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20vt mk4 donor swap for Jetta MK1

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Is it a crazy idea to use a full donor car for swap

Hi everyone.

I have an idea of using GTi as a donor car for my MK1 Jetta.

I have Googled this and can’t find exactly the answers I’m looking for.

My question is this.
can I use as close to every thing from a donor MK4 20vt GTi as possible?
do I need a stand alone ECU system, can I just use all the original electronics from the mk4 if I get a immobilizer delete or can I just use the ECU “as is”
If I use the Orginal MK4 GTi gearbox, dose the shifter box fit relatively trouble free?

and if any other pit falls in doing a 20vt swap when I have a 2000 GTi as a donor (don’t know the engine code) I live in a country that has a really limited options when it comes to engines for vw cars.

thanks you guys

VW Jetta MK1 1983

Looking for a full engine Swap (20vt, 16v, G60 or VR6)

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Think this is far from a crazy idea, infact its done very commonly.
Haven't seen many jetta 20vt, but the mk1 platform has loads of 20vt examples

think there's some good topics on here regarding the conversion and what you can salvage from donor car and what you might need to get, use the search bar or check out the below topic

https://vwgolfmk1.org.uk/forum/index.php?page=topicview&id=modifications-and_2%2Fagu-1-8-20v-basic-price

may be worth mentioning, i've been wary with my 1.8t projects to avoid drive by wire 1.8ts (later models) as cable throttle means no need to modify pedal box etc and makes life a bit easier.

Ecu question - oem ecu will need immobiliser delete but there is plenty of people who offer this, in the uk anyway

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it is, and also it isn't.

if your car loom is a total mess, then it can be useful to use the donor car wiring.

however, doing this to 'make it easier' is definitly crazy. you'll save very little work on the engien side, becasue the mk4 golf is so different. you'll have to drill a larger hole in the bulkhead to get the main run out, modify the mk4 ecu loom or make a large holes as most of it comes thru a big square hole in the scuttle.

then after you've done all that, you'll have to modify all the front end loom so it suits your headlights. the entire dash loom so it fits your dash. the whole back end loom so it suits your lights.

vs just mod the mk4 engine loom to suit the mk1, which is actually pretty easy if you break it down into small steps:
https://clubgti.com/forums/index.php?threads/oem-mk4-management-wiring-mk1-2-3-harness-install-faq-now-with-added-dieselness.267196/

Hello my name is John and I'm a dub addict.



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