In SA they still use the "short Block" 2.0l as it apperared in the( US/Can)
'90 to '92 Golf GTI and the Passats from '90 to '94 (or maybe '95).This is a
stroked (92.4 mm) and bored version of the GX etc 1800cc engine.(81bore X
86.4 stroke)
This they still use this in the City Golf/Rabbit, an updated version of the
Mk1 Golf/Rabbit.
John.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Damian Shaw" <dts@XMISSION.COM>
To: <vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM>
Sent: Monday, June 04, 2001 17:12
Subject: Re: Update on Waterboxer vs Transplant Power Options

> Mark;
>
> This is interesting data on your engine comparisions.  I would be
> careful about assuming what the TIICO engine really is and thus what its
> power is.  I think you're assuming it's a Golf/Jetta IV engine (aka the
> ABA block).  I don't think this is true;  I think it's an over-bored
> 1.8l block - hence the 1.8l stamping in the casting.  The ABA is taller
> than the old 1.8 and height is everything with this conversion.  VW
> rates the ABA at 115HP with the crossflow head and Motronic FI but VW
> tuners get a good 140HP or so out of it when they use the old GTI 8v
> head, a g-grind cam, higher compression (etc, etc) in A1 (Rabbit, Jetta,
> etc) upgrades.
>
> I would guess the TIICO is a unique block that is tweaked to get the
> power where a Vanagon needs it.  Which gets me into my other observation
> about your data:  be careful about doing a HP to HP comparison.  Weight
> and torque curve are very important especially in a Vanagon.
>
> Finally the price on a TIICO is $3700 - not $7000.
>
> I own an ABA, a 1.8l, and soon a TIICO, so I'll definitely have more to
> say about these block differences when I've gotten my hands dirty.  I
> think the Subaru can definitely offer more HP than the TIICO, and the
> waterboxer does get underrated around here, but VW's I-4 engines are
> indistructible and getting one of those in a Vanagon "the way VW would
> have done it" is also undervalued.  Bosch's Motronic is not being given
> the credit it deserves either:  it's a fabulous FI system.  My opinion
> on the Tiico is that the combination of benefits makes it a superior
> choice.
>
> Damian
>