what engine can I transpalnt

Discussion in '8-valve' started by funkbaron, Apr 2, 2006.

  1. funkbaron Forum Junkie

    Joined:
    Mar 11, 2006
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    New Forest/Southampton
    I was wondering: what later VW engines can be transplanted easily into my mk2 1992 8v Golf GTI, without too much fuss. Does the 2.0l mk3 8v engine drop straight in? What engine codes should i be looking for, what additional anncillaries will i need and what are the complications, if any? If anyone can help, especially someone who has done a similar conversion, I'd appreciate it greatly. :thumbup:
     
  2. funkbaron Forum Junkie

    Joined:
    Mar 11, 2006
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    New Forest/Southampton
  3. e12_mat Forum Member

    Joined:
    Nov 27, 2005
    Likes Received:
    0
    Why not transplant something with a little more power, the 16v version.

    9a or abf are popular cheap and make good power:)
     
  4. JamesB Forum Member

    Joined:
    Mar 6, 2004
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Cambridge
    You dont want the complete engine if you're gonna be putting it into a Mk2. The standard mk2 head flows better than the Mk3 one!

    Just get the 2L bottom end and swap it over with your current 1.8L. Whilst you're at it, you may want to get a big valve head and a fast road cam. This does of course all mount up though.

    The 2L bottom end on your standard head wont produce much of a power gain. Perhaps 5-10 hp. Just a healthy increase in torque. If you want a significant power increase then you will need the BVH and cam uprated.


    If you're looking for an easy 150+ bhp though, best go looking for a 2L 16v. ABF from a Mk3 16v will drop straight into your digi injection Mk2.
     
  5. funkbaron Forum Junkie

    Joined:
    Mar 11, 2006
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    New Forest/Southampton
    Cheers guys - i'm just having some minor running issues at the mo, and was thinking if it's anything major to repair (head gasket) I may well go down the road of engine replacement! Not really after major gains in BHP, just reliability mainly - but then again, a few extra BHP would be nice[:D]. I'm guessing the 2.0l engine is the same throughout the vw range from the mk3 era, ie, i culd get one from a passat, etc?
     
  6. funkbaron Forum Junkie

    Joined:
    Mar 11, 2006
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    New Forest/Southampton

    Yeh, I considered that, but then brakes would need uprating, etc. I thought the 8v would involve less effort and expense as a swap....
     
  7. JamesB Forum Member

    Joined:
    Mar 6, 2004
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Cambridge
    Yeah you're right, the 2L block did come in several cars, passat being one of them.

    Getting one from a passat would be good cos chances are it wont have been thrashed to pieces, other than that you have the 2L 'bubble block' from the Audi 80 or any 2L from a Mk3 8v.

    The audi bubble block 3A has an advantage in that it is the same height as the 1.8L meaning you wont have to space the exhaust manifold - downpipe.

    If you're going for a Mk3 (tall block), they came in 2 variants, 2E or AGG (I believe) the AGG is found in later models. Only difference is a crack position sensor and a different dizzy. If you get the AGG, you will need a dizzy from a 2E. I think the Passat shares its engine from the Mk3, presumably the 2E.

    Any other questions, give us a shout!
     
  8. funkbaron Forum Junkie

    Joined:
    Mar 11, 2006
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    New Forest/Southampton
    @jamesB

    Thanks for the help so far, really appreciated.

    going back to the ABF 16v engine you mentioned was a simple exchange - what exactly would i need from the donor car to make it work....because I'd love to start sourcing one asap if it's a straight-forward procedure...sod the brakes!!
     
  9. JamesB Forum Member

    Joined:
    Mar 6, 2004
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Cambridge
    Its a well talked about topic on this forum as its a very common conversion.

    As your car is digi injection its means that you are limited to the ABF engine from the Mk3 16v. You will need most parts from the front end of the donor car. Engine, loom, ecu etc.

    When I say straight forward, I mean its easy compaired to something like a 1.8T conversion! You will still have to re-wire the engine loom/ecu into your current car, not just a case of swapping the big bits!

    In the engines forum there is a topic called 'The 2 litre 16v thread' that should contain all the information you require! I have never done the conversion myself, I stuck with an 8v engine but with a 2L bottom end, big valve head and uprated cam.

    Doing the conversion taught me a lot about engines and how they work etc but also kept things simple. Admitidly the conversion probably ended up costing more than what a 2L 16v would, but was a nice simple to do conversion. 140hp (and a potental 150 with a couple more mods) is plenty enough for me at the moment!
     
  10. funkbaron Forum Junkie

    Joined:
    Mar 11, 2006
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    New Forest/Southampton
    Thanks again! I understood the ecu/loom would be required, and electrics aren't my strong point...i'll have to phone the local Vw specialists, see what that'd charge for perhaps finishing what i couldn't do...i'm also thinking mk3 16v engines in reasonable condition are like hens teeth.

    I'll check out the other thread and read up some more.
     
  11. RoyF18 Forum Member

    Joined:
    Oct 22, 2003
    Likes Received:
    8
    Location:
    Scotland
    JamesB - did you ever consider putting a crossflow head (e.g. from a new 8v 2L Beetle or mk4 Golf) on your engine? I'm looking at doing this just now (on top of a 1.9 digi mk2), do you think it'd be worth me doing? (the head is currently stage 2 with a Schrick 268 cam)
     
  12. JamesB Forum Member

    Joined:
    Mar 6, 2004
    Likes Received:
    0
    Location:
    Cambridge
    I never really did consider it, I just went for what was the easiest option at the time. I have heard of it being done and can see some advantage.

    Fact of the matter is though, its still an 8v. By the time you have sorted a crossflow head for a 2L bottom end, you may aswell have just put a 16v lump in. Spend similar money on it and you could see 160-170 easily AND of course the 16v is cross flow as standard!
     
  13. e12_mat Forum Member

    Joined:
    Nov 27, 2005
    Likes Received:
    0
    What ever you do dont put a 20vt in i spent 300 on a 2002 30k engine and 0.99 on a 02a gearbox its costing me loads!!!:)
     

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Dismiss Notice