which bottom end for 2.0l conversion and do i go for it?

[Jay]

Keep your 16V K-Jet head, and get an ABF (or 9A, but I get the feeling the general public like ABF's) bottom end. This means keeping the K-Jet management. As said if you do get an ABF as the block is taller you might need to remove the ribs.

In short get the ABF bottom end! or get an ABF complete setup if you can as it sounds 

[dTEA]

Well...the car is going over to Awesome or possibly Prosport to see if they can do anything with the 1.8 lump already in it as i'd like to  keep it original as poss but ABF seems the way forward...but i gotta say the 9A sounds easier!!

Will keep people posted as this starts properly and i might just need a project thread soon

[Simeon]

No point modifying the KR, 2 litre conversion is better and far cheaper. You need a 2 litre 16v bottom end: The 9A is a short block from the passat/corrado. The 6A is a short block from Audi 80s etc - the only difference between the 9A and 6A is that the 6A is mounted longitundinally so you have to change the sump and oil pump over to fit it in a vw; as you will most likey replace the oil pump and can use the kr sump this is hardly a problem. The 6As are generally cheaper than the 9A as more plentiful and less sought after. The other engine is the ABF from the mk3 golf and equivalent Seat engines as mentioned. These are long blocks though, so need additional clearence on bonnet and downpipes aren't a straight fit; I think there is one 4-1 manifold on the market that is designed for the abf conversion mind, though not certain.

You can bolt the kr head to any of these 2 litre bottom ends, using kr cams etc and retaining all k-jet management. This should give you 150-160 bhp. With proper rebuild, balancing etc, high lift cams, head work and a proper set up then you should see 180bhp+. Then when you get bored of that you can turbo it

[danny_p]

if you find a good abf it is worth trying to get the ecu loom and keys.   ( or just have the ecu cracked ) i think youd find it  better setup  but if small amounts of wireing scare you it works on k jet aswell. 170 bhp is quite easy for abf on efi as well

[rubjonny]

theres no real need to swap the 9a/6a head for a kr one they all flow near enough the same.  All you really need to do is swap in a kr inlet or pair of abf cams and you're away. The ABF head is supposed to be a bit better but even then I dont think its worth the effort if the std head is ok.

As for rad a GTI rad is fine for most everyday uses, my friends ABF has a new 8v rad and hes never had an issue.  If you feel like traking it though then its worth going bigger!  That being said bigger is always better so if you have a broken 8v rad or are starting with a car with something smaller theres definitly no harm in upsizing!  If you do go with a bigger rad get the upper & lower hoses to go with it.

[VeeDubGTI16v]

im using an 8v rad with no problems also, i would try the rad you have first before splashing out

[dTEA]

Cheers for all the info guys...the big q now is where to source the lump from...thats if Awesome tell me hte 1.8 lump is on its way out if pushed any harder.  Went for another little blat today and a guy in a CTR was still looking as tho i was mad driving summat this old    Also funnier as the tiddler was in her seat in the back.

If i can ge the lump for the money i'm prepared to spend then the 9A will be going in just to make things easier...the ABF may beyond me as i would want to run its management rather than sticking with K.

Still think its a shame that I live in Manchester and not many people up here with Mk2's...very rarely do you see one let alone someone to talk to about conversion or owt.  But a big thanks for everyones feedback.