I'm in the process of rebuilding my S4 NA engine out of my Vert. This is my first rebuild and this is my first FC also. At the moment, the engine and trans is waiting to be hoisted out as soon as I rent a cherry picker.

So far my list is

Definitely need:
thermostat (which one is good?)
vacuum hoses (samco)
catalytic converter (which one is good?)
radiator hoses (samco)
Atkins master rebuild kit
fuel filter
oil filter
all fluids
brake caliper rebuild kit (where to get?)
some sort of vacuum sensor with a grey dot on it (was amongst other of the same sensors but others had different colored dots)
some sort of green and black thing (a filter?) connecting two pieces of vacuum hose

Do I need new:
Radiator caps?
Fuel hose?

Can I remove(delete):
Power steering pump?
That tube on the side of the catalytic converter?

I would greatly appreciate any advice on what things I might be missing, should get instead, don't need at all, other things I can remove(delete) and any useful tips and tricks. I am looking to just get this running and driving well. I don't want to skimp on parts, but, I don't need to be buying rare, limited edition, first in the US, top-shelf JDM parts (like I do for my 8). Just good quality parts.

 

You don't need new radiator cap unless yours is bad. They are cheap anyways. Why would you want to get rid of power steering? And the little pipe thing on the cat can be deleted. It is part of the air pump. If you do I suggest getting a dual pulley

 

Oh and always replace hoses if doing an all out rebuild

 

Hold up there asianbob.. Interpol do you live in a DEQ area? If so you most certainly will need that tube in the future. [If yours has the flanges to disconnect it from the cat you can block it off there, and store the tube until it's DEQ time] Though.. If you're getting an aftermarket cat there's more to consider. [When I have to pass DEQ, I have to run the tank low, put a couple bottles of Isoheet in, and hook the airpump directly up to the cat's split air pipe]

Not sure what the best place to get a brake rebuilt kit is, I got mine from Mazdatrix.

On S4 cars you always want to get an OEM thermostat [aftermarket ones have lots of issues for that engine... From what I hear..]

Also, if you're in the Portland area, you should come to the Rotary Power NW monthly meeting tomorrow: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=221439574539166 [most people aren't on Facebook to rsvp] there's a lot of knowledge there that can help better than I can ^_^