I have an 08 A6, has just under 65k on it. It is about time for a balancer. So I want to order the TSP stage 1kit to put in it, since I will be part of the way there. Would it be recommended I put new lifters in with the camshaft at that time or let them ride? I need to figure out how far I am going to go, before I order parts.Thanks for the input!

 

Replace the lifter trays with new OEM trays no matter what, as as for lifters, can check them one by one to see the conditions of them, and if they need to be replaced as well.
Hence the lifter trays start to get some slop in them, which can cause the lifter to rotate in the trays, and this causes roller wear due to the roller not longer tracking the lobs cleanly.

As for 65K on stock cam and the rollers not have any wear, kind of up to you, but would replace them at the same time the valve springs and seals and rockers with new bearings are replaced with the new cam. As for cam, aggressive enough, and will be replacing the valve springs, trays, valve seals, rocker with bearings, and even maybe the lifters every 30K.

Hence the problem I have with a built motor in a C6 your looking to buy, since you really don't now the mileage on the motor, nor what parts where replaced every 30K as they wore as well. Trust me, it can be something stupid like not replacing the trays for about $38 with new cam install or 30K maintenance every time, that allow the lifter to rotate slightly sideways to take a motor out quickly on their own.

 

I recently did this on my 08 A6. Same cam TSP Stage 1. I used their dual spring kit also and three bolt. When you take the old cam out carefully inspect the lobes for wear. This will tell you what you need to know about your lifters. If they have wear you will have to pull the heads to replace lifters. ONLY use OEM lifter trays. There is a lot involved here so take your time and do it right. Expect to spend 3 to 5 thousand depending what you need. Check oil pump for wear. Sometimes the o ring on the pickup tube gets brittle and is one of the causes of lower oil pressure. Good cam and still use the OEM converter. Great street manners. Don’t forget the Trunion upgrade.

 

I was going to do all that anyway, was curious about the lifters, because if I remove the heads,, I might as well swap them out too.. i already have one ongoing project and I am trying to keep the time I spend on this limited.. I travel a lot for work and I work a lot.

 

Yes. If you remove the heads definitely replace lifters and be sure to use OEM LIFTER TRAYS. NOT the Chinese knockoffs.