1.6 8v ENGINE TUNING

[SMITHERZ]

Hi All,

I am new to this forum, but not to VWs and I have just purchased a 1988 GT 1.6 8V which I am using as a daily driver.

The engine is currently running a cable operated choke Pierburg which has proven to be a very reliable carb even though I have only owned it for a week, its has started first time every time and drove great even on very wet cold mornings.

That said, for a 1600, it feels slow. What tuning options do I have? Im not afraid of changing cams / carbs and timing etc...

I need to retain driveablity as this is my daily driver and not a track day car but there must be numerous tuning options?

Any advice or links to build threads which may help would be greatly appreciated!

Thanks

[GTXTRA]

See the faq link above for most engine conversion ideas

http://sciroccoregisterforum.co.uk/faq/ ... ngineswap/

Tbh the 1595cc engines have never been that tuneable other than the k&n air filter, decent exhaust route - Jetex being the best option in my opinion. Once the carb starts playing up - which it will eventually - go for a weber carb too.

Even then you'll be lucky to get much more than 10% more power on top of the standard (and already top condition) 75bhp.

The GT was always, in 1595 format, sold as more of an economy focused 'GT' back in the day (bizarrely the injected GTX had better fuel economy though in tests done in the day).

What it had was GT looks, good practicality compared to the few other coupes out there at the time and an ability to run on unleaded.

If I had a GT with that engine (after making sure the filler neck, rear axle mounts and bulkhead were all ok) I'd focus on refreshing the brakes and suspension (not necessarily modded) and a nice set of rims to set it all off compared to the dull VW steelies. Lower front strut brace always worth investing in - do a search on the forum for ideas.

Welcome by the way.

[the edmundator]

You can put the camshaft from a DX (1.8i) engine in the 1595cc carb engines. That's supposed to perk it up a bit - I couldn't give you any figures.

It's probably got the 4+E gearbox, swapping in the 5-speed from a GTX/Scala would improve acceleration at the expense of cruising economy and higher revs in top.

I don't believe the Weber carb gives you much (if any) extra power, just more noise and slightly greater fuel consumption. Working correctly, the Pierburg is a better carb.

[SMITHERZ]

Thanks for the replies GTXTRA / Edmundator !

I have to admit from what I have read I was expecting hell form the Pierburg, but have been pleasantly surprised with its reliability!

I was planning to fit free flow exhaust, I am just weighing up my options.

In terms of lowering, not all aftermarket suspension companies highlight if they are Scirocco compatible, does this mean that they aren't or can you swap the suspension for MK1 / MK2 Golfs?

The cam swap sounds interesting! Would I have to change any other engine components to make this modification?

Thanks again for all the info!

SMITHERZ

[the edmundator]

Although I haven't done it myself, I think the camshaft swap is simply a matter of replacing the original with the DX engine one.

Mk1 (not mk2) Golf suspension kits are compatible with all mk1 and mk2 Sciroccos - meaning that they all fit, not that they are necessarily dynamically appropriate. If you get something that allows adjustable damping, you'll probably be able to set it up for a decent ride.

[GTXTRA]

forgot about the cam swap - although you need to make sure you use one from a hydraulic tappet (86 model year onwards) donor car.

[SMITHERZ]

Thanks again for all your info!

What is your opinion of swapping the points in the distributor for an electronic unit such as "Petronix"?

In the aircooled community this was considered a must. I had a 1969 Beetle which I ran daily for 3 years through rain and snow and the car never suffered from not starting on a cold / wet morning!

I say this because guess what?... it wouldn't start after being stood outside on the driveway over the weekend on Monday morning. Not sure if it was the carb or the electrics?

I had the choke fully out and the battery is full of life, it just wouldn't fire up? Ive tried it since and its running fine but thats the 2nd time its done it to me and its not filling me with confidence over the current setup!

All info greatly received!

[mark1gls]

I didn't think your car would have points? I thought VW used electronic ignition from about the 1980s?

With your starting problems in the wet have you given the car a good service yet? New dissy cap, rotor arm, HT leads and spark plugs, air filter, new oil and filter, also worth checking the timing. These things can make a lot of difference in starting and performance, I notice the difference in my car when I change these items.

[ianaudia4]

Your car should not have points, it should be electronic ignition! I would start with the basics as stated, try and get a genuine dizzy cap and rotor arm from the dealer, they fit and should be moisture proof. I would also be looking at the earth strap from the coil to the block and all the vacumn hoses, there are a quite a few around the engine bay.

[Risocco]

Injection cams fit in, but you need to play with the timing slightly to make it run.

Obviously head work is always a good shout with VWs.

I got over 100BHP from a 1.6 by fitting an injection cam, injection p&p head with injector holes blocked off (use 1p coins, seriously) p&p inlet manifold, 4 branch, jetex system and a single weber carb.

to be fair, doing the above with a good condition 1.8 block would give 120+ BHP easy, may be worth thinking about?

[SMITHERZ]

Again, all good information! Thanks for taking the time to reply!

I do need to give the Scirocco a good service and have a good poke around the engine bay to start to learn about this car! Ive not had the dizzy cap off or anything yet!

I have just taken delivery of a waterproof car cover so the Beetle can go and live on the driveway for a couple of weeks whilst I bring the Scirocco in for a play!

I'm planning a Weber transplant as I have read nothing but good things about them particularly on the smaller 1600cc engines. I am now very interested in the cam swap and the engine bay needs a good detailing / clean / tidy and service. I have also ordered a K&N filter for the stock air box for a little more grunt!

I know the cars just had the rear brakes done but whilst I'm changing the suspension I'm going to check / overhaul brakes front and back and check all the moving parts whilst I have acess and a nice warm garage to inspect them in!

Ill keep you posted how I get on!

Thanks again!

[SMITHERZ]

Quick update... I now have a Weber 32/34 DTML Carb and a K&N Air Filter for the stock air box. The car is safely locked up in the garage so i'm ready to strip the top of the motor. Whilst I am stripping the top of the block to do the cam swap, should I consider a Head Gasket change? Also is there anything else I should consider refreshing whilst i'm poking around inside the engine?

I have had a quick shop around for a DX (1.8i) Cam but haven't found one yet? Can anyone point me in the right direction where I can buy one or at least have the part number?

All help greatly appreciated!

Thanks

[mark1gls]

I would not touch the head gasket if there is no problems with it, as the saying goes, "if it ain't broke don't fix it"
If you have a compression tester you can see what's the engine

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Gunson-Hi-Gau ... 5d38cdaa1d

I use one like this, there is lots of places that sell these so might be worth shopping around.
As for the cam shaft you can also look at mk1 golfs gti convertable and some early mk2 golfs as these also use the DX engine but you need one from a 1986 car onwards with hydronic tappets.

[mark1gls]

I think this is the part number for the cam shaft
026109101G
Not 100% sure, I looked here. www.vagcat.com

[SMITHERZ]

I would not touch the head gasket if there is no problems with it, as the saying goes, "if it ain't broke don't fix it"
If you have a compression tester you can see what's the engine

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Gunson-Hi-Gau ... 5d38cdaa1d

I use one like this, there is lots of places that sell these so might be worth shopping around.
As for the cam shaft you can also look at mk1 golfs gti convertable and some early mk2 golfs as these also use the DX engine but you need one from a 1986 car onwards with hydronic tappets.

Thanks for the info, I have never used a compression tester! What will it tell me about the condition of the motor?

I appreciate the info on the Golf 1.8 DX Engine use, so far the Scirocco cam search has not proved very fruitful! Lets hope the Golf search works a little better!

Thanks again!