On 7/29/11 10:21 AM, ralph meyermann wrote:
> Hi all Im still learning about my first vw/westy. Most of my engine builds
> have been domestics, I know that most small block chevy's the heads will
> interchange. My question is could a head from a tdi bolt up and work on my
> 1.6 na block? I know they are similar blocks but don't know how close they
> are? Thanks

The early TDI engines have the same cylinder spacing and bolt pattern as
the 1.6, but there are significant differences in nearly every other
aspect of the design.  If you're going to do any custom engine building
on a 1.6, I would begin by sourcing a TD block.

1.7 liter diesels sold in other markets use the same bore diameter as
the 1.9 D/TD/TDI with the stroke of the 1.6 D/TD crankshaft.  I can't
say for sure, but I believe that the 1.7 block is a different casting to
support the larger cylinder bore.  If true, then boring the 1.6 block to
accept the 1.9 piston diameter is a no-go.

VW sells 1.6 TDI (maybe only common-rail) engines in markets outside the
USA and Canada.  I have no idea whether any parts are mechanically
compatible with the older 1.6D and TD engines that were used in Vanagons.

Mike