Decided to hold out for a complete cylinder head but which ones fit directly to the AUQ?

As I understand the AUM is the same and a direct fit.

The AGU is the same head but without VVT and requires the AGU inlet manifold to fit?

What about the BAM and AMK Heads?

Edited 8 November, 201015 yr by OllieH

Found this on the search through google but not the forum search!

Dealing with the 3 current engines first, the AUM, ARX and AUQ share the same block, cylinder head, internal parts, intake system and throttle valve control unit, turbocharger, charge air cooler, exhaust manifold, injectors, spark plugs, lubrication system and fuel system (excluding fuel tank etc). Apart from the fact that the ARX (4X4) has a different return oil line for the turbocharger, and the AUQ (vRS) one different boot (rubber seal/pipe) on the charge air cooler, the 3 engines are identical. The ECUs for all 3 engines do however differ, as do the exhausts. The same clutch is used on all 3 engines (and by the AGU). The AUQ is fitted with a different crankshaft impulse sender to the AGU, AUM and ARX; and the AGU and AUQ use the same knock sensor and harness, while the AUM and ARX both use a different anti-knock sensor.

The AGU was fitted to the UK-spec Octavia 1.8T FWD between 10/96 and 07/00 and remains in production for other markets. Whilst the engine is substantially the same mechanically as the AUM, ARX and AUQ, the cylinder block and pistons are different, as are the cylinder head with valves and camshaft. Specifically, the cylinder head, camshafts, pistons, con rods and bearing shells are different, but the crankshaft, vibration damper, flywheel and clutch are the same. Other differences include the cable throttle, smaller injectors and turbocharger, and the absence of VVT. These differences mean that it is not as tuneable as the later versions. Moreover, unlike the later engines, the AGU was not designed for variable (extended) service intervals.

NB. The ARX initially shared the same turbocharger as the AGU, but from May 2001 is fitted with the same turbocharger as the AUM and AUQ.

Anyone know the difference between the BAM head and AUQ head. There is a BAM head for sale and the lad says that the head is the sam bar the cam shafts and these could be swapped from my head?

yes it fits and as far as im aware it exactly the same even the cam will double check brain not working at the minute

yes BAM head will be the same with VVT mechanism in the cam chain tensioner. I'd be surprised if the cams are different but don't know for sure, and indeed could be swapped over if that's the case.

When getting involved with cam changes, I'd advise taking VERY close note of the relative positions of both cams and the chain, in fact marking the cam sprockets and chain before disassembly is strongly reccomended to ensure you get the correct number of links between the sprockets to maintain correct timing. Also get a tool to compress the chain tensioner, they aren't expensive and freely available on Ebay etc. Mine is made by Sealey and was only a few quid.

Cheers for the reply mate.. I have also been offered an AMK head? I am getting really confused now!

Its looking like a BAM head and pistons though.