difference between GTI 8v and regular 8v 1.8

Re: difference between GTI 8v and regular 8v 1.8 (81caddyLX)

Cylinder head valve size, Comp ratio (I think), cam, CIS-E throttle enrichment, CIS sensor plate size, transmission, throtle body.

Re: difference between GTI 8v and regular 8v 1.8 (81caddyLX)

A1 GTI is an 8.5:1 compression motor with mechanical lifter cylinder head. 1.8L 8v in A1 was only in the 83/4 GTI/GLI and iirc, 84 up scirocco. A2 GTI 8v had higher comp pistons, and hydraulic lifters.

Re: difference between GTI 8v and regular 8v 1.8 (lotus7)

thanks guys im not sure if its an A1 or A2 GTI 8v, i thought all A2s were 16v but im new to VWs. your info is very helpful, thanks

Re: difference between GTI 8v and regular 8v 1.8 (81caddyLX)

If you look thru the oil fill hole an you can see the cam lobes, it's likely to be a JH.
THe hydro motors have a plastic baffle sitting on the cam. It's a popular upgrade.
Your best bet is to look for a smooth machined area around cyl #3 clse to the top of the block. Clean up the area and you'll make out a two letter code, followed by some numbers. the two letters id the block.

Re: difference between GTI 8v and regular 8v 1.8 (lotus7)

85+ solid heads have the baffle also. Code is best bet.

Re: difference between GTI 8v and regular 8v 1.8 (81caddyLX)

Hrmmm
I had a GTI 8v and i now have a Golf 8v.
My Golf feels faster but i always thought everything was the same ( mechanically )

Re: difference between GTI 8v and regular 8v 1.8 (81caddyLX)

Well looks like I have the GX 1.8 8v with Hydro in my pickup (not the original engine). So from what I understand it's low compression 8.5:1 and small valves w/85hp.
Not a good setup for performance I guess. Is there any high performance bolt on stuff that I can do to this engine that will transfer to my next motor A3 2.0 8v ? I know I could get the TT exhaust but what else can I do and then transfer to the new motor next year?
Anyone know if my tranny is a good keeper? It's an AUG tranny

Re: difference between GTI 8v and regular 8v 1.8 (Herbert_J)

40mm intake GLI head, cam, that stuff will bolt to the 2.0 when you swap.
Here are some Trans ratios. http://members.tripod.com/~Jetta_GLi/speed-ratio.html

Re: difference between GTI 8v and regular 8v 1.8 (Herbert_J)

AUG was used in the 90-92 GTI 8v. It's a "civilised" close ratio box, but the hardcore consider it a mid ratio box because of the steep gap between 1st and 2nd.