mk1 cabby engine conversion

Ok, since we got jens MK1 cabby, its had a bit done inc new hood, carpets seals etc, however is getting 20MPG and costing too much for a daily, i can get a 1.8 20v passat for £450 quid so was thinking about using the loom, engine and gearbox etc to put in the mk1. Two questions though, how hard would it be to do and how much more economical would it be?

dont use a passat donor for 2 reasons, first is engine is mounted the wrong way so you would need a ton of parts from a golf 20v engine. 2nd is the loom is a total git to work with as most of it is sealed in a big lump of rubbery foam stuff!

best bet is golf mk4, audi a3, seat ibiza or whatever the equivalent skoda is

20mpg is not good, I use mine as daily and get 40 mpg, Ive even got the MFA to read 45 mpg if I drive like a nun on the way to church!
(DX 1.8 GTi engine)
There must be something wrong or driving to hard in stop/start traffic to get such a low mpg?
What engine is in the car?

its the 1.8 dx or ex on weber 32/34 carbs and manual choke. she usually sits at 60 but still its never run quite right. running well now other than mpg.

cheers on the passat front, was looking at the mk3 golf 2.0 8v or even 16v as advised by trix.

2 ltr 8 v works very well in a mk1, can make good progress without flooring the throttle and therefore achieve good mpg.

It should be a EX with a carb. What colour are you spark plugs? Black to rich, grey running right.
It just sounds like it's running way to rich, check the timing marks on the cam shaft and then the timing with the engine running, make sure the air filter if paper type is no more than 12 months old then get the carb set up properly, with the webber it only takes a tiny turn of the screw to adjust the mixture but you really need it set up on exhaust emissions tester.
My Scirocco runs a webber carb but its just the 1.6 and I was driving it last week to work, 50 mile round trip and not really drive carfully (great twisty roads in Somerset) and still managed 37 mpg.

ya 2.0 8v lump is a good solid motor, not heaps of power but more than enough for a light shell such as a mk1 and is a straight bolt in fit. was well worth the upgrade in my mk2 gti even bags more low down torque than the 1.8 8v.

the 2.0 16v beats it hands down mind, but its more hassle to install in a mk1 due to needing a custom manifold. 20v is even more work but still doable lots of info out there.

with all of the above I would choose OEM managment as its fit and forget, wiring conversion isnt hard for any of them really lots of help to be found. you could always book it with me but you'll have to wait a while, otherwise I can help guide you thru it

John, between this post and the other regarding a mild cabby upgrade, I believe you have just settled my thoughts on a mild/modest upgrade.  If you happen to have a suitable 2.0 8V with a gearbox and some time to do the works, I'll gladly get my golf to Berkshire with a pocketful of pennies. (just remember though, mine is the 'lesser' Carb version).

You've already got my vote for MOTY 2014!

fresh out of 2.0 engines, and free time

hahaha im defo going for the 2ltr 8v but berkshire is a wee bit away from the black isle! lol i will check all the bits mk1gls and see whats what. found a 2ltr 8v mk3 gti up here for 450 so might just buy that.

My regular VW tech is too busy to accommodate my engine swap request, so I use another guy, asking him to source & fit the Mk3 2.0 8V lump into my Mk1.  He comes right back stating he doesn't have one, but… he does have a 20VT from a Mk4 Golf and would I like that instead? !

…just when you think it's all over!  

I may take him up, I've always fancied those Porsche embossed calipers! (and i've just fitted tarox pads & discs!!!)

bit of a cost issue with me but hey considering i won't get to drive it much 2.0 will do. lol