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General => General discussion => Topic started by: Ninja on 24 February 2013, 13:01

Title: Decisions, decisions.
Post by: Ninja on 24 February 2013, 13:01
So, I'm gong to be saving for a mortgage, but before I do I want one last big treat for myself.

Princess is currently rocking her powerhouse of an engine, the 8v. However, I want more raw power. (Some actual power).

I have decided to go down the transplant route.

My budget is £1000 incl fitting, possibly a tad more.

What I need from the car...

Reliability, tourqes, power, ease of maintenence.

What I am not bothered about...

Economy, tuning.

R32 is out of the question. The only choices I'm considering are above.

Additionally, I've had a quote of a 16v swap out incl parts for £1000. I understand a turbo will be more.

If someone wants to earn some money doing a transplant for me, give me a shout.

Help.  :smiley:
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions.
Post by: VW BUSH on 24 February 2013, 13:38
Why fit what you can buy in standard car form?
Turbo all the way, complete donor cars available from £500......
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions.
Post by: Ninja on 24 February 2013, 13:44
Why fit what you can buy in standard car form?
Turbo all the way, complete donor cars available from £500......

Because mine is an anni, and a decent anni... Nevermind a decent 16v anni, is hard to come by!  :sad:
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions.
Post by: barrym381 on 24 February 2013, 13:55
Why fit what you can buy in standard car form?
Turbo all the way, complete donor cars available from £500......

Because mine is an anni, and a decent anni... Nevermind a decent 16v anni, is hard to come by!  :sad:
sell the boat an just buy a 1.8t mk4  :smiley:
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions.
Post by: Ninja on 24 February 2013, 14:01
Why fit what you can buy in standard car form?
Turbo all the way, complete donor cars available from £500......

Because mine is an anni, and a decent anni... Nevermind a decent 16v anni, is hard to come by!  :sad:
sell the boat an just buy a 1.8t mk4  :smiley:

Had a 1.8t mk4. Hated every second of ownership. Can't put my finger on why, it just wasn't for me. Biggest car mistake I've made. It felt so rollie polie In the corners and felt heavy.

Good car, reliable, just not for me.

I will say though, I would have another.. But NOT standard. I think I hated it because standard mk4s are so ugly. :-(
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions.
Post by: JC on 24 February 2013, 14:03
strange suggestion, but as its an anni, why not keep it original.  :huh:

buy an old 8v lump, rebuild and dress the engine bay out -engine / g/box etc

 :smiley:
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions.
Post by: barrym381 on 24 February 2013, 14:04
Why fit what you can buy in standard car form?
Turbo all the way, complete donor cars available from £500......

Because mine is an anni, and a decent anni... Nevermind a decent 16v anni, is hard to come by!  :sad:
sell the boat an just buy a 1.8t mk4  :smiley:

Had a 1.8t mk4. Hated every second of ownership. Can't put my finger on why, it just wasn't for me. Biggest car mistake I've made. It felt so rollie polie In the corners and felt heavy.

Good car, reliable, just not for me.

I will say though, I would have another.. But NOT standard. I think I hated it because standard mk4s are so ugly. :-(
they are all like this standard  :wink: try spending the grand you have on 1 after swaping out the boat towards 1
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions.
Post by: Ninja on 24 February 2013, 14:06
strange suggestion, but as its an anni, why not keep it original.  :huh:

buy an old 8v lump, rebuild and dress the engine bay out -engine / g/box etc

 :smiley:

My 8v is actually really tidy. But I just want it to go.. More. It sounds the business though.

It's like, "ARRRRGHHHHHH IM GOING TO GET TO 60 REAAALLLY FAST AAAARRRGHHHH"

10 seconds later... "Phew, I'm knackered now."

Bless her.. She tries.
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions.
Post by: Ninja on 24 February 2013, 14:08
Why fit what you can buy in standard car form?
Turbo all the way, complete donor cars available from £500......

Because mine is an anni, and a decent anni... Nevermind a decent 16v anni, is hard to come by!  :sad:
sell the boat an just buy a 1.8t mk4  :smiley:

Had a 1.8t mk4. Hated every second of ownership. Can't put my finger on why, it just wasn't for me. Biggest car mistake I've made. It felt so rollie polie In the corners and felt heavy.

