VVT or not?

From mid 2001 the 1.8T underwent a change, with variable valve timing introduced. This was not a performance enhancement like Honda's VTEC system, but a system designed to help emissions at low rpm.

However, although it was designed with emissions in mind, the tuners find the VVT engines give slightly more power than the non VVT engines, in the region of 10-30bhp more.

So, how do you know if your car has VVT? Well if it was supplied after mid 2001 then there is a good chance it will be, but if you want to be sure, there is a way you can check.

Open the bonnet, rest it on its prop.

On the engine cover, locate the four recessed plastic screws.

Turn each of these anticlockwise half a turn.

Lift the engine cover from the block, and admire the engine beneath.

On the right of the engine block you will see a black cylinder, laid flat, about the diameter of a (GB) pound coin, and approx 10cm long. This is the solenoid that controls the VVT. See pictures below, the solenoid is circled.