1.8t conversion

[JamesUK]

Is there anyone out there running a 1.8t in a mk2 over here? It is a pretty commonplace conversion in the UK, but from what I have seen so far not any about?

[GTi Bhoy]

Is there anyone out there running a 1.8t in a mk2 over here? It is a pretty commonplace conversion in the UK, but from what I have seen so far not any about?

There are a few.
I have one.

[JamesUK]

Ok cool, assuming you start with the right bits, ie good mk2 and a mk3 16v donor car, any idea what it would cost (approximately obviously) to get it on the road? Seems to be a bit more involved in getting them registered and roadworthy etc?

[AusScare]

Ok cool, assuming you start with the right bits, ie good mk2 and a mk3 16v donor car, any idea what it would cost (approximately obviously) to get it on the road? Seems to be a bit more involved in getting them registered and roadworthy etc?

I'm guessing basics $15k if you pay someone else. Including brakes, suspension, etc.

[Stiggy_21]

have a read...
http://www.vwwatercooled.org.au/foru...gti-11580.html

[JamesUK]

Cheers for the feedback, I did the VR conversion on my previous mk2 in the uk, but from what I know there is a bit more fabrication involved in getting the 1.8t in. Unfortunately in rented accomodation for now and the garrage is somewhat lacking. Will take a look at the build thread, and go from there. Does anyone know what's involved with importing a converted car? As there are usually a few floating around on forums like edition 38 at any one time for £4000-£5000. I know it's not too cheap to get them over, but main concern is getting RW rego etc?

[walshydub]

Ok cool, assuming you start with the right bits, ie good mk2 and a mk3 16v donor car, any idea what it would cost (approximately obviously) to get it on the road? Seems to be a bit more involved in getting them registered and roadworthy etc?

There are no MK3 16V's in Australia, were never imported, so there goes the donor car.

If you're confident to do it yourself it will be a lot cheaper, as you've already got experience of engine swaps it might be worth a go. Getting it Rego'd will be easier than you think because you're not changing the capacity of cylinder count of the engine. It'll be going from a 1.8 to a 1.8T, ironically it's harder to roadworthy a VR6 conversion because of the jump in capacity & cylinders.
As long as you do everything properly, upgrade the brakes and get an engineer's cert registration will be easy.

As for importing one, it's not really worth the hassle and with the exchange rate it'll end up costing you $25,000+ for a $5,000 car.

[JamesUK]

Thanks for that, good to know about it being easier to register the 1.8t. As much as I miss the roar of a VR with a stainless 6 branch and a straight trough you can't ignore the fact that there is so much more tuning potential with the turbo lump. Plus the VR sort of ruins the handling in a mk2! Just too much weight up front. Still was always a laugh! Will try and get some pics up soon.