RE: 1.8T engine

[mikeandcarmen <mikeandcarmen@pdq.net>]

I don't have specific experience with any of the engine swaps you mentioned, 
but it been my general experience that the phrase "engine swap" is rarely 
synonymous with the word "easy" because of the extensive wiring that can be 
involved with retrofitting correct ECU's, etc.  I would think it would be 
easier to put a turbo kit (or supercharger) on an 8V engine.  I would get a 
junk yard engine so that you can take you time & rebuild it correctly while 
keeping your car on the road.

If I had your car, I wouldn't even mess with the turbo kit.  I would take a 
junk yard 8V motor & rebuild it with all the machine shop tricks (lightening, 
balancing, blue printing, mild porting, multi angle valve job, etc.).  There 
is a lot of horsepower in these little details, & a good machine shop can help 
you extract it.  I would put .040 over GTI pistons & a mild cam as well.  I 
would also source a GTI gear box & have it rebuilt.  To me, such an engine & 
transmission combo along with a good intake, exhaust, & suspension would make 
for a very quick Jetta while still retaining stock driveability.  Because your 
car is still driveable (assuming you build up a junk yard engine), you can 
build up the engine over time as your budget allows rather than having to drop 
a huge chunk of change all at once on a turbo.

Of course, this is just my opinion, & it is tainted by my aversions to both 
non-stock engine swaps & to forced induction.  There could be kits out there 
that I don't know about that would make some of the engine sways you mentioned 
quite simple.  At first glance, I would think the 16V swap to be the easiest.

Michael Keith
Pasadena, TX
'98 Jetta GLX
'85 Golf SCCA ITB
>===== Original Message From jettaglx@igtc.com =====
>Hey list.  Ok, I have an '87 Jetta GL, with the 1.8L 4-cylinder 8v engine in
>it.  Now, judging by size (liter wise) the 1.8T should fit.  Are my
>assumptions correct?  If I am correct on that, do you all suggest that
>or....
>
>1) Rebuilt 8V with a turbo kit
>2) G60 engine out of a Corrado
>3) VR6 engine out of a late model Jetta
>4) Rebuilt 16v engine out of an A2
>
>Please help.  The 1.8T would be super, but I'm just not sure how much work
>is involved in it.  Think of the word 'easy' when you tell me what you
>think.  Thanks.
>
>TJ
>'87 Jetta GL
>
>On the road of life, there are passengers, and there are drivers.  Drivers 
wanted.
>     - Volkswagen of America
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