TDI Retrofit

Any tips on what's involved in converting a gas-engined Golf to TDI diesel?
I'm thinking of a 2002-2003 TDI engine and matching manual gearbox into either an A4 or A3 body.

Would the tachometer have to be changed?
Would the existing gas tank be compatible (after flushing it out)? I realise the filler neck is different.

Would it be a lot easier to start off with an A3 that had an earlier (non-TDI) diesel?

Any advice would be welcome.

J

Save your time and effort-don't start. Not trying to be negative but there are lots of things you cann't even imagine that are not going to be compatible especially in the electronics dept. Let the experts chime in with details or I think there is a conversion posting area, you may get more help/warnings there.

Go with an a4 body, and transfer everything. I believe it's doable, but don't have specific answers. Do a search - we have a number of members who have done this.

basically... everything... needs... to... be.... changed...

go with a 99.5, and you won't have immobilizer issues... you will need to change the gague cluster, wiring harness, Computers, fuel lines, tank, etc...

lot's o' work...

Buy a TDI to begin with. It will be cheaper in the end and you'll be happy

gottdi said:

Buy a TDI to begin with. It will be cheaper in the end and you'll be happy

Click to expand...

But think of all the fun he would miss! Tracking down where this darn plug goes.... should be here somewhere.....

With a beautiful gasser body, and reliable drivetrain, I say it might be a way of putting "sweat equity" into a vehicle.

I would love to swap a TDI into a TT...

Thanks for the inputs. That seems pretty conclusive. A factory-built TDI it is ...

Well Don't tell Lug_Nut.

He just switched a VR6 to a TDI. In a Wagon.. You just have to be anal retentive big time..

love to swap a TDI into my wrangler too!! Any takers?