1991 Volkswagen Golf GTI w/ Audi 20V engine

Highlights 

• 150bhp, 1.8-litre Audi 20v turbo conversion

• Tastefully modified example

• Many new and uprated parts

• Unique

• Long MOT

Overview

Engine swaps are not a new phenomenon. Petrolheads have been chopping and changing motors for decades, ever since the hot rodding scene way back in the '30s, '40s and '50s. From dropping a bigger, more poweful V8 into an old Ford pick up to shoehorning a Suzuki Hayabusa motorcycle engine under the bonnet of a Mini, some swaps are a match made in heaven while others can fall rather short of the mark, but that's the beautiful thing about the grand automotive scene – if it's possible, someone will try it.

When it comes to this 1991 Volkswagen Golf GTI Mk2 that has eschewed its original 8 valve four-cylinder in favour of a 20 valve, 1.8-litre turbo from an Audi A3 with a peak power output of 150bhp, we reckon it's the former and we're here for it. You see, the VW Golf is the perfect vessel for larger, more performance-oriented engines. With its excellent chassis, well balanced handling and solid construction it can take a lot more power than it was initially available with and fans of the marque have been successfully modifying them since they first arrived on the scene in 1983.

It's not just the engine that's been upgraded here though. The car also comes with a Golf Mk3 ABF gearbox and Audi TT short shifter, as well as a full stainless Jetex exhaust system and OMP front and rear strut braces to help with chassis stiffness. The vendor also states that all of the chassis and suspension components have been replaced with new or refurbished items and the car now sits on coilovers, making this not just a random engine swap project but a well thought out build that plays to the Golf's strengths we mentioned earlier. 

The exterior does need a little finishing off and there are some minor corrosion issues to address but it's a solid car and the underneath has been fully stripped back, rust treated and undersealed. 

If you're after a unique and interesting take on the Mk2 VW Golf GTI then this could very well be the car for you. Yes there's some light cosmetic restoration to be done but the bulk of the work has already been completed, and importantly it's work that hasn't sacrificed the car's inherent drive-ability. 

History and documentation

• 1991 model year

• V5C present and correct

• In current ownership for 15 years

• First registered August 30th 1991

• Original book pack

• Two keys

• Original service manual showing service stamps up until 228,434 miles (2009), with subsequent servicing being carried out by the current owner

• The vendor states that the shell has covered 248K miles while the engine has covered 95k miles

• Numerous invoices for parts and work carried out

• MOT until September 1st 2026

• HPI clear

• 95,528 indicated miles

• Has only covered 2000miles since 2014 

Interior

• The interior is in decent shape but has been modified in places

• A turbo boost gauge, water temperature gauge and air/fuel mixture gauge have been fitted in place of the stereo unit

• A manual fan switch has also been installed

• Deep dish racing steering wheel, electric windows and mirrors fitted

• The seats look to be in fine condition

• Door cards and carpets present well and look to be undamaged but the holes for manual window winders remain after the installation of electric windows

• The dashboard remains free from cracks

• Headlining is in good condition and not sagging

• OMP strut brace in the boot and under the bonnet

• The engine bay looks good and the install looks clean

• Some surface rust to the slam panel to note

Exterior

• The exterior presents well overall but there are a few spots of rust to tackle, mainly on the doors and a small amount on the wiper hole (common spot)

• The bright blue metallic paint is thought to be super rare and is in generally good condition

• Some road rash to the front of the car

• All panel gaps align correctly

• There is no apparent sign of damage to any of the glasswork

• Some rust along the bottom of the windscreen (reportedly a common spot)

• Wheels are period correct 15” alloys that present well but do have some oxidisation and yellowing to the lacquer in places

• Tyres are all Toyo Proxes that have covered less than 50 miles according to the vendor

• Some of the black plastic trim has discoloured somewhat

• Underneath looks solid and has been fully stripped back, rust treated and undersealed, as have the wheel arches

Mechanical

• 150bhp, 1.8-litre four-cylinder 20v turbocharged engine from an Audi A3

• The seller reports that he stripped down the engine and did a full gasket and seals reconditioning prior to installation; head gasket, main rear seal, water pump, timing belt, turbo stripped and bushes replaced
• He further notes that it's an AGU code engine with forged internals from the factory which others have pushed up to 300bhp with just a tune

• Five-speed manual ABF gearbox from a Mk3 Golf

• Audi TT short shifter

• VR6 sports clutch and single mass flywheel

• Coilover suspension

• 16v calipers front and back with braided brake lines and Brembo OEM 16v discs and pads

• Full stainless Jetex exhaust system

• Recirculating dump valve for the turbo run-off

• Front-wheel drive

• The vendor states that the car starts and stops well with a firm but comfortable ride

• No mechanical issues to report

Summary

It's easy to get carried away when it comes to engine swap projects but in the case of this Volkswagen Golf GTI it's all been tastefully done. Rather than go down the big power route, potentially sacrificing how well the car handles, the modifications here have gracefully increased performance without jeopardising that innate drive-ability. An enhancement rather than an outright upgrade the result is a usable and unique take on an already capable hot hatch with some bits and bobs still left to complete for those that relish the all-empowering sense of achievement that fixing and modifying old cars provides.

To arrange a viewing, click the 'Book Viewing' button located under the 'Place Bid' button. Viewings can be booked up until the day before the auction ends, after which the option will change to 'Contact Seller' for further enquiries. This seller is located in Skipton, North Yorkshire.