2.0 16v into my '85 VW GLI

[denell_todd@westcon.com]

I know this is not an Audi Quattro subject.  However, Quattro group has a
considerable knowledge base so I've sent this post.  Some readers may recall
a post of mine a couple of months back about considering a 2.0 16v swap into
my '85 GLI.  At this point, I'm deep in the middle of it.

The "mechanical" part seems to be straight forward - amost a "plug and
play".  I'm working through the interfacing of the new eng. mgt. system/wire
harness into the '85.   I'm a bit concerned about the making the MFA and
gauges work correctly.   However, with further study I should be able to get
it straight.

Does anyone have any words of wisdom for the project (beside don't do it!)?
BTW - I have the Bently manual, and a good set of mechanical and
electrical/electonics skills.  None-the-less, I welcome any comments or
questions.
Well I'm currently running around in my 2.0 Cabby.  I did the swap about
Tha3 months ago.  My cabby was an '82 and I put a 1990 Audi 80 motor in it.
   Yes, IMO a 2.0 8V will smoke a stock 123hp 1.8 16V.  If he has done any
Davhead work on the 16V then you might be equal - that is unless you
   do headwork on your 2.0 8V!  Low end wise you will smoke him off the line
   every time - if you run a mild cam like the 268 or the G-grind.  Fuel
   economy wise you'll beat him too.  Budget wise you'll kill him, as 16V
   parts are outrageous.  In spirited aggressive driving around town I get
   20-23 mpg.  Normal driving around town (ha!) I get around 26.  On the
   freeway at 60-70 mileage is around 37 with my .71 5th.

   Basic upgrades that you'll need (to deal with heat etc...) would
   be the larger core radiator off a 16V car or a newer golf with A/C,
   and at least the oil-water oil-cooler from a newer golf.  Clutch
   should be upgraded to 210mm flywheel, disc, etc.

   Performance wise you'll need a better exhaust, as the stock rabbit two
   hole manifold isn't good for much more than 110-115hp IMO.

   My 2.0 8V is current running about 130hp, with no head porting work.
   I think with head porting (which is the current thing limiting my car's
   power) you should be able to achieve 140-150 very torquey hp with a
   broad and flat torque curve from 3000-~6500.

   You'll also be able to drive around town shifting at 2000 if you want!
   As for the donor car - you just need a motor from an AUDI 80 - engine
   code 3A.  You can use the Audi 80 head or switch to a VW 1.8 head.
   There will be slight mods, but I can supply the details.

   For a record of my experience in doing the swap contact jan vandenbrande
   (jan@ug.eds.com) for the engine swaps faq.  Mark Wendt also has done the
   1.8 swap which is basically the same.  E-mail Mark and I for details...
   don't want to consume net bandwidth.... about things that most people
   don't do to their cars.