Mk1 Engine Swap Options

[Damo88]

Hi all,
I was hoping to find a build thread up somewhere but couldn't find one.

I'm after info on the the ol' 'mk3/Seat 1.8 with TS Passat manifold swap' as a friend is keen to start in the next few weeks.
Is it a straight fit? Will it pair up to the gearbox? Are there any other parts or modifications needed? etc?

Are there any other fairly priced/easier engine swaps that can be done in Aus?

I know the mk3 2L bottom end with mk2 GTI head is getting quite popular in Mk2's, Has anyone/does anyone know if this will be a swap into a mk1 with relative ease?

Any other suggestions?
I'm aware anything can be done with the right amount of work and $$$ such as VR6, 1.8t and ABF etc but that's not what I'm after.

I think it would be good to have a list up on the forum with as much accessible information as possible about this topic as it seems swaps are becoming more and more common as these tremendous cars age

Thanks in advance

[Peter Jones]

I've done both, the 1.8 is easier.

The 1.8 bolts straight in and all your 1600 stuff swaps straight over, including the dizzy.
There's one hole in the head that needs to be blocked off with a bolt.

The 2.0 is a bit harder, the head is 10mm higher in the engine bay and you need an adapter bush for the dizzy.

On both conversions you'll need an electric fuel pump as there's no provision for a mechanical fuel pump on the intermediate shaft.

You might need to swap the water pump over depend on what pullies you've got lying about.

Here's a thread where I did an 1800 conversion Meet Ziggy - '79 GLD MK1

The wreck to race thread has the 2.0 conversion in it in the early posts, link in the sig below.

Driving wise they're both good, the 1800 is very quick, the 2.0 is more torquey.

[Petska84]

Have a look at Pete jones's thread, wreak to race. You will see a lot of good old "back yard development" with different combinations. It's a good read.

[Petska84]

Lol, you bet me to it Pete.

[Peter Jones]

I should mention that the best of the 1800s are the ones from the MK3 CL or SEAT Cordoba. The earlier 1800s from the MK2s and MK1 cabbys aren't as fast.

You should be able to use whatever clutch and flywheel is on the later motor, just check that the driven plate has the correct splines to mate up with your chosen gearbox. Most of the time it's the smaller spline variety.

[drucejnr]

I'll have a mk3 1.8L engine/box for sale soonish if you end up going down that path

[Peter Jones]

Another thing, You'll need a new top radiator hose as the water outlet on the head is between cylinders 3&4 instead of 1&2.

The hose to get is a MK1 DIESEL top hose.

Lower hose is the same.

[eltonking]

I've got an 1800 RV (mk2 GTI) and it seems as though it was a bolt in ordeal, engine mounts are the same, dizzy, fuel pump is still mechanical and its still running the standard 4 speed that was originally mated to the 1.6...

I've also teamed it up with a TS passat manifold and 32/36 weber carb and it goes well, just picked up a 272 cam which will be going in shortly.

Pete, I'm looking into a new clutch but obviously given the differing engine/gearbox combo not sure what size clutch i'm after... is it the 210mm or 180mm(or 190mm) or whatever I should be picking up?

cheers!

[Peter Jones]

Only way to be sure what clutch you've got is to take it out and measure it.

After all these years there could be any combination of bits in there.

I'd only be guessing sorry.

Of course you could pick up a flywheel and buy a new pressure plate and disc to suit.

Then you could just swap out whatever is in there.

If you can't afford the down time on the car this would also let you get the flywheel machined before you pull the box.

[ByronRichesMk1]

I've got an 1800 RV (mk2 GTI) and it seems as though it was a bolt in ordeal, engine mounts are the same, dizzy, fuel pump is still mechanical and its still running the standard 4 speed that was originally mated to the 1.6...

I've also teamed it up with a TS passat manifold and 32/36 weber carb and it goes well, just picked up a 272 cam which will be going in shortly.

Pete, I'm looking into a new clutch but obviously given the differing engine/gearbox combo not sure what size clutch i'm after... is it the 210mm or 180mm(or 190mm) or whatever I should be picking up?

cheers!

If it's 210mm I've got a HD clutch set up for sale. Give us a yell man.