[sctuning]

Hi everyone,

I have an 1.8 20V non turbo engine in my car. (125 bhp)

I want to know if there is an bolt on turbo available or something in the UK.

Or is it better for my wallet to sell the car and buy an 1.8T?

Please help me with my lacking of bhp...

Sebas (from Holland[])

 

[Paul C]

Its always going to be cheaper and easyer to simply sell your n/a 20V and get a 20VT.

 

[sctuning]

Money is not the biggest problem at the moment.

Are there more options then only change car?

Is'nt there a kit for this type of engine?

Are here on this forum more folks that have this engine and tuned it?

Please give me some more info!

thx Sebas

 

[GaryM]

Definatly change to a 1.8T.

 

[morse]

I have the same car and was wondering about fitting a turbo recently. I understand that it would be easier to buy a 1.8T but as I bought mine new and have spent quite a bit on it recently I don't want and cannot afford to buy another. My car is now six years old and not worth very much. I don't think I could find a suitable 1.8T in my price range (2-3k + my car).

Anyone know what's involved in adding a turbo?

Thanks.

 

[trl]

It could well be cheaper to source a complete engine, loom, ecu etc from a 1.8T. 2nd hand they're not too expensive.

However, nitrous would be my answer. Big power when you need it, and far cheaper.

Tony

 

[morse]

I have been thinking about nitrous recently but know little about it. The reason I was steering towards a turbo was so that the power was always there without having to open a bottle and flick a switch etc.. but as I say, I know nothing.

I will ask a few tuners about the options. Wonder what it would do to the insurance??

Thanks.

 

[zekegti]

Quote: posted by morse on 05/01/2005 19:08:47

The reason I was steering towards a turbo was so that the power was always there without having to open a bottle and flick a switch etc.. but as I say, I know nothing.

Correct. It would have to be a hefty shot of nitrous to bring it up to the 1.8t standard, and at that point you would probably need the internals of the engine sorted which means you aregonna have to spend even more money.

Plus with the 1.8t you can then go on to tune it even more

 

[trl]

It wouldn't need much nitrous at all to bring the power upto 1.8T levels. That engine should be able to take 50bhp without flinching. Nitrous systems can be quite complex, if you are willing to spend a few quid. Someone on here fitted it to their Polo and loved it.

Tony

 

[zekegti]

Quote: posted by trl on 05/01/2005 20:04:41

It wouldn't need much nitrous at all to bring the power upto 1.8T levels. That engine should be able to take 50bhp without flinching. Nitrous systems can be quite complex, if you are willing to spend a few quid. Someone on here fitted it to their Polo and loved it.

Tony

But the 50bhp would still only bring it up to standard 1.8t levels.

The turbo can be heavily moddified with big results, and then you can add the nitrous ontop of that

 

[morse]

Am I correct in assuming that the 1.8NA and the 1.8T use identical engines, clutches etc? If so what would need to be changed. I've seen people mention 200+bhp remaped turbos - are they changing other bits as well to handle this additional power?

I'm currently running 130ish bhp so another 50 would be nice []

I'd really appreciate some imput from those who have NOS.

Thanks muchly.

 

[zekegti]

Can't help you there mate.

Always fancied nos but never got round to it with previous cars

 

[R44MS_K]

source a 1.8t engine - much cheaper!

 

[Rally_Chris]

It will still be cheaper to sell your 1.8 and buy a 1.8T - for a start there are plenty of used factory built GTI turbos available so turbo'ing your 1.8 will probably make it worthless when you wish to sell it. Your retro-turbo will also be more difficult to insure as you will have to go down the route of a specialist insurer.

As well as the different engine, the 1.8T will also have longer gearing (ie a different gearbox), stronger clutch, bigger brakes, better suspension and higher spec interior as standard. Whilst the engine may be in theory interchangeable, don't forget all the ancillaries that will also have to be transplanted (intercooler, different exhaust etc), all of which will add up to a pricey conversion for the parts alone assuming you can do all the work yourself without having to pay labour charges.

Chris

 

[R44MS_K]

a conversion is more fun - you actually learn a bit more (hands on)

i see what your saying about selling the non turbo Chris but i would be sad to see mine go!! it has every possible extra (minus recaros) and i think a S3 engine would make me keep the car for a few more years!

 

[djhorace]

Buy a 1.8T mate. The insurance, re-sale issues and cost to convert will be far more than selling the 20v and upgrading to an OEM 1.8T.

 

[R44MS_K]

1.8t engine - around ?800

probably better off selling the NA tbh unless you can carry out the conversion yourself...

 

[Geeba]

NOS! get a 50 shot in there! you can take the kit with you when you sell the car to.

 

[morse]

Looks like NOS is the way forward. I will start investigating. Thanks for all the input.

Rally_Chris: I'm sure the NA 1.8 and the 1.8T are essentially the same car. The were both badged as GTI's in the UK. The interior is certainly the same (as the one's I've seen anyway).

Cheers.

 

[Rally_Chris]

Quote: posted by morse on 07/01/2005 12:13:47

Rally_Chris: I'm sure the NA 1.8 and the 1.8T are essentially the same car. The were both badged as GTI's in the UK. The interior is certainly the same (as the one's I've seen anyway).

Cheers.

Afraid not. The UK 1.8 / 2.0 GTI models are actually European 'Highline' models re-badged by VW UK - these were never sold as GTI models anywhere else. Consequently they don't have the sports suspension or 16" wheels of a 'proper' factory GTI, neither were they ever fitted with Recaro seats as standard and I suspect they have only the poverty spec 280mm front discs whereas the GTI has 288mm/312mm.

Hope this helps!

Chris