2000 Beetle: Swap from 2.0 manual to 1.8T - how bad is the job?

[vtraudt]

I expect the 2.0 engine to go out sooner or later (now 190k miles).
when its time to put a new engine in, i would like to put a 1.8T in.

a) How bad is the swap?
b) What 1.8T engine codes fit? Donor cars (year/make/model)?
c) Ideally, I assume I should transpose the 1.8T wire harness and ECU as well?

Maybe someone has link to a DIY or swap thread?

[VWBugman00]

I've not personally done the swap, but the motor will go right in, no problem. I'd use better engine mounts when putting it in. The transmission will bolt right up. You can use pretty much any transverse 1.8t (AWP, APH, etc). You'll need a downpipe (aftermarket would be better, but stock would do). You'll probably need the radiator and it's hoses and such from a 1.8t as it has different feed patterns compared to the 2.0. And then you'll also need to swap the harness and ecu. This is the tough part from what I've read.

I would also consider putting a better clutch on there as well, the 2.0 clutch won't last long with the bigger power.

I may be missing a few things (quite sure of it actually), but this should be pretty accurate

[vtraudt]

Does it have to be a manual trans engine, or do auto trans engines also fit (there seem to be more 1.8T transverse auto out there than manuals)?

[VWBugman00]

Does it have to be a manual trans engine, or do auto trans engines also fit (there seem to be more 1.8T transverse auto out there than manuals)?

You can do an automatic transmission, but if you ever want to add power, even just chip tuning it, it'll wear out quickly. VW automatics are crap

[vtraudt]

You can do an automatic transmission, but if you ever want to add power, even just chip tuning it, it'll wear out quickly. VW automatics are crap

Only referring to donor car: does donor car have to be manual, or does auto trans engine fit into manual 2.0 beetle (i.e. are engines/harness different).

I have VAGcom, if softcoding of ECU is needed.

[Rockerchick]

Honestly, I'd just buy a 1.8T at that point. Why do a swap when you can buy a car that's already equipped?

And you'd be suprised...there are several 200k+ 2.0's out there. They are pretty stout and last a long time.

[vtraudt]

Honestly, I'd just buy a 1.8T at that point. Why do a swap when you can buy a car that's already equipped?

==> price (I plan to do the swap for under $1k with 100k engine). There is NO Beetle even close to that price

==> I KNOW my car. Buying another (particularly if not fully documented maintenance history), and you spend lots of money (beyond the ton more spent for the car itself) for required or assumed (no documentation timing belt change: must be done)

And you'd be suprised...there are several 200k+ 2.0's out there. They are pretty stout and last a long time.

200k is coming up. Still healthy, but next larger 'repair' will be motivation for swap

Other motivation: the 2.0 is a DOG. I know the 1.8T very well, and can improve performance easily and cheaply (pretty much everything needed sits on my parts shelf (left overs), from KO4 turbo to chipped ECU and intercooler).

Just need to know what donor cars (models/years/transmission) I need to look for.

[redmk2bunny]

Any MK4 Golf/Gti, Jetta, or Beetle motors and trannies would work. If you are going to use that Chipped ECU I believe you need to use the corresponding engine. Like if its for an AWP manual transmission you need to use that setup.

[VWBugman00]

Any MK4 Golf/Gti, Jetta, or Beetle motors and trannies would work. If you are going to use that Chipped ECU I believe you need to use the corresponding engine. Like if its for an AWP manual transmission you need to use that setup.

This is correct. The ECU has to be from the corresponding motor, APH, AWP, etc.

I think the AEB from the Passat/A4 automatic had the bigger input shaft for the transmission, but you don't have that to worry about.