Auto conversions

Hi,

I've got an '87 1.8 auto cabby thats running on a Webber carb and have been doing a bit of reading on engine swaps as its becoming more and more prone to problems.

I like the car being an auto and was wondering if there are any tastier auto engines that people drop in. I know people often convert for thrils and spills, but I'm not looking for a dragracer just something with a bit of poke and refined cruising.Obvisiuosly I'd expect better performance than I'm getting now if I was to undertake this.

Will the lack of injection already make it impossible to source a newer engine?

Has anybody ever used a tiptonic engine/box  in a mk1 or is the wiring just a bridge too far?

Any engine/box suggestions welcome, including dont bother its not worth it!

cheers

No reason not to do an engine conversion on an auto car, except you're into new territory with discovering how much more power the auto box would handle. Also, you'll have the hassles of converting a carb car. For this reason I'd keep it mild not wild, say a 2.0 litre 8V with the Weber carb jetted to suit and a GTI exhaust system and cam?

So you'd suggestkeeping the auto box I've already got? I hadn't thought of that,just assumed it'd be easier to whip the whole lot out and replace.

It would certainly be something I'd only want to do once so would mild vs wild give me enough improvement without blowing the auto box?

If 2l 8v with a cam is mild what donor cars would I be looking at?
Where would I be looking if I decided wild was the way forwards?

stuwhitfield said

 
It would certainly be something I'd only want to do once so would mild vs wild give me enough improvement without blowing the auto box?

I honestly can't say how strong the auto box is, but I reckon 10-15% more power would be okay in terms of longevity and gearing not being too far out. So that's 100-110 bhp or so.

stuwhitfield said

 
If 2l 8v with a cam is mild what donor cars would I be looking at?
Where would I be looking if I decided wild was the way forwards?

You're after a non-tall-block 3A engine from a late 1980s Audi 80, ideally. I imagine they're thin on the ground these days though. If so, then more effort (but easier to find engine) would be a 2E from a Mk3 Golf GTI 8V or a Passat of the same era.

Wild - extra hassle of auto to manual converion + extra hassle going from carbs to injection, but……well to save typing, look at the tech guide on the left.

Thanks for you replies Paul,
Yep not many audi 80s around, the 2E seems like it might be salvageable though as there are a lot of golfs around.
I've read the tech guides, I do specifically want to keep it auto though hence this posting, I know its not going to be THAT wild if it stays auto, but disabilities and a GF who refuses to drive manual if she can help it are going to limit that! (and seeing as shes paying half best keep her sweet!)