#25 mk1 vw engine swap guide
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- čas přidán 12. 01. 2020
- *100$ s&p automotive gift card giveaway rules*
comment your favorite mk1 swap! maybe give us a few reasons why or give some info that i may have missed or gotten wrong. please only leave one comment(feel free to edit it as many times as you wish though) as i will be picking the winner from this comment section at random. limit one entry per person.
s&p automotive
website s-pautomotive.com
instagram @vwsearchandrescue
tdc shop aka dave wright
website tdc-shop.com/
instagram @tdc_shop
eurowise
website shop.eurowise.com
instagram @eurowise_performance - Auta a dopravní prostředky
1.6d 😃 we call this swap the "repair kit"
When your complicated swap fails, spend an afternoon and chuck a 1.6d in there
At that point might as well just keep the 1.7 or 1.8 gas unit in the car
Oscarthevwguy
Except you get 40mpg+
Didn't watch through the whole video, but realy interesting to hear what people do in America. Here in Germany the 2l 150hp ABF is a huge deal. It's electronically restricted via the ECU and can be easily tuned to ~170 horses. Some people claim it robs the car all it's soul, like an LS-swap. VR6 12V turbo swaps were huge in Mk2s during the 2000s, but became pretty much obsolete since 1.8Ts are so cheap. 32V and R32 engines are super rare and expensive here, but due to the weight six cylinders are generally considered a terrible choiche for Mk1s, especially non-convertibles.
When it comes to 1,8ts most people used to go with the AGU, a 150hp engine from late 90s Mk4-platform cars that still had mechanical throttle and the bigger upper rod bearings, as well as oil squirters which only came on the higher output versions in later model years. But today 180hp donor cars are just marginally more expensive.
G60 engines became rare and expensive over the last decade, but wigh the Mk1s becoming older there's more and more going on with retro tuning original DX 1,8l GTI engines or Mk2 KR 16V (1,8l 139hp) or ostom building 16V G60 engines.
2l 8V and TDI swaps used to be a thing when people still dailied this cars but are pretty much dead now. Also old diesel engines aren't allowed to drive into most larger cities anymore. However, VR5 donor cars are dirt cheap right now and since good 16Vs become harder to find more and more people start piutting VR5 in convertibles. With the heavy convertible top on the rear axle the weight of the engine is said to be less noticeable and the huge bottom eng torque and the five cylinder noise are good for open top cruising I guess.
Another engine swap I like but only has been done a couple of times is the 1300ccm G40 engine. They aren't as expensive as a 16V, G60 or 1,8st and you don't need to relocate the passanger side engine mount bracket if you start with a 1100ccm Golf.
Abf's can be hard to find and to be honest here in the US some parts are unique to it so it might not be the best or more cost effective way to get extra hp out of these cars. Plenty of other 16vs available but alot of people prefer to mess with Vr6 engines because its equally as costly and easier to work on and tune. i would say the most popular swap on rabbits are definitly newer TDi's and Aba 8v's, 3rd i'd sway are 1.8t's because they are very easy to source and with proper tuning you can get tons of power.
16v ALL THE THINGS!!!
The vr6 swap will always be my all time favorite swap.
The tdi is my personal favorite swap. I have an ALH swap and can’t beat the power or Milage! The S&P Intercooler/radiator really helped for an efficient bay!
1.6d/td is my favorite swap. super simple and just gets the job done!
A swap that you learn something new. I’m starting a 1.6td swap into my rabbit pickup and I’m more excited to learn and feel that accomplishment when I take her for the first rip than anything else!
I was leaning towards the ABA on my Mk1, and you just made up my mind! Just want something cheap and very reliable! On the hunt for a decent priced donor😁
2L 16V in various forms. Plenty of power, and easy to install.
AHU/1Z TDI
it is a bolt in swap if you use a stock mk1 020 transmission and mk1 gas engine mount. the wiring is very simple even if you dont convert the car to CE2. no need to have the ECU tuned for immobilizer defeat. 90hp is a lot of fun in a mk1 and you cant beat the reliability, low maintenance and fuel economy.
12V VR6 because it's what I'm doing right now! The best VW chassis and the best sounding engine with unlimited potential for boost
Aba all day! I've come to really enjoy my aba powered caddy. It has enough pep to be fun, enough wheel speed to handle the interstate, and reliable enough to drive anywhere. And on top of that, there is enough support and info out there practically anyone could do it!
I agree with the ABA. I’ve done several. Just ABA swapped the caddy in fall.
For me its a ABA! Fairly easy to find, fairly cheap, pretty easy to install dependent of how you go about wiring. I feel the ABA is bulletproof and is perfect for any MK1 if you want more power toss a turbo on it if you want simplicity a verity of carb setups have been proven. Only other motor I would want for my MK1 is a 2.5 V5 but man that looks like a nightmare.
