mk2 1.6 golf driver engine

We're currently restoring  a mk1 gx but unfortunately, most of the engine has been stolen to keep my gl auto alive!

i've been offered an engine by a good friend for a good price…it's a mk2 golf 1.6 driver engine, having done 3000miles after a complete rebuild. also complete with twin choke weber & gearbox.

Has anybody got any experience on this as a conversion? What about potential problems or good points?

Thanks in advance

dubgrrl
x

You'd need to swap a lot of the ancillaries over, for example exhaust manifold, engine mounts, possibly some of the coolant pipes. Depends what's been removed off the GX and if its the same on the Mk2. I'd say its worth it, most of the items should be the same (water pump, flywheel, clutch, transmission, inlet manifold, alternator, fuel pump, other fuel parts, sensors, etc.)

Paul - do you know if the block is the same as the 1.6 GTi engine from the Mk1?

Thanks

Rich

Unsure if its the same, but it will be very similar and 95% sure it would be 'compatible' - ie all the bolt holes would be present, to allow bolting everything on a Mk1 onto it, to make it run with all the Mk1 ancillaries just as VW intended. Its probably that the pistons are different (GTI uses higher compression ratio).

If its after 1985 then it should have a deep sump - you can keep the deep sump, or swap to the (shallower) Mk1 item. Problem here is that the dipstick guide would also need swapping, and they are a tight fit - might destroy the old one on removal. So probably best keeping whichever sump/dipstick tube/dipstick guide/dipstick combination.

The 1.6 Driver might come with a water-oil cooler - no harm in running this, so long as you have all the water pipes to connect it up. It will make warm-up quicker too (economy/emissions would be marginally better).

Obviously, the GTI head has differences - different cam, holes for injector, probably others too.

Cool - thanks for the info

I've got a spare 1.6 GTi head at the mo, which I'd like to add to a lightened and balanced engine at some point, then drop the whole lot into the Mk1.

I was thinking I may be able to get a lower mileage and cheaper 1.6 from a Mk2, although if I do I'll stick to the shallow sump design as I've already grazed mine several times!

Rich

mk2 engine is totally different internals from 1588 mk1
the mk1 engine has very deep dish pistons and a flat cylinder head
the mk2 block has flatter pistons and chamber in head
it will not work
sorry

caddylover said

mk2 engine is totally different internals from 1588 mk1
the mk1 engine has very deep dish pistons and a flat cylinder head
the mk2 block has flatter pistons and chamber in head
it will not work
sorry

Different internals - but externally block size, placement of ancillaries and threads for bolting Mk1-specifics such as the engine mount, should all be there??? The 1595cc engine was also used in the cabby (GL), so I am fairly confident it would work out.

yes different internals but I thought he's on about using the spare 1588 head he has lying about on a later mk2 1600 engine
that combi would NOT work together
combustion chambers times 2 very very low compression
will physically fit but WON'T physically run

caddylover said

yes different internals but I thought he's on about using the spare 1588 head he has lying about on a later mk2 1600 engine

Yes I was, but I didn't phrase my question particularly well I must admit, so you're both right

Overall I think I'll stick to finding a Mk1 1588cc engine as it'd just be easier and it's designed for the head…

Rich

A 1.6 Mk2 Driver engine will drop straight into the Mk1 GX on the original GX engine mounts and bolt up to the GX exhaust.

If you wanted you could even swap the crank and rods for GTi items and it'd go straight to a 1.8 with no other modifications (something to think about for the future).