Settle this for me: For performance, it's easier/better to do an engine swap than to attempt to turbo the stock engine

For reference, this is for a 93 Cabriolet with the 1.8lt CIS engine.

I've always been of the opinion that, whilst you can technically turbo charge this engine, it would be an easier job to swap out to a newer, larger capacity engine that, it's self, could be better suited to turbo charging (or is already turbo charged).

My thoughts where that adding a turbo to the stock engine would require a lot of modification to the head, not to mention figuring out how to add a computer and new injection system to a non-ecu engine. This was backed up by the fact that, in my area, I've seen many engine swapped Mk1s and 0 stock-engine turbo charged.

These thoughts were challenged recently when I was talking with someone who argued the opposite (easier to turbo than to swap).

Anyway, wanted to get others opinions on this. Cheers

Horses for courses i suppose, but i for one would rather fit the 1.8t engine which is a turbo engine than turbo an engine that was never designed to have a turbo. I wouldnt fit a larger engine and turbo it though, the larger engine will offer more power so will not need turboing..

That's my leaning too, abfmk1 . What cars where the 1.8t available in? I didn't think there ever was a turbo Mk1 apart from the diesel.

No petrol turbo mk1 was available from vw as far as i know, i seem to recall there was some aftermarket attempts but i forget by who..  i think the 1.8t was first introduced in the mk4 golf in about 1998, also available in some audis and seats, Every one wants the BAM engine which is 225 bhp and im sure is enough in a road going mk1.

Personally the 1.8 DIgifant that I had was just fine.  I had mine on the road at over 100mph on occasion, and no issues.   My Autos were doggie a bit for take off, but Cruising in the Hills around town, didn't make me miss
Down and up-shifting.

I would cruise my Cabbies Consistently at 75-80 on the interstate.

If you want a turbo, then be prepared to shell out coin for the conversion by a business that does this and has a good rep. Or take a crash course in plumbing, Fuel management, and Exhaust work, not to mention Cutting and splicing electrical connections out the Wazoo.

I have seen a lot of threads started, but for a newbie owner who runs out of funds, heart, or skill when doing this then selling it as a kit to be built.

Over here on this side of the pond, all 90's Cabbies were EFI or Digifant.  CIS over here died with the 89.

Then a lot of folks over here that are new to Turbos, after getting them set up and running post the Well I over boosted, and blew the engine… So this time I am going for…



  

20vt is a super easy conversion these days. Nothing to fabricate, it's all off the shelf. And some super wiring gurus who'll build you a loom. 

Engine, box, ecu, loom and shifter can be had for about 300 quid. 
I built an early 20vt mk2 A reg, so similar apart from mounts, cost me just shy of 2k all in. 

Turboing a stock engine will be a nightmare unless you can find an old turbo technics kits lying about. 

Bookmarked this guys thread a long time ago because of the K-jet aspect, but it'll likely interest you turbo lovers too.

Do like that he didn't want to go down the ECU route, he also touches on the Turbo'd US Callaway Rabbits, they're worth Googling for the engine bay piccies on their own.

https://www.vwwatercooled.com.au/forums/f55/76er-swallowtail-k-jet-turbo-build-38095.html?s=9e3a77b85a34a92f050435b6d3321c38
 

The US conversion company callaway did sell many bolt on kits which were effective +reliable. Decades before vw.
(At one time the callaway corvette was in the Guinness book records for fastest car=knew stuff).
When you sell the car it can be unbolted etc.

Backtotheeighties said

The US conversion company callaway did sell many bolt on kits which were effective +reliable. Decades before vw.
(At one time the callaway corvette was in the Guinness book records for fastest car=knew stuff).
When you sell the car it can be unbolted etc.

AFter I bought my 81 Diesel, I got a flyer in the mail that basically said I could buy a bolt on kit (16v head) Turbo, including a 10 Gallon additional bladder for the Spare tire well, and could drive coast-to-coast on 20 gallons of Diesel.  I thought about it, but decided that if I was going to spend 4K for additional mileage, I would of bought a different model as the 50MPG I got on my Diesel was sufficient for my needs.  But then again, I can remember going up mountains in my Diesel and being in the slow lane crawling… the boost would of been nice then.