A mate of mine has won by default a mk3 Golf gti 1.8 8v

He want's to maximise his performance, and has the suspension, brakes etc sussed.

He has the cash, and the tame mechanic, but has no idea where to start with the engine.

Can he turbo. it?

Would a 1.8t engine slot straight in?

Would a 2.0 20v engine fit in?

He is amenable to bigger intercoolers and turbos, he just want to do it properly, and not overstress anything, and would like around 300 bhp.

How much of a nightmare would the electrics/ecu changeover be?

Any sensible suggestions appreciated, ta.

"won by default"?

and if it's a Mk3, it'll be a 2.0 8v

there's no such thing as a 2.0 20v, the 1.8T is 20v

and the 1.8T would fit, with a little fiddling

and if it's a Mk3, it'll be a 2.0 8v

:iagree: or is it a mk2 golf?? which would have a 1.8 8v engine

there's no such thing as a 2.0 20v, the 1.8T is 20v

there is a 2.0 20v engine, but iirc they were only availavle in the usa:)

Alright pedants...

It's just what he told me, it must be a mk2 then, it IS a 1.8 8v

I only drive the ruddy things.

And yes he won it by default ( he is a painter, and it was in lieu of an unpaid bill.)

So, back to the sensible solutions please.

alright, alright, keep you allens on!!

the 1.8 8v engine has quite a lot of tuning options available due to the fact that they have been around for many years!! all the usuall stuff like cams, etc...

dont even bother trying to turbo that engine..

if it's 300bhp you are looking for then just drop a 1.8T in there.. you can even re-use the existing mountings and gearbox

if it's 300bhp you are looking for then just drop a 1.8T in there.. you can even re-use the existing mountings and gearbox

That shouldn't be a problem...

What about the electrics etc?

As stated, money isn't a problem ( well, not too much!)

A re-map, uprated clutch etc is on the cards as well.

( this will be a PROPER sleeper;) )

it depends on what type of engine it has fitted..

over the years they used various different fuel injection systems. such as K-Jetronic, Mono-Jetronic or vw Digifant...

by far the easiest one to adapt to the 1.8T engine would be the digifant type, there are even off-the-shelf kits available for these which include the loom from QPE..

it is possible to convert the other types but it requires more parts(mainly fuel tank & in-tank fuel pump..)

That's good to know.

Keep 'em coming.

Anymore suggestions before he rings me later?

He is like a kid with a new toy:rofl:

( but he keeps pestering me, and although I have told him I am an idiot, he trusts me, and yes, he is mad:D )

why dont he put a S3 engine in it or a 130pd chipped

why dont he put a S3 engine in it or a 130pd chipped

Doesn't want a diesel.

I am presuming the 1.8t engines are the same throughout the VAG range, but I might be wrong ( this includes engine mounts etc )

Keep 'em coming.

Didn

mk1 1.6 8v later 18 8v /mk2 1.8 8v and 1.8 16v/ mk3 2.0 8v 2.0 16v 2.8 12v vr6

Didn

If not the Turbo option then VR6, but its never reccomended to build a car you can already buy

If not the Turbo option then VR6, but its never reccomended to build a car you can already buy

My mate agrees, but he is a perfectionist painter, to the tune of completely stripping, including engine out, his Shogun that he recently painted.As the Golf is to be his 'project' for the summer, and as it will be just a shell when he paints it, he may as well fettle it properly.

Might be a good place to have a look and ask a few questions

GolfGTI.co.uk forum - Index

there's no such thing as a 2.0 20v

Flim flam, there is.

Flim flam, there is.

I thought there was, but obviously there are more knowledgeable people on here than me:rolleyes:

I should have pm'd you Lummox, for some proper advice ( and of course, proper advice leads to beer tokens;) )

The 1.8 8v is fairly tunable, but 300bhp ain't gonna happen. 140bhp - 150ish max for road use.

1.8T is the obvious choice here if a transplant is on the cards. VR6 will be front end heavy, and a bit of a squeeze.

VR6 will be front end heavy, and a bit of a squeeze.

Thats half the fun. Its what i'm going for when the house move is sorted

quantum performance engineering/

they do most of the stuff you would need, including custom downpipes etc

Sell the Golf, add the huge amount of money required to get an engine/Gearbox/Clutch/Brakes/Suspension/etc/etc up to 300BHP and buy a Caterham

HTH:P

you dont need 300bhp in a caterham to go fast :sofahide:

you dont need 300bhp in a caterham to go fast :sofahide:

Which was my point!!!! I driven a few and a Megabusa, so for once I know what I