85 Westy I4/ABA swap

[Sleazywolf]

I bought a 1985 gas Westy 4-speed manual with a blown 1.9 wbx motor. I was going to do a H6 swap and have already purchased the engine, but I think I want to switch to an I4/ABA engine now. My father in law is going to help me with the swap and he has worked with rabbit/golf engines for years. So Id like to stick with an VW or Audi engine swap now.

What parts do I need to start looking for to make it still fit under the stock deck lid. I was guessing I need to find a vanagon diesel bellhousing, flywheel?, and engine mounts. This would make it at 50*? Also, whats preferred now for the 4 cyl swap? 2.0 ABA with a 1.8 head? I'm just looking for slightly more power than a stock WBX, with ease of install, and reliability.

Thanks
SleazyWolf

[dkoesyncro]

You'll need a diesel bell housing or adapter plate. This is at the minimum if you have ingenuity and fab skills.

FAS has a complete kit and so does Euro spec.

You can cobble together as well from Craigs list and the samba classifieds.

A complete aba will not fit because of the intake manifold and also the aeg, the newer 2.0.

@ 50 deg. I believe the recipe was an I4 block with a digifant head from 88-91 with a Fox intake manifold. Sticking with the digifant you'll have less wiring to contend with.

My opinion run an obd1 aba block, forged internals, oil squirters. One step further also the aba head dual valve springs and obd2 management either from the aba or aeg. For the simplicity of diagnosis and efficiency.

[Vanagon Nut]

A 1.8 8V counterflow head on a 2.0 block should fit under the engine lid. I'd be curious if your 1.9 WBX AFM would work with the 1.8 8V Digifant. Fair warning: the counterflow intake may interfere with the driverside engine bay frame rail. That can be addressed though.

Here's a link to some pics of a "stock" ABA installed in a formerly diesel Vanagon

https://vanagolf.shutterfly.com/310

AFAIK, FAS has a kit that mounts the AEG, and possibly ABA, under the engine lid. (no mods needed to lid)

The 1.8T requires that the engine lid be raised. I would think something similar could be done with the "stock" ABA or AEG. There should be pics here of 1.8T installs. Alternatively, one could just lower the drivetrain a little. In simplistic terms, this may well be what FAS has done. Also, search "AEG" in gallery here. You should find an AEG FAS install.

Neil.
_________________
1981 Westy DIY 15º ABA
(VW Gas I4)

1988 Westy DIY 50º ABA

VE7TBN

[mellowslow]

Here is a pic of my AEG install:

This is in my van via the complete FAS kit. New AEG factory crate long block.

I researched the ABA and have seen vans running those blocks but I don't think the intake fits easily below the decklid. They are priced right though.

My research led me to the AEG because:
eliminate distributor and associated moving parts
single serpentine belt driving accessories
OBD 2 management
future parts availability
worldwide parts availability
Retains throttle by cable control
Kit availability
New plug and play wiring harness available
Fits below the decklid
Simple and robust
Turbo upgrade available

10,000 miles behind this conversion with zero hiccups

Good luck with your research and your conversion.
_________________
'87 WBWE FAS Gen V

[vanagonjr]

[mellowslow]

I have been corrected off line

FAS kit will fit ABA below decklid, need to pluck foam at the alternator.

Economical conversion opportunity and greatly simplifies the process for volks familiar with that engine.

Thanks Vanagonjr! Transporterfest was a great time and it was good talking to you.
_________________
'87 WBWE FAS Gen V

[vanagonjr]

[Sleazywolf]

[dkoesyncro]

If you do use the fas products, I would strongly consider the aeg. It's a modern design of the I4.

If your looking to build something I'd go with the aba. Look around the internet at what folks are doing with this particular engine.

In between these two or walking the fence of kinda modern and reliable power. You can go the aeb, aka 1.8T.
Lots of threads here on the samba.

Honestly if you're looking for a little more than stock, reliable power and want an 8 valve engine. I'd use the aeg over the aba.

[Vanagon Nut]

This is in no way an accurate "measure" of the market but I'm finding less and less lower mileage ABA's locally. They're a stout engine though.

I'm not familiar with the CBP engine code
but here's a new long block (bottom of page)
http://www.qualitygermanautoparts.com/index.php?p=p1281768699

Pretty much anything can be modified, and I'd wonder if the AEG or ABA engine management could be used with it, but the
mount position and oil pan alone might negate
"easily" using this engine in a Vanagon.

Sorry for going slightly OT.

Neil.
_________________
1981 Westy DIY 15º ABA
(VW Gas I4)

1988 Westy DIY 50º ABA

VE7TBN