
Easiest swap is a complete older 1.6 TD or 1.9 TD (not TDI) because those are mechanical-pump indirect-injection engines. You still need the gearbox, you still need the instrument cluster. You can make the 1.6 TD / 1.9 TD injector pumps work on a TDI; the best bet is to start off with a TDI engine from an A3 (e.g. '96 Golf TDI).
Full Answer
How much power does a Mk1 Golf have?
- The Mk1 Golf Owners Club Another step up in power, the stock engine is 160bhp, typically from a Corrado (but other cars also used the G60 engine). Ironically the 20V head is said to flow less well than the 16V, but this engine also has a turbo, which makes it capable of much more power than the earlier listed engines.
What kind of engine does a Mk2 Golf GTI have?
Typically using a KR engine code from a Mk2 Golf GTI 16V, although other cars also carried this engine. This is a popular conversion due to ready availability and cheap Mk2s for breaking.
How much horsepower does a VW Golf have?
Available with 110, 115, 130, and 150 hp variants in models including the Mk4 Golf, Bora, Passat, Leon, Octavia, A4, and A6, they feel a lot quicker than you'd expect, especially when bolted into much lighter bodyshells.
What's the easiest engine to build a GTI?
Engines from approximately the same 'era' as the Mk1 Golf GTI are easier; once you get into more modern engines, there's other considerations too. For all the below, we will assume you're starting from a big block injection engine (ie, GTI). If you're starting from a carburettor engine, there's more considerations.

What engines fit a MK4 golf?
The Golf/Jetta Mk4 engine choices included 1.4, 1.6, 1.8, 2.0, 2.3 litre VR5, 2.8 litre V6 and 3.2 litre R32 petrol engines, 1.9-litre naturally aspirated diesel SDI engine, and a 1.9-litre turbodiesel, with power ranging from 90 to 150 PS (66 to 110 kW).
What is the best engine in a Golf?
The best of the Golf's petrol engines is the 1.5-litre TSI, delivering a fine blend of power and economy. It's genuinely impressive, with a keenness to rev that helps it to feel livelier than its fuel economy would suggest.
What is the smallest engine in a Golf?
1.0-litre TSI engineVolkswagen Golf Engines The smallest, the 1.0-litre TSI engine with 83bhp, is adequate for those who simply want to get from A to B.
What kind of engine does a Volkswagen Golf have?
Volkswagen Golf SpecificationsEngine NameEngine: 4-Cyl Turbo 1.4 LiterTrimTSI (Auto) HatchbackHorsepower147@5,000Torque184@1,400Number Of Cylinders4
Which VW engine is most reliable?
One Volkswagen engine consistently appears on 'most reliable' discussions and lists: the 1.8T. Haynes calls the 1.8-liter turbocharged four-cylinder engine the best VW engine. ItStillRuns compares it to the LS small-block V8 in terms of durability and tunability.
What is the best performance VW Golf?
New VW Golf R: The fastest and most powerful Golf ever madeNew VW Golf R is the most powerful Golf ever made, trumping the outgoing model for pace and acceleration.320 PS engine sends the R from 0-62mph in 4.7 seconds.More items...•
How good is a 1.0 engine?
You'd typically find a 1.0 to 1.2-litre engine in a city car like the Toyota Aygo or a supermini such as the VW Polo. They aren't very powerful, but they can still be quite nippy if the car doesn't weigh very much. You'll get a good fuel economy out of them, as the smaller capacity means less fuel is used.
How many miles do VW Golf last?
Let's get started! Volkswagen cars typically last 100,000 to 150,000 miles or more if serviced and well maintained. Thus, VWs you buy today usually last longer than 10-year old models. However, like most vehicles, the VW Golf requires regular maintenance to achieve the high-mile mark.
Which is the most economical VW Golf?
Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion"The Volkswagen Golf BlueMotion is the most economical Golf ever, but drivability suffers, and its tax band is the same as for any other 1.6 diesel Golf."
What does TDI stand for?
turbocharged direct injectionThe TSI model trim has a gas engine, while the TDI trim has a diesel engine. Read More: 2016 vs 2015 Golf. In more technical terms, the TSI stands for “turbocharged stratified injection,” while TDI stands for “turbocharged direct injection.
What does Golf R stand for?
RacingThe VW Golf R is a performance hatchback with the addition of premium touches and technology to the VW Golf GTI. What does the R stand for in Golf R? The R in Golf R stands for Racing.
What does GTI stand for?
Grand Touring InjectionGTI stands for Grand Touring Injection. Volkswagen uses for its direct fuel injection system. Over 40 years ago, GTI technology was first deployed in the 1976 Volkswagen Golf GTI. GTI was meant to power long-distance journeys without sacrificing performance by using a new direct fuel injection system.
