Upgrading the old 74 fox

[Swann, Benjamin R. (BSWANN)]

[Being in love with my old 74 Audi fox; What can I do with engine/trans
swaps? 
What in theory will bolt in or work with slight mods. I still have the orig.

1500cc  (not 1600) motor, it runs great but I want to get there a little 
faster. I also need window gaskets. Any info would help.----Rich]

Rich,

I was fairly Acquainted with the good ol' AUDI Fox and VW Dasher.  I don't
recall if the '74 Fox was carburated or Fuel Injected, as I recall the '74
Dasher was 1.4l carb, but as always AUDI always had the good stuff first, so
the '74 might be FI.

Carburator will be more difficult, as you need to install the electric fuel
pump, doable but not trivial.

If it is already fuel injected, then you will have several options, however,
I think the best and most straightforward swap would be out of a '86/'87
4000S.  This motor is fuel injected, 110 hp with knock sensor.  With the
dual downpipe that may already be there, or get Dasher manifold and
downpipe(RPI).  You gain improvement over AUDI single downpipe, and with
addition of 264-272 cam you will be getting at least 120 HP.  Not terribly
impressive, but it will make a difference performance wise that is night and
day, and the motor will pretty much drop in.

A couple or things to be mindful of:

1.  Obtain complete wiring harnes ignition, module and control unit(s) for
the car.  I think it may plug directly into the fuse box, but if not there
are under 10 wires that would have to be re-integrated.  It is pretty
simple, really. 

2. Relay any and all positive feeds to the new systems, especially the coil.
Provide direct returns to ground, by adding some extra ground straps.  All
this is because you will burn the existing wiring harness out in short order
if you run the new elecronics thru it. BTDT.

3.  Obtain Bently manuals for both cars.  

You'll want the flywheel, pressure plate and clutch off the newer vehicle.
If you can, get the trans. as well.  

Don't pay an arm and leg for these, I regularly see 4000s that would make
ideal parts cars for under $500 and then you'ld have everything at your
disposal.  Patience and this list are your  your friend in this case.

I'm sure the project is a worthwhile undertaking.  I did some Dashers, early
4000s, and they were not to difficult even for myself at the time an
inexperienced high school grad., and definately worth the effort.

Regards,

Ben Swann
Formerly known 'round Naptown as the "Dasher King"