VW Passat 1.8T (B5/5.5)

[randomman]

Just wondering people's opinion of these? I personally love the 1.8T engine and would have it in almost anything (once you've learnt all the fricking hoses/pipes that split/pop off!!!) Anyway, how does it suit the Passat of this era? It seems to be the cheapest way into 20VT Territory (well maybe the old Ibiza 20VT) with High Milers starting at £1k and those around the 90k mark coming in at £1.5k

And now for the bit I probably shouldn't admit - I seem to quite like the look of them lowered (a little bit) on OEM BBS alloys (poss from the MKIV Golf) with a total debadging all round!

[schuey]

I had one for 5 years,brilliant car only ever needed minor wear and tear maintainance. AMD re-map too,up to approx 210bhp. Even did a track day at Donnington in it when the track car had other ideas.
I never thought much to the 20vt though,sounded rubbish and not really that tuneable although pretty strong,now a Passat W8 mmmmmmmm!

[spaceship]

Ooh W8. That would be nice.

I like the B5/5.5 Passat. Actually prefer that shape to the newer ones.

[randomman]

Ah yes, the 20VT does sound a bit poo, I'll give you that.

I remembet sitting a lights in summer with the windows down and a Passat pulled up besides me. "That diesel sounds a bit rough, I thought" Yup - a nice shiney 20v badge on the back.

PS No he didn't race away, the lights were for left/right turning with different filter times!

[Schermerhorn]

Nice engines, though better suited to the Golf's and A3's. A bit thirsty too as well from experience. Remember seeing a cousin struggling to get more than 35mpg on the motorway out of his once.

[Glade]

I've got a 1.8 20v non turbo as a daily hack.

The car is comfortable on long journeys and you can hustle it along once you trust it, rather than feel the grip. The steering is really over assisted. Controllable understeer on the power, which can be fun... But if you drive it like that it goes through front tyres pretty quick, it's heavy... And with more power that can only be worse.

I'd only have one as a hack, as an only car it won't be thrilling.

[5charlie46]

schuey said:

not really that tuneable

they are pretty much the most tunable engine out there at the moment. 400+ bhp isnt unheard of.