What engine did the GTI 1600 use?
1600 to 1800 'conversion'. The GTI up to 1981 had a 1600cc (EG code) engine, 1982 and onwards used the DX (1800cc) engine.
What is the power of a G60?
G60. Another step up in power, the stock engine is 160bhp, typically from a Corrado (but other cars also used the G60 engine). 20vT, aka 1.8T. Ironically the 20V head is said to flow less well than the 16V, but this engine also has a turbo, which makes it capable of much more power than the earlier listed engines.
How much power does a bubble block engine have?
The obvious benefit here is the extra 200cc or so. There's 2 types of engine to consider, the 'bubble block' and 'tall block'. Typical power output is 120-140bhp, although more is possible with extra modifications such as porting & polishing, change of camshaft, raising rev limit, etc.
Does the Mk3 Golf have an ABF engine?
The other variation is the 'tall block' ABF engine from the Mk3 Golf (and others), this would have come with electronic fuel injection but K-Jet can be adapted onto it. The Mk3 Golf had a longer rod length (same stroke though), this gives a lower rod ratio which makes the engine smoother. But to accommodate this, the engine was made 16mm taller. This presents problems for fitting the exhaust manifold and the throttle body (which sits on top of the engine) contacting the bonnet. These issues can be overcome though.
Can you swap a 1800 GTI engine for another?
While there are things you can do to the 1800 GTI engine to make it more powerful, eventually you will reach a stage where its more cost-effective to swap the engine for another. Luckily, VW has a very 'modular' approach to parts design, which means that most of the required work is no more than bolting-unbolting items. Engines from approximately the same 'era' as the Mk1 Golf GTI are easier; once you get into more modern engines, there's other considerations too.
13 Answers
well, if you're going to do a swap consider ANY VW motor with a TIMING CHAIN... VW motors are interrupt motors, and spell certain disaster if the belt breaks for any reason.
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What kind of car do I need for a high power build?
If you want a high-power build, go with an R32 or A3 Quattro, or get an Mk4 GTI and swap in the drivetrain.
Can a 1.8T turbo hit 2k?
Also ALL Of the turbo lag. People have built race machines using 1.8Ts hitting over 1k, and I think some even got close to 2k. Get a VR6, they are heavier, but respond to high boost a lot better than any other engine that will fit.
rubjonny Administrator Staff Member Admin
1-2. chances are yes, all the old parts will bolt to the new engine, including the engine brackets, gearbox etc. got any pics of your engine bay?
rubjonny Administrator Staff Member Admin
you need a pump capable of supplying 80litres per hour at 3 bar, if you can get them over there the mk2 main pump under the car is a neat package with an integral swirl pot. then all you need to do is supply it from the old tank outlet using a suitable feed pump, a facet for example, or a lifter pump dropped into the tank.
rubjonny Administrator Staff Member Admin
the CIS fuel setup will be fine, all you'll need to do is convert it to push fit fuel lines using a barbed banjo adaptor then it'll work with plastic/rubber fuel injection hose. or run the cis fuel lines to the engine bay and put your barbed adaptors there.
THERMT Forum Member
My dad has a T4 with a 2.4d in it. Its really slow and he's looking to change it.
rubjonny Administrator Staff Member Admin
most 4 cyl engiens go, main difficulty is the angle the engien sits at. the sump can be swapped over which is the main thing and the box uses std bolt pattern so it'll go on pretty much anything. i believe its 02a based? if so can use 02a box internals tyo change ratios I assume.
Stu Forum Junkie
Have you looked at turbo'ing the original 2.4D rather than swapping out the engine? It's a relatively common upgrade (assuming original engine in good order) if you have a look over on the T4 Forum, lots of info there. A higher 5th gear is a good upgrade too
Collie Forum Junkie
or even easier sell it and but one thats already turbo'd from the factory?
Prawn Forum Member
I believe Phil Miller of Millers Motor Services in Launceston has done quite a few conversions using the 90 and 110bhp 1.9Tdi mk4 lumps into T4's. He's also done a few PD130's too I think. he might be a good person to speak to. Search for Millers Motor Services on facebook.
Leedavis New Member
Best option as above is to turbo the 2.4 lump,I believe you use the 2.5tdi turbo and manifold etc and it's very straightforward
Should I use a Predator engine in a golf cart?
I recommend converting your current engine with a Predator as you can reduce the extra cost of buying an entirely new golf cart with similar performance.
Can you replace a golf cart engine with a predator motor?
The process is not too difficult but should only be performed by a trained mechanic.
