Is a 1.6 GTI Engine the same size as a 1.8

Afternoon all,

I’ve got a chance to pick up a Mk1 GTI tin top, but it doesn’t come with the original 1.6 engine. It’s coming fitted with a 1.8 engine.

I want to rebuild the car to as near the original factory spec so would want to put a 1.6 engine back in it.

Is it a simple changeover of the engine and gearbox or is more to it (I’m not a mechanic!)?

If I left the car fitted with the 1.8 engine will it affect the value?

Cheers,

Matt


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What year is the car as later tin tops did come with the 1.8 engine fitted as standard.

It’s an ‘82. The engine number from the online search starts with EG, hence the ‘82. The engine with it now is a DX.


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Is there a build label in the boot of the car as that should say what engine was in there.
Also what's on the log book?

Just asked.

Would you take the car as us to rebuild and can a 1.6 be easily fitted.


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I do think the 1982 tin tops came with the 1.8 DX engine.

Just found this info and it seems up to 1981 cars had the EG engine and the last cars had the DX engine.

Engine Conversions - The Mk1 Golf Owners Club

The 1.8 is a better engine to live with as the max torque is lower down the rev range so you don't have to be reving hard to get the most out of it.

mark1gls said

I do think the 1982 tin tops came with the 1.8 DX engine.

Just found this info and it seems up to 1981 cars had the EG engine and the last cars had the DX engine.

Engine Conversions - The Mk1 Golf Owners Club

The 1.8 started with the 1983 model year which started production in Aug 1982 (going back to the summer factory shut down) So all 1.8s should be Y and A reg. Some 1.6 made in June/July 82 will have been reg'd in the UK as a Y reg.

This is what I’ve had back of the search I’ve done. Also, it’s a 1.6 on the DVLA website.




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All the engine and gearbox mounts are the same as far as I know so it wouldn't be very hard to swap a 1.6 in.

So, what’s the consensus on the engine not being the original?

Does many of the tin top rebuilds on here have the original engine?

Thanks,

Matt


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matgent said

So, what’s the consensus on the engine not being the original?

Does many of the tin top rebuilds on here have the original engine?

Thanks,

Matt


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Looking like it was a 1.6EG, ideally you need to get the reg date (assuming its a UK car and not an import) and/or the hand book/boot sticker that will have the engine code on them.

I don't think it will make any difference to the value of the car if it's got a 1.8 or 1.6 as it's not the matching number engine it left the factory with, it's easy to change the spec with the DVLA and who ever did and engine swop should of changed the log book to a 1.8.

The only way you can tell what was fitted from new is from the build sticker or contact VW and get a copy of the build specs.

At the end of the day it's your car and do what you feel is right.

The 1.8 came with the mfa. The 1.6 didn't. You can get both 1.6 and 1.8 upto 83.
The EG1.6 gearbox code for a GTI is FM. The 1.8 '82 /'83 is a 7G or 9A if Campaign on 14" wheels. Ratios are the same but the final drive ratio is taller on the 1.8 compared to the 1.6. If you go back to the 1.6 gearbox you would need to change the gear on the end of the speedo cable as it is a different ratio to match the final drive.

Thanks all for the advice


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