Good car, reliable, just not for me.

I will say though, I would have another.. But NOT standard. I think I hated it because standard mk4s are so ugly. :-(
they are all like this standard  :wink: try spending the grand you have on 1 after swaping out the boat towards 1

Maybe, but I'm weird. It would have to be an anni so I can feel special.
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions.
Post by: barrym381 on 24 February 2013, 14:09
strange suggestion, but as its an anni, why not keep it original.  :huh:

buy an old 8v lump, rebuild and dress the engine bay out -engine / g/box etc

 :smiley:

My 8v is actually really tidy. But I just want it to go.. More. It sounds the business though.

It's like, "ARRRRGHHHHHH IM GOING TO GET TO 60 REAAALLLY FAST AAAARRRGHHHH"

10 seconds later... "Phew, I'm knackered now."

Bless her.. She tries.
stick the sail up then might help it  :laugh:
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions.
Post by: Ninja on 24 February 2013, 14:11
strange suggestion, but as its an anni, why not keep it original.  :huh:

buy an old 8v lump, rebuild and dress the engine bay out -engine / g/box etc

 :smiley:

My 8v is actually really tidy. But I just want it to go.. More. It sounds the business though.

It's like, "ARRRRGHHHHHH IM GOING TO GET TO 60 REAAALLLY FAST AAAARRRGHHHH"

10 seconds later... "Phew, I'm knackered now."

Bless her.. She tries.
stick the sail up then might help it  :laugh:

Sail was a factory extra. Only came with the 16V and above though.
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions.
Post by: tweed on 24 February 2013, 14:11
I know you will have more power from a 1.8t but they ain't as reliable. Well they are I'm just saying that you got turbo and turbo parts to fail now.

Also will cost more to fit a 1.8t in a 8v mk3

Ain't nothing wrong with the power of a vr6 but they are bad on fuel.

Me personally would go for a 2.8 24v found in the mk4 4motion. You can pick one up for £1000. Take what you need sell the rest to fund for a vr6 box, lightened fly wheel and a remap. Should make 230bhp.

1.8t is only worth doing if you get a BAM or AMK k04 engine and it cost more than £1000.
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions.
Post by: barrym381 on 24 February 2013, 14:12
strange suggestion, but as its an anni, why not keep it original.  :huh:

buy an old 8v lump, rebuild and dress the engine bay out -engine / g/box etc

 :smiley:

My 8v is actually really tidy. But I just want it to go.. More. It sounds the business though.

It's like, "ARRRRGHHHHHH IM GOING TO GET TO 60 REAAALLLY FAST AAAARRRGHHHH"

10 seconds later... "Phew, I'm knackered now."

Bless her.. She tries.
stick the sail up then might help it  :laugh:

Sail was a factory extra. Only came with the 16V and above though.
not on a mk3 its standard throughout the range  :grin:
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions.
Post by: Ninja on 24 February 2013, 14:15
No you're mistaken, the mk3 came with ores as standard. Sail is optional.
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions.
Post by: VW BUSH on 24 February 2013, 15:06
Why fit what you can buy in standard car form?
Turbo all the way, complete donor cars available from £500......

Because mine is an anni, and a decent anni... Nevermind a decent 16v anni, is hard to come by!  :sad:


You wanted power, the 16v wont tear the skin off a rice pudding red seat belts or not.

Title: Re: Decisions, decisions.
Post by: barrym381 on 24 February 2013, 15:16
Why fit what you can buy in standard car form?
Turbo all the way, complete donor cars available from £500......

Because mine is an anni, and a decent anni... Nevermind a decent 16v anni, is hard to come by!  :sad:


You wanted power, the 16v wont tear the skin off a rice pudding red seat belts or not.
:grin: :grin: was going to say a horny dog off a nun  :laugh:
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions.
Post by: dom on 24 February 2013, 17:13
You won't get a decent 1.8T conversion fitted for £1k so I'd knock that idea on the head. If it was me I'd go down the VR route, get yourself a donor car, take any bits you need then break the rest.
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions.
Post by: bobbarley on 24 February 2013, 17:44
Save the money toward a decent car instead?
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions.
Post by: Bellend on 24 February 2013, 18:39
The only two conversions that are half decent that you can do properly for a grand is 16v or VR.

