Hi everyone, just after some advice.

 

The VRS needs a new engine and I'm in between buying a rebuilt CAVE engine or a used CTHE to fit in. 

 

What would you go for in my position and why?

 

Car originally had a CTHE engine in it and I’m aware that it is the revised version etc, it's just a matter of availability.

 

Thanks in advance! 🤞

Why would you buy a used CAVE unless you know it is a recent rebuild?  & you need the ECU.

Production of the cars stopped 12 years ago, but there were CAVE engines built for replacements.

 

Buying a used CTHE is as much of a lottery, as is the refurbished CTHE that get advertised. 

 

Can you not find anyplace to rebuild your engine?

The CAVE engine available is a fresh rebuild, it’s the CTHE that’s used, 50k iirc.

 

20 minutes ago, Ootohere said:

Can you not find anyplace to rebuild your engine?

 

Was told the bottom end was burnt ruling out a rebuild and that a replacement engine was needed

Who re-built the CAVE & how much is it and is there an ECU with it? 

 

How would you know the CTHE is OK, is it in a car and running, accident damaged or something?

 

Are you fitting the engine? 

The CAVE was rebuilt by a VW expert with 16 years experience according to the ad and it doesn’t specify whether or not it comes with an ECU so I doubt it, but wouldn’t hurt to ask.

 

As for the CTHE, it comes with a warranty however it would still be sort of going in blind. There aren’t many CTHE options for sale right now.

 

And it will be fitted by my mechanic.

I wouldn't use a secondhand engine in this particular application, the rebuilt engine should have a decent warranty on it if it's been done right and you don't need another ECU since you're fitting a new core with the original ancillaries.

Thanks. Do you think there'd be anything to worry about in regard of the different pistons etc?

29 minutes ago, FBTK said:

Thanks. Do you think there'd be anything to worry about in regard of the different pistons etc?

 

You can't buy the old piston rings that gave all the trouble so it'll have been upgraded to the latest spec. if it's had a rebuild using new parts, CTHE is not a different engine to the CAVE it just has a few revisions to address the problems.

Ok, that makes sense. Thank you!

The tech that rebuilt the engine will know all about it and what was used and if it got new oil spray jets. 

http://briskoda.net/forums/topic/471566-cave-to-cthe

http://briskoda.net/forums/topic/513716-skoda-vrs-mk2-cave-engine-rebuild-advice

 

As an aside to this post,

how I determine what version of the engine I have ? (EA111 or EA211)  Vin identifies engine as "6" (the fifth digit in the VIN)

2014 1.4 CTHE

Will be EA111 if you have CTHE/ 1.4 twincharger.

 

EA211 refers to 1.4 turbo only with no supercharger. Wasn’t applied to the VRS, would be in the Mk3.