How much is Engine swap?

[learn_ur_abc]

Hey guys I was thinking about buying a golf mk4. But the trouble is I am going to be on my P's so I cant have a turbo car and also dont have the money for a R32 which i would love!!! I got around 6-8 thousand to spend. I was thinking instead of buying a 2.0 ltr mk4 GLE for about 7k.

- Would it be a good idea buying a $3,000 mk4 GL and puting a better engine in it?
- How much would it cost (labour aswell as actuall engine)?
- Would a VR6 engine even fit?
- Is it even worth doing? much speed increase?

[schoona]

Ideally what you would do is buy a tight, tidy Mk4 of any model designation. Do the upgrades (OEM or aftermarket) in the area of suspension, driveline and brakes, a few choice body mods (less is more with these cars) and you would be all set to take the plunge later on.
The exact cost I do not know, but if I was engine transplanting there are 2 options in my mind.

24V VR6 FWD - mate it to an O2M (I think) gearbox and be FWD, 6 speed and 150kw/200hp already. Will make a good difference in pace and much more tuneable and responsive than the 12 valver. Cost? NFI tbh. throw a lightweight flywhell and new exhaust on it at the same time and it'll be a fun car for sure. Probably talk to Matt @ Camden GTI if you are in Sydney for more info....

1.8T 20V (from a GTI or Audi A3/S3/TT). Fairly certain the Audi motor (AGU code???) is the pick of the bunch from factory. If you have done all the above stuff and aren't far from your blacks and want to chance it, i'd forgo the sound of a VR and take the tuning option of the 20V.

[learn_ur_abc]

Thanks a lot, but i really need prices to see if its actually worth the swap. But I am planning to put a R32 body kit, katback exhaust, wheels and then lowering it. Even if I am going to swap or not.

[schoona]

Thanks a lot, but i really need prices to see if its actually worth the swap. But I am planning to put a R32 body kit, katback exhaust, wheels and then lowering it. Even if I am going to swap or not.

Again, speak to Matt at Camden GTI, perhaps Seb (bug_racer on vwwc , PM him) in regards to sourcing engines and parts, as well as labour costs to do the work. Even Arthur at Exoticars, good contacts with Eurospeed (GIAC and VF engineering gear)

[Mr Scruff]

Thanks a lot, but i really need prices to see if its actually worth the swap. But I am planning to put a R32 body kit, katback exhaust, wheels and then lowering it. Even if I am going to swap or not.

Car modding 101: Always lower it first. A bodykit & wheels at stock height looks terrible. Lowered height with stock wheels looks good.

[mikinoz]

Hey mate.

Here is my tip. Get a 2.0 MKVI and then put it on some decent suspension, wheels and add a sway bar. Get a panel filter for the intake. Then maybe tint it.

Then open a bank account and put the rest of the money you are going to spend on those other part in it until you can afford to sell this car and buy something decent on your open licence.

Your overcapitalising a cheap car with what you state you want to do.

I had a MKIV with the mods I mentioned and it was a good looking and enjoyable car.

Mick

[Dingobaz]

Far be it for me to piss on anyone's chips but...I'm kind of assuming you're under 25, as well as being a new driver - have you looked into the cost of insuring any of the options you mention? You might be surprised....

[Type 17]

Too Much!

just buy a mk3 vr6 to bang around in and save for a different car when you can afford it!

Cheers, Pedro