Modding MK1 Diesel

[away]

I got a golf MK1 1.6 Diesel last year and spent a year fixing it up. Now it's running and works OK but I want more power. I will be fitting a 5 speed box for more high speed range but I'm also looking more power from the engine. I've heard that there is a problem with the head gaskets blowing so I'm uneasy about trying to fit a turbo. How can I gain more power without taking the risk of seriously damaging the engine

[tomo320]

its gonna be big money to mod a mk1 1.6 D mate gearbox will help like but not gonna burn rubber(better on motorway tho), u got engine mounts ready for 'big block' petrol engines tho (cheap and loads available), but would lose economy might be worth doing if something major died as u will need to flush/change tank too, good luck whatever u decide

[away]

Need to drain my damn tank anyways. Got a tank full of crud while I was on holiday . Learned a leand now I never leave home without a spare fuel filter.
Nothing major should go wrong though as when I bouth the car the whole engine was worn and wasnt't getting compression. I had the cylinder resleeved replaced the pistons and replaced the gaskets and valves and has the head cleaned why the hell did I ever start on this project. after almost a year of work i have a car that is still rather underpowered. bugger.
Maybe i should just mess around with the supension

[tomo320]

if it was me i would leave it as it is, theres less and less decent diesels about nowadays (appreciating in value), u aint stuck for suspension options, just same as petrol.if u can get a good five speak box that wud make driving it a bit more fun, especially if it was closer ratio jobbie like gti, but u will need in car selector and 5 speed linkage too. stick at it son!

[mk1]

I may be wrong, but a petrol gti manifold and down pipe may give you some extra hp. You can adjust the fuelling on the injection pump, but you have to know what you are doing.
Steve.