Engine conversion to R32 from 1.6

[paulie12]

Hey everyone, I just have a few questions. I've been reading up on some of the threads on this site and I am really interested in having an engine conversion for my 1.6L Golf mk4 to a V6 FWD R32. Now I know it incorporates the entire swap of exhaust, gearbox, and other stuff to change the power:weight ratio, but I just want to know the exact facts are regarding the swap. How much it will cost for requistion of the associated parts, and how much installation would be if I payed a tuning company (such as Camden GTI or RamSpeed) for the labour etc.
Also I'm interested in what the insurance premiums would rise by.

I have seen other suggestions such as converting to a 1.8T engine but the problem is that I live in NSW, Australia and our P plater laws are severely flawed. It requires us NOT to drive turbocharged or supercharged vehicles, or V8's. However we are able to drive ELECTRIC cars such as the Tesla Roadster and, what I consider a performance vehicle, the R32 Golf. Also please don't tell me to sell my car and buy another one because I love her too much she is my first car and I just want more of a kick out of her, no need to get rid of her in favour of another car.

Cheers, Paul.

[robbie]

Welcome aboard VWWatercooled Paul. As far as the engine conversion goes I would speak to a reputable specialist able to take on a lengthy process. I've come across quite a few guys on here in Australia who have done a 1.6 to 1.8T swap on their MK4's.

Wouldn't it just be cheaper and easier to sell your 1.6 and buy a MK4 R32? Rarity, sound, practicality and rawness. Speak to either Jack from Beyond Limit Auto's or Arthur from Exoticars, not Ramspeed. Matt @ Camden GTI will also be able to give you his thoughts on this

[Jarred]

If you want quotes on prices for labour, then you need to ring the shops and ask them, not here. Same with insurance quotes.

And how much will parts cost, well depends what parts you'll need. but you'll need lots of parts, other than just engine, box, loom etc

Unless your current car is particularly customised, I would seriously consider buying an R. I imagine buying the engine and box will cost a pretty penny, let alone finding them in the first place.

[Lito]

Also, I'm pretty sure mk4 gtis are p-plate legal in nsw. So a 1.8t swap me be possible. R32 engines are pretty rare, though about the 2.8vr6?

[paulie12]

Also, I'm pretty sure mk4 gtis are p-plate legal in nsw. So a 1.8t swap me be possible. R32 engines are pretty rare, though about the 2.8vr6?

was doing some research on the topic of engine swapping for an audi 2.8 over a R32, and this guy wrote up here VWVortex.com - Jetta Engine Swaps?!?! A discussion on MKIV engine swaps who, why, and how that its impossible. TLR, what he said was that the larger engines (4.2L v8, 2.7T, Audi 2.8 V6, W8, W16 etc.)must be placed transversely, as opposed to the way engines are placed in the mk 4. I'm not entirely sure if what he is saying is credible or not.

[timiteo]

I'm fairly certain in NSW, and most of Australia for that matter, a P plate driver cannot drive a car with an engine conversion. Correct me if I'm wrong though.

I would recommend in your case buying a MK3 VR6 instead. Much easier than having I assume your only car off the road and spending $10k+ on a conversion when an R32 can be had for about $20k.

Sent from my Nexus 4

[paulie12]

Okay so I was doing research on that and apparently P platers are eligible to drive cars that have had engine conversions to maximise at most 10 - 15% of what the original output was.....lol 1.6 to 2.8 hahahaha

[timiteo]

Exactly, so a MK3 VR6 or MK4 GTI would suit you perfectly and can be had for good money too.

Sent from my Nexus 4

[paulie12]

Scratch the GTI idea, I just found Golf 4th gen 5 door GTI in the police list of 'moderate performance cars', ffs. http://www.rms.nsw.gov.au/licensing/...e_vehicles.pdf

[dubster99]

Im going to be doing a 1.6-1.8t conversion and going cost me sweet f all. Bought a wreck. Sold parts i wont use. Bought 1k parts from us. Im going a ft turbo which involves more $$ but im not allowed a turbo on my ps ive been told so this is my only way plus i already got stuff painted and cant get a gti in my colour.