VR for decent power, lovely sound and cruising.

16v for slightly better MPG and for really throwing it about on twistys
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions.
Post by: Gavv8 on 24 February 2013, 18:44
Excuse the pun but didn't someone float the idea of a V5 conversion?...does that hold any water..........
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions.
Post by: Ninja on 24 February 2013, 19:22
Save the money toward a decent car instead?

I've got a decent car...  :angry:

Rest free mk3 anni in great condition. I just want a different engine. What's would you say is a 'decent' car then?  :huh: because for me, mine is spot on, bar the engine.
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions.
Post by: tdi_blu on 24 February 2013, 19:58
If it was me I would sell the Anniversary and buy a car that comes with a turbo as standard.I doubt you want to do this as you have pointed out you like the car so if that's the case I would drop a 16v in the car as it kinda keeps the originality and it would be quicker than the 8v so win win..
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions.
Post by: Leroy on 25 February 2013, 11:58
Now this is just my opinion and i know theres alot of love for the ABF, but Ive just switched from an 8v anni with cams, exhaust, uprated brakes, etc. etc. to a totally standard 16v anni and to be totally honest it doesn't feel much faster, unless your really revving it (which i don't), i know if i spent some money on the engine then it would be faster as its 40bhp out of the factory quicker, but day to day, normal driving, you will be wondering where that £1k went!

Just my opinion :whistle:
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions.
Post by: Leroy on 25 February 2013, 12:01
you can buy a VR or a 16v for a bag of sand, see if you like it and then do a transplant?
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions.
Post by: Shady Pioneer on 25 February 2013, 12:23
VR6 is my choice.
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions.
Post by: Len on 25 February 2013, 13:12
Yours aint gonna be an Anni anymore if you change the engine!
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions.
Post by: Shady Pioneer on 25 February 2013, 13:13
Yours aint gonna be an Anni anymore if you change the engine!

Yours isn't a MK3 anymore with what you've done to it! :laugh:
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions.
Post by: Len on 25 February 2013, 13:15
Yours aint gonna be an Anni anymore if you change the engine!

Yours isn't a MK3 anymore with what you've done to it! :laugh:

Its still got the same 16v abf engine it was made with!  :tongue:
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions.
Post by: Khare on 25 February 2013, 13:17
16v is my choice but you can do it for far less than £1000.
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions.
Post by: Wayne on 25 February 2013, 13:22
Keep it as, to change the engine will in the long run hurt its value.

If you want something quicker then buy something quicker.

Building what you can buy never makes sense.
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions.
Post by: Khare on 25 February 2013, 13:28
Keep it as, to change the engine will in the long run hurt its value.

Very true, but the 16v annie is the same car but with a 16v engine right? So it'd be staying along the same path, where as if you go 1.8T or VR6 route then that is a non standard car.
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions.
Post by: Shady Pioneer on 25 February 2013, 13:31
Just go VR mate.  :grin:
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions.
Post by: Wayne on 25 February 2013, 13:39
Very true, but the 16v annie is the same car but with a 16v engine right? So it'd be staying along the same path, where as if you go 1.8T or VR6 route then that is a non standard car.

The problem is that it is not original, it did not leave the factory as a 16v so any engine swap will devalue it to some degree.
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions.
Post by: Shady Pioneer on 25 February 2013, 13:45
Depends on who is buying the car to what value it is.
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions.
Post by: VW BUSH on 25 February 2013, 14:07
ABF, great it adds 40 bhp but once you get bored with it (and you will if the 8v feels slow) you will need time and pockets to get it near 200bhp which we all agree is what a Mk3 needs to be quick.
ABF's are best put in Mk2's.

Leave it standard if you dont want to go turbo as you have bloody nice car anyhoo
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions.
Post by: leigh_harty on 25 February 2013, 16:39
Building what you can buy never makes sense.

So you eat out all the time because theirs no point in making your own tea?

Building what you can buy is about the experience, learning curve... not being a dull nobody
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions.
Post by: tweed on 25 February 2013, 16:59
Seeing the state of mk3's lately I'd say if your car is in good condition stick with it and swap a engine. Can do it for peanuts.

Why sell yours and buy a vr6 then spend a load of money on new metal and paint?

