All the US I4 VWs went to CIS fuel injection in 1977.  There was a
brief period in the early 80s where a few Golfs had carbs again.  I
think as  a special "fuel economy" model.  I had an 85 GTI for many
years which I loved.  I got it with 90k miles on it and sold it with
215k on it.  That is the 1.8l 8 valve 10:1 compression ratio engine
with knock sensor and even had oil squirters for the pistons.  CIS-E
fuel injection.  I don't' think it had EGR.  When I sold it, it had
all the original FI parts.  The guy  who bought it from me spent a
lot of money throwing parts at it to solve some FI problems that
developed.  I never heard what it turned out to be.  I ran 87 octane
in it almost all the time and it was fine.  On a hot day leaving a
light I would some times hear about 2 or 3 pings and then it would
back the timing off.  I autocrossed (stock class) the car the whole
time I had it, probably 8-10 events a year and a couple times took it
on road courses.  For autocross days I would try to get the gas close
to empty and then buy the highest octane fuel I could get and the
knock sensor would adjust to take advantage of it.  I still miss that car.

I would definitely consider an I4 for engine replacement in my
van.  I would like to one of those like the GTI had, but they're so
old now, and it's partly for nostalgia and be cause I'm familiar with
it.  Sensibly thinking I would probably opt for a newer ABA like
people on the list talk about.

Edward

At 10:23 PM 5/22/2010, Dennis Haynes wrote:
>In the early 80's most VW products had 1.6 or some 1.7 liter engines, many
>were still carbureted. Fuel injection was CIS. The Rabbit GTI was amongst
>the first to get a 1.8. Those early engines may have been considered but the
>Diesel was a major flop. Those early engines also had problems with valves
>guides and seals and head bearing issues. Ask any older mechanic about the
>smoking rabbits.
>
>Another issue most likely is emissions. If you understand engine design the
>WB has a number of features to reduce NOx and also allow for a engine that
>can be operated with the pedal down for long periods. Lower compression and
>the dished pistons are the major design features not in the I4 of the time.
>The Rabbit GTI needed a knock sensor and EGR.
>
>While not perfect the WB is a good engine in many ways. Lots of engines have
>head gasket or other problems. Keep in mind that back in those days few
>vehicles went past 100,000 miles. So what is the big deal if you need head
>gaskets? It is just a repair. As for the "wet liner" design, most big diesel
>engines are built this way. In the Diesel world engines such as the Cat C7
>in my motor home that have the cylinders bored in block, (parent bore) are
>considered cheapies. Engines with replaceable liners that can be overhauled
>"in frame" are highly desired.
>
>As for repair costs I had two injectors in my motor home go bad last
>Christmas on the way home from Florida. Dealer said need 6 injectors and
>high pressure pump. Estimate was $6,000. I replaced the two injectors that
>went bad myself. They cost $635 EACH. This was for an engine that just
>turned 57,000 miles. I prefer to do the Vanagon head gaskets.
>
>Dennis