1.8 SE Vs GTI? engine conversions....

[supercrosscott]

Iv just bought a 96 1.8 SE with a fair few miles on it. Originally it was going to be just a runaround over the summer but now im thinking of keeping it and maybe swapping the engine over for a rebuilt one with a few performance parts added. Just wanting to know if anyone knows the exact difference is between the normal 1.8 and the gti (engine, brakes, suspension etc) and what it would be like for an engine conversion? Any advice on recommended performance upgrades would be great, cheers

[shepgti]

would be a worthwhile swap if you bought a recon 16v abf and added performance parts before fitting it. if you were thinking of swapping the engine for the 8v gti engine then dont bother!

[boneybradley]

don't do it...the gti is very different. the se is an spi 1.8 engine where the gti has multi point injection, and thicker anti roll bars, thicker suspension arms, gas shockers, lower springs, improved steering rack, much bigger brakes, rear discs, 5 stud wheels. the only things similar is the gearbox and the shell

i would say buy a gti instead of making one! as insurance will be the same if not more for a conversion!! and its a fair bit of work! (the 16v conversion is even worse!!)

[LazyLunatic]

get a 16v as a base for a conversion.

dont start with anything lower than gti for the reasons stated above. mainly brakes though. an if you get a 16v, you got the 02a gearbox (which is uprated, used in vr6, g60) an the hydraulic clutch

[supercrosscott]

ah ok cool, thanks for the advice guys