Engine swap

Technical questions and answers concerning all models of VW diesel vehicles.

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Vwamature
Glow Plug
Posts: 1
Joined: Mon Apr 18, 2016 11:15 pm

Engine swap

Post by Vwamature »

The username says it all. I've only worked with classic bugs and no basically nothing about rabbits, but I do now own a 1979 rabbit hatchback 4door with a 1.5 liter. It was gifted but it is messed up. Oil leaks into coolant, rough starts, overheating, crazy blowby. I did some research and found the consensus is that they aren't worth it to rebuild. I'd much rather upgrade but I'm in college and on a budget. I'm fairly mechanically inclined, going to college for auto technician courses, so I am at least able to do the work myself. i don't necessarily need the most power, but instead dependability. And at least be able to go 60mph which mine can barely go. I have read some of these boards and there's some super smart people out there, please help if you can! Much appreciated
Fatmobile
Global Moderator
Posts: 7564
Joined: Wed Oct 30, 2002 10:28 pm
Location: north central Iowa

Re: Engine swap

Post by Fatmobile »

This sounds more like a normal swap than a performance enhancement so I'm going to move it to the general fora.
'91 Golf gasser converted to a 12mm pump, M-TDI.
'84 1.6TD Rabbit with a VNT-15 turbo, still setup to run on vegetable oil.
'84 GTI with 1.7TD pistons and intercooled.
2003 TDI wagon
2000 TDI Jetta.
TylerDurden
Turbo Charger
Posts: 1285
Joined: Tue Dec 22, 2009 1:01 pm
Location: Michigami, USA

Re: Engine swap

Post by TylerDurden »

Welcome,

Ja, I probably would not rebuild the 1.5... sounds like it needs rings and maybe more.

A swap with a good comperssion 1.6 is the shot if you can find one on th cheap.
Have a nice day.


'91 Jetta ECOdiesel TD - clean & complete (less motor/tranny) for sale

'82 Westy Vanagon 1.9 N/A - 23.5mpg
'86 Jetta TD - 45-50mpg
'81 Dasher Wagon 1.6 N/A - 52mpg
'84 Wasserboxer - DOA, parts donor
'94 Passat wagon VR6
'03 Jetta TDI wagon 230K, 52.3mpg
'89 Jetta N/A - 51mpg
'82 Caddy 1.6 N/A - Sold
Josh
Turbo Charger
Posts: 374
Joined: Wed Oct 09, 2002 7:30 pm
Location: Algonquin, IL

Re: Engine swap

Post by Josh »

The 1.5s frequently have cracks in the block when this symptom is evidenced; I agree, the way to go is to a 1.6, 1.6TD, or 1.6ecodiesel, depending on availability and price.
-'79 rabbit, getting parted out
-'82 quantum wagon, gutting.
-'84 rehabbed quantum TD sedan, southern rustless beauty for sale
-'82 cherry Westy from AZ
-more all the time; are they breeding?
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