I have owned in the past
1984 Rabbit GTI
1988 Golf GT
1990 GTI 8v
1992 GTI 16v
2002 1.8t GTI
2003 VR6
and currently a 1978 1.5 Gas and a 1991 2.0 8v slightly modified. The Rabbit I am currently swapping in a ABA with a yet TBD system.
I just did an 8v, but I love the look and sound of the 16v with carbs/itbs. Most of the 4cly swaps seem straight forward, but having only done the 8v, i figure the 16v can't be much harder.
I personally run a 2.0 aba turbo motor with standalone. Nice starting build and falls right in a Mk1 engine bay. Cheap to build for first timers and a nice learning process with a very fun power range to play with. Can keep it simple or really fine tune it. Even interchangeable and can slap on a 16v head to make an ABF clone with your tired of the 8v and looking to step it up. Seems to be the best route to me. But vrt would also be very exciting
3.2l vr6 because thats what i did in my rabbit which is your thumbnail for the video!ahaha also currently build an alh 1.9td swapped rabbit and a 2.0l aba turbo caddy. Gotta swap one of each to have all the swaps!!
Tyler Ultimo thanks again for letting me use it!
Currently doing ahu tdi swap, and love tdi swaps. but its hard to argue with the simplicity and costs of an aba swap. loved my aba mk1 jetta.
From my personal opinion (and yes you will hate it) the 3.6 is my favorite swap so far.
From having built a few aba, a tdi, and a12v, the 3.6 is my hands down favorite.
Once you get everything sorted it is just a blast. Sure it is a little nose heavy compared to an 8v, but thats OK with me. I put about 3000 miles on it and look forward to doing a bunch more this year.
The torque, sound, and the mpg's on the highway are pretty effing awesome. On the highway i averaged 28mpg++
I do have a 1.8t, aba 16vt on the burner soon, so maybe my opinion will change. 🤔😂
3.2 or 3.6. Love big VR6s!
Ahu TDI, good power band to weight and incredible fuel mileage and reliability
I would say vr6 just because it is such a fun motor. It’s not the best for handling in a mk1 but sure puts a smile on my face when driving them.
I love love love the vr6 in an mk1 but I can’t get past how low that oil pan hangs even with a shortened oil pan. So realistically I’d probably go with some diesel swap or a good ol 2.0 16V. Plenty of power for a little mk1 imo....but I’ll always have a soft spot for that VR exhaust note lol
I've always wanted a mk1 gti and now I want to ABA swap it! I'm having trouble finding both the actual car and the motor however... are there any places you recommend looking or do some just pop up? I've been looking on craigslist with almost no luck near me. Thanks and I love the channel.
1.8T is the best MK1 swap. Most power for the money. NevAr lose!!!1!!11!
short answer: aba
long answer: it's all subjective. they all have their pros and cons. I think alh and the earlier tdi engines are probably the best if you factor power and efficiency in, even with the added upfront cost. aeb (external water pump) 1.8t is definitely a convenient swap, like the aba, as they basically just drop in. as you said, the vr isn't THAT much heavier than say the 1.8t, especially when you start adding intercoolers and the like, but yes, all that weight up in front of the wheels is the killer. really can't beat that vr sound though, and yeah 174/181 or whatever they're rated at isn't great, but in a mk1 that's really more than you need, unless you're going fully purpose-built tire spinner. considering I have a boatload of vr6 parts and engines, as well as an alh donor car, id like to do both swaps. plus I already have an aba in my truck, so I that's crossed off the list. after driving a stock 1.6l gas 4 speed, the aba 5 speed feels like a rocket ship. plus with the long ratio trans, 5th gear is ideal for highway cruising. all in all, you really can't beat the aba cost/benefit ratio. plus, we're taking the mk3s out slowly but surely with each swap ;)
glad you're slowly gaining some followers in this niche category
Hard to say but probably the aba. So simple and easy that nearly anyone can do it. Gives a good bump in power. But not too much that your mk1 is uncontrollable.
waiting to swap an AHU in my rabbit pickup ,but so wanting to get my 83 rabbit convertible swapped with a 16v with dual Webbers they sound awesome
My favorite I’ve seen is the 2.5 5cyl and I’d like to do that swap on my mk1 for more torque nice sound make a good cruiser!
dennis eduardo
And would be hell to work on.
I haven't driven lots of other swapped cars but I really like my 2.0 16v
I would like to drive a big vr6 though
2.0 aba..easy swap and very reliable also probably the cheapest swap...I did a obd2 swap for less than 500 in a 81 caddy ..throw in a 276 cam with lightened fly wheel and lighted tt pulleys..never a problem cold or hot just go turn key and off I go...
