MK1 Golf Engine Swap

[Skosh]

Hi all,

I’m looking at potentially engine swapping a Mk1 Golf and was just wondering from others what engines you’ve used and how you found the swap.

What went well?

What didn’t go well?

Interested to hear any conversions that aren’t the normal 1.8t or VR6.

Also would be good to know rough cost if you got a garage to do the work for you.

[Dr G]

Join Club GTI if you haven't already; fill your boots. Probably aren't many 4/6 VW motors that haven't been inserted into a MK1 at least once. I've seen B & K Hondas in there too. The same applies to drivetrain and transmission transplants. Some of the fastest MK1s have more in common with an S3 than a Golf.

If you're not doing the work yourself speak with someone like The Phirm or VW Enterprise.

[missing the VR6]

I've always lusted after a 2.0 16 on throttle bodies.

If you're thinking super leftfield, what a bout a rotary out of an RX7/8? Don't know if it's possible.

[Dr G]

Given that an entire TVR Chimaera frame has been put underneath a MK1 Golf shell I think the only limit is the size of your wallet.

Things like ABF and 20v conversions are popular because they're well documented, supported, easy enough to fix, and don't fundamentally alter the car.

[HiAsAKite]

Dr G said:

Given that an entire TVR Chimaera frame has been put underneath a MK1 Golf shell I think the only limit is the size of your wallet.

Things like ABF and 20v conversions are popular because they're well documented, supported, easy enough to fix, and don't fundamentally alter the car.

This one? https://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&...

Or this one is a SD1 derived RV8
http://www.speedhunters.com/2016/03/story-tell-hom...

Edited by HiAsAKite on Thursday 27th October 22:47

[the-norseman]

Common ones are:

1.8T (LCR, Audi TT etc)
1.9 TDI PD130,150,160 (Fabia VRS, Seat Ibiza, Seat Leon etc)
1.9 TDI from the MK3 golf, you can fit the PD turbo set up - I ran this in a MK2 Golf)

you also have stuff like
2.0TFSI (MK5 Golf, MK2 Leon Cupra, Cupra R)
2.0 TSI (MK7 Golf, MK3 Leon Cupra)
2.0 TDI PD140, PD170, CR140, CR170.

Then there is all the aspirated stuff, VR6 etc.


I bought my MK2 Golf GTI 8V already converted with the MK3 Golf TDI (90ps) lump with a chipped ECU and PD150 turbo set up etc, put out about 170PS was really good on fuel and good fun. The wiring was dodgy though and it blew the ECU, I sold it, the next owner stripped the engine to rebuild but sold the shell which I believe the new owner is putting back to a 8V GTI.

Remember on morning after a night shift on a dual carriageway, got along side a MK3 Leon FR TDI (184ps), he decided to put his foot down so I did the same, and left him.

I also bought a stripped MK1 Golf C to run a 1.9 PD150 but never did it and sold the car for £50 profit after.

Edited by the-norseman on Thursday 27th October 23:24