MK1 power hunt

[Jarred]

g'day all,

I've decided to start looking at building a new engine for my mk 1. I'll prob use one of the block from the engines I have lying around, and start by getting it cleaned up/ground back etc.; so I have a good base to start with.

I'm hunting about 110-120 horseys, so the plan is;
- Bore the head to ~1.7/1.8 litres, I've heard it's a comon mod, but is it still safe?
- Extractors/downpipe with full 2 and a bit exhaust, but what muffler/hotdog?
- Cam. It's going to be my daily, so not too wild, but maybe a similar spec to a GTi cam, like a 265 or something? Sporty, but not wild.
- maybe flat top pistons if I can find some
- and a Carb. recommendations? I would like something that resembles fuel economy.

Is there anything else that I've forgotten about? any other easy power gains out there? Is 120 reasonable the afor mentioned setup?

cheers guys
Jarred

[Jarred]

yea got new boags shocks and jamex springs and I'm getting GTi spec front stoppers off golfworx soon sometime.
Any clutch recommendations then? and flywheels?

[ausgolfer]

it'd be cheaper and easier to start with a 1.8. I know of a mk2 gti being wrecked in melbourne and will enquire on what they want for the engine alone if you like. Could be a gti box aswell depending on price.
That way you're starting with better ports/valves/valve spacing/compression/larger capacity at probably the same cost as buying flat top pistons for you old motor.

[Jarred]

I thought about getting a newer/bigger engine, but thought it would be more expensive? and I'm not too sure about the conversion either. I've heard they're "straight" swaps, but don't know for sure
I just happen to have a number of (1600) engines and alot of cylinder heads at my disposal to play with

[gldgti]

if your going to mod a 1.6, its a simple matter to be rid of all the time and effort and just buy an already modded 1.6. mollins still has a 1.6 engine and head highly modified - block built up to 1900cc, ported/polished head and smoothed combustion chambers, unknown spec camshaft, big valves, flat top pistons.

i'd buy that - by the time you get a block bored, new pistons, rings etc, you'll be looking at over 1k anyway. make him an offer!

theres no reason why any modified engine like this one couldn't be fitted with a nice cam and whatever induction setup you choose, and be an economical, fast daily driver.

[Antdragonist]

standard 16v would give you more than enough power wouldnt it?

other than that, mollins' 1.9 engine would be the best bet i reckon.
im runnin cam n carbs, and while fun it leaves a bit to be desired.
with the money you save on a 16v conversion you could get that 1.9 and mod the mk1 more

[Jarred]

It's too easy to just get someone else's engine and just pop in. Wheres the fun? I did actually want to build one myself (well, with help from smarter people) as I do have the time and resources to practice the headwork on etc.
but not a massive budget to splash out on something fancy ie a 16v.
what kinda economy do you get ant?

[evorobin]

I've had an 8v making ok power and a std 16v is just so much better!

[mollins]

It's too easy to just get someone else's engine and just pop in. Wheres the fun? I did actually want to build one myself

i can pull it apart if you want and sell it to you in tiny little pieces

seriously though, it would be much much cheaper to use the gear i have. The block and head are still separate so you would still have to build it yourself. You would still have to source extractors, cam (a milder one for a daily driver), carby etc. That is still building your own engine. The guy i bought the gear off raved that this would put out 200hp, which is a bit silly, but you would easily get the 120 you are looking for if you set it up right.

210mm gti clutch and flywheel are necessary for anything above 100 or so.

let me know if you are interested

here is the link if you havent seen it already
http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/newf...ead.php?t=7788


cheers

mike

[ausgolfer]

I think it all depends on price, and time frame.
For example if you're lucky you could possibly pick up a 1.8L mk2 gti block ready to drop in for $400-500 in good condition. But as you say wheres the fun. But it would IMO be the simplest and easiest even if you choose to build something fancier up in the mean time.