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1984 JH motor needs upgrading. Would a 1989 block/head work?

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#3 ·
I dropped an 89 into my 81, the only issues that I had were

1) 89 had bigger clutch and flywheel - might be the same for an 84/89

2) different vacuum system but you can make it work - Might be the same for an 84/89

3) 81 didn't have an oil cooler so I needed different water pipe and hoses for the 89 oil cooler.

4) different shaped plug on coil from hall unit in distributor. I got the correct size plug from a junk yard

So if I could make it all work for an 81 and 84 should be a piece of cake.

While you have them out go ahead and change your timing belt and engine mounts much easier out of the car, and not that expensive.

Steve
 
#4 ·
sehaare said:
I dropped an 89 into my 81, the only issues that I had were

1) 89 had bigger clutch and flywheel - might be the same for an 84/89

2) different vacuum system but you can make it work - Might be the same for an 84/89

3) 81 didn't have an oil cooler so I needed different water pipe and hoses for the 89 oil cooler.

4) different shaped plug on coil from hall unit in distributor. I got the correct size plug from a junk yard
Click to expand...
1) Only difference between '84 and '89 is the hub diameter: 90mm vs. 100mm.

2) Only difference between the '84 and '89 is where the evap emissions vac lines are routed. Won't effect the '84; just leave the existing stuff the way it is.

3) All JH engines have an oil cooler; non-issue for OP.

4) No difference between '84 and '89.

'84 JH -> '89 JH: only difference is solid lifter head vs. hydraulic lifter head. And, going JH to JH isn't really upgrading, it's merely doing a replacement (is the current engine worn out/dead, or are you wanting better performance?). If you want to actually upgrade the JH, solid or hydro, to get more performance out of it: http://www.cabby-info.com/engine.htm#Upgrades .

;):beer:
 
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Discussion starter · #5 ·
Thanks everybody for your input!

The current motor and gearbox is leaking a substantial amount of oil from places I don't think I can reveal them as simple while in the car. So the idea is to build up a good motor/gearbox while the car is still be driven and do a relatively quick swap.

As far as performance goes, I started my driver experiences years pack with a euro Golf 2 GTI with PF motor (digifan, 107hp). The motor really came to live and felt way better with a 268 Schrick cam and a new header and timing advanced. It only measured in at 112hp but it drove like a totally different motor type.

I eventually want to do the same/similar with the JH, because the convertible motor is non drivable or fun above 3500rpm. I think the set of headers and mild cams will solve that. I'm not looking for more power, just more drivability if that makes sense?

Cheers
 
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Blacky1002
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