Mk2 golf, high miles, engine replacement?

[neil_1821]

Looking at buying a Mk2 golf as a project, maybe to do it up and sell it on but i was looking at some and they have high mileage of getting on for 200 000 miles, they say the head gasket has been skimmed and gasket has been replaced but what else can wear in the engine. Also would it be worth replacing it with the same engine or maybe doing a Vr6 conversion, how much would i be looking at for a replacement engine?

[fused]

The golf's are prone to valve guide wear and oil seals in the head. Bottom end will be mainly general wear, had my engine overhauled was quite a lot  not to be done if you are trying for the quick buck! but as a project, for more power go with the VR6 and get great power to start and loads of potential, My 90 1.8 Gti is running sweet now but have improved the handling to make up for lack of major power.

My total cost is approx and I do mean approx was about £2,500 for; recon head, short motor (included balancing the crank, flywheel, pistons and con rods. Over bored +1mm), gearbox, new clutch aswell as the odds like new oil and water pump (since they had to come off anyway!), gaskets, seals etc. All work done by local guys and fitted by my garge.

[DarnPB]

I myself am not worried about high mileage as long as I know something of the history of the car. If it does not smoke and the compressions are reasonable, then IMO, if it aint broke, don't fix it. Unless of course you want a project for more power.
On another note, I cannot believe the extortionate prices for hotting up these engines. I was quoted a set of pistons for my 8v, at a tad over £400. Hells teeth! I bought second hand and in bits a Chevy 350 for my Cobra and changed everything. Pistons, cam, heads, carb, intake manifold, oil pump etc. The origianal BHP for the engine was 170. When I had finished, it was good for 330BHP. And the cost? For the engine and rebuild with mods, £1600. Set of 8 pistons including rebore and rings, £250. Although I bought some things second hand, it is still reasonable tuning with alot of reward.
God I miss that car!!!!!!!!

[neil_1821]

Well i would like it as a project car, and i would love to jam in a vr6, but i've got to get some insurance quotes first. The reason i was asking is because a friend has a VR6 engine and that it's only done over 100 miles from brand new, that was because the car it was sitting in got smashed up the back end by a lorry and ended up on it's roof in a garden, so he took the engine and gearbox and may sell them for a cheapish price.

If i do decide to do this what do i need to uprate, ie engine mounts? Brakes (although gti brakes seem to be the best), what else is there? And also wiring.