I've been looking locally and have seen many more potential donor 1.8
VW J/G cars than the 2.0.

There are a few 1.8 cars that are under or close to 200K KM's. Maybe
that kind of "mileage" is a risk, in terms of engine internals going
south due to extra wheight/strain, but for the price of a used
replacement 1.8 engine, if one can do the work themselves, IMHO, it's
not a bad idea.

As for parts, (used anyways) compared to my AC engine, I'd think parts
will be available for some time. i.e. I can still find most parts
(new) for my AC engine. And there's LOT's more 1.8's on the road.
AFAIK,  the 1.8 was made up until the mid 90's in the Golf. Personally
I'd make sure I got a 1.8 RV (post 1988 ??) donor with at least the
Digifant 1 FI system. Better yet, an ABA 2.0.

As for other I4 options, is there another plentiful/affordable Ford I4
that has 100hp and can be done with a KEP or other adaptor plate?

Just a thought.......

Neil. (who hopes to have his donor Jetta soon for 15 degree swap soon!)

On 10/28/07, Mike Riley <mkriley@fuse.net> wrote:
>  I think the  things wrong with the i-4 vw engines is the lack of good low mileage ones.
> and the age which will cause trouble in the future for parts. I would like to find a inline
> recent engine of around 100hp max that fits and is common to do a conversion.
> anybody have any ideas? how about an industrial engine.
> mike
>

--
Neil Nicholson. 1981 Air Cooled Westfalia -
"Jaco"  (Bustorius)

http://web.mac.com/tubaneil