1.8t in 4kq REVISED

[R. Mair]

Lemme elaborate on why i wouldn't do a 1.8t swap in any car...

First, I guess I should have said that the early 1.8's (150hp) were
problematic in the engine management area, mainly the emission control
systems. I have countless customers with evap codes, cat codes and 02 sensor
codes. The 180hp version seems better. The timing belt issue is not really
an issue if you swap out the tensioner for an updated unit from VW or simply
use the old manual version.

However....

The whole idea surrounding 1.8t motors origin was based on fuel mileage and
lower emissions, compared to the V6/VR6 engines. If you wanted power, you
bought a 6 cylinder. If you wanted fuel mileage, you bought the 1.8 (or
diesel in the VW). The 1.8's design is a small displacement engine that uses
very little boost at highway speeds, but kicks in if you need to power. A
small 1.8 has no place in a heavier car with AWD, unless it has a turbo. So,
with fuel mileage the issue on this engine, parts were designed as such.
Take a look at the valve stems on these engines. They are the thickness of a
newborns pinky. The rest of the engine components also lean towards less
reciprocating and rotational mass, therefore aiding in better fuel mileage.

Sure, you can chip the thing to death and get several hundred HP out of it,
but it's design was not intended for this kind of mod. Show me any one of
these engines with 100k miles and 250+hp. I'll bet it won't be in a good of
shape as you think, if it even makes it that far. The one with 550hp? If the
guts weren't modified, then it's a grenade. If they were, then plan on
spending Thousands upon thousands of $$$ for con rods, pistons etc. Bruno's
600hp 20vt coupe was driven 60 STREET miles during the Duryea hillclimb
weekend, from the hotel to the race course. This does not include 10 trips
up the 2.2 miles hill either. With some conveniences it could become a
half-reliable street car!

So, again, if you are going to go through the hassle of a swap, I can think
of several other engines that would be better suited for this (if your
intent is to modify it).

Rolf