1987 mk2 golf gti 8V kjet problem!

[dan_adams]

I have a mk2 golf 8v kjetronic. Would it be possible to get a healthy 160bhp out of this engine. I have about £1k to spend. My car has a polished head, a mild road cam, 4 branch exhaust manifold, lightened flywheel. I am stuck where to spend the money next. Iwould be happy with 160bhp at the wheels. How reliable would i be looking at it being??? Thanks

[Crasher]

160BHP is only just possible, (my Mk1 has 162BHP) but at the flywheel not at the wheels as 160BHP at the wheels would be bout 190 at the flywheel, 2 litre 16v with throttle bodies territory. To get 160BHP at the flywheel you would need a stage 4 racing head with 42mm inlet and 36-mm exhaust valves and the only head that can do this is a Eurospec, what mine has. On top of this you would need a sold tappet cam with a duration of around 290 degrees and a lift of about 11-mm. This would need to go on top of a 2 litre bottom end. Set up correctly, this may just hit 160BHP and engine of that spec would cost about £4000 plus fitting. I have built literally hundreds like this over the years but not for a while now as the 1.8T has taken over.

[dan_adams]

fancy making a bit of cash???? need my golf sorted would you be interesed in a bit of engine work???

[Crasher]

It would be best to give me a call in the new year and have a chat about which way you want to go. A grand isn't going to get you 160PS.

[dan_adams]

Hi again. Any chance of a phone number for some advice of where to go next with my engine??? Thanks

[Crasher]

01159785740

[dan_adams]

Hi again mate ive bought a corrado 2.0 16v. Putting the engine in my golf. any advice on how to fit , how easy or hard wat i need ???? cheers

[Crasher]

Not at all easy as your car is an 8v with K-Jet injection and has the earlier wiring system. The Corrado's KE-Motronic engine management system is a complete nightmare to install and never works properly in the original car so I would suggest you also find a complete Golf 16v pre 1990 facelift as from this you will need the wiring, gearbox, exhaust system, cooling system, inlet manifold, air box, injection system and inlet camshaft which must be change as the one fitted to the 9A engine in the Corrado is a very low lift cam designed for use with the KE-Motronic and a catalyst. About the only part off your engine you will be able to re-sue is thee fuel pump and supply lines. I have built a few 16v conversions based on noraml Golf 2's and that is why I try to discourage people as it is so much hard work. The pictures are of a 9A/KR hybrid we have just fitted into an 88 Golf 2 16v.

[dan_adams]

Sounds like a bit to much work. I have surfed the net looking for advice on a suitable conversion. VR6 out of the question. 2.0 16v now ruled out. Mayb i wil try and get my hands on a 2.0 8v from a mk3 gti but then for the amount of work will the power gains be worth while??? like i said 150bhp ish is my goal. As i still live at home ive got bout £500 a month to spend on my car. Its just waiting on the powerplant now. Do i stick with my 8valver and plough some cash into it??? TSR performance in Bridgewater seems to be the specialists but there prices on everything are through the roof!!!!!!! Tryed ringin you on the number you gave me but you werent there. Have you got a mobile??? Cheers

[Crasher]

01159785740, should get you through in working hours. TSR are my direct competitor and have been for 20 years, everything they do, I do. The company isn't the same any more, since Tim left and then Neal let it go bust but the new people I don't know much about. A 2 litre 2E, ADY or AGG block will fit your car but you will need to use your head as without a serious head/cam, it will only make 115BHP in standard form. To get a 2 litre 8v up to the 150BHP area means a stage 3 solid tappet head (so not your head) and a 290 degree cam. My 2 litre K-Jet Mk1 give 160BHP at 6500 rpm and idles like a race car.