Author Topic: Turbo diesel conversion  (Read 6502 times)

Offline Maltloaf

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Turbo diesel conversion
« on: 04 October 2005, 14:12 »
Hi all,

Has anyone done a turbo diesel conversion on a mk1 or mk2 golf? I'm not just talking about the GT TD 8v models but the new high torque 1.9/2.0 TDi engines like in the new golfs, A3, seats?

I have a 1979 mk1 golf 1600 GTi and a 1991 mk2 golf gti 8v and thinking about engine upgrades, rather than the 1.8 turbo route I started thinking about the TDi engines, with a chip and right setup they can have even more torque than the petrol engines.

Any ideas welcome.

Cheers

Matt.

Offline topher

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Re: Turbo diesel conversion
« Reply #1 on: 04 October 2005, 14:20 »
Simon (A7 UFO) has an ARL tdi in his mk2, should be able to give you some pointers

Offline Maltloaf

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Re: Turbo diesel conversion
« Reply #2 on: 04 October 2005, 15:08 »
Thanks M8, I am supprised there arn't even more. It might be interesting project.

Matt

Offline A7 UFO

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Re: Turbo diesel conversion
« Reply #3 on: 04 October 2005, 16:44 »
Thanks M8, I am supprised there arn't even more. It might be interesting project.

Matt

The stats are great - engine weighs as much as a VR but has a realistic 200bhp/300lbs with bullet proof reliability and 50mpg+.  Sure fire sub 6sec 0-60 (with ATB diff) and will rocket (with trailing smoke) up to 150mph.  Effortless driving in everday conditions with untouchable overtaking speeds and smoother than a babies bum cruising speeds.  Tuning is cheap as chips to 200bhp/300lbs with a realistic 250bhp/400lbs with a bit (alright, a lot) of cash thrown at it.

First downside...obvious...noise.  It sounds awful in the mk2 due to lighter/thinner panels and less sound proofing.  I'm sure for the above advantages your more than happy to put up with the noise.  People look at you thinking your car is about to explode (sometimes amusing).

Now it gets more serious.  You can't run stand alone management on the PD's.  You have to have matching ECU, clocks and keys with a full (not engine to bulkhead but full) loom.  The 6spd box is massive and requires considerable fabrication.  You will have to have a dash conversion or somehow fit the mk4 clocks into your existing dash.  Your dash will light up like a christmas tree with faults - ABS light, Traction control light, washer bottle refill light (as your car doesn't have them) plus others that I can't remember - you'll have to remove the individual bulbs and the beeper.  Custom drive shafts will be required - passenger side is only about 6" long.  As not many conversions have been done not many people can help should you need it.  The TDi ECU is very delicate....slightest thing to upset it (boost, fuel/air, fuel temp etc) will put it into limp home.

If I had known 14 months ago how difficult it would have been then I would have left the 175bhp 2.0 16v in there or gone 20v.  If you want to be original, different and ground breaking...then you do it without a list of procedures or help from others.

Not meaning to put you off whatsoever, but be aware of the work involved.  There is a reason why there aren't many about.

Offline gibby

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Re: Turbo diesel conversion
« Reply #4 on: 04 October 2005, 17:01 »
I did always wonder why this never seemed to be a popular conversion. I guess now I know.  :sad: In theory the PD conversion makes so much sense, torque & economy being the main plusses but realistically it looks like it's an absolute nightmare.  :shocked:
......now officially dubless.

Offline Maltloaf

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Re: Turbo diesel conversion
« Reply #5 on: 04 October 2005, 17:06 »
Thanks for the information. It has not put me off, but I think lack of a donor car and space might cause a problem.

Are there certain engine codes to look out for, and ones without too much technology like drive by wire, etc.

Do you have any pics of your conversion? I would certainly be interested to see how you have got on. Fabricating should not be a problem keeping the strength in the body might. :smiley:

I will not give up just yet, I want to explore this a little more.

Thanks

Matt.

Offline A7 UFO

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Re: Turbo diesel conversion
« Reply #6 on: 05 October 2005, 09:28 »
As I said, I wasn't meaning to put you off.  You are more than welcome to stick your head in my engine bay and see what, where and how everything was done.  Anything I know I am willing to pass on....including names in the industry that have been able to help me.

The market is flooded with the PD 130 engine making them cheaper and easier to source.  The 150 is obviously rarer.  I got mine for a bargain £800 and it only has a four figure mileage.  It would be considerably easier to fit the 5spd box.  I was told the 130 is easier to fit as the turbo isn't as close to the rear engine mount as it is on the 150.  There isn't a huge amount of difference between each of the engines (110, 130, 150) and Allard reckon they can get any PD to 250bhp for the same cost.

Offline Maltloaf

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Re: Turbo diesel conversion
« Reply #7 on: 05 October 2005, 09:58 »
Allard, just had a look at their website and they are in Gloucester, just up the road from me. I think this may be a sign. But for the time being it will have to be put on hold until the mk1 is complete. I do not fancy doing the conversion on the mk1 I think the mk2 might be easier.
Also anyone interested in my Audi?, Could really do with the money and space.  :grin:
http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=25174.0

Judderi

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Re: Turbo diesel conversion
« Reply #8 on: 05 October 2005, 11:32 »
Oooo i always wondered about this conversion too. Have you got any pics of your completed bay?

Offline A7 UFO

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Re: Turbo diesel conversion
« Reply #9 on: 05 October 2005, 12:23 »





Before anyone says it, I know I need to move the battery to the boot and box the air filter in to the space away from the engine.  Since the above photos it has had a forge fmic fitted.