Does the SDI 'Snail' Intake Bolt Up to an AHU?

[SVBDN]

As the title states, does the SDI 'Snail" intake bolt up to an AHU engine? Will it fit in a stock engine bay? Any other clearance considerations? The part number for the manifold I'm referring to is 038 129 713 BE.

I've read multiple threads on this forum, and others that suggest this intake will work, or does work with the ALH engines, but I am looking for a definitive answer. I also have glanced over the debates on whether it is an improvement or a waste of money... I am going to be replacing the stock intake. The EGR valve is sticking, just going to delete the EGR entirely. If the SDI intake ports will match up and I don't have to go to extremes to make it fit, I prefer the look of the 'snail' intake over a PD130 or other options, if nothing else.

A follow up on intake replacement, if I end up removing the cylinder head to clean the intake ports (if they need it), is there anything I should consider doing while I'm in there? Valve stem seals? Guides? Gaskets? I am also looking into replacing the turbo at the same time, possibly with a slightly larger unit, suggestions? The car just hit 400k, and I'm pretty sure the stock turbo's apex seals are shot.

 

[burpod]

driver side pd130/150 (whichever the exact pn# is) works best on an mk3 (check xmanturbos.com). its a perfect fit, works even better with an fmic and vnt the stock gt15 is the tiniest thing in the world... going vnt on an mk3 is not as hard as it seems. upgrading to any larger turbo on an mk3 requires virtually no more work than a vnt conversion and it's a whole different beast. the only difference is swapping a couple wires, different n75 and tuning which you'd have to do anyways...

 

[garciapiano]

Will it bolt up? Sure. Will it make more power? Probably not.

SDI Intake on ALH with Dyno Data

I modified my turbo and SDI scroll style intake manifold to bolt on in place of my ALH intake manifold. I use my EGR port for measuring EMP's so I modified the stock flange on the turbo a little to accomodate the larger intake. You also have to remove the OEM TIP heat shield on the right side of...

forums.tdiclub.com

 

[SVBDN]

Will it bolt up? Sure. Will it make more power? Probably not.

SDI Intake on ALH with Dyno Data

I modified my turbo and SDI scroll style intake manifold to bolt on in place of my ALH intake manifold. I use my EGR port for measuring EMP's so I modified the stock flange on the turbo a little to accomodate the larger intake. You also have to remove the OEM TIP heat shield on the right side of...

forums.tdiclub.com

I read this thread prior to posting, was disappointed by the lack of reps done with the SDI intake. Not conclusive IMO, too many variables uncontrolled, but definitely better than a lack of dyno data altogether.

I am new to VWs. Prior to buying this Jetta, the closest thing to a VW I've worked on were Porsche 924 and 924 turbos with the Audi 2.0l engines, so pardon my ignorance. Are the ALH & AHU engines similar enough that the ALH data is relevant to the AHU? Are a lot of parts interchangeable between the two engines?

 

[burpod]

absolutely zero reason for anything other than a pd150 type manifold.... i would take that over the honkin sdi one any day of the week. its about as silly as those pods people sell to put on the back of your car to increase aero....

 

[SVBDN]

Ultimately, any clean intake should be an improvement over the one on my car currently with a sticking EGR. I will consider the PD130, but I do a lot of my commute at <2000rpm, so the equal length runners of the SDI, and the lower airflow resistance is of interest. I guess I will see what is easier to source.

 

[burpod]

oh yeah, i mean if you found one for a good price and it was convenient, i'd use it over a stock one thats for sure