Considerations for Mk3 1.8t

[SpeciP3]

Hey guys,

considering going the 1.8t route for my golf instead of selling up, mainly because i really enjoy driving the car, just wish it had a bit more punch. Obviously I could go out and buy a VR, but at the end of the day I'd really like something a little different.

I know the best thing I could do would be to source the widetrack gear from a wrecked VR, along with a few other bits, but my main question is what other stuff am I likely to need? I'm guessing brakes, suspension, etc.

Also any advantages/disadvantages on hydraulic vs. cable setup would be awesome.

Cheers,

Mike

[ffoff]

I'm starting to get parts for a 1.8t conversion also. I'm gonna be using an autronic ecu, with a custom 3 inch exhaust. Probably going to use an 02A gearbox with a 4 cylinder bellhousing.

As for brakes I wanna stay 4x100 so I'm gonna grab a g60 brake setup to run dual piston calipers.

As for the downpipe, Pete at CVWC has said to me that a Polo downpipe may be the best option as the motor is too close to the firewall to fit anything else. I haven't tested this yet though.

[Bora Sport]

I think the 1.8T would be a better option than a VR. It is more tuneable and lighter so won't be as nose heavy as a VR. And before any slighted VR owners start bagging me I have owned 2 VR6 Golfs. I have converted my Cupra to hydraulic clutch and I think it is worth while. So much so that I am converting my other Cupra as well. And here is my free plug (sorry) - So if any one needs a cable clutch converter for their O2A gearbox, I have one (or two) lol.

[h100vw]

Definitely go with a hydraulic clutch. The SEAT cable set up isn't that flash.

ffoff why not get the std ECU immobiliser defeated and save yourself a lot of wiring and pain of tuning the ECU. You get factory running etc etc for well under a grand.

Gavin

[ffoff]

Because I want to be able to throw a gt28 on it in the future. An I've got access to a 1.8t autronic map that is pretty solid already so I should be safe.

[whiteVR6]

Bang for buck a VR6T will be quicker than a 1.8T conversion

[SpeciP3]

Cheers guys! Yeah figured the lightness and tunability of the 1.8t would be easier than a VR6T simply because it's much easier to get parts, etc than have custom stuff fabricated, plus I don't know that I could afford that setup.

With regards to brakes and hubs I'm thinking of retaining original setup too but using larger rotors and calipers, save the exchange.

[ffoff]

To retain 4x100, you're gonna want g60 calipers and rotors. Dual piston calipers instead of single piston calipers.

[VR28LT]

still will never sound as horn as a VR pulling hard through the rev range

[ffoff]

Never going to sound as good no. But it's lighter, and quicker so that's a trade off I'm willing to take.

[h100vw]

To retain 4x100, you're gonna want g60 calipers and rotors. Dual piston calipers instead of single piston calipers.

G60 calipers are single piston, just like the early VR6. I have seen loads in the UK and owned 2 myself.

Gavin

[ffoff]

Sorry I should have said girling 60 calipers which aren't actually from a G60. But from some older Audis.

[Ben J]

A nice vrt would destroy a 1.8t, despite being like 40 kg heavier

Thats the route I one day hope to go.

Sent from my HTC Wildfire using Tapatalk

[Jarred]

engine - engine mounts, inlet manifold, downpipe, throttle body. also which block, as there are different designs, as well as head sizes etc, etc. which turbo. Are you planning on staying relatively standard (bolt on mods) or going crazy? (big turbo etc) I'd try and stick with a factory harness, and get it chipped/tuned by a reputable company. Shouldn't be hard to see 280+HP with a K04, injectors, intercooler, exhaust etc., all with factory reliability etc.
gearbox - go an O2A to handle the power, with hyrualic set up, mimic whats used in a VR.
Brakes/suspension/chassis - you dont need to go wide track, there is no point. use all your current stuff, get some good suspension and a set of sway bars probably wouldn't be a bad idea if you really plan on using the car. as for brakes, keep 4x100 and chuck on some 280mm cupra discs with early (or late, i can't remember) 280mm VR6 Calipers/carriers. Or you can source some dual piston girling 60's (like I have) or maybe just go straight aftermarket and get some wilwoods etc?

that's my two bob. I can see reason why you wanna go 1.8T. Should give the car a nice bit of poke, without going crazy. Comparing 1.8T to VRT is silly, VRT is a whole nother ball game! (hello 400+ HP.)

hope this helps./

[SpeciP3]

Yeah thanks jarrod, that's basically what I had in mind sticking with stock setup tweeked slightly (not hugely excessive). I'm planning on using a K03S, mainly because if (and no doubt when) I want a power increase I can upgrade to the K04. I want it to have some power, but reliability is my main issue as it'll be a daily as well as a project. Will be getting some coils shortly, I already have some upgraded larger rotors on the car at present but yeah certainly need some bigger calipers.

I do love the sound of a VR6, there's no doubt in my mind it's the best sounding motor out there, I just don't see myself being able to afford all the custom work, as awesome as it would be.