ENGINE/IP selection guidance needed

HOPPING DIESEL · Post by **HOPPING DIESEL** » Tue Jun 24, 2008 12:26 am

I am converting a '91 golf gasser to diesel. I have two differnt 1.6 n/a engines I am considering using. Both have 5 speed trannys, the codes slip my mind at the moment.

First engine is out of a '91 jetta. It was treated rough and would need to be rebuilt (timing belt slipped, not sure what else). 170N pump I think?

The second engine is out of an '83 rabbit. Pump is a 107. Has maybe 140,000 miles on it, and was treated well. I was getting 55mpg with it.

I guess I am leaning toward the second engine. Any suggestions? Are there any horsepower differences between these engines?

Thanks for the input!

82vdub · Post by **82vdub** » Tue Jun 24, 2008 8:32 am

The 91 will have a hydraulic lifter head, meaning less maintenance. The 83 has a mechanical lifter head, meaning some maintenance every few years. Other than that, they are pretty much the same (engine wise), but pully's and brackets may be different between the two. The question you need to answer is do you want to spend $1500+ to rebuild the first one? If that's ok, then you have a fresh engine to install in your project, not a used one (nothings wrong with installing a used engine).

Post by **Fatmobile** » Tue Jun 24, 2008 1:03 pm

Check the intermediate shaft bearings BEFORE you put a used engine in.
Can't do it afterwards.
I say check the old engine, if it's good install it.
Keep the spare and rebuild it when the time comes, to replace the used one.

HOPPING DIESEL · Post by **HOPPING DIESEL** » Tue Jun 24, 2008 9:04 pm

Thank you both for the input.

I agree with using the old engine and rebuilding the new one for later. I will check the intermediate shaft bearings as soon as someone tells me what this refers too. I am planning to put new o rings and main seal in the injection pump, get the injectors checked, probably replace the glow plugs and timing belt.

Anything else I need to check out?

Post by **Fatmobile** » Tue Jun 24, 2008 9:56 pm

Here's some things that popped up in a search for my posts on I-shaft bearings.:
search.php?mode=results
Homemade tool thread shows what you can use to drive new bushings in.
How these bearings effect oil pressure...

chrischris · Post by **chrischris** » Wed Jun 25, 2008 12:20 am

Fatmobile, could you please repost the link?

I am about to install i-bearings and need some good info to start off. Thank you,