Engine codes

[Geeman]

A relative Mk2 newbie here... so probably a dumb question.

I have a '90 8v GTi. What engine code do I have? Is it a digifant?

The reason I ask is because I've recently been offered a 'dx mk1/mk2 golf scirroco 1.8 gti engine' --- what is a 'dx' engine? Will this drop straight into my '90 8v?

See, to you this is probably such an obvious answer. I'm slightly confused though as I've come from the land of M20's and M42's (E30 BMW's) and not quite up to scratch with the Mk2 lingo just yet.

Thanks in advance, 

Giles.

[mr ritz]

mate i could be miles out here but i'm sure somebody will point it out if i am!

for a 90 spec golf 8v you will have a PB digifant engine.

the dx engine is just an older version of the 8v with around the same power output but employs the K-Jet injection system.

unless the PB is knackered beyond repair i cant see the point and wouldn't bother?

sorry if what i have said is in anyway innaccurate as i am also a m40 bmw man but with a little history of the dubs!

[Geeman]

Well, I bought the 'dx' engine off Ebay for 99p!!! Not gone to pick it up yet though, but thought the block and head would be interchangeable... the head gasket has gone on mine (bought like that) and when started, it was very 'rattly' on the top end, which sounded like a cam to me, hence why I thought the head might be able to be swapped over. See, I need telling!

Because it only went for 99p, I might give him the option to re-list it at a higher price and pass on picking it up...

[Daz...]

I'm pretty sure the DX engine has a solid lifter head in it as opposed to the hydraulic head on yours- I could be wrong though.

I'd say get your head rebuilt. At least you know it's going to last that way.

Either that or find another PB head. I wouldn't have thought it would take long to find one for sale.

[Geeman]

Right... so mine's definitely a PB. That's what I was after.

I'll dump the DX (after the owner saying it was the same engine) and just re-build my existing head then.

Thanks guys.

[rubjonny]

you can use the DX engine, the block is identical and the only real difference with the head is it may have solid lifters rather than Hydralic, dependig how old it is.
To convert it to digifant, all you need to do is unscrew the injector inserts and swap in the digifant ones.  There are a few other things that need swapping over as well, coolant flanges, WUR blanking plate etc, you'll see when you have both engines side by side.

[davidhawkins_78]

Hey I'm sure this is all banter ... Greendragon easy up though bud 

[richandhazel]

you can use the DX engine, the block is identical and the only real difference with the head is it may have solid lifters rather than Hydralic, dependig how old it is.
To convert it to digifant, all you need to do is unscrew the injector inserts and swap in the digifant ones.  There are a few other things that need swapping over as well, coolant flanges, WUR blanking plate etc, you'll see when you have both engines side by side.

rubjonny is correct and for 99p you have got yourself a bargain. Don't ditch it. I have done the conversion the other way around. I have a PB engine in my mk1 golf gti cabriolet. The original DX is very worn and stored in my shed.

[richandhazel]

Oh and in my case, both had hydraulic lifters.........it really does depend how old the DX is. Either way, it should still be ok.