What engine should i go for!?

since_1983 said

400 pound you could get a complete donor car that would be my 1st line of attack on this

Even if you buy a 16V Mk2 Golf GTI, you'll still need the conversion exhaust manifold and system. It should have most of the parts though, and some of the remaining car left to scrap/break.

If doing a 2.0 16V, it will either be KE_Jet or EFI on the ABF. ABF is a tall block and limits your choice of exhaust manifold, also there's issues with the throttle body touching the bonnet.

Thanks paul, that was the kind of wake up call I needed!

Plan was to recondition the engine before it goes in definately. New gearbox is a must (unless I can modify my current 020 to work with it). Engine bay was fixed up a bit recently (steering rack mounts rewelded).

As for the other parts I'd have to collect them slowly and surely when the money and the items are available, but relistically, judgine by the amount of things I need to get, and also the amount of things to change on the clipper, it may not be economical.

Like you say, if I want to do this, either picking up the parts second hand or finding a good cheap donor (which kinda negates the need for me to buy the engine seperately anyway?). Could I use the suspension and brakes off a mk2?

i never done it to a mk1 one before i was always told by our local group its a complete fit, straight swap lol

Can't use Mk2 suspension on a Mk1, different design, fitting, spring rates, etc. Some braking components can be used.

Cheers; the engine is in good nick, so I may get it anyway, and just refurb (and maybe sell it on…..) it while I'm looking for a donar/parts. Like you say, it's not a straight forward swap like I'd hoped.

It may be that I look into just fitting a k-jet system on my current 1.6 for the time being while keeping the engine swap for another day (or another car! sounds like I'm probably better starting off from a GTI).

Why would I need a new fuel tank? Surely I could modify the old one to have send and return? That would be cheaper surely? Or do you think it would be easier to fit a new one?

Downster32 said

Why would I need a new fuel tank? Surely I could modify the old one to have send and return? That would be cheaper surely? Or do you think it would be easier to fit a new one?

What year is the car? If its newer than about 1985 you can use the same fuel tank but fit a high pressure fuel pump external to it. If its a hatchback, then you do this; or fit a GTI tank and sender. There's a few different variations of how to do the fuelling.

It's a 1989 F reg clipper. It should have a 1.8 in it but it's got a 1.6. The reason I ask is I only fitted a new fuel tank a year ago. So high pressure fuel pump and upgraded lines should do the trick there (plus some minor modification as I understand it)?

How about the gearbox? What gearboxes do people usually line up to the 9a's?

Ignore my last post. After some research my 020 can be used, but I will be looking to change the ratios to get a better top speed with less revs.

I'm going to do this engine conversion, and I'll update you as I do. Phase 1 is parts collecting. If I can get the parts I may convert my 1.6 to injection while I'm waiting too.

Cheers for your help.

Jd

The more I read the more I think I should either get a mk2 donar or mk1 gti donar……..I'm starting from the wrong place ain't I????

paul_c said

All these guys who want the same engine conversion but haven't gotten round to doing it themselves - do you want me to do the conversion for you???? My rates are very reasonable…..

Do you fancy this one mate? If I get all the parts how much would you charge!??

It was tongue-in-cheek! TBH its too much hassle doing work for other people. If I do stuff, I do it properly, I don't cut corners and it takes ages. Also I have a job and college and my own cars so I don't really have time any more. Taking those factors in, I'd adjust my prices accordingly which makes it very unattractive compared to various VW specialists with much more experience and facilities, like Awesome GTI, MV Developments, etc etc. Maybe someone else is keen to take it on though?

if your after cheap then why not put a mk2 1.8 8v digi in it? you could pick up a running donor for £300 give or take - then it would be a weekends work to convert it .youd still need   a gti tank etc but because the block`s the same and the gearbox has the same mounts it should be a nice first conversion?

I was semi tongue in cheek too! (if you'd said you'd do it I'd have definately considered it!!). I'd like to do this myself though ideally.

Definately interested in the 1.8 option…..I'll keep you posted. We'll see what I can get my hands on.

hhmmm i reckon I can pick up a fairly cheap 1.8 8v digi. Do you think this would be a noticeable increase in performance, power and reliability?

I mean, my car doesn't have the original engine in so I have no problem with making it 'un-original', and like you say, a 2.0 16v is very involved. If a 1.8 is very straight forward swap I will investigate it further.

I really want to do the 2.0 for the challenge of it, but the more I think about it, for what I want (cost effective better cruising, more reliable running) a 1.8 (or even just sticking to the 1.6 and injecting it) might be the answer….your views?

ye i would imagine it would be much beter especially if like you said the problem you had is the gearing and those engines can be bored out to a 2.1L if you chsnge the crank too get the head ported aand polished and youl be flying

What about the 2.0 8v gti engines from mk3 models? I haven't researched but i imagine they need a different gearbox, but would a lot of other stuff need changing too?

im not to sure i think its the same engine tbh again not sure about the gearbox but cant see much point  using a diferent one.
but theres probably a more complicated set up or something - the mk2 8v will definately fit straight in so is it worth the effort finding a mk3 8v  :dontknow: the price of a donnor will probably be higher.

Put it this way mate.  I bought my car with a 1.8 16V engine already fitted and working.  I bought a 9a engine for £275 and a P+P KR head and cams for £250.  I then bought all the nessesary parts, seals belts etc.  The total? about £1000 and bear in mind mine was already converted so I had most parts.  Obviously you wont need the P+P head but its a guide for you

Can I ask a quick question, would a 1.8 16v be an easier conversion than a 2.0 16v 9a?