TLOHM
Member
I've been reading thru TDI Club forums and viewing a few other sites for couple months, trying to improve my knowledge of VW TDIs and decided it's time to toss a couple questions to the TDI Brain Trust.
I've been looking at a project that would include using a TDI motor in the conversion of an old, relatively light, Ford pickup. I'll basically be starting from scratch with a IFS rolling chassis, so I'll have good mechanical access all around. Having read Matt Whitbread's Swap Guide, I've been watching for a 2000-2003 Jetta or Beetle, and managed to just miss one a couple weeks ago. There's just not a lot of these cars coming up around my area.
Regarding a RWD conversion:
1) I assume the best and most economical option is to find a complete running car so as to have not only a motor, but wiring harness, instrument pod, and all accessories. Is this a sound assumption, or would I be just as well off find a motor (to rebuild or already built); buy an aftermarket harness; and source various accessories as I go along?
2) As this is a RWD conversion, should I instead be seriously looking for an '04-'05 Passat, since the engine was originally mounted longitudinally?
3) Are the Passat 2.0L BHWs supported as well as the earlier ALH engines? And can they achieve similar MPGs?
I'm wanting to end up with a daily driver, that I wouldn't be worried about taking on a 500 mile jaunt across the country. Any thoughts on engine sourcing would be appreciated. Winter's setting in and I need something in the shop to work on.
Thanks
I've been looking at a project that would include using a TDI motor in the conversion of an old, relatively light, Ford pickup. I'll basically be starting from scratch with a IFS rolling chassis, so I'll have good mechanical access all around. Having read Matt Whitbread's Swap Guide, I've been watching for a 2000-2003 Jetta or Beetle, and managed to just miss one a couple weeks ago. There's just not a lot of these cars coming up around my area.
Regarding a RWD conversion:
1) I assume the best and most economical option is to find a complete running car so as to have not only a motor, but wiring harness, instrument pod, and all accessories. Is this a sound assumption, or would I be just as well off find a motor (to rebuild or already built); buy an aftermarket harness; and source various accessories as I go along?
2) As this is a RWD conversion, should I instead be seriously looking for an '04-'05 Passat, since the engine was originally mounted longitudinally?
3) Are the Passat 2.0L BHWs supported as well as the earlier ALH engines? And can they achieve similar MPGs?
I'm wanting to end up with a daily driver, that I wouldn't be worried about taking on a 500 mile jaunt across the country. Any thoughts on engine sourcing would be appreciated. Winter's setting in and I need something in the shop to work on.
Thanks