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Model specific boards => Golf mk3 => Topic started by: Big D.87 on 15 June 2009, 13:29

Title: Whats the biggest engine you can get in a mk3 cabrio?
Post by: Big D.87 on 15 June 2009, 13:29
by bigest engine i dont mean stock engine, i mean conversions, could you get a mk4 20v turbo in there? i know a vr6 can be done, thats what im planning but just love my turbos! anyway anything else besides vr6 and mk4 20v turbo?
Title: Re: Whats the biggest engine you can get in a mk3 cabrio?
Post by: Horney on 15 June 2009, 13:33
Depends on your budget. You could probably shoehorn a charged, nitroused V8 in there if you had the patience, skill and bottomless wallet.

Nick
Title: Re: Whats the biggest engine you can get in a mk3 cabrio?
Post by: A7 UFO on 15 June 2009, 13:40
r32
Title: Re: Whats the biggest engine you can get in a mk3 cabrio?
Post by: Wayne on 15 June 2009, 13:46
I would stick with the 1.8T and tweak it as required, the lighter engine will help the handling.
Title: Re: Whats the biggest engine you can get in a mk3 cabrio?
Post by: A7 UFO on 15 June 2009, 13:48
if he was bothered about handling I doubt he would have bought a mk3 cabrio  :grin:
Title: Re: Whats the biggest engine you can get in a mk3 cabrio?
Post by: Big D.87 on 15 June 2009, 13:50
if he was bothered about handling I doubt he would have bought a mk3 cabrio  :grin:

Your right there!...buh improving the handling is always a bonus!
Title: Re: Whats the biggest engine you can get in a mk3 cabrio?
Post by: Wayne on 15 June 2009, 13:51
if he was bothered about handling I doubt he would have bought a mk3 cabrio  :grin:

Fair point.  :smiley:
Title: Re: Whats the biggest engine you can get in a mk3 cabrio?
Post by: Big D.87 on 15 June 2009, 13:56
I would stick with the 1.8T and tweak it as required, the lighter engine will help the handling.

the vr6 comes standard quicker and theres alot of potential on tweaking it too plus the bonus of a solid engine ive driven the 1.8t and the vr6 seems to pull better in my opinion anyway, is hard to pick though cus the 1.8t might be easier to do.
Title: Re: Whats the biggest engine you can get in a mk3 cabrio?
Post by: A7 UFO on 15 June 2009, 13:58
dude R32!  The VR is old technology and 1.8Ts have been done to death.
Title: Re: Whats the biggest engine you can get in a mk3 cabrio?
Post by: Wayne on 15 June 2009, 14:00
I would stick with the 1.8T and tweak it as required, the lighter engine will help the handling.

the vr6 comes standard quicker and theres alot of potential on tweaking it too plus the bonus of a solid engine ive driven the 1.8t and the vr6 seems to pull better in my opinion anyway, is hard to pick though cus the 1.8t might be easier to do.

It is a lot easier to get serious power out of a 1.8T than a VR6, to turbo or supercharge a VR6 is around £3k.

If you really want the VR route then get hold of a R32 lump as suggested above, much newer engine and design.
Title: Re: Whats the biggest engine you can get in a mk3 cabrio?
Post by: Big D.87 on 15 June 2009, 14:04
how much you recon the r32 conversion would set you back?
Title: Re: Whats the biggest engine you can get in a mk3 cabrio?
Post by: Wayne on 15 June 2009, 14:10
how much you recon the r32 conversion would set you back?

Lots, plus I believe the wiring etc is a major ballache.
Title: Re: Whats the biggest engine you can get in a mk3 cabrio?
Post by: ace on 15 June 2009, 14:11
depends if youre doing the conversion ur self. saw an r32 lump advertised on edition38 for about £1200 iirc
Title: Re: Whats the biggest engine you can get in a mk3 cabrio?
Post by: Big D.87 on 15 June 2009, 14:15
depends if youre doing the conversion ur self. saw an r32 lump advertised on edition38 for about £1200 iirc

i would be doing it myself yeah, with a mechanic who knows what he's doing! i deal with planes rather than cars doing aerospace engineering at uni
Title: Re: Whats the biggest engine you can get in a mk3 cabrio?
Post by: Big D.87 on 15 June 2009, 14:16
was tempted to take the helicopter engine from uni and stick that in there what you thjink????? :drool:
Title: Re: Whats the biggest engine you can get in a mk3 cabrio?
Post by: A7 UFO on 15 June 2009, 14:27
how much you recon the r32 conversion would set you back?

Lots, plus I believe the wiring etc is a major ballache.
qpeng loom would make it plug and play. 
Title: Re: Whats the biggest engine you can get in a mk3 cabrio?
Post by: Mikester on 15 June 2009, 15:38
You can use the VR6 loom for an R32 mostly.

