What would be the best engine?

Hello I have just joined although I have had my golf for about 6months now. I am well into my VW's owning a 1973 Bay window van until recently RIP. (Getting a new one soon) and having a mk2 golf before.

I know have a 1983 mk1 golf 1.8 8v. I recently blew the bottom blew the bottom end. There is a big whole just behind the water pump. I was looking at getting an engine from TES and having that installed for ?1057. I also had a friend who has a vw audi centre and gave me quotes for installing an engine from TES and various different parts being refurbished including gearbox, driveshafts etc.

I really would like to install something with a little more grunt. I find it a shame that I will have to remove an engine and not putter a quicker one in. I am not mechanically minded enough to do the work myself. My budget is around ?1500. Does anyone have any ideas?? Even just installing a 2ltr Audi bottom end etc.

Or if anyone is up for a project for advertising their compant I have a 2.2vtec honda prelude which could be a donar!!!!!!?Huh

For ?1500, 2l 16V is a good bet. If it were properly set up, you're looking at 160-170bhp. There's a number of other parts to change together with the engine, for example you'd need a conversion exhaust manifold, reroute fuel lines, relocate airbox and washer bottle, etc etc. Its all in the FAQ though.

If you're paying someone else to do it, your ?1500 won't go far…..

2.2 vtec Prelude engine is a really difficult conversion, you're looking at a lot of fabrication to make custom engine mounts, custom fabricated exhaust manifold or system, custom driveshafts, custom/standalone ECU, etc. Its possible, but it would cost a lot of money in one-off parts.

Personally I'd look for a 2ltr bottom end. That way you can keep everything looking standard and keep costs to a minimum by not having to modify looms, fuel lines etc.

Cero said

Personally I'd look for a 2ltr bottom end. That way you can keep everything looking standard and keep costs to a minimum by not having to modify looms, fuel lines etc.

Yep if you're paying someone to do the work for you 2l bottom end (ie Audi 3A engine or similar) is probably the best bet. Its a little tricky finding the bubble block (slang term for 2l block which is the same height as the 1.8, thus allows easy fitting, no exhaust manifold fitment issues. Named after the coolant lines within the engine which sit at the surface and thus the casting has a 'bubble' around those areas) though.

what audis (years models) can you find this engine in? How can i identify a 2L?