Definitive 2.0l 8v conversion list

Ok it's getting close to my first ever engine conversion, the parts are starting to arrive so I thought that I would start a parts & advice thread. 

Parts already bought:
AGG 2.0l block
TSR conversion kit (dizzy ring, blanking plate & Core plug)
Piper fast road cam
16v WUR
New water pump & thermostat

Parts to buy:
Vernier pulley
Stretch Head blots
2.0l AGG head gasket set
2.0l cam belt & tensioner
Mk1 1.8 GTI clutch & cable
Samco silicon hoses
Full Polyurethane engine mount ect set
New rad fan
Stainless steel 4-2-1 exhaust manifold
Some sort of brake upgrade (haven't decided what yet)
Get the head ported & polished, reconditioned (maybe big valve it)

Ok then chaps & chapets, what have I missed off the list? And there doesn't seem to be a definite "how to" yet, all the info and threads I have read seem to miss lots out like what to keep on the 2.0 side and what to use from the mk1 side. 

Please leave your comments and advice, I'm sure there are loads of others like me who want to do this conversion.  

Go for the 2.0ABF head gasket, it's a 3 layer steel type of far better quality. Get the Sachs clutch kit which gives you the 16v pressure plate as standard. What head you using ?

I'm going to keep my hydraulic lifter 1.8 DX head and have it ported & polished, valve stem seals etc. But I'm tempted to have bigger valves fitted.

Don't think bigger valves will make a lot of difference with a hydraulic head, your limited by the amount the valve can lift with this, in saying that with an increase in cc you need someway of filling it. If your going to the bother of getting it P&P, I'd try for a non hydraulic head and enlarge the valves in that.

Ahhh ok then. Plans are now changing, looks like I'm on the look out for a solid lifter 1.8 head…….

rabbitgtipage.com

Cool link, cheers Dom123. So after reading that guide, it says that the mk3 2.0 block was designed to be used with a hydraulic head, and I remembered that the piper cam that I've already got is for a hydraulic head. So big valves wouldn't really be worth it. I'll just get it p&p then. So just the TO BUY list to sort and I'm away! Tidy  :mrgreen:

Got some more parts so need to update the parts list:

Parts already bought:
AGG 2.0l block
TSR conversion kit (dizzy ring, blanking plate & Core plug)
Piper fast road cam
16v WUR
New water pump & thermostat
Stainless steel 4-2-1 exhaust manifold
Polyurethane engine mounts
Vernier pulley
New rad fan

Parts to buy:  
Stretch Head blots
2.0l AGG head gasket set
2.0l cam belt & tensioner
Mk1 1.8 GTI clutch & cable
Samco silicon hoses  
Some sort of brake upgrade (haven't decided what yet)
Get the head ported & polished, reconditioned

This was supposed to be a cheap conversion!

Don't worry bro ITS ALL WORTH IT! i have the same conversion getting 105 kws on wheels with a (276 cam)

Well I'm now on to engine no 2, as the first one was toast! But this AGG block is out of a Passat with only 85K on the clock. It looks like its in cracking condition, I'll have a look at the cylinders tomorrow when I take the head off it. And it only cost £20!

I know this is a very old thread, did you ever finish this? Im doing the same conversion.

Me too
How do I know if I have a solid or hydraulic lifter head without taking it to bits?

rocker cover off, check the cam caps. if 1 is missing its hydro, if they're all there its solid. you can use solid or hydro 1.8 heads both compatible with the 2.0 block. 1.6 gti head is different though has to be a 1.8 gti head

Thanks Rub, i'll check it out.
Wish I'd asked this question before I put the cam cover back on  

Thanks

doesnt matter what it is really, 2.0 block is fine with either

Sorry Ronnie for late reply, yes I did mate. Biggest head ache is trying to fit a cam belt cover. In the end I didnt!

for cambelt it depends on your rocker cover, but either way you have to use the 2.0 8v one as well as all the lower and inner 2.0 covers.

then if you use a mk1/2 rocker cover you need the inner plastic half-moon piece from mk3 1.8, part number 048 109 173 d, or if you fit a mk3 rocker cover its a straight fit to the 2.0 cam belt cover

Hi guys,

3 years on and I'm wondering if your conversions were successful and worth doing? I'm keen to do this conversion as it seems the lease intrusive. One thing that's confusing me is everyone seems to put a 1.8 head on? Can't the original 2l one be used? Also has anyone had any sort of clearance issues? Which engine is the best one to use? AGG, ADY or 2E? Sorry about all the questions I'm pretty new to the whole mechanics thing but I'm learning fast! Cheers

Sorry also what was the rough total cost of doing this conversion with the polishing ports skim head gas flow cam etc?

Thanks

Does anyone register the engine or do you need some sort of documents to prove its not stolen?