Its not as hard as is believed, but the engine and parts would cost you a lot more than people have said....
Title: Re: Whats the biggest engine you can get in a mk3 cabrio?
Post by: Wayne on 15 June 2009, 16:00
I am sure I have seen an R36 conversion as well, R32 lumps are thin on the ground.
Title: Re: Whats the biggest engine you can get in a mk3 cabrio?
Post by: jonnyb on 15 June 2009, 16:29
heres an R32 for ya:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/COMPLETE-VOLKSWAGEN-GOLF-R32-ENGINE_W0QQitemZ250445043308QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM?hash=item3a4fb0166c&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A1|66%3A2|39%3A1|240%3A1318|301%3A1|293%3A3|294%3A50
Title: Re: Whats the biggest engine you can get in a mk3 cabrio?
Post by: Len on 15 June 2009, 16:39
Or you could look for a 2.9 engine from a Corrado!
Title: Re: Whats the biggest engine you can get in a mk3 cabrio?
Post by: DazVR6 on 15 June 2009, 17:04
I would stick with the 1.8T and tweak it as required, the lighter engine will help the handling.

the vr6 comes standard quicker and theres alot of potential on tweaking it too plus the bonus of a solid engine ive driven the 1.8t and the vr6 seems to pull better in my opinion anyway, is hard to pick though cus the 1.8t might be easier to do.

It is a lot easier to get serious power out of a 1.8T than a VR6, to turbo or supercharge a VR6 is around £3k.

If you really want the VR route then get hold of a R32 lump as suggested above, much newer engine and design.

Not always, bet it costs more to get 500bhp outta a 1.8t than a vr.

I mean even getting 300bhp from a 1.8t would probably cost as much if not more than blowing a vr (turbo for those with dirty minds).
Title: Re: Whats the biggest engine you can get in a mk3 cabrio?
Post by: Wayne on 15 June 2009, 17:10
I would stick with the 1.8T and tweak it as required, the lighter engine will help the handling.

the vr6 comes standard quicker and theres alot of potential on tweaking it too plus the bonus of a solid engine ive driven the 1.8t and the vr6 seems to pull better in my opinion anyway, is hard to pick though cus the 1.8t might be easier to do.

It is a lot easier to get serious power out of a 1.8T than a VR6, to turbo or supercharge a VR6 is around £3k.

If you really want the VR route then get hold of a R32 lump as suggested above, much newer engine and design.

Not always, bet it costs more to get 500bhp outta a 1.8t than a vr.

I mean even getting 300bhp from a 1.8t would probably cost as much if not more than blowing a vr (turbo for those with dirty minds).

I stand corrected.
Title: Re: Whats the biggest engine you can get in a mk3 cabrio?
Post by: Mikester on 15 June 2009, 19:51
Good thing to note is that, a VR6 with a blower, either or, once you get to about 280bhp you dont have usuable power. You just spin the wheels a lot. lol.

Just go to santa pod and watch. lol.
Title: Re: Whats the biggest engine you can get in a mk3 cabrio?
Post by: DazVR6 on 15 June 2009, 21:37
Add a quaife lsd, change the gearing to 16v ratios, a really good set of tyres n a dry day n a blown vr will keep up with most!
Title: Re: Whats the biggest engine you can get in a mk3 cabrio?
Post by: boneybradley on 15 June 2009, 21:44
the mk5 2.0tsfi seems to be the "ultimate" golf engine now!! There's even a mk1 running one somewhere! and as 1.8t's become common(er) i guess there the future?
Title: Re: Whats the biggest engine you can get in a mk3 cabrio?
Post by: Mikester on 15 June 2009, 21:47
Yeah, more of a future proof engine i reckon bb personally.

The 1.8t when modded up is a bit too stretched i reckon.

If you think, if your mk3 is still around in 10 years, which engine will be easier to fix? the tsfi or the vr6?

I know what i would go for.

And hopefully my mk3 will still be around. haha
Title: Re: Whats the biggest engine you can get in a mk3 cabrio?
Post by: boneybradley on 15 June 2009, 21:49
my next will be a vr6!!  :wink:
Title: Re: Whats the biggest engine you can get in a mk3 cabrio?
Post by: Stirring Moose on 15 June 2009, 22:28
426ci six-pack Hemi V8! :grin: Seriously though, having driven both four and six cylinder Golfs, I'm really not sure which is "best". The V6 motors are kind of a laugh because it's all just there, any time, any gear. On the other hand, my old 16v is a hoot for the opposite reason; you really have to drive it to get the results. More effort but I would suggest perhaps more satisfaction.

S.M.
Title: Re: Whats the biggest engine you can get in a mk3 cabrio?
Post by: Mikester on 15 June 2009, 23:07
my next will be a vr6!!  :wink:

Snap Crackle pop

You have to do it mate. Crazy stuff they are!
Title: Re: Whats the biggest engine you can get in a mk3 cabrio?
Post by: boneybradley on 15 June 2009, 23:14

You have to do it mate. Crazy stuff they are!

