L-body with VW 20v 1.8T?

[iTurbo]

Since older L-bodies were available with a VW engine, would it be possible to bolt-in a newer 20v 1.8T engine with stockish motor mounts into an older L?

[rbryant]

Maybe but they tend to break timing belts at 60k and take out all 20 valves...

I am going with the SRT4 engine since we have more tranny options. The wider head (I assume it would be wider) would probably be even more of a problem for fitment.

-Rich

[86Shelby]

it's possible. Check around to see how easy it is motormounts-wise to put it in a Rabbit or Scirrocco.

[GLHNSLHT2]

Good luck wiring it up :)

[GLHS592]

A 2.4 would be a far better choice.

[Captain Chaos]

Theres a guy in town that put a AEB engine from a A4 into an older Rabbit. The timing belt breaking at 60k is not uncommon but if you know about it why wait? But with a 1.8T you are starting with almost the same hp as a T-II and parts that are more expensive. I agree go with a 2.4 you'd be way happier for less hassle and money.

[t3rse]

also, the 1.8t doesn't have near the potential of the 2.4t

[mcsvt]

And tend to have a sludging issue... Don't get me wrong, I loved mine in my 02 Jetta. Wish I never sold that car :(

["Top Fuel" Bender]

Yes there is 1.7 engine mount that will bolt right on the side of the 1.8T (20V)
but the 1.8T trans mount is different and requires a custom mount that is different then the ones used in the 1.7 vw motor in Omnis
Wiring is not a problem with megasquirt or such
The t-belt problem isn't a problem if required
I would recommend switching to the old "16V" stlye tensioner and get rid of the automatic tensioner though
Saying t-belt are a problem is like saying mot to get a R/T due to T-belts, oil pumps and lifters as well as cracked cly. heads
I'd be more worried about the cheap thin rods in the 20v vw's then the t-belt
We do have a few customers running an upgraded turbo, exhaust, injectors and chips putting 300hp to the wheels on junkyard 100,000mile motors
on pump gas daily driven

Put a 2.4 in it turbo it and have fun


pic '02 20v 1.8T in an '82 Cabby that I did a few months ago

[WVRampage]

If you are eanting a VW in it go for the VR6...But still a 2.4 would be a cheaper.

[Aries_Turbo]

my question is can you put later upgraded internals in a 465 trans that bolts to the VW engine?

the 20V heads dont flow that much. like less than a 2.4L head from what ive seen. stick with our stuff, its better.

now a 1.9L TDI omni hooked to a beefed 465 trans (555/520/525 hybrid internals possible???) would be fun and get 52mpg hwy as well.

Brian

["Top Fuel" Bender]

no
the vw trans are very small compaired to ours
just swap the trans too and make a trans mount
your going to have to make a rear and front mount also
the only one that bolts/lines up is the engine mount

the vr6 is junk also
crappy chains and guides (worse then the 1.8T t-belts)
noisy cams and lifters
you have to hack a mk1 vw to make them fit imagine the work needed for a TM
The ports on the head vary greatly in shape and flow from one to another
Oh yeah they're heavy as hell!!! and they lean so far forward
not only is there no room but they're even more nose heavy if you can believe that
THe vw guys have to upgrade springs and brakes when doing vr6 swaps