Conversion options

[Chris M GT]

Hi,

I'm looking to start collecting the parts for an engine conversion, it won't be carried out until after show season but I want to have a plan and all parts to make things a little simpler.

The issue is I just can't choose an engine!

First off is the VR6, obviously this has been done quite a bit now into the mk1 golf chassis etc and conversion kits are available off the shelf so a fairly easy option. The downside is compared to other options it's quite an old bit of kit and they seem to have bore problems around 120k (finding a low miler is nigh on impossible)

Second option is the 1.8t, again quite a few about. Can anyone tell me if this requires any cutting/ welding as this is something ideally I'd like to avoid? Plenty of room for big power and readily available. The wiring is what worries me the most and having to either convert to throttle cable or use the fly by some how.

Finally the R32 motor. Obviously this is the dream but a lot harder to mount, wire and of course a lot more expense!

Does anyone have any tips or has carried out a conversion on their own project that they can recommend? I've searched for guides but can't seem to find any other then the one on Mk1 golf forum.

The scirocco is a Mk2.

Any help appreciated.

Chris

[the edmundator]

Plenty of 20VT conversions into mk2 Sciroccos have been done, no significant modifications required - have a look through the projects threads. Probably a better option than the VR6, which is a heavy engine and ruins the handling as a result (as will too much power).

[bengould]

No cutting or welding required for a 20vt. I got my loom done for me, had the immobiliser removed and a tacho converter fitted at the same time.
The early AGU engine already has a cable throttle so doesn't need converting. Get a k03s turbo and a re-map and it'll be more than 200bhp. More than enough for a fwd car.
As Ed said above vr6 is too heavy, and I'm pretty sure that r32 would be too. Unless your fitting the 4wd system too.

Ben.

[bengould]

Also as far as guides check out club gti, look for a guy called rubjohnny, he has written wiring guides and his forum signature contains links to all the info you need.

Ben

[mr.brown]

What Ben says.

20vt conversion mounts available off the shelf. Or can be made by a competent professional. Personally I'd go for Epytec ones - either direct from their German website or through classic-vw.co.uk

Another option to consider is the B5 Passat AEB engine - this is a 1.8T based on engines similar to ones in our Sciroccos so don't need any conversion mounts. Downside is a few parts need to be swapped (sump, breather, oil filter housing etc) due to the engine being longitudinally arranged in the Passat.

And don't forget that, for all mechanical intents and purposes, the Scirocco is a mk1 Golf.

[Chris M GT]

Plenty of 20VT conversions into mk2 Sciroccos have been done, no significant modifications required - have a look through the projects threads. Probably a better option than the VR6, which is a heavy engine and ruins the handling as a result (as will too much power).

Agreed, they are a heavy lump. A friend has recently converted his mk1 caddy with a vr6 and although straight line speed is good the handling seems poor! I've been looking at a few builds :)

[Chris M GT]

Also as far as guides check out club gti, look for a guy called rubjohnny, he has written wiring guides and his forum signature contains links to all the info you need.

Ben

Thanks Ben, great advice. Looks like the 20v is the way to go... I have been looking at rubjohnny's guides on a the forums and they are very clear. Can I ask who made your look for you?

Is it possible to use the BAM engine with 225bhp as standard?

[Chris M GT]

What Ben says.

20vt conversion mounts available off the shelf. Or can be made by a competent professional. Personally I'd go for Epytec ones - either direct from their German website or through classic-vw.co.uk

Another option to consider is the B5 Passat AEB engine - this is a 1.8T based on engines similar to ones in our Sciroccos so don't need any conversion mounts. Downside is a few parts need to be swapped (sump, breather, oil filter housing etc) due to the engine being longitudinally arranged in the Passat.

And don't forget that, for all mechanical intents and purposes, the Scirocco is a mk1 Golf.

Thanks mate, all these different companies I keep founding out about that I never knew existed are really helping out :p haha

I must say I am tending to buy more listed as 'mk1 golf' parts then scirocco, goodridge braided hoses for example. The rep didn't even know they fitted a scirocco himself haha

[bengould]

I'm pretty sure the longitudinal engines use a different inlet & exhaust manifold and turbo too.

You can use the bam engine, in fact you can use any transverse 1.8t, they are all the same block. The only difference is the turbos (k03, k03s or k04), the head (some are large port, some are small port, makes no difference for what you will be doing to it though) and the engine management system (Bosch m3.8.3 or me7.x.x). The later ones have more sensors (including the drive by wire throttle), but are also a bit easier to tune.
Only other issue I have seen with the bam engine is the price, they tend to fetch a lot more money than the agu.

The agu also (allegedly, never compared them myself but did a lot of reading up) uses the same internals as the bam where some of the other engine codes have a weaker crank, conrods and pistons. Again not a massive issue unless your going for mega horsepower, but worth taking into account.

I got my loom done by a guy that was recommended to me by the person I got my engine from, think I still have his number somewhere. Rubjohnny also does plug and play looms.

Ben.

[unknownmale]

Plenty of 20VT conversions into mk2 Sciroccos have been done, no significant modifications required - have a look through the projects threads. Probably a better option than the VR6, which is a heavy engine and ruins the handling as a result (as will too much power).

I used to hear the heavy VR6 ruining the handling and ride a lot, but i'm not sure thats the case, i remember looking reading the weight of an early VR6 and an ABF and there really isn't that much in it, also you'd probably relocate the battery to the back which would balance out somewhat. Would be interested to hear from someone who has this conversion.