To buy a vr6 in good condition will cost a lot more than the value of a 8v gti so just swap the engine
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions.
Post by: benvictors on 25 February 2013, 17:56
'Why don't you just sell it an buy a VR6 or a 16v'..................... BORE OFF!!!!!

I would go VR6 all day long, especially since you said you aren't too bothered about economy
They sound ace, with a bit of fettling you can get m going pretty well and are possibly one of the strongest petrol engines VW ever built, no brainer for me.
Also, you can pick up a VR donor cheaper than a Valver donor at the min, seen 2 or 3 VR's go for less than £400 in the last few weeks.

If you had a bit more cash to play with then I agree with tweed on the V6 24v swap, quality engine, still sounds nice (although not as nice as the VR in my opinion) and 230bhp in a mk3 feels rapid  :laugh: :laugh:

I personally don't think changing the engine affects the Anniversary spec of the car at all after all, its not like the Anni came with owt special under the hood did it, yes they never actually made a VR Anni but in my opinion they should have never made an 8v Anni, or put a GTI badge on the 2.0 8v at all  :grin:
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions.
Post by: leigh_harty on 25 February 2013, 19:44
Anni = appearance, not engine  :wink:
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions.
Post by: Gavv8 on 25 February 2013, 19:52
'Why don't you just sell it an buy a VR6 or a 16v'..................... BORE OFF!!!!!

I would go VR6 all day long, especially since you said you aren't too bothered about economy
They sound ace, with a bit of fettling you can get m going pretty well and are possibly one of the strongest petrol engines VW ever built, no brainer for me.
Also, you can pick up a VR donor cheaper than a Valver donor at the min, seen 2 or 3 VR's go for less than £400 in the last few weeks.

If you had a bit more cash to play with then I agree with tweed on the V6 24v swap, quality engine, still sounds nice (although not as nice as the VR in my opinion) and 230bhp in a mk3 feels rapid  :laugh: :laugh:

I personally don't think changing the engine affects the Anniversary spec of the car at all after all, its not like the Anni came with owt special under the hood did it, yes they never actually made a VR Anni but in my opinion they should have never made an 8v Anni, or put a GTI badge on the 2.0 8v at all  :grin:
The original GTi was 8v...not 16v....not VR6..........8V.
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions.
Post by: tweed on 25 February 2013, 19:54
Who gives af**k

Just put a vr6 lump in your car  :cool:
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions.
Post by: jimmydub on 25 February 2013, 20:02

You wanted power, the 16v wont tear the skin off a rice pudding red seat belts or not.

haha brilliant!

my two cents - surely just take some time and see what you can get for the money. if you see a a donor going for 3/400 quid just go for it.
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions.
Post by: benvictors on 25 February 2013, 20:07
'Why don't you just sell it an buy a VR6 or a 16v'..................... BORE OFF!!!!!

I would go VR6 all day long, especially since you said you aren't too bothered about economy
They sound ace, with a bit of fettling you can get m going pretty well and are possibly one of the strongest petrol engines VW ever built, no brainer for me.
Also, you can pick up a VR donor cheaper than a Valver donor at the min, seen 2 or 3 VR's go for less than £400 in the last few weeks.

If you had a bit more cash to play with then I agree with tweed on the V6 24v swap, quality engine, still sounds nice (although not as nice as the VR in my opinion) and 230bhp in a mk3 feels rapid  :laugh: :laugh:

I personally don't think changing the engine affects the Anniversary spec of the car at all after all, its not like the Anni came with owt special under the hood did it, yes they never actually made a VR Anni but in my opinion they should have never made an 8v Anni, or put a GTI badge on the 2.0 8v at all  :grin:
The original GTi was 8v...not 16v....not VR6..........8V.

