Former VWDieselParts.com Forum

Always loved the 1.6's, I daily drive and maintain them even before I had a license... that being said I'm not all too familiar with the different generations of vw diesel engines.

I know mk3's-4's had tdi, but is there an upgraded mechanical engine? (not ecu/computer controlled or assisted please, as this is a "no deal" for me)

Want to look into an indirect injection engine option for a mk1 or possibly my mk2. Like I said I love the 1.6 but did they ever make a 100% mechanical 1.9??? Cannot find an answer to this question so figured I'd ask the experts since even VW doesn't know for sure. If not then I'm sticking with the old faithful 1.6 but I want to explore my options. And if there is another generation pre-tdi, what kind of vehicle/donor/engine code (year?) am I looking for? And would an ACN or 9A trans mate up as well?

Thanks in advance!!

JA, they made a 1.9 with the code AAZ, found in Canada. Nice if you can get one in the US.

There are also likely industrial IDI 1.9L engines you can find.

So there is one but it's hard to find? Especially in the US? Bummer... what separates it from the tdi aside from ecu, pump, injectors? I assume I would look under early 1.9 tdi for parts aside from what I mentioned? And I assume it will mate up with any mk2 trans?

Ehhhh..... it's more like a 1.6 with bigger stroke (not sure about the bores). The heads might be interchangeable.

The TDI engines are not IDI, they're DI. They have no pre-combustion chambers.

Another way folks go is to get a TDI engine and put a purely mechanical pump on it. Google "M-TDI" for that.

You could stick a 1.6 into a MK3. I'm pretty sure it will bolt to the 02A tranny. I live in to Great White North and most of the 1.9's that I've come across have crank key problems. Their is a fix for it if it hasn't been ratched already.

Durden, if you don't mind me asking what's the 1.9 engine in your vanagon listed in your signature? Mechanical engine? Is that another possible route?

The engine in my Vanagon was essentially a crate motor (longblock, IIRC ) the PO had installed after the original engine got borked by cold veggie. I'm told there was a lot of part swapping to get it all together.

I'd like a turbo version in my Jetta, TBH.

Hell yeah, that sounds like a good idea. I know you said there was a lot of part swapping to get it all together but are the mounts the same as the mounts on a 1.6? Is this engine IDI and purely mechanical? Is the manifold the same as the 1.6 with the same ports and all or is it a 1.9? And what kind of pump is installed? (I know, lot of questions, sorry )

Sounds like a possible future plan. If I end up doing that I'll make a write up of it since I can't find another one on the web.

The swaps had a lot to do with a van installation, oil pan, intake/exhaust mani, IP levers, & whatnot.

IIRC, the 1.6 ip delivers enough fuel for the 1.9. NA, a badass turbo version might benefit from a bigger IP.

Try this guy in Southern California, he's got many of the AAZ engines, among others, available.

(competitor's name removed by moderator. Jack, the sponsor of this forum is a VW diesel engine rebuilder and can provide you with a good engine)

In all around performance, a 1.6TD is a big step up from 1.6na. A VW mechanic friend, who has rebuilt lots of the 1.6 & 1.9 IDI engines, built & tried a 1.9TD in his Caddy, but switched back to a 1.6TD, because there was quite a difference in fuel mileage. He indicated that the 1.9 definitely had more torque, but that the lighter-weight 70s-80s VWs were just fine accelerating & cruising with the 1.6TD (admittedly, not racing hot gassers!!!). His Caddy, with its cab-high camper shell loaded, made lots of road trips between SoCal & Alberta, so fuel mileage was an important consideration. YMMV!