The only thread I could find on this topic is 8 years old, so I thought I would revive it and see if there's a little more information out there. 

 

I know the VRS models are now available in 4WD versions, but I have developed an emotional attachment to my pre-facelift MK2 that precludes getting rid of it for a newer car. And in my opinion the Octavia has been going steadily downhill in the looks department (just my personal view). That said, at 200HP (163 at the wheels) my PD lump is now beginning to suffer the limitations of front wheel drive in ways that I find very frustrating. Even with warm. fresh tires on new, dry blacktop wheel spin in 1st and 2nd is inevitable if I want to get off the line quickly. So how hard can it be to get some power to the rear wheels? 

 

This is a 2006 Octavia Scout with a 1.9 PD engine. It's currently on Autotrader for £1290. 

 

 

Assuming I'm willing to forego the six-speed for the five gears in this one, what would it take to transfer this into my MK2 and keep the PD 170 block? Is it even a suitable 4WD system? I assume the one in the Scout was intended for off-road use, not performance. Would the PD 170 block fit onto the gear box in this one? 

Edited 11 April, 20188 yr by jronnquist

That's a 4x4 not a scout and the conversion would be a nightmare to do.  You'd be better getting a 2.0 TDI 4x4, mapping it etc and then transferring the interior from your vrs to it.  The bmm unit in the 4x4 will map to 185bhp on a stage 1 without too much trouble and more a stage 2 and 3...

Might an lds be a simpler solution?

Do you mean an LSD?