Some A2 Questions...

[Calabi]

Well, like I said, my dream car changes about every other day. So today, I'm kind of interested in the A2's.

Would the 4-cyl gas engine in say a 1991 A2 be more reliable than, say the Corrado G60? I want a car that won't break all the time, but also be fun to drive.

Can you install a TDI turbo/manifold into the 4-cyl? Would it be better to just get a TD begin with (I probably already know the answer to this)?

I'll probably use this thread to post more questions (since I'm not too familiar with A2's), but I am starting to think I like the A2 Jetta a little more than the Corrado (am I crazy?) :P .

[Mr_Diesel]

Well, like I said, my dream car changes about every other day. So today, I'm kind of interested in the A2's.

Would the 4-cyl gas engine in say a 1991 A2 be more reliable than, say the Corrado G60? I want a car that won't break all the time, but also be fun to drive.

Can you install a TDI turbo/manifold into the 4-cyl? Would it be better to just get a TD begin with (I probably already know the answer to this)?

I'll probably use this thread to post more questions (since I'm not too familiar with A2's), but I am starting to think I like the A2 Jetta a little more than the Corrado (am I crazy?) :P .

I'll say this.. I've had a few of the 1.8L 4 cylinder A2's and those engines are sooooooooo bulletproof. They can take abuse like no other. The engine in my coupe was a 4 cylinder 1.8L and it had 240,000 miles on it before the engine died, and it died cause the previous owner ran it 18 miles with no coolant! Only common problems on A2's are Wheel bearings, and CV joints... The occasional clutch and sensor is sometimes needed. A2's are very very very reliable. If they plan on breaking any time soon, they let you know... I've NEVER been stranded by an A2 EVER.

You can turbo a 1.8L 4cyl but there are some things you want to look for. There are a series of electronicly managed engines called the Digifant controll system. These are great electronic mangement systems for normal driving, but thet suck ass under boost. So if you plan on doing a turbo, you are going to want to look for an older jetta (pre 1988) and get the 1.8L engine with the CIS mechanical fuel injection... You'll know one when you see 4 steel braided hoses running from the airbox to the back of the engine. Once you find this car with this engine, at the LEAST you are going ot need to install forged pistsons and piston rings rated to take the heat... Then I would log on to www.eiptuning.com and get their 4 cylinder copper head gasket to lower the compression just a little. (whch by the way, eiptuning's site will have the pistsons you need as well.) After that, you should be golden to add your turbo.

And no, you are not crazy to like A2's more than a corrado. A2's are my favorite VW's.

[Calabi]

Thanks for your help. It's good to know that A2's are reliable. If I had a choice between the 1.8L and Diesel engines, which would be the better choice for quickness?

[miamiDaveGLi]

yup i bought my a2 4 years ago and she purrs like a kitten.
and never left me stranded once either :D
been across the counry from ca to Fl 3 times and not one problem!
:D :D

[Mr_Diesel]

You won't find a slower car than a 1.6L NA diesel engine. 52hp, actually. The turbo diesels are fun to drive cause they are torquey, but good luck finding a 1.6TD, they are about as rare as your grandpappy's gold teeth.

The diesels last about twice as long as the gas engines as far as engine longitivity. They get about 45mpg too.

The 1.8L is not too shabby as far as speed and performance... I still think the 1.8L 8V was the funnest VW I have ever driven. They are soooo cheap, you can afford to abuse the hell out of them and not feel bad about it.

[miamiDaveGLi]

hey cody ,what did the 1.6td come in?
and why so few ?

[burn_your_money]

I am pretty sure that they came from golfs and jettas.

I am actually looking at picking 2 up right now (1.6TD). They both need a rebuild (no compression). How much should I expect to pay?

If you want a CIS engine, you can buy mine off me for like $150 CND. no tranny but all the bolt ons.

[Mr_Diesel]

I am pretty sure that they came from golfs and jettas.

I am actually looking at picking 2 up right now (1.6TD). They both need a rebuild (no compression). How much should I expect to pay?

If you want a CIS engine, you can buy mine off me for like $150 CND. no tranny but all the bolt ons.

I want one of those TD's, actually... Whatever you pay, we can split the price or something. Is dat coo?

The TD never came on the rabbit truck, but I am pretty sure it came on all others... I have never heard of a Golf TD, but I have heard of a rabbit TD... They were most common on Jetta's though.

[jettadude]

the G60's were known for being crappy engines. thats what ive heard from alot of people. but if you can get a 16DOHC A2 there fun.

[Mr_Diesel]

the G60's were known for being crappy engines. thats what ive heard from alot of people. but if you can get a 16DOHC A2 there fun.

Hahahaha, what the freak ever dude... the G60 is arguably one of Volkswagen's best engineered engines.

[burn_your_money]

I want one of those TD's, actually... Whatever you pay, we can split the price or something. Is dat coo?

The TD never came on the rabbit truck, but I am pretty sure it came on all others... I have never heard of a Golf TD, but I have heard of a rabbit TD... They were most common on Jetta's though.

That works for me. You do know that they both need a rebuild right?

What should I offer the guy for them?

[jettadude]

oh? hmmm well i need to talk to different people. lol

[sausageburner]

Hahahaha, what the freak ever dude... the G60 is arguably one of Volkswagen's best engineered engines.

agreed! The 1.8L 8v is the most durable engine in the world and if built right can probably handle ANY turbo/supercharger.

[jettadude]

i never said the 1.8 8V was bad, i just heard the G60 is crap. but i heard wrong.

[2002maniac]

i never said the 1.8 8V was bad, i just heard the G60 is crap. but i heard wrong.

G60 is a 1.8 8v! The only differences(that I know of) are sodium filled valves, piston squirters, lower comp. pistons, different cam(for boost) and a supercharger 8) And if anyone says a G60 is crap, they are talking about the G-lader Supercharger. And yes, I concurr, they do suck :D G60's are for turbos