[rob_watti]

Hi guys, im currently building a mk2 golf 4x4 shell i want to put a 1.8t engine in it, ive got to the stage where im ready for buying a donor engine, but which one is the best for tuning? by this i mean the strongest and best to work with. ive been told by a reliable source that it is the agu engine but just after a few opinions

thanks rob

 

[MkIV Turbo]

AGU as it has a big port head from the factory so is ideal for big turbo applications, also the throttle response is much better due to it being cable controlled rather than drive-by-wire.

 

[rob_watti]

So the agu has bigger ports than other 1.8t's?? they will be alot of work done on the head i think as i have a friend who does alot of work with heads

 

[MkIV Turbo]

Yup, AGU has bigger ports on the head, having the bigger port head provides a good benefit for high flow turbo applications. I know Wilko and Ed plan to fit big port heads to their large turbo 1.8T's for better flow.

 

[rob_watti]

thats cool, i may not have to fit bigger valves then, saves me some cash, dunno whether to bore it out to 1.9 or not though. does this have any known issues?

 

[MkIV Turbo]

Not that I'm aware of, there are a few big power 1.8T's going about with 1.9L capacity with no problems. Am planning on getting mine rebuilt to 1.9L within the next year or 2 when I get a big turbo sorted out. Was speaking to Grant Motorsport a whileback about 1.9 rebuilds and they've done a few now and recomend it with stronger rods etc for long term reliability with big turbo applicaions. Your project sounds good, looking forward to hearing how you get on.

 

[simch]

Only real issue on the big turbo jobs has been some mapping issues AFAIK on the dbw cars, and some valve trouble on some engines. I think they are two piece valves and they fall aprt at 9500 revs. (God, what were VW thinking using them!LOL).

Otherwise AGU is a good bet, but most have doen a few miles now, so rebuild is a good way to start. TSR do a 2.0 litre I understand, dunno what it is like though.

Your MK2 will be a beast. You will have many friends here cos we all secretly love the MK2!!

 

[rob_watti]

im definately doing a full rebuild and will probably end up going to 1.9. im upgrading to pauter con rods and j.e pistons and while im at it i may experiment with the compression ratio. now onto sourcing on and choosing a turbo. anyone know what the ihi turbo will handle??

 

[MkIV Turbo]

There is quite a few varients of the IHI, Jabba's old AGU Mk4 had slightly over 400bhp with one of the bigger IHI's. Liamh on this site has 370ish on his IHI'd AGU.

 

[rob_watti]

cool will have to investigate into the turbo side of things after ive got the engine sorted. anyone know a good place to source a agu engine, wiring loom and ecu?

 

[MkIV Turbo]

Also, have a look at the Garrett GT28RS turbo, JBS have started doing a kit with this turbo. Could try Ebay for engines. Are you planning on running something like a Haltech or Motech ECU?

 

[Ed]

Quote: posted by rob_watti on 24/01/2005 20:22:45

cool will have to investigate into the turbo side of things after ive got the engine sorted. anyone know a good place to source a agu engine, wiring loom and ecu?

Worth trying Sanburn VW breakers in Coventry. If they don't they might know someone who does. Always found them handy to use.

Cheers, Ed

 

[rob_watti]

motech i think, but will have to see closer to the time, need to get an engine and finish the shell first

 

[pope1]

There was something similar to this on Vortex about 4-6 weeks back. IIRC the news was that the AGU head mated to a later block might be the best bet. Something about the later block having extra re-inforcement and being stronger but I really can't remember the details. The man to talk to about this subject is definitely chris86vw on the Vortex 1.8T tuning forum.

 

[Stewart]

cos we all secretly love the MK2!!

Very true, but we tend to keep it quiet, silly handshakes, secret meetings and knowing looks kinda thing []

Good luck with the project though, really want to do the same myself so will be keeping a close eye on your progress []

 

[The Walrus]

I assume that would be the chris with a 500 whp 1.8t engine ?

 

[Geeba]

Seem to remember AET turbos do a 500+hp conversion for the 18T engine?

 

[Badger5]

Quote: posted by MkIV Turbo on 24/01/2005 20:16:39

There is quite a few varients of the IHI, Jabba's old AGU Mk4 had slightly over 400bhp with one of the bigger IHI's. Liamh on this site has 370ish on his IHI'd AGU.

It was a hybrid turbo..on the MK4 which did that, and 1.9ltr

depends on whay dyno you go to as to what figures you end up with.

mid 300's seems the norm for VF34 IHI'd cars (flywheel)

Going 83mm bore on JE pistons on the new engine (have 2 sets spare).

Largeport will flow more, but not sure on torque delivery and what low end losses vs top end gains. Never seen a largeport IHI on the same dyno same day as my smallport.

 

[rob_watti]

had a ring around today and couldnt find a AGU engine but i while wait and keep searching. they guy at sanburns was very helpful.

 

[Ed]

Quote: posted by Badger5 on 25/01/2005 17:20:57

Quote: posted by MkIV Turbo on 24/01/2005 20:16:39

There is quite a few varients of the IHI, Jabba's old AGU Mk4 had slightly over 400bhp with one of the bigger IHI's. Liamh on this site has 370ish on his IHI'd AGU.

It was a hybrid turbo..on the MK4 which did that, and 1.9ltr

depends on whay dyno you go to as to what figures you end up with.

mid 300's seems the norm for VF34 IHI'd cars (flywheel)

Going 83mm bore on JE pistons on the new engine (have 2 sets spare).

Largeport will flow more, but not sure on torque delivery and what low end losses vs top end gains. Never seen a largeport IHI on the same dyno same day as my smallport.

Hows your Ibiza coming on Bill, is she running the new spec yet?

Cheers, Ed