I drove one when they were brand new and nearly bought one a few years back..but due to an accident mr insurance laughed at me!! he wont now tho  :cool:
Title: Re: Whats the biggest engine you can get in a mk3 cabrio?
Post by: A7 UFO on 16 June 2009, 11:38
I wouldn't want a VR.  Thirsty and expensive to tune.

An R32 conversion would cost about £2500 to put into the mk3 but I'd allow an extra £500-£750 for complications.  How much would it cost to put a VR in and get a usable 250bhp out of it?

That R32 ebay auction....Meet the Seller - O Feedback.  I wouldn't touch it with a barge pole.
Title: Re: Whats the biggest engine you can get in a mk3 cabrio?
Post by: Mikester on 16 June 2009, 11:57
I wouldn't want a VR.  Thirsty and expensive to tune.

An R32 conversion would cost about £2500 to put into the mk3 but I'd allow an extra £500-£750 for complications.  How much would it cost to put a VR in and get a usable 250bhp out of it?

That R32 ebay auction....Meet the Seller - O Feedback.  I wouldn't touch it with a barge pole.

Thats £2000 less than MV quote to fit a 1.8t to a mk3, using an 8v gearbox. lol.

But then again, if you already have a gti, a VR6 engine wont cost you much more than £600
Title: Re: Whats the biggest engine you can get in a mk3 cabrio?
Post by: A7 UFO on 16 June 2009, 12:16
that price wouldn't include the engine...so add £1k-£1.5k on top of that.
Title: Re: Whats the biggest engine you can get in a mk3 cabrio?
Post by: Mikester on 16 June 2009, 12:19
that price wouldn't include the engine...so add £1k-£1.5k on top of that.

Yeah, bare engines go for about 1k, so with all other parts you would be looking big bucks.

The question really is, when V6 4motion engines are so much cheaper, is the extra dosh worth it for the R32?
Title: Re: Whats the biggest engine you can get in a mk3 cabrio?
Post by: sharki786 on 16 June 2009, 19:23
well a vr6 wont cost that much, as my mate down south is into his vrs n he did a 2.9 corrado conv he got a used 2.9 changed the seals on the pistons and all that stuck a turbo on to it and wambam its done a few months later (took his time) but he did say that it cost him about £1500 inc turbo and engine n all that but he did it himself if u want il get more details!
Title: Re: Whats the biggest engine you can get in a mk3 cabrio?
Post by: Mikester on 22 June 2009, 11:04
Is it just in a LHD that a R32 doesnt directly fit into a mk3?

As presumably the mk4 r32 and 1.8t use the same positioned mounts? And the 1.8t is pretty much a bolt in job on the same mk3 mounts?

As i have seen conflicting views on wether it would bolt into the mk3 mounts. And also being able to close the bonnet due to the height of the R32 engine? lol
Title: Re: Whats the biggest engine you can get in a mk3 cabrio?
Post by: Wayne on 22 June 2009, 11:12
Is it just in a LHD that a R32 doesnt directly fit into a mk3?

As presumably the mk4 r32 and 1.8t use the same positioned mounts? And the 1.8t is pretty much a bolt in job on the same mk3 mounts?

As i have seen conflicting views on wether it would bolt into the mk3 mounts. And also being able to close the bonnet due to the height of the R32 engine? lol

I believe you need to mount the R32 lump lower only issue then is the sump getting closer to the ground.
Title: Re: Whats the biggest engine you can get in a mk3 cabrio?
Post by: Mikester on 22 June 2009, 11:16
Sump close to the ground is an never ending battle anyway! haha.

Would you have to re-weld the mounts to get it lower? Or just modify the brackets?

Im tryin to find info about the conversion, but the search function on ed38 is about as useful as a chocolate teapot, as you can use words 3 letters or less, eg "r32" "mk3" lool!

And vortex is american, so might give me false info, being lhd and all.
Title: Re: Whats the biggest engine you can get in a mk3 cabrio?
Post by: Mikester on 22 June 2009, 11:19
http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=3906904

For reference if anyone finds this thread in the future.

Show the featured Mk3 R32 in PVW June 2009
Title: Re: Whats the biggest engine you can get in a mk3 cabrio?
Post by: Wayne on 22 June 2009, 11:22
Sump close to the ground is an never ending battle anyway! haha.

Would you have to re-weld the mounts to get it lower? Or just modify the brackets?

Im tryin to find info about the conversion, but the search function on ed38 is about as useful as a chocolate teapot, as you can use words 3 letters or less, eg "r32" "mk3" lool!

And vortex is american, so might give me false info, being lhd and all.

Modify the brackets or maybe you could use VR6 setup, I believe the VR6 and R32 are the same basic design
Title: Re: Whats the biggest engine you can get in a mk3 cabrio?
Post by: Mikester on 22 June 2009, 11:29
(http://i47.photobucket.com/albums/f185/vdubbin21/IMG_0878.jpg)