Glad to see the engine conversion is working out well for you Randy!

I will be getting some cross drilled Brembo rotors (2WD and Syncro) in
stock soon with Repco Metal Master pads.  They should help the stopping and
brake fade - especially when you come out of orbit at 150km/h...

At 12:59 AM 21/09/1999 -0700, Randolph Feuerriegel wrote:
>Greetings all.
>
>For those who are thinking about engine conversions, I thought that a
>5000 Km review would be of interest. While not a long term review by any
>means it might offer some insight to those contemplating the swap. First
>off, no regrets. If the WBX were more reliable to me, less expensive to
>fix, and a bit more power I might not have gone this route. The WBX was
>not trashed, just showing its age but still had some resale value.
>Having owned numerous VW's in the past, I had forgotten how torquey an
>8V engine is. Its alot of fun. The Audi 2.0L in my syncro has about the
>same torque as the WBX did in the lower rpm range, but get it up over
>4000, it really sings. Even in 4th gear there is pull. It happily runs
>up to 6000 rpm, probably more, my tach can't show it. For the first time
>I had the van up over 150 Km/h, previous top speed 137 km/h. Its
>very comfortable cruising at 100 to 120 km/h, spinning at about 4000
>rpm.
>My hwy mileage has improved from 13 litres per 100 Km to 11 litres. City
>is higher. That translates to about 25 mpg(Imp), 21.5 US gal.
>The engine is out of Audi 80, 2.0L, stamped on the block, has about
>120,000 km on it, and I expect it to go for quite awhile. FI is CIS-E
>with knock sensor, o2 sensor, but not Motronic.
>I purchased the FastForward basic kit(adapter, flywheel & crossmember),
>plus David did the wiring harness/fuel pump relay from one I supplied so
>it becomes almost a plug and play. I also purchased the platform for the
>coolant reservoir and airbox. The new crossmember is a simple bolt on,
>engine sits at a 15 degree angle which also means the deck lid has to be
>modified a few inches. There is no loss of ground clearance and my skid
>plate fits fine. Actually, I did put in a 3/8" shim to drop the old
>crossmember down as to avoid hitting the p/s pump. The p/s reservoir
>does not have to be moved, but I did find one hose a bit of a stretch.
>Found an Audi p/s hose with same fitting only longer. The exhaust system
>was fabricated locally, a 2 into 1 down pipe, cat and a free flowing 6"
>dia. canister type muffler. Stock WBX cat, I could have used the stock
>WBX muffler, but it is quite restrictive. Admittedly, I miss the off
>beat idle of the WBX, but this engine with the throttle on at 4500 rpm
>and up has a decent growl to it. I did have a few vibration problems
>with the new exhaust(hanger issue)but that is pretty much sorted. Engine
>noise is not quite sorted yet, my modified lid needs insulation, but I
>have had the lid covered with stuff and found the noise level no
>different than the WBX. Just a different tune.
>In the long run this setup for me should be cost effective, parts at
>FLARS are in abundance and cheap, hey, in a few years the 1.8T will be
>available used, should almost bolt right in! (a bit more work).
>If you are planning on doing a conversion with a used engine, try to get
>everything you need from one good donor vehicle. Can save you a few
>headaches.
>Engine bay aesthetics is what you make of it, hoses, wiring etc. Mine
>does not have the "factory look", but it comes pretty close.
>The cost of this conversion was roughly 4000.00 Cdn., compared to
>7000.00 Cdn. plus install, for a "factory fit". I sold the WBX for
>1400.00 Cdn. which offset some of the cost. Over all I am quite pleased
>with the swap, pleased with FastForwards conversion kit and with David's
>assistance.
>A few other observations to note, the increased power is reminding me to
>get the brakes done, maybe upgrade to vented discs. My worn shocks are
>showing more so now, so that it is the works soon, rears done. Checking
>the oil means lifting the deck lid, a minor inconvenience. On the other
>hand, engine maintenace is easier than the WBX. Thats it for now, feel
>free to drop me line if want to know more about the swap.
>Take care.
>--
>R.Feuerriegel
>88 syncro
>
>

--   David Marshall -                    - Quesnel, BC, Canada   --
--    78 VW Rabbit, 80 VW Caddy, 84 VW Westie, 85 VW Cabriolet   --
--       87 Audi 5000 Quattro, 88 2.0L VW Syncro Double Cab      --
-- David's Volkswagen Home Page        http://www.volkswagen.org --
-- Fast Forward Autobahn Sport Tuning  http://www.fastforward.ca --
-- david@volkswagen.org (pmail) or vanagon@volkswagen.org (list) --