Hi all!

[ShadowofBob]

Been a long time VAG tinkerer starting with a 1990 Audi CQ two decades ago. I currently spend most of my time working on the VW B6 platform. I just got a Tornado Red 2008 Passat Wagon 3.6 4Motion pretty much all options(sans ACC) with sport package, the closest thing you can get in the US to a R36. I'm doing OEM upgrades on it and eventually a manual swap if I can figure out ECU coding/tuning as the BLV engine was never on a VW platform with a manual.

[beale187]

welcome Bob. If VW did a R36 wagon, in a manual I would be all over that (biscay blue of course!) because you know, #Dadlife - need that boot space.

This swap has been done before. https://apengineering.ca were the first I knew of to tackle it and did document it somewhere (Vortex maybe? Facebook?)

In short you need a R32 manual transmission, clutch assembly and flywheel, knuckles, shafts hubs (basically R32 front corner assemblies) I think he used the cable assembly or the interior trim from a Audi Avant.

I can't remember where what he did about the tuning but there is plenty of VR swap Facebook groups out there. Someone will have the answer for that. Good luck, keep us posted!

[ShadowofBob]

Thanks! This is very much a #dadwagon for the 4 doors and bootspace compared to an R32; also a bit rarer/more unique. I would have gone for an '08 Cobalt Blue(closest color to Biscay Blue on US spec), but I haven't seen any pop up for sale. I was happy enough that a Tornado Red one came up with all preferred options. It's pretty hard to find 3.6 4Motion wagons that aren't rusted out or beat up in a interesting color and trim.

I think I've read about that swap somewhere and have browsed a bit on the FB groups along with Vortex. I'm actually planning on using a Mk2 TT trans (w/ angle drive) flywheel, clutch, and axles. That's supposed to bolt up without any fuss and is much cheaper and easier to find than R32 parts. The clutch master, pedal assembly, and shifter are just going to use the B6 2.0T 6spd parts. For wiring all I have to do is connect the clutch pedal position sensor to power, ground, EPB module, CECM, and ECU. Whoever tunes the ECU will hopefully be able to leverage that rather than just code out the automatic bits and pretend it's in N.