50 degrees .... likely one of
> the biggest reasons it has significant
> vibration or
> "buzziness".
>
> Bob

Tiico "buzziness" is not due to the angle the
engine is mounted.
 Some 15 degree Jettas , Golfs, etc have a little
shock absorber between the block and the frame.

Vibration is an inherent part of the inline-four
engine design.

The original Tiico kits lacked factory alternator
and AC compressor brackets, and harmonic crank
pulley.

The use of substandard brackets and pulleys
allowed natural vibrations from the engine to be
transferred.

The poor quality Tiico alternator bracket was
often misaligned which allowed for the belts to
vibrate. It was nothing more than a metal plate
with pipes welded to it.

1.8 VW engines have significant side -to-side rod
motion, hence vibration.
This was solved by introducing the 2.0 liter ABA.
This has longer rods which minimizes side-to side
rod movement.

Tiico is now selling it's kit with German made
brackets, I'm not sure of the crank pulley.

The harmonic crank pulley is a heavy cast pulley
with a bonded rubber damper ring sandwiched in.

I have the ABA engine with all these features and
no vibration.

The other question I would like to address is the
engine angle. The Diesel or Tiico 51 degree angle
keeps the engine under the lid.

Using the 15 degree requires raising he engine
lid as the manifold will rise above the access
edge.
The advantage if you aren't concerned with losing
space in the rear is you can use the engine
straight from the donor with fewer adaptations.

It's also convenient to use the adaptor plate
which is a must for automatic transmissions.

Robert

1982 Westfalia with '95 ABA engine

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