Agreed, but the mk3 8v was quite a poor GTI, no??? I aint slagging them off, my mk3 was originally an 8v and it never let me down but as far as GTI goes, hhmmmmm, not really.
Just like the mk4 2.0 GTI, really not worthy of the GTI badge IMO
Am I alone in my thinking here???
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions.
Post by: Gavv8 on 25 February 2013, 20:08
Of course your not alone....i am...... :grin:
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions.
Post by: benvictors on 25 February 2013, 20:14
Of course your not alone....i am...... :grin:

ha ha ha  :wink:
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions.
Post by: Gavv8 on 25 February 2013, 20:20
Seriously, i think he should go VR and have lots of fun in it before only Alan Sugar can afford petrol.
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions.
Post by: tdi_blu on 25 February 2013, 20:51
With all respect VR6s are not all that quick or a nibble fun car to drive,they sound awsome and pull well agreed but when you weigh up the cost of running the things with petrol to me theres better to be had for your money.I sold mine after about 8 months of owning it and found my more nibble 16v abf more fun.Just my view dont dislike them just think there slightly over rated.
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions.
Post by: Gavv8 on 25 February 2013, 21:51
'Why don't you just sell it an buy a VR6 or a 16v'..................... BORE OFF!!!!!

I would go VR6 all day long, especially since you said you aren't too bothered about economy
They sound ace, with a bit of fettling you can get m going pretty well and are possibly one of the strongest petrol engines VW ever built, no brainer for me.
Also, you can pick up a VR donor cheaper than a Valver donor at the min, seen 2 or 3 VR's go for less than £400 in the last few weeks.

If you had a bit more cash to play with then I agree with tweed on the V6 24v swap, quality engine, still sounds nice (although not as nice as the VR in my opinion) and 230bhp in a mk3 feels rapid  :laugh: :laugh:

I personally don't think changing the engine affects the Anniversary spec of the car at all after all, its not like the Anni came with owt special under the hood did it, yes they never actually made a VR Anni but in my opinion they should have never made an 8v Anni, or put a GTI badge on the 2.0 8v at all  :grin:
The original GTi was 8v...not 16v....not VR6..........8V.

Agreed, but the mk3 8v was quite a poor GTI, no??? I aint slagging them off, my mk3 was originally an 8v and it never let me down but as far as GTI goes, hhmmmmm, not really.
Just like the mk4 2.0 GTI, really not worthy of the GTI badge IMO
Am I alone in my thinking here???
I've thought about this and my 8v cost me a Grand, i Tour around in it all the time and it has injection innit!..
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions.
Post by: Khare on 26 February 2013, 11:23
With all respect VR6s are not all that quick or a nibble fun car to drive,they sound awsome and pull well agreed but when you weigh up the cost of running the things with petrol to me theres better to be had for your money.I sold mine after about 8 months of owning it and found my more nibble 16v abf more fun.Just my view dont dislike them just think there slightly over rated.

Exactly what I was trying to say.
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions.
Post by: Bellend on 26 February 2013, 12:29
16v is a bloody fun engine!

After 4k it is awesome. Really tempted to have one myself over a VR!
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions.
Post by: T_J_G on 27 February 2013, 12:24
Save the grand for your mortgage and fees.
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions.
Post by: VW BUSH on 27 February 2013, 13:16
All this advice points to sticking with your 8v, best on fuel, best handling and its already in the car........
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions.
Post by: dom on 27 February 2013, 16:54
All this advice points to sticking with your 8v, best on fuel, best handling and its already in the car........

(http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg123/ChristelMorren/Smiley/ROFL.gif)
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions.
Post by: Gavv8 on 27 February 2013, 19:13
All this advice points to sticking with your 8v, best on fuel, best handling and its already in the car........

(http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg123/ChristelMorren/Smiley/ROFL.gif)
Totally agree and you can laugh all you like mr 069 but you have a mk4 so handling is an alien concept to you....
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions.
Post by: VW BUSH on 27 February 2013, 20:18
All this advice points to sticking with your 8v, best on fuel, best handling and its already in the car........

(http://i247.photobucket.com/albums/gg123/ChristelMorren/Smiley/ROFL.gif)
Totally agree and you can laugh all you like mr 069 but you have a mk4 so handling is an alien concept to you....

Was a bit tongue in cheek but hey a lot of the arguments posted Imply this. I voted for 1.8t as I think its best for power, weight, handling and mpg for what is a very nice car.
If I had a second choice it would be the VR, but then I would just buy a mulberry highline and stick the anni in the garage.
OP wanted more power?
Title: Re: Decisions, decisions.
Post by: Gavv8 on 27 February 2013, 20:19
My tongue is firmly in cheek mate.. :wink: