Since i started driving I've always wanted to do an engine conversion, back in the day a 16v was the only real choice for a Mk1 - unfortunately, as a struggling trainee accountant, i could never afford it.
then along came the 20v turbo - 150-210HP out of the box with loads more available from a remap - it seemed to be a gift from heaven - when i looked further into it i realized just how much it would cost £5000-£6000
are you mad?
over the last few years I've been seeing a lot of 16v turbo's, which seem to be the favored engines of the germans & Americans, i looked into the price and all things considered it appeared to be around the same cost as a 20v but with more power available
then i heard vw were ditching the 20v in favor of a 16v turbo in the new Mk5 - thats it i thought, if its good enough for vw its good enough for me.
So here's the plan
Fit 16v engine, gearbox & brakes
uprate suspension, fit strut brace & replace all the bushes (& maybe some uprated anti-roll bars)
get bodywork sorted - its so close to perfection that a blowover will make it mint
add a turbo kit from USA or Germany
I've already got my scirocco inlet manifold - this is what you want if you're doing a 16v turbo as it leaves plenty of clearance for the boost pipes
£95 delivered from USA
I found my engine and brakes on e-bay and they'll be delivered within the next week or 2 - auction ended early for £280 inc. delivery
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=8040566729&rd=1&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&rd=1And I've got a TSR 1.9 bottom end which i'll also be using
Next step is to whip out the wimpy little 1.6 and clean up the engine bay ready for the new engine