What would a logical conversion be?

HEllo,
I'm a recent member, from Spain. I've decided to upgrade my standard cabby (1.8) so it can be a happier daily driver. My car is basically in quite good conditions, and some important aesthetic improvements have been done: Mohair top, leather /suede seats a door panels, plus a top cover (in light grey) to cover the top when driving topless, plus a very efficient wind protection (that also covers rear seats); with this wind breaker you can drive without the wind bothering you though you loose the backseats…I also have power assisted steering (found it in france after quite some time searching).

Now in entering stage 2: improving power and suspension. I don't intend to race with my cabby, but I do want to have a modern motor that improves milage and output, together with a suspension that doesn't react harshly to bumps. I believe multipoint injection can bring more output while reducing consuption. Since this car was designed, many energy efficient motors have have come into the market. To achieve equilibrium, I believe 125 hp and 6-7 liters per 100kms is my goal.

I would be really grateful if anyone who has done a conversion to a modern motor can give me some tips…I love Giugiaros design, and, just to make this car more stylish I will eliminate all plastic fenders (and other parts) so it looks line the early 1.6 ; I may also change its colour because it's a bit to dark, which males the car to small visually - maybe something like Astons silver birch would suit it more.
I have though putting in a modern diesel motor…but maybe this is a to complex swap…

If anyone has had a similar experience (or knows of one) I would much appreciate suggestions…
Best regards from SPain,
Fred

for an easy life 2.0 8v mk3 engine, drops right in and your old exhaust will fit (you may want to fit a GTI type 6 bolt flange manifold and downpipe though)

16v engines will give you more power but you have the added headache with the exhaust though it depends if 16v conversion manifolds are easy to get in your country. or if you can weld you could chop and weld together a custom downpipe to suit the 16v manifold

Sounds like a good plan.  Precisely what I'm thinking of too.  The cabby wont be too great with high power units, I just want something a little bit more capable.  I'd stick the same carb on it and get it tuned to suit.

I would look to fit the 2.0 gearbox also. New exhaust and is there any advantage for a mappable ignition system?

This may just be the mod I need.    

dont get me wrong, i had a 1.8 16v in my cabrio with uber short 1.6 gti box and it was properly awesome, but the only reason I did was because a conversion manifold fell into my lap for peanuts and a mate also had a 16v lump for 50.

with 8v lumps i wouldnt bother spending any money, keep it cheap and cheerful. because at the end of the day to get say 150 bhp you would have to spend many hundreds, and this is the power you will START with if you put a 2.0 16v in there. stick with the oem injection system its plenty good enough

for the gearbox you'll need post-84 mk1 cab/rocco 100mm shafts if you dont have these already, or find a late mk2/3 box with 90mm flanges then swap em over

zarcone, did you get your answer?

Craigt said

zarcone, did you get your answer?

YEp, Got it, and you the coments received -not only yours-have increased my doubts. Here in spain I have sufficient help to do tranformatiosn, and motor availability is not to much of a problem. I have other cars ( Merc ML 350cdi, 911 carrera 4 (996), or a couple of bemers (E9 3.0 csi Alpina B2S and a 635 csi) and I still use the cabby as much as possible. I believe its due to emotional links in my youth…but the truth is that I want yo transform it into a modern daily driver.
What I need is a modern motor (consuption wise) with torque (no need of high rpms) and that cruise comfortably at 130-140 kph on arount 3800 -4000 rpms
max. I surely will need soundproofing the car, and even adding some metal to increase rigidity , bit before all this I need to select a motor. And I'm doiubting more every day. I have been even suggested that a modern polo diesel would fit my needs.
The fact is that my wife and kid love the car. At the beach, surfboards are dumped in the car (when open, obviously) and the kids-up to 4 can be taken standing up to, back and forth to surf…then placing the windbreaker I go shopping via highway with nor wond problems,,,and when back to madrid after the summer I can park practically everywhere. In a couple of moths I'n going to eliminate the modern bumpers and side trim making it a more classic cabby, and will probably change its color into something lighter (dark makes it small…). BUT WHAT MOTOR IS A NIGHTMARE. I want torque, milage low noise and around 125-150 hp…

both MK3 2.0 8v or 2.0 16v will cover your needs, both easy swaps pretty much drop right in. the 16v needs a conversion manifold made/bought.

wiring wise its not too bad same effort for both:
http://www.clubgti.com/showthread.php?249714

I've had both in my mk2 GTI and they're pretty similar torque wise low down for both, but the abf wins it with a fair wedge more power (115 vs 150) id have either of these engines over a 1.8 16v as well as it is fun but I really miss the extra low down torque which the 2.0 can deliver.

for cruising then you would need to choose your gearbox wisely, or create one yourself with custom ratios to suit your need.s the 2.0 8v boxes are sporty but still relatively relaxed compared to the 1.6 and 1.8 gti boxes, or alternatively you could choose a tighter range 1-4 box and install a taller 5th for cruising. many options here