VW Vortex - Volkswagen Forum banner
Cancel
Create thread New Garage Forums

Let the battle begin...Convert to 1.8T or VR6?

Jump to Latest
1 - 16 of 16 Posts
S

spivychivy

· Registered
Joined
·
32 Posts
Discussion starter · #1 ·
I now have a four door 96 Golf, Catalina Blue...I am tired of the 2.0 even with chip, intake, and exhaust and I do not want to put any more in to the engine...So my queston is 1.8T or VR6 for a swap? Everybody says the sound on VR6 is sick...and the obvious for the 1.8T is the light weight and chip upgrade which does crazy performance gains....So peeps...I need as much info as you can give on which choice would be better. It is an everyday driver, and I do a lot of hard driving and yes I do like high speed fun!
Thanks!
 
#2 ·
Re: Let the battle begin...Convert to 1.8T or VR6? (spivychivy)

1.8T is a very nice little engine, light, and it's already FI. Low RPM power is what sucks but with some mods it's wuite a peppy little engine. May cost a little bit more to install or find the engine. Not sure about it though.
VR6 is amazing engine as well, lots of power in NA mode and very much capable of big HP with right turbo systems. Bit heavier, but prolly easier to install cause everyone is doing and it's quite common.
It all depends on what you want from the engine. If it was me I would be 50/50 on both engines. Now the 24v V6 is another story, a nobrainer there.
Image
 
#5 ·
Re: Let the battle begin...Convert to 1.8T or VR6? (spivychivy)

You have put 3 simple bolt ons on the motor and are expecting huge performance gains. The best you could hope for is maybe 25 hp out of those mods. Don't be afraid to go into the engine. The cams that are out there can do some great things. The motor is very stout but it has a couple weak points. First, the intake manifold is in a terrible spot. Right over the engine gets the air very warm and thus less oxygenated. The motor has relatively high compression but is only putting out 115 HP. There is power hiding somewhere. Don't discount the 2.0, there is a lot of potential there. Try port&polish head and a hotter cam. Maybe a stroker kit if they make one.
 
#6 ·
Re: Let the battle begin...Convert to 1.8T or VR6? (Clean97GTi)

1.8t if going for the conversion, although I am happy with my P&P cammed 2.0 for now.
Image
 
Save
Reply Quote Like Like
#7 ·
Re: Let the battle begin...Convert to 1.8T or VR6? (evolveVW)

depends.
the 1.8t is the more expensive swap, and is VERY hard to do on your own. The VR6 you could do on your own, and costs a bit less.
The 1.8t will experience greater gains with chip, intake, and exhaust. You can also upgrade the downpipe, turbo, etc.
But the vr6 can be turbo'd and made faster than the 1.8t. It also sounds alot sweeter.
The choice is up to you.
For uniqueness, I say 1.8t
 
#8 ·
Re: Let the battle begin...Convert to 1.8T or VR6? (spivychivy)

just a few points to discuss, the 1.8 will be alot more expensive to install, right out of the box, the VR will be faster, and the 1.8t does not weight so much less than the vr that it makes a considerable difference, if you have the money for the 1.8t (local shop around here will do the complete swap for $10,000
Image
) and then some $$ left over to chip it, go for it, but I also think you will be please with the vr6, do don't expect jaws to drop when people see it because it not uncommon whereas the 1.8t would be.... good luck! http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif
Image
 
#12 ·
Re: Let the battle begin...Convert to 1.8T or VR6? (STEALTHDEMONDUB)

just turbo your 2.0, or sell it and get something with more power
a swap will cost you more than you think
and what if something breaks....UNLESS money is not an issue
i say turbo your 2.0 or get another car
 
#13 ·
Re: Let the battle begin...Convert to 1.8T or VR6? (kazimer)

unless you have over 70,000 miles, TURBO your 2.0.. its cheaper and easier.
 
Save
Reply Quote Like Like
#14 ·
Re: Let the battle begin...Convert to 1.8T or VR6? (vwoah45)

quote:[HR][/HR]just a few points to discuss, the 1.8 will be alot more expensive to install, right out of the box, the VR will be faster, and the 1.8t does not weight so much less than the vr that it makes a considerable difference, if you have the money for the 1.8t (local shop around here will do the complete swap for $10,000 ) and then some $$ left over to chip it, go for it, but I also think you will be please with the vr6, do don't expect jaws to drop when people see it because it not uncommon whereas the 1.8t would be.... good luck![HR][/HR]​
$10,000?? RPI is selling 1.8T's for $3495, where is the other $6505 going? Just wondering because i was considering this swap later on down the road.
 
1 - 16 of 16 Posts
About this Discussion
15 Replies
16 Participants
Last post:
GoStumpy
VW Vortex - Volkswagen Forum
posts
85M
members
1.5M
Since
2001
A forum community dedicated to all Volkswagen owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about performance, builds, modifications, classifieds, troubleshooting, maintenance, new releases, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
The Car Lounge Golf IV & Jetta IV Golf III & Jetta III Golf II & Jetta II Golf IV/Jetta IV Parts