Strange TDI question

[tssmith2002]

Hello,

I have been lurking here for a while and I have been reading posts on this forum as well as over at TheSamba.com to learn more about VW diesels.

I have a line on a good price for what I am told is a 1991 Jetta "TDI" engine. My reading sources on the Net seem to say that 1993 is the first year for the TDI engine, but I can't tell what engine this would be. Some sources seem to say that the ECOdiesel was available and in rare supply but nothing I can find says what engines were available

My question is for the 1990, 91 and 92 model years; what diesel engines were available? I am looking for a true turbo motor since my ulimate application is a 1983 diesel Vanagon that I have my eye on.

Is there a source that breaks down by year what engines and transmissions were available in what model?

Thank you for your time
Todd Smith

[dieselworld]

The "tdi" engine first came to the US shores in 1997. I believe that included North America. The 1991 engine is NOT a Tdi. It is an ID or Indirect ignition. Tdi's claim to fame is the computer control of the injection pump and direct injection bla bla bla. The eco diesel was available in Canada for a few years and is NOT the same engine. I believe the eco was a 1.6l. All NA Tdi's were 1.9l. VW has many different flavors of TDi in different displacements but not in NA

[tssmith2002]

Thanks DieselWorld,

I believe that this is 1.6L motor but I was wondering in North America did any VW product ship with the 1.6L true turbo motor? I believe that the limited run of Ecodiesels were true turbo but they seem rare.

I am just researching possible engine swaps for an 83 diesel vanagon.

Thanks

Todd Smith

[wild3bill]

"Is there a source that breaks down by year what engines and transmissions were available in what model?"
I use cars.com calssified ad collection which links to kelley bluebook. The bluebook shows engine and transmission options as they affect used car price calculation

[tssmith2002]

Thanks Wild Bill,

I will check that out and see if I can find the information that I am looking for. I hadn't thought to check something like Kelly's.

This is a great forum!

Todd Smith <todd.smith@camc.org>