Aba all the way!! But I'm pretty bias lol, that being said if u go the piggy back route it's pretty damn simple and in an mk1 is really fu.n even in a stock config but add a neuspeed sc or a spooly boy and things get really interesting ...
Vr6 is my favorite motor and that what is going on mine had a 2.0 block with built 1.8 head and dig fuel setup fun to drive but nothing like the sound of the vr
I prefer the vr6 swap but I’m happy with my 1.6d because of how simple and reliable it is!
ABA > everything!
My mechanic is putting a 1.9 TDI ALH from a 98 Beetle donor into my 80 Caddy pickup. Main reasons are I want more power and air conditioning! Got parts and harness work at S & P.
Patrick Wong
Is it done yet?
Got the engine installed and running intermittently. Either dies or won't start. Troubleshooting when I have time. Lockdown is not helping...
1.8t is what I like! You can some power out of it!!
I think looks wise the 16v is the best looking motor VW made. As far as performance I would personally go 1.8t for what I would use it for.
Thinking TDI is the best all around swap.
I like 1.8T swaps the most. ABA and VR6 are awesome too, however, I already have those engines in Mk3s. I would love a 16v swap but that stuff is getting harder to find and more expensive than it used to be.
Aaz with tdi transmission. Giles pump. Big turbo. Fast and good mpg
If I had my way I would definitely choose the VR6 3.2l or 3.6l swap.. One of these days it might just happen. :)
Did you have help when you did your first engine swap? Not too many people down in Hawaii that have mk1s lol, so I'm probably just gonna rely on Google
I’m sad you don’t like the vr6 swaps as I’m currently in the process of a r32 02m transplant into my rabbit pickup. Future plans are possible super charger and awd. My favorite mk1 swaps are the g60 and 3.6vr
I haven't done a swap yet but when I do I think now I'll lean toward a 1.9 TDI..
Can I put a Prius engine in mine?
Subscribed!!! Great stuff man !
Gut a low mileage 72k mk3 aba Golf .
What the best resource for budget turbo swap parts list ?!DIY write ups ?
Thanks much
thanks for the support! i’m not sure what the best resource is but there are two groups on facebook full of searchable posts and knowledgeable people. the main one would be “2.0 aba builds and discussion” and the other would be “everything vw 8v turbo s/c & nitrous”. plenty of good info between those two.
I can’t really determine the best swap I have a 2.0 aba it’s simple and bulletproof really want to turbo it hehehe
Thanks Pro
ABA hands down is the best swap for a mk1. they are cheap. they are plentiful. they are reliable. they are easy to work on. and it doesn't take much to make one work into a mk1. add a mk4 intake manifold, a cheap header, K&N filter, chip, and a cam.. you will have one very little potent and reliable pocket rocket.
Any vr6 but preferably the 3.2 the sound cant be beat!
I went aba swap I'm my cabby. Reasons. 1. Cost. 2. Cost 3. Did I mention how to get more power and more reliability oh and cost. Look if I had the cash maybe abf clone boosted maybe be my favorite. 16v yes for cost power weight... 1.8t next. As far as weight and actually making the cars handle. But so many new parts coming out that help with the heavy VR swaps..... but that sound...... the sound...
This Guy hey! this guy, congrats! leave me your social media names or something so i can get ahold of ya and get you this gift card.
🙇🏼♂️🙇🏼♂️🙇🏼♂️
This Guy last call! you have till tonight to reach me before i pick another winner. sorry but it’s almost been a week!
1.9 AAZ!
Would love to see the 2.5 trickle down to the mk1 world, what are the reasons it hasn't happened? Just the sheer size and the way it sits in the bay?
i really haven’t looked too deeply into it so this is purely speculation but looking at the mk2 swap kit kinda hints at why. they include an entire aftermarket subframe, combine that with whatever complications the ecu/wiring and transmission adds and it probably just isn’t financially worth it. the vr5 seems to be much less hassle since the work required is similar to vr swap. again i’m just shooting in the dark here after 35 seconds of research so who knows.
Lots of 2.5 swaps for the mk2 I read somewhere that it’s too long to fit between the frame rails without modifications and it seems most people want bolt in stuff only.
Vr6 for sure.
1.8t 👌 Unpopular opinion but, I believe the vr6 is a bit overrated. The 1.8t is an affordable motor and makes plenty of power just a simple tune.
Aba however I’m in the process of putting a CJAA in my caddy so that opinion may change
Hey whats up, would love to get some help from you if possible, doing a VR swap and having some trouble, was going to take the car up to Sergey (Edge Motors) but will like to get it sorted out by myself.
how do you feel about EV conversions? I know you love gas and diesel but the cost of ev conversion is coming down and as I never drive my cabby more than 50 miles in a day I'm starting to think it would be a hell of a fun future project.
i mean, even though my personal beliefs on them are that they are no better for the environment than fossil fuel cars, its inevitable at this point. im glad to see all the electric motor swapped old cars like e30's and stuff. as the battery and motor tech keeps getting better then it will be more fun/viable. i will say though, i would ditch my R in a heartbeat if we would actually get the GTE here. im looking more forward to performance hybrids than i am full E cars.
