diesel question

[Ess_Three]

I don't see it being any harder than fitting a Dyson, sorry 1.8T.
The wiring is non-CAN Bus and the only tricky bit would be the likely need for a Mk4 throttle pedal.
As long as you had a diesel tank and fuel lines, the rest should be a fairly easy swap...no more so than a 1.8T.

If it were me, I'd go for a PD130 over the 150...the 150 has a narrower power band despite it's fractionally larger turbo, so isn't as flexible. A mapped 130 will give 180-185 BHP and 300+ lb-ft whilst returning 45-50 MPG

[thai-wronghorse]

Hmm now there's some food for thought. 

[Ess_Three]

Hmm now there's some food for thought. 

Go drive a Fabia vRS to know how much fun a 130PD can be in a car a similar size and weight to a Mk3.
They are brilliant fun :-)
45+ MPG on a tuned 130PD when driven with heavy shoes :-)

[Wayne]

I don't see it being any harder than fitting a Dyson, sorry 1.8T.
The wiring is non-CAN Bus and the only tricky bit would be the likely need for a Mk4 throttle pedal.
As long as you had a diesel tank and fuel lines, the rest should be a fairly easy swap...no more so than a 1.8T.

If it were me, I'd go for a PD130 over the 150...the 150 has a narrower power band despite it's fractionally larger turbo, so isn't as flexible. A mapped 130 will give 180-185 BHP and 300+ lb-ft whilst returning 45-50 MPG

Interesting info, 130 tends not to suffer with camshaft problems as well.

[thai-wronghorse]

Aren't the camshaft issues predominantly related to poor servicing or the wrong grade of oil used though?
From what I understand the PD150 is a fussy b@stard when it comes to lubrication.

[Ess_Three]

Aren't the camshaft issues predominantly related to poor servicing or the wrong grade of oil used though?
From what I understand the PD150 is a fussy b@stard when it comes to lubrication.

I can't see a problem affecting a 150 and not a 130 or 160, THB.
They are the same engine.
105, 115, 130, 150 and 160 (SEAT Cupra D) all have the same basic engine but with nozzle changes, turbo changes, boost changes and differing sized intercoolers.
Having driven them all, I'd say the 130 is the overall pick of the bunch and probably the most plentiful to find.

The PD injectors put a lot of load on the cam and cam lobes due to the very nature of their design...so the proper oil and regular replacement of the cam belt is essential.
Beyond that, they are bulletproof.

I had 175-180 BHP and approx 300 lb-ft in my Fabia vRS and it was a hoot to drive.

[xionsolaris]

How quick are they with that much bhp i dont think its instsnt power like petrol but when turbo kicks in your off

[Ess_Three]

How quick are they with that much bhp i dont think its instsnt power like petrol but when turbo kicks in your off

It's the other way round compared to the likes of a 1.8T.
It's instant torque. A real kick in the back...at 2000RPM...then it dies by 4000, so you need to be quick on the gears and short shift through the 'box, riding the wave of torque, rather than revving it.

At 70 MPH in top, they have a really addictive thump of torque.

They aren't as quick as a petrol off the line because you don't have the rev range, and need to change gear more quickly...but midrange they certainly match the petrols, and when it comes to lazy driving (not changing down to overtake etc) they blow the petrols away.

I currently have a 2.0 16v PD170...it's similar. Not quite the huge low down of the 8v, but it has 500 RPM more usable rev range.
Compare it to the later Common Rail 2.0 TDIs and although it sounds like a bag of hammers, it's still got the real PD torque slug low down...the 2.0CR feels flat in comparison.
I'm sure the newest 2.0CRs are smoother, quieter and more refined...but they just feel flat and lifeless next to the older PDs.

[thai-wronghorse]

Nice one Glen,  informative as ever.  Like I say I've had an itch go derv for a while and wouldn't mind utilising the GTI bits and goodies from my 16v mk3 if I can source a good enough wagon. This said I may just buy a mk1 Seat Leon Cupra FR  TDI...Opinions?

[Wayne]

This said I may just buy a mk1 Seat Leon Cupra FR  TDI...Opinions?

Nice choice