal)
- Direct injection fuel injectors tested
- Port injection injectors tested where applicable
- Variable valve timing system function tested (intake and exhaust)
- Audi Valvelift System (AVS) function confirmed
- Spark plug condition documented
- PCV valve condition assessed
- Miles from donor vehicle documented where available
- Engine code verified (DAZA vs DNWA critical for ECU compatibility)
- Aluminum block EVO confirmed (NOT the earlier cast iron 2.5 TFSI variants)
- Audi 5-cylinder heritage expertise
- All 5 cylinders compression tested
- Turbocharger condition assessed
- Direct injection and port injection (where applicable) tested
- Variable valve timing and AVS verified
- Free specialty freight delivery to all 50 states
- 15 day replacement warranty on internal defects
- Audi RS performance specialist support
- Cross-reference assistance for RS3 / TT RS / RS Q3 applications
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