1.8 8v/16v? carbs or turbo?

[straight_fresh]

hey guys, still in the planning/parts gathering stages of my build, one thing im stuck on is what engine/injection to run, the car currently has a 1.8 8v digifant in it that runs like a dog which im sure is due to a base timing issue, now if i can get this running properly i was thinking about going the turbo route on it, a small kkk03 or gt25 something like that, im not after massive power figures or low 1/4 mile et's, just a nice weekend cruiser with a little poke my other option is going either carbs on this motor or getting a 16v and going carbs on that, just wanted to know peoples opinions, what you would do and why, pros and cons of each etc

cheers!
tom

[h100vw]

ABF 16V for me, with digifant injection. Get the full lump from a Seat and there won't be any messing about to make it work. 110KW and a bit more with a set of headers, exhaust and KR inlet cam.

Gavin

[ryana89]

I understand NeuSpeedGTI made his little 1.8 Digi a bit more poky with some headwork, exhaust/intake work.
You may find that cheaper than going turbo and you'd keep reliability (if your on a budget)
PS, you've got weight on your side too owning light 2 door!

[walshydub]

ABF 16V for me, with digifant injection. Get the full lump from a Seat and there won't be any messing about to make it work. 110KW and a bit more with a set of headers, exhaust and KR inlet cam.

Gavin

This. ABF would be my engine of choice for a MK2, plenty fast enough, reliable, relativley cheap and an easy install. win win.

[straight_fresh]

what about keeping it na and working over the 8v thats in it? cam, new valves, headers and all that kinda stuff, i wanna make it a bit different and i havent seen alot of stuff happening with the old 8 valves so im leaning towards keeping the current motor and working with that, still on the fence though :/ what kinda power figures did the 8v digis make from factory?

[ryana89]

Hopfully some of the guys with worked 8v's chime in.
In the mean time.....
Techtonics Tuning - Watercooled Volkswagen Parts

[Preen59]

Get an ABF with everything attached for simplicity mate. If you just want something that will be a nice cruiser with some poke, the ABF is what you're after..

Throw a set of say... TT 268 cams or just a KR inlet cam like Gavin suggested in it and you're in business.

Carbs are not to be taken lightly.. And to make (proper) use of twin carbs you're going to want to have something more than standard. You'll be able to pick up a dressed ABF cheaper than a new twin weber kit..

[velly_16v_cab]

16v ABf FTW, then have a KR head and cams (or upgrade to some bigger ones 286/272 etc)
in the uk you would run this on K-jet but i guess here Digi will be your option.

[straight_fresh]

so the abf would drop straight in, would i be able to use my 5 speed off my 1.8 digi? drive shafts aswell? what are my best options for sourcing one in w.a/aus? 1.8/2.0l??? help gurus!

[Jarred]

the biggest problem here is that you're comparing apples to oranges and bananas. Both in terms of power, drivability and price.

I find the best way to start is to define a price that you want to spend, and add another ~30% and then figure out what you can get for that price, and wether that meets your price/driveabilty requirements. If not, back to the drawing board, or keep saving!

ABF should be pretty good in the mk 2. Defiantly one of the best base engines to start with!

[Preen59]

so the abf would drop straight in, would i be able to use my 5 speed off my 1.8 digi? drive shafts aswell? what are my best options for sourcing one in w.a/aus? 1.8/2.0l??? help gurus!

All the Seat 16vs are ABFs as far as I know.. Get a whole car or half cut.. Then you'll have everything you need.

Check online for a wreck or a cheap one that's unregistered etc... Matt (Golf loon) would probably be able to steer you in the right direction if he doesn't have one himself..

Yes, your gearbox will work with an ABF.

[straight_fresh]

price isnt a real problem, to a degree of course... im in no rush to have this thing on the road at all, if an engines gonna cost me a grand, awesome, if its gonna cost 3 grand ill just save my pennies a bit longer and so on and so forth, id like to go about it with the least hastle as possible, i dont wanna import a jap mk3 half cut etc, its just to much rooting around, from what iv read the 2l abf's are quite a rarity and finding ones gonna take alot of doing, rang around today and no ones got anything local :/ golfwagen do have an s3 1.8t ready to go for 2.5k though hmmm haha... thanks for all the info so far guys, would be good to hear from some of the 8v guys! where are you!!

[twin eng, twin turbs]

http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/f46/new-turbo-garrett-gt-25-30r-turbo-setup-30550.html

Check this thread above on 8v turbo setups it may be of some help. Its not an easy task to do...

In my opinion the best compromise for power and reliability is the 16v ABF setup. Its the least amount work, just be sure to get a new heavy duty clutch if you go that way. Extractors and 2 1/4" or 2 1/2" exhaust with KR inlet cam or TT 268's and it will have 70hp more than your stock 90hp 8v.

For ultimate power the S3 engine with an 02A gearbox will hammer, you will destroy the stock 020 gearbox in no time.. A 3" turbo back exhaust, with front mount intercooler or water to air intercooler and appropriate tuning and you will be wheel spining 13 second quarters all day! Check out this thread

http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/f55/begins-s3-1-8t-into-my-85-mk2-gti-11580.html