PB or not to PB

[DarnPB]

I have a PB engined GTI that needs repair or replacement. I intend to drag one out of a scrappy and freshen it up, whist keeping the car on the road. But PB engines are scarce for some reason. What other 1.8 GTI 8V digifant options can I look at? ie, what are the differences between PB and other optoins?

[mattp1983]

Others are K-jet so mechanical injection, so you would probably need a lot of the ancillaries as they may be different, if your doing that you might as well put a 16v lump in. There is usually a fair few PBs on ebay, usually go for between £50 and 100. What needs repairing on your engine?

[DarnPB]

It failed big time on emissions, (see previous posts) but I managed to get it through by other means.
Nothing would shift it and the oil started to smell of fuel, which indicates the rings are worn. Compressions also low. I want to keep it on the road as I need it for work, so I want to aquire another engine to freshen up/rebuild and also fettle.
 Can I use a k-jet engine if I fit my original head?

[DarnPB]

Almost forgot. Can't fit 16V. Spain will not allow any kind of engine swaps.

[samw]

I've always been told that youcant use a k-jet head on a digifant, ive cracked my hewad and will be rplacing it at some point, and theres a vw breakers near me who will do the whole top end for £100 with a 3 month warranty (incase that one's cracked as well!!) they are called stevens vw in chelmsford in essex, give them a try (they have a web site, stevensvw.com i think) they have been really helpful with my old golfs over the years

[DarnPB]

Thanks for that but I live in Spain. Not half an hours drive away, I am blessed with the largest scrapyard in Europe. Sounds like I'm gloating but I'm not. You have to believe it to see it. I believe it has been featured on a couple of television programs. They have 3 incredibly huge hangars full of second hand components. The engines are removed from the cars after being tested, cleaned and degreased then palleted ready for sale with a 3 month warranty. You could go in there with a suit on, accidently brush past an engine and not worry about it. Gearboxes and axles are the same. No matter what manufacturer of engine you require, the odds on is that they have it. The other hangars are full of bumpers, doors, tailgates, bonnets, seats, interiors, you name it. Another has engine components, heads, injection systems, alternators, compressors etc. Its a modifiers haven.
However they only tend to put 'on the shelf' items thay know they can shift, hense the reason why there are no 'off the shelf' PB's. There are engines still in the cars but the condition is hit and miss. OK for a complete rebuild, but just to freshen up??? Not too sure if I want to take the chance.

[mattkh]

Thanks for that but I live in Spain. Not half an hours drive away, I am blessed with the largest scrapyard in Europe. Sounds like I'm gloating but I'm not. You have to believe it to see it.

Hi

Please put up a picture of this.

[DarnPB]

I'll take my camera if I remember the next time I go.

[rubjonny]

physical blocks are identical, only difference is if the head has hydralic tappets or not.  You can convert a k-jet engine to digifant injection simply by swaping the injector inserts over, and all the other little bolt on bits that differ

[DarnPB]

Cool. Thats the info I needed. Pulled the head off mine yesterday and its minging. Oil in the induction system, the works. Bores look OK and first glance look as if the wear is within limits, and the cross hatching is still visible. But oh SSSOOO glazed! Which does not help with compressions. Removing pistons tomorrow for dimensioning, but I think they're OK. May just need do the rings.
Need to go to the local garage and borrow ID mic's and a honer/glaze buster. Digits crossed.
Will keep this thread posted. Not worth opening up a Dubs Project thread for a problem fix!!!