As I search for B5's I see a lot of 1999's and lower and a lot of 2001's.

Besides the "facelift", are there any differences I should look out for? Do we prefer one over the other for any certain reason?

 

If you're looking into the 1.8T, then there are differences aside from the facelift.
1996-1999.5: AEB engine, large-port head, 058 block. From what I've seen there are some minor changes in 1998.5 such as the '557P' ECU, and sensors and things. It's enough of a change that several components won't work with 1998.0 and earlier AEB engines.

2000: ATW engine, small-port head, 058 block. This still uses a narrowband oxygen sensor.

2001: AWM engine, small-port head, 06A block. This got a wideband O2 sensor for proper closed-loop fueling, and also got VVT (variable valve timing). I believe 2001.5 models got a power boost to 170hp through increased boost pressure.

 

From a modding perspective (chip, bigger turbo, etc)
is a 2001+ better than a 2000?

 

2001 is the cheapest and easiest to tune properly, that is an actual tune and not just an MBC and FPR. There are dozens of private tuners that specialize in wideband 1.8t's, this means tunes that are better and much cheaper than the usual big-name brands. The only advantage of the AEB is the larger intake ports, but that's only if you're making 350+ whp, any less and you'll be losing torque when compared to the small ports. It is possible to convert an ATW to run on AWM electronics, which means wideband and VVT.

 

Wow, very knowledgeable, thank you.

So to get it tuned I'll be spending more money, got it.

What about parts and maintenance? I'm not looking to become the next race car driver, 250hp should be fine lol

 

Can we confirm VVT for the 2001.5?.........because that would be fantastic!

 

For anyone looking at this seeking visual differences: Mark's A4 Quattrobonium - A4 Differences

 

Yes. You can also confirm it by going and looking at the back of the head. If there is a plug/connector going into the cam chain tensioner then you have VVT. The VVT is only used for emissions purposes. However some aftermarket tuners have been able to take control of the VVT and have seen power benefits from tweaking it.

There are early and late versions of the AEB. 1997 was the first year of the AEB in the US. I'm unsure if the changes below were made in 98, but they were definitely in place by 99.

Early versions have a flat valve cover with no "hump" for a breather port. Late AEBs will have a hump for the breather connection but the connection has not been drilled through. There is also no windscreen on the underside of the late AEB valve covers that an AWM cover has along with the breather connection. Late AEBs have different mounting points on the valve cover and upper coolant pipe for the larger engine cover.

The vacuum system is slightly different between early and late AEBs. Early AEBs have the breather system and brake booster directly connected to the intake manifold. Late AEBs have a 3 way valve coming off the rear intake manifold port.

The AEB also has forged pistons and 20mm wrist pins compared to the 19mm on the AWM.

 

Good info! Thanks.

It's just too bad the VVT isn't engineered for the same purpose Honda engineered theirs (if I'm understanding you correctly)!

.

 

Honda doesn't have turbochargers on their cars, and uses engines with similar displacement to ours. What would you want VVT to do that your turbocharger doesn't already do?