2.0L 8V GTI or 1.9 TDI?

[Smoothlookinbay]

Hi folks, its been a while since I posted, dont you just hate it when life gets in the way? (I'm now a dad! )

I got all the bits together and did a trial fit of the 2.0L 8v gti ('93 golf) engine into my 73 bay ages ago complete with T25 diesel sump, gearbox, flywheel etc.

Things have changed a bit now (though the bus is still miles away from being finished, that never changes...) and I'm wondering whether I made the wrong engine choice? I plan on using the van to go to Cornwall several times a year and maybe tow a small trailer.

Would I be better trying to sell the engine, ecu etc. and buy a 1.9TDI lump?

Which engines (from which cars) fit? The codes mean little to me so any years etc. would be most helpful.

How difficult is it to wire up? I had planned on using the entire golf loom as the original bus loom is so manged but I guess that wouldnt be realistic now as all the controls, clocks etc. are different?

Sorry for the long post!
_________________
It WILL be ready for the summer, just like it was going to be ready for last summer. And the one before that...

[Smoothlookinbay]

Just had a quick look at diesel lumps on ebay, would this fit on the T25 bellhousing?
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VW-GOLF-MK3-1-9-TDI-DIESEL-ENGINE-COMPLETE-ENGINE-FROM-1997-/251182583015?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item3a7ba60ce7

I literally know nothing about VW diesel engines (and far more than I wanted to know about BMW diesel engines)
_________________
It WILL be ready for the summer, just like it was going to be ready for last summer. And the one before that...

[jp]

First off Congrats on being a Daddy I took my bus off the road to do a resto when I became a Daddy... my daughter was 6 last month and bus still isn't on the road

As for engine the Deisel is obviously gonna give you better MPG, good torque for towing and can be run on chip fat but gearing is often an issue with people often using 2ltr boxes and getting them rebuilt with taller gears to keep the revs.. also sticking big ass wheels on the back helps. Although this is not necessary you should consider.

I would suggest engines from MK3 Golf are best as they don't have the complex immob stuff that comes with MK4's often requiring you to house the dash from the golf under the seat. The engine you posted would be ideal but I would make sure you get loom or ideally a whole to be safe as I believe they use fly by wire. I'm not 100% but fairly certain your bellhousing will be fine with any of the diesel engines.

Check out some of the threads in this section I you should find a few examples of diesel cpnversions.

Hopefully someone will be along to give you some more useful advice soon if not PM some people like trev and 13 window delux who know there onions when it comes to this conversion.

Good luck


_________________
1971 Devon Bay with 1800 Ford Turbo Diesel Engine (wip)
1983 VW Golf GTI Campaign
1979 Mini 1275 GT
2013 Scirocco TDI GT

[Smoothlookinbay]

Thanks, I didn't get much done pre-baby so don't expect much progress any time soon!

Definitely think diesel is the way to go now, I probably will end up buying the entire car and stripping out the bits I want (and selling whatever I can!).

Also have been looking at tuning AAZ engines, reckon you can get 110bhp without spending too much, thats nearly as much as the GTI lump.

Anybody want to buy a 2l 8v lump?
_________________
It WILL be ready for the summer, just like it was going to be ready for last summer. And the one before that...

[madmatt]

i wouldnt be in such a hurry to get rid of 2ltr 8v.ive done both in t3's and not realy alot in it fuel wise yes a derv is good on fuel when u keep the revs down bus as speed increases the difference is reduced.and the derv is not as flexable on revs.at 85mph cruise my van is at least as good now as when i had the 1.9td in it
_________________
1985 t3 2.7 twin turbo toy

[Smoothlookinbay]

Hmm, the plot thickens then, I wasnt expecting support for the GTI lump!

So if I keep the stock ratios in the gearbox I might as well stick with the GTI engine, however I have considered replacing the ring and pinion gear with one from the Bears Motorsport range for better cruising. If I did would the diesel engine then make even more sense?

Cost wise the diesel engine might as well be free (if I buy the whole car I know I can make my money back selling the GTI engine and bits off the car) but the ring and pinion might be an expensive mod (not sure how DIY friendly it is)

I dont want it to seem like I have made up my mind to go with the diesel, far from it, but now is the time to make the decision.
_________________
It WILL be ready for the summer, just like it was going to be ready for last summer. And the one before that...

[splitbusvanatic]

I'm a diesel fan.
so it's a no-brainer for me..
diesel all the way.

[madmatt]

the r&p is over £600 for a start.now dont get me wrong i have nothing against dervs i have a2.5tdi t4 and my last engine in my t3 was a 1.9td that has been ragged around hockenheim and nordschleife and done me well but derv is now about 10p a ltr more than petrol.now i do like taking my busses for the odd run around europe and over the last few years more citys have banned old dervs from them. so i used a petrol and the plan for lpg at a later date. ok at a 50mph cruise the old derv is cheaper to run but at about 80 there is not alot difference in the running cost. ok my t3 is very low geared( porsche 996 6 speed) and the s4 motor is a clever thing so if i take it easy it will do 100mph without the cams opening to high power setting. but it costs about the same to run as old 1.9td it is much quieter, smoother, and fun to drive add lpg and it will be cheaper to run,and lez not a problem so able to take it into any city.that said i have started building a 2.5tdi powered t3 with 996 6 speeder as a daily driver.
_________________
1985 t3 2.7 twin turbo toy

[splitbusvanatic]

Look forward to seeing the 2.5Tdi T3