1.8 8v/16v? carbs or turbo?

[straight_fresh]

hey guys, still in the planning/parts gathering stages of my build, one thing im stuck on is what engine/injection to run, the car currently has a 1.8 8v digifant in it that runs like a dog which im sure is due to a base timing issue, now if i can get this running properly i was thinking about going the turbo route on it, a small kkk03 or gt25 something like that, im not after massive power figures or low 1/4 mile et's, just a nice weekend cruiser with a little poke my other option is going either carbs on this motor or getting a 16v and going carbs on that, just wanted to know peoples opinions, what you would do and why, pros and cons of each etc

cheers!
tom

[h100vw]

ABF 16V for me, with digifant injection. Get the full lump from a Seat and there won't be any messing about to make it work. 110KW and a bit more with a set of headers, exhaust and KR inlet cam.

Gavin

[ryana89]

I understand NeuSpeedGTI made his little 1.8 Digi a bit more poky with some headwork, exhaust/intake work.
You may find that cheaper than going turbo and you'd keep reliability (if your on a budget)
PS, you've got weight on your side too owning light 2 door!

[walshydub]

ABF 16V for me, with digifant injection. Get the full lump from a Seat and there won't be any messing about to make it work. 110KW and a bit more with a set of headers, exhaust and KR inlet cam.

Gavin

This. ABF would be my engine of choice for a MK2, plenty fast enough, reliable, relativley cheap and an easy install. win win.

[straight_fresh]

what about keeping it na and working over the 8v thats in it? cam, new valves, headers and all that kinda stuff, i wanna make it a bit different and i havent seen alot of stuff happening with the old 8 valves so im leaning towards keeping the current motor and working with that, still on the fence though :/ what kinda power figures did the 8v digis make from factory?

[ryana89]

Hopfully some of the guys with worked 8v's chime in.
In the mean time.....
Techtonics Tuning - Watercooled Volkswagen Parts

[Preen59]

Get an ABF with everything attached for simplicity mate. If you just want something that will be a nice cruiser with some poke, the ABF is what you're after..

Throw a set of say... TT 268 cams or just a KR inlet cam like Gavin suggested in it and you're in business.

Carbs are not to be taken lightly.. And to make (proper) use of twin carbs you're going to want to have something more than standard. You'll be able to pick up a dressed ABF cheaper than a new twin weber kit..

[velly_16v_cab]

16v ABf FTW, then have a KR head and cams (or upgrade to some bigger ones 286/272 etc)
in the uk you would run this on K-jet but i guess here Digi will be your option.

[straight_fresh]

so the abf would drop straight in, would i be able to use my 5 speed off my 1.8 digi? drive shafts aswell? what are my best options for sourcing one in w.a/aus? 1.8/2.0l??? help gurus!

[Jarred]

the biggest problem here is that you're comparing apples to oranges and bananas. Both in terms of power, drivability and price.

I find the best way to start is to define a price that you want to spend, and add another ~30% and then figure out what you can get for that price, and wether that meets your price/driveabilty requirements. If not, back to the drawing board, or keep saving!

ABF should be pretty good in the mk 2. Defiantly one of the best base engines to start with!