Engine conversion

When i've eventually got my bodywork up to scratch i'll be thinking of a new engine from a donor. What's the best to go for? 1.8 16v, 2.0 8v, 2.0 16v?? Not too bothered about outright power, just want a reliable neat transplant with good spares. Who could I trust to supply/fit the engine? I'm in Scarborough so relatively close to there would be good. Cheers.

There's loads of threads on this under the modifcations section of the website (here).

Here's a very brief summary: -

1.8 16v - fits straight in, good power, lots of spares & aftermarket parts - (very popular conversion)

2.0 8v - needs a new exhaust manifold I think but it will fit. Not that powerful but torquey - parts ok but not as many aftermarket ones as 1.8 16v - not so popular

2.0 16v - again needs a new exhaust manifold I think. more powerful than the 8v and more aftermarket parts available - quite popular

HTH

Rich

Am thinking a FAQ on the engine options might be an idea, not in too much depth but with some of teh main +/-ves, issues to overcome etc.  I'll have a peruse, havent done much 'editing' as yet.

I have heard good things about using a early 2.0 liter block and a Mk2 1.8 8v hydraulic head.  You can use all of the stock plumbing (easy fit) and if you get an early 2.0 liter (still using a distributer) you can use all of the stock exhaust equipment.  You do need the higher flow fuel distrubution equipment (like from a 1.8 16v or some of the Audis), but you are left looking bone stock and you can still fit all of the Mk1 upper strut braces.  You get a bit more oomph without a lot of money.  The parts are easy to find and cheap.  I do believe some of the tall block motors (still using a distributer) can be used (they make special downpipes for the conversion that are not very expensive).  If you find a non-crossflow 2.0 tallblock, it is a reasonably easy swap.

Matthew

if you want neat, i'd stick with the 2.0l 8v, using ur head or a hydrolic one, u may have to buy a different down pipe or a modefied engine mount so it sits lower, and a dizzy addaptor plate, u don't need to change any fueling parts unless ur looking to tune gas flow and get as much as u can from it, done loads of 2.0l 8v or standard fueling.
as for the 16v i thought u needed to buy a 4 branch for all of them ?200+ then extended fuel lines ?50+ modified wiring loom ?90+ thats before u even fit the engine!
i'd fit an 8v almost every time!

You don't need a modified loom for a 16V, you just need the ECU/TCI and matching ECU part of the loom from a mk2 16V GTI.

Manifolds are ?190 from Ashley new, Fuel lines can be done for far less, I bent mine and used short clamp in sections of flexible pipe (Ie less than a ?10), but new braided lines sections to adapt can cost as little as ?30.

For an in depth post on doing a 2.0 8v transplant see this thread… 8)

clicky

and for info on teh 16V conversion, pm/email me and i'll wack you over a FAQ  8)