1.1 engine swap

hi guys
ive just bought my son his first car, a mk1 gti, i bought it as a rolling shell as we intend to put a smaller engine in it so it will keep the insurance costs down, the only problem i can see is that the o/s engine mount on the chassis leg is in a different position, we will be fitting  a 1.1 engine into it, so can i use the existing mount & just move it foward or will i need to cut the mount from another car, has anyone done this before (probably not) bit of a strange one i know but i cant find a 3 door 1.1 anywhere.

cheers
mark

Most people will say that your better off buying a 1.1 mate. If you do the conversion you will need an engineers report stating the cars safe so the DVLA will change the V5.Also with it being a car with an engine conversion the insurance will be higher than standard.Unless that is youve already checked the insurance out with a detailed quote and it will be cheaper.I doubt it though.

As for the mount question,yeah you can use that mount,just drill the spot welds out,turn it upside down and move it further up the chassis leg.

ok cheers, i have been looking for a 3 door 1.1 for ages now in my area but have not managed to find one, most of them seem to be 5 door, the engineers report is not a problem (i work for a vw main dealer), but i will look into the insurance before i go cutting the mount off, thanks for the advice

I did this a few years ago. Mine was originally a 1.1, then someone stuck a 1.8 in. Now its back to original. If you search my posts you will find lots of info. PM me if you cant find it

i have had a look at some of your posts (very helpfull cheers) i have marked out on the chassis where it needs to be welded, but i think i will wait untill i have the engine before i weld it on, if i get any more problems ill give you a shout.
cheers mate

You want to be careful here…

The DVLA will change the engine capacity of the car no probs, however the GTi designation is for the  "Chassis" and they won't change that without manufacturer approval - you can guess what VW are going to say to that!

Who ever you call for insurance, when you give the number plate, it will come up on the system as a "GTi", regardless of engine size, meaning insurance will  be rediculous.

I had this problem in reverse as mine was originally a "Driver" aand DVLA would not change to "Gti", so whenever I call for insurance, they can't technically match my car as there was never an 1800cc Driver.

I know 3 doors are best, though there are some very sweet small block 5 doors about at the moment… It's like they are the "in" thing!

ok thanks for the advice i will look into this further before i carry on with the project.
cheers
mark

I dont think they change the capacity without an engineers report these days,especially if your downsizing as they can assume your just trying to get out out of paying higher tax.Its true though,the car will always come up as a GTI on the insurance.Mines was a 1.1 and is now a G60 so when applying i need to fill in that its had a non standard engine conversion which is what youll have to do.They dont ask what engine is in it so youll be paying top whack for a 1.1 when you could have a 20v T in there haha

I need to add that I've just changed my 5 door from a 1.1 to 2 litre abf and changed the V5 to reflect this. No  engineers report was required. Remember Carnie that your insurance will be invalid unless you declare any mods. ANY and ALL mods.

Oldfool

Despite fitting every part from a gti to my driver  DVLC would not change it to a gti on the log book so as already warned probably will not remove iy from yours.

Don't build a car you can buy.

paul_c said

Don't build a car you can buy.

Pft… Where is the fun in that!  :mrgreen:  


Actually, I agree in some respects.
I am guilty of turning a 1300, into gti spec+ but it was done as a bit of a long term learning project, as and when I had the funds (or something broke!). Took ages and I needed to change far more than I thought I would by the end of it all!

I wouldn't take a Gti and take it backwards. That just doesn't seem right… :dontknow: