Engine Conversions?

Hello all

I am 17 soon and i am looking into getting a 1.1 - 1.3 Mk1 golf, The only problem is i am a speed freak and i would like to know what engine's and what would i need to change to get a bigger engine put in, Such as a 1.3 polo engine etc etc. I am apprentice vehicle technician so the company i work for said they would let me use there ramp's and tools to get the job done. Thanks Jay

So why don't you get yourself a mk1 gti, rather 1,8 than 1,6. Look for a 80-83 gti.

Then you get your hands on a 2L bottom end from golf mk3 or passat, or audi 80. Look for engine codes 3A, 2E, AGG.

Because if you have a 1,8 gti you can use the head from that on the 2L bottom end. Both power and torque gain. win win situation The 1,6 head can't be used because it doesn't have combustion chambers in the head.

Also, use the k-jetronic from the 1,8gti, or go for carbs with plugged injector holes.

The conversion is pretty straight on, just find yourself a guide and it could be done in a couple of days.

First thing you should do is check insurance prices.
Your age will count against you in any case but there is no point modding  a car you cant afford in the first place.

Im not trying to put you off but unless your dad's a premier football star you will find it expensive just running a small block.

Insurance is far to dear for a 1.8 Gti. Raffles i live at home with a full time job so all the money goes to me No bills to pay, I've heard a g60 engine fits in pretty much the simplest conversion to do so they say :/

How's insurance going to be cheaper for an engine conversion then?

Go for a 1.4 16v so theres less chance you can kill yourself! be exactly the same as a 1.8 gti engine on power and rev higher
Plus they are relatively cheap!
heres a vid of one on bike carbs…
Mk1 golf bike carbs giving it death... - YouTube
Need i say more

Dave

Because i will be cheeky and not tell the insurance i have replaced the wimpy 1.1 engine for a 1.8 flying machine haha. I would put a 1.4 engine in but i am looking at doing a full rebuild on the car so i want it to top notch exterior and interior.

I drive a modified car and I have to pay extra for my insurance, because its modified. So does the vast majority of others here.

Why should you be different?

Get your self some trade insurance, you can drive what you like then. (can't take your no claims back to normal insurance afterwards tho).

Jeevesraf said

Get your self some trade insurance, you can drive what you like then. (can't take your no claims back to normal insurance afterwards tho).

I bet it would have strict conditions attached, which would render it only for trade/business use, ie road tests (for example a car salesman selling a car), delivery, etc NOT for personal or social use, which would render it useless in these circumstances.

The likelyhood of being caught is very high because police tend to stop these types of car (insurance) on sight and the onus is on the person to prove it falls within the restrictions in place.

Also, to obtain it, you'll need a business + trade references.

Also, they'll STILL consider the age/experience of the named drivers on it, and set the price accordingly. Think about it - if it were to cover any vehicle, then on the grand scale of things a souped up old Mk1 isn't that high, it would allow driving of Porsches, Ferrari, etc etc

Jaycanning said

Because i will be cheeky and not tell the insurance i have replaced the wimpy 1.1 engine for a 1.8 flying machine haha. I would put a 1.4 engine in but i am looking at doing a full rebuild on the car so i want it to top notch exterior and interior.

its people like u who make insurance so expensive. Everyone has to start off with a little slow car deal with it until u can afford a faster car

i thought u have to be over 21 for traders ?

You do.

Jaycanning said

Because i will be cheeky and not tell the insurance i have replaced the wimpy 1.1 engine for a 1.8 flying machine haha. I would put a 1.4 engine in but i am looking at doing a full rebuild on the car so i want it to top notch exterior and interior.

Not cool man, not cool.

let the guy do what he wants.
your all correct in what your saying however.
big risk you know.
also if you want to love your car soo much. why the hurry. a lot of young guys like you, get too hasty and smash up their beloved.
chill for a year or two.
dont mean to jynx you either.
im fully comp and im still not able to drive my dads cars. toyota supra and a 300zx because it dosnt cover you to drive others until 25. if id known that i would have told them to stick fully comp up their bummy bum bums lol.

WE ALL LEARN!!

People like me? it's actually people that get into a little accident that claim actually. And why would i spend £5.000 restoring a 1.1l ? i would happily buy a gti but the insurance is to high. Thats why i want a car with abit more power for track days and that. And i can get traders insurance but i have to be 21 and drive more than 2 years. Also 80% of Modified cars have not told there insurance about the mods they have done on there cars.

People on forums like here, know their stuff and have no personal motive against you, so they're more likely to give objective advice. Its your decision if you choose to accept or decline it.

I'll keep paying my insurance (the full cost, for all the mods declared) knowing I can sleep easy at night, should the worst happen (I've never had a crash either).

And i appreciate that but i bet there not paying £3600 a year for a 1.1l

Well were all wrong guys.

What we should be saying is you need to find yourself another insurance company!!!!!!

Aye, £3600 does seem ridiculous, was that for a standard 1.1 or one modified with a G60 engine fitted?

hes right about the price, my son turned 18 passed his test and the cheapest i could get his first year insurance was just under £3000, luckily he has a job with me and still lives at home so can afford the payments himself i feel so sorry for those less fortunate, but its people driving round with no insurance or not declaring mods etc that have to some extent drivin the prices up, say if you smash into my bmw in your car thats insured as a 1.1 but have a 1.8 2.0 whatever engine and you smash both cars and put us both in hospital, your insurance turn around and say tough were not paying nothing out as it has undeclared mods etc .. where does that leave us ? you with nothing and me losing money etc having to claim of my own insurance ..