Engine explosion (8V 1.8 GTI)

[shep-mk2]

Thanks for all the info fellas.

As I understand it, you're all edging towards the ditching of the whole 1.8 engine in favour of a more powerful one which sounds good.  Not a concourse freak btw, just fond of the standard car.

Won't I have to change the exhaust as well?  Seems a shame as I have a Jetex stainless on at the mo.

Really appreciate the advice, please bear in mind I don't want to spend millions but I do desperately want my car back on the road!

Cheers again

Shep

[rubjonny]

if you fit 2.0 8v bottom end you can keep EVERYTHING literally just need to bolt on servicable MK2 head and thats it.
although, being a tall block there is a chance the 4 branch will hit the tunnel, so mgiht be in your interest to go with a 1.8. can get em for cheap if you're patient, and fyi carby 1.8 blocks are the same and MK1/rocco/MK2/early passat will all fit.
MK3 is a slightly different unit, you can tell as it has the breather on the front. Some passat blocks were lower compression too iirc, so if you do get a passat lump make sure its PB code like yours