Can a 1980 Rabbit engine (EJ code) go into 1988 Cabriolet?

[jadlee]

Will a 1980 Rabbit engine (EJ code) go into a 1988 Cabriolet? I'm pretty sure it's a straight swap, except for maybe radiator hose. Also with the external parts removed from engine how hard is it for two guys to pick up to put in a pick-up truck?

[TDCTDI]

It will fit in place but you’ll end up with an absolute nightmare. Cooling hose routing, vacuum hose issues, accessory brackets, fuel injection, exhaust & intake manifolds & ignition system will all have to be swapped & then you have a smaller displacement engine that won’t play well with the engine management system.
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Do something, anything, to your project every day, and you will eventually complete it.

[vwjetboat]

real easy.. with a 2bbl carb setup

[TDCTDI]

[Butcher]

I would not want to put the effort into it. You can buy a correct used engine for a couple hundred bucks.

To answer your question, anything can be done with the right amount of time and money.