Need help with my 79 Mk1 GLS!

[RJA]

Hi all,


I've recently purchased my first Mk1 after owning a Mk4 for 2 years now as well. Its a 1979 GLS. I'm 18 and have minimal car knowledge but i'm pretty good with my hands if I've got some guidance. My Mk1 currently doesn't run and the engine was robbed for parts at some point in its life and sadly its ceased . I'm looking to do an engine swap of some kind but i'm not sure what with. I've heard a lot of newer engines (mk3/mk4) engines are straight bolt ins but i'm having trouble understanding how the ecu side of things work in an older car with no computer. Do i need to get the ecu for the motor with it and also a loom or can i keep the current loom and use that (this may be a very dumb question :/) I'd like to keep the 4 speed box i've got if possible and just get a new engine. All i'm really asking is whats a decent power engine that's easily sourced in Victoria and will be the easiest to install! I've got a lot of friends who are good with cars and we will have no problems doing all the work ourselves (as i learn along the way, basically what the car was purchased for). Thanks for the help

[Notso Swift]

Big question with 1000's of answers depending on your resources!

Not able to give full opinion now but I suggest you use something like the ADZ but keep it carb, that will give a really handy 120hp whihc gets along, and still be ok for club plates

[RJA]

And what car will i find the ADZ engine in?

[RJA]

Never mind i've just realized its a 1.8 from a Mk3! So what about wiring and stuff?

[GeorgeMK1]

Best to do is get the ADZ motor from a Seat cordoba. I've done this engine swap about 5 times now haha. You will need an electric fuel pump to supply fuel. Everything else from the 1.6 should bolt in too, including engine mount, exhaust, intake and carb, etc.

While you have the motor out, its best you change all seals and bits, ie; front main, rear main, rocker cover and sump gaskets, spark plugs, timing belt, water pump etc. This will ensure it performs reliably and its easier to do this maintenance while the motor is out.

Carby will need to be re tuned and jetted for the larger engine. Best option is to find a larger 32/36 weber with Passat TS manifold. Goodluck!

[RJA]

I'm fairly certain the engine is a 1.5 not a 1.6, will it still be the same deal?

[Browneye]

In addition to what George said. The ADZ can accommodate a mechanical fuel pump so is literally a straight swap for the motor. You simply need to block the block breather with a plate and mount the fuel pump through the plate onto the intermediate shaft eccentric lobe (I can provide pics in the next few months or so).

ADZ is a great engine and so many are around. I prefer the 1.8 over the 2.0l. I have never been overly impressed by a 2.0l 8v mk1, even on IDF carbs with a cam. 1.8 feels much nicer and will rev harder.

[sports racer]

Go 2.0 16v with twin Dellortos.

170 hp, heaps of money, lots of things to convert, wiring headaches like you wouldn't believe but looks awesome.

[RJA]

I've got access to a ABA 2L from an mk3, is this swap easy?

[Browneye]

ABA wasn't brought to Australia... How you get that?

[RJA]

Okay this shows how clueless i am when it comes to this kind of thing. Its a 2L from a 1997 mk3 golf cabriolet.

[sports racer]

You're not clueless, you're just inexperienced.

There are heaps of guys here that were the same when they got their old Golfs and now they can rebuild an engine by the side of the road. MK1 Golfs are pretty easy to work on if you stick to carbies instead of fuel injection and the 2.0 from the cabby can be made to fit.

Find the engine number so you know the exact model of engine so we can tell you what's needed for the swap. You'll also have to upgrade the brakes to match the increase in performance.

Cheers

Paul

[RJA]

I've decided against the 2L upgrade and ive found a working 1.6 from another mk1 so ill be using that as itll be much easier to get going! Id still like to get a little more performance out of that though. Will upgrading the carby on that do me any benefit?

[Browneye]

Weber 32/36 DGV with a passat TS manifold is the tried and true method of induction. Another option would be a lynx single sidedraft manifold with either a dcoe or dhla. That with some headers should be a nice upgrade.

From there, a cam is the next step.

Honestly, starting with a 1.8 will be a smarter move. They are simply a better starting point. Luckily any upgrades for the 1.6 will be directly transferable to the mk1 and mk2 1.8 engines, should you decide to upgrade further down the track. The mk3 1.8s are hydraulic lifter which means a different cam must be used.

[RJA]

Id love to start with the 1.8 but budget is stopping me from being able to purchase all the bits anytime soon. The 1.6 is within my price range and that means ill be able to get it started at can move it. I live on street thats on a fairly steep hill so i cant move the car without it running or i may lose it down the street and find it through someones front window! Once its running ill get the interior done (already very clean) and all the electricals (headlights,indicators etc) so its ready for roadworthy. After this ill be able to enjoy the car and save for the bigger performance upgrades

Thanks all for the help! Much appreciated