16V with either ITBs or Weber DCOE. You just cant replicate the noise the engine makes when it takes a huge gasp of air when you plant the loud pedal
Leave well enough alone!!!
yup! simpler is better sometimes. always plenty of other stuff on these cars that can use the time/money instead.
1991 Vw Jetta r32 swap and I sincerely regret it. I sometimes think about ripping it out and putting back everything to oem stock. Unfortunately I got rid of everything. 🤔😟🥺😭
The swap where someone else is paying and installing.
Any comment on 2.5L ? Not many done so far? Why?
yup! give alan at s&p auto a shout if you’re interested in doing one. up until recently no one has offered swap parts for them. he is now(or at least soon) offering swap kits. personally i LOVE that motor, the 2.5 rabbits are the new aba mk3’s. bulletproof and cheap to get. they are definitely a bit more involved and i think a bit more expensive to get swapped in though, even with the new kits so that’s why you don’t see them much. i’m hoping to do one myself eventually.
@@mk1rabbithole Thank you kindly for reply. I was not aware anybody make kits to swap 2.5L engine in MK1 so far. I will contact S&P for more info. I have cabrio 86 and completer front end (including manual trans, and all electrical components) of 2.5L 2009 waiting to start. Since i am not a mechanic i am a bit afraid to start the swap and afraid I will make unfixable mistake. My idea was to drop all of this in Mk1 and keep engine as is. My intent is not to make race or show car, just something reliable to enjoy driving. I will keep an eye on your channel with hope that you will start this swap soon and take a lead and help me with my project. Good luck with your swap and many thanks.
1.9 tdi for me
16v in a mk1 cabriolet!
16V
V R SEIS!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Call me crazy but I regret doing a r32 swap in a mk2 Jetta, getting to old for this shit. The old saying leave well enough alone😏
Vr6
This was just jotting down thoughts grammar&punctuation police beware just getting my point across.
The best engine swap for the MK1 or any MK1-3 chassis is the AAA 12v VR6!
The Four main reasons anybody thinking about doing a engine swap do or should consider.
1. COST - What is your budget ? Do you have extra buffer money if you have a number in mind most likely multiply it to be safe. Or you’ll have to be crafty to make it happen.
2. RELIABILITY - Is your goal to have a daily driver weekend cruiser or race car
3. DIFFICULTY - Your skill level and resources will determine this factor
4. Garage space - Engine swaps can certainly take up some garage space and tie up lifts and take longer than expected.
My reasons for choosing the AAA 12v VR6
1. COST - The 12v was put in many model VWs there for lots of supply. With a quick look through Craigslist or Marketplace you can find complete running driving donor cars for $300-$1,000 US dollars. With that being said you have every part you will need.
No running to the junkyard and hunting parts. (Plus you have something to reference back to)
2. RELIABILITY - I have owned more 12v VR6s than I can count. They are very resilient engines! As long as you keep proper fluid levels and a eye on timing chain guides/noise they require very little maintenance other than the basics with any engine. With all the miles I have driven and put on all of my vr6s they have given me minor issues other than common coil packs cracking along with plastic coolant pieces.
3. DIFFICULTY - Thanks to these engines dating back to 1993 for US production there is loooots of info shared between vw vortex threads / Facebook. Along with quite a few Aftermarket companies now sell engine mount kits along to wiring harnesses and accessories. Used parts are easy to find as well. I would say with a camera, a simple craftsman tool box along with a few specialty tools & some basic to moderate knowledge you can maintain/ and complete a swap with minimal issues.
4. THE SOUND! Let’s face it who doesn’t love the sound of a VR6 Wide Open Thottle?? The answer is Nobody! ZERO! Even hardcore V8 muscle car guys,The old lady down the street and even young children can’t resist giving you the biggest thumbs up. That unique mean Intake and Exhaust note produced cannot be replicated!
5. DURABILITY - The 12v VR6 are cast bottom ends. These engines are known and have proven to take forced induction with ease. Given aftermarket support and today’s tuners with technology/fuel it is not uncommon to make 3-5xs factory horse power with a simple headspacer and ARP hardware.
6. WARNING (You might need to get your cream and tissues out for this one 4cyl guys.) REAL MANLY MEN don’t drive anything with less than 5cyls. Recreational vehicles and lawn equipment are the only thing on wheels that should have a 4cyls.
12V VR6 THE WORLD