What engine should I choose for my mk2?

[golfmk2boy]

Hi,

I am thinking about dopping an engine in my Mk2 in a couple of months.  I am not sure which one to go for.  I need the conversion to be fairly straight forward (I know it wont be this).... but which would be the best option.

Also need to consider insurance too.

Which one would you go for if you had a empty engine bay?

[Martz]

Why not go for a 9a conversion. Tunable and afordable. Pretty straight forward........

[A7 UFO]

Depends on loads of factors.

Budget
Will the car be used for commuting or just a weekend toy
What is it going into (8v/16v/pre 88)
Do you want to do the conversion yourself
How long can you afford for it to be off the road
What is available on the second hand market at the time
What have you done to your suspension/brakes already

[...joe]

^^^ agree with all of that, there is sooo much more to think about than just which is the best engine....

whatever, don't go for the v5! pointless!

[TwistedAspect]

I personally am going to go for a 9A conversion with the Digifant head once I get her running right....seems like the best option for all round greatness.....plus It makes it a rather tuneable machine )

Jay

[golfmk2boy]

What is a 9a conversion?

[A7 UFO]

The '9a' is a 2.0 16v bottom end used on corrados, passats and a few audis.  It is a short block which fits directly onto the 1.8 16v KR head producing between 160-180bhp and 150lbs.

[16v]

Sorry to Hijack the thread but it is relevant.

What, briefly, is involved in a 9a conversion to a 1990 16v GTi please?

How much would I need to save up?

thanks

[A7 UFO]

The 9a bottom end is fairly rare now as it is the easiest and quickest 1.8 16v power upgrade.  You should be able to pick one up for around the £150-£400 mark.  The good news is that it is easy to install and get running once you've found one.

[shaft69]

Seen a nice 20v on t/b's looked and sounded the dogs.