Full size NA Tuning, witch engine to start on?

Hey.

After been looking around under the projects, I noticed that, most of the engine swaps and tuning, where to/on a 2.0 16V 9a 134hp (Passat), or a 2.0 16V ABF 150hp (Golf MK3).

So I wondered, is there a better engine, to do a full size NA tuning, with Throttle Bodies and the whole packet?

I think we all know, that loosing weight - is the easiest way to get a fast car. So would it be the smartest pick a aluminium engine block fx. a TSI engine?
Or are 9A and ABF some of the best engines when it comes to NA tuning and fitting into a MK1?

Hope to get some answers and ideas. Thanks.

ABF is probably the best to choose, 9A isn't that much worse though. The 16V head apparently flows better than the 20V anyway, and you'd not really want to go much beyond 2 litres for a 4 cylinder motor without a balancer shaft. If you do, you can rebore it a little.

If you want more capacity, you're into a world of mods involving engine mounts, maybe a subframe, different transmission, etc etc. and once this is all done, all the kit up front in a fairly light and small hatchback kinda affects the handling a little.

The 16v  vw engine dosnt have the best head design in the world and is left far behind by some other manufacturers cyl heads, if wanting massive na power then looking at a complete engine transplant

Theres a chap on clubgti with a 188 bhp abf'd mk1. Standard engine with MS. Has had hours of dyno time to get that though. Head design is poor but tweaking around the bend helps alot on ex side. So its not such a right angle. Very important not to take to much of a head to.
High Compression is a good way to get power to. Can use longer duration cams to.
Some many options though. Na tuning isnt cheap for what power you get.  A screaming na engine is mint though

http://www.clubgti.co.uk/forum/showthread.php?t=186028

First i want to say thanks for the replys.

The horsepowers aren't cheap when we talking about NA tuning, I know.
But there is something fascinating about a screaming engine with throttle bodies.

I have been doing a couple of 20VT before, but I am in that opinion, that a turbo doesn't suit an old VW.
So i want to go a different way, and try something new.

I'm just looking for inputs and ideas, to get the best result, and the best base to start on.

Right now i have an idea witch involve the ABF with lightweight stroke kit, 45mm Throttle bodies, optimized cylinder head, lightweight flywheel, etc.

About the link to "Brookster", he is also in here under projects, very fascinating build he's got going.

what sort of power did you want?
what ecu/ engine management would you be using? vw or aftermarket?

Sounds like your plans are similiar to mine, unfortunately lacking the funds to go as far as i would like but this is my starting point.

hell yeah!! throttle body porn!

There is no particular goal, but 250+ would be nice.

I'm gonna use aftermarket engine management made by FMJ (Local Danish management guru).
A couple years ago, he had an Mk1 1.8 16v with 222hp at 7200rpm.

The idea with a 20v head from a AEB on the ABF block have also been in my mind.

222bhp 1.8?? Any chance you can get the spec because that seems a bit to impressive. To get 250 i think your looking into custom ex manifold branch lengths. Experimentation on trumpet lengths. Super HC maybe upto 13-1 with seriously lairy cams 290-300 or more degree cams. Possibly 2.1cc

Here is the spec list i could find.

1.8 16v
Carillo Rods
Woessner Pistions with 1 pistion ring.
Compression 14.0:1 Compression pressure 16kg
Cam: Schrick 284"
Clutch: Alcon 140mm 1 plate
Flywheel: Home made dual aluminum
4 Weber 45mm Throttle
Nozzles: 420ml Bosch
Oil cooler
Exhaust manifold: Home made 4-1 45x700mm
Engine Management: FMJ

Gearbox from a Seat 1.8T 02J with 6 Speed Quaife Dog Box
1: 2.417
2: 1.929
3: 1.500
4: 1.200
5: 0.959
6: 0.800  
Final Exchange 5.091:1.
Gearbox oilcooler from a Toyota 16V engine.
Differential: Gemini with 15kgm prestressing
Driveshafts: Scirocco 16V 100mm

222 HP at 7200 Rpm
Max Rpm 9500

Thats quite a spec!! Something i can dream of. Could use longer cams with that CR id simply say follow that spec and you should be laughing. Just make slight changes if ya not wanting it to be the same