RE: Type-44 5k with TDI engine?

["Buchholz, Steven" <Steven.Buchholz@kla-tencor.com>]

> Is in possible to install the 2.5 I5 TDI engine (that you US residents
> never got) in a mid 80's 5k? I can get my hands in a 140 hp TDI engine
> and an old (85) 5kS with not-so-good engine. The engine fits right in,
> after what I've heard, but what about transmission (possible/necessary
> to use the TDI trans?), wiring and "all the other stuff"? I know it's
> not a "drop in and drive" job, but is it possible at all? The
> relatively chap 5k cars with the very powerful and good-sounding TDI
> engine would be great, and Audi even manufactured a type 44-based 100
> TDI back in 1990.. I've heard of people installing the I5 TDI in the
> VW Vanagon, so the TDI in the 5k has to be possible, or what?
> 
> I'll appreciate any advice!
> 
since I'm here in the US, I can't offer any direct advice, but I decided to
pass along my thoughts.  Overall it seems like a very good idea ... the TDI
engine is a nice alternative.  

If you know that the motor will fit in the engine compartment, then it is
also likely that it will bolt up to the tranny that is in the car.  The
biggest thing I'd be concerned about is the transmission ratios.  The torque
characteristics of the TDI are likely to be quite different from those of
the original engine.  I would recommend that you look into doing the
complete engine/tranny swap ... or at least compare the ratios of the
trannies in the two cars.  I guess one other thing you might want to do is
to see if you can find the tranny ratios for the type-44 car that had the
TDI ...

Given the fact that the engine will bolt to the existing tranny it might be
the preferred solution.  You only need to make sure that the flywheel is
either matched or swapped to guarantee that the thing works.  If you end up
trying to bolt in a tranny from the TDI car you may have a problem getting
drive shafts of the proper length, making the shift linkage work, etc ...

HTH!
Steve Buchholz
San Jose, CA (USA)