Convert a 1.6 n/a block to turbo?

[Northboundtrain]

I have a 1.6 n/a engine that I may rebuild for an as yet undetermined use.  It would be a more enticing project if I could make it a real turbo.  I don't just mean slap a turbo on.  I'm wondering if it's possible to modify the block by drilling it so that it has the oil squirter holes for cooling the pistions.  Then I'd use turbo pistions as well.  

Anyone know if this is possible?

[VWRacer]

Not only is it possible, but that's exactly what VW does at the factory (drill holes... ).

The blocks don't have any special castings for the squirters. The mail oil galley is drilled and tapped and the squirter bases screwed into place. The tube is then attached to the base to turn the oil 180 degrees so that it squirts up (instead of down).

Here's a pic of a Mitsu squirter in place, but the VW one is functionally identical (though it looks slightly different).

[Northboundtrain]

Assuming I take the block to a machine shop for cleaning, crack testing, reboring, etc., is this something that the machinist there could do for me?  Would a typical engine machining shop know how to do this?  

I've searched for 1.6 td blocks, and they are hard to come by it seems.

Thanks for the help!

[QuickTD]

With all this talk about converting blocks and such, I'm beginning to think that TD's are rare. :?:  Around here we are filthy with the things. There is absolutely no reason to convert a NA to TD.  Maybe I should be boxing these things up and shipping them south...

[Northboundtrain]

QuickTD:  If you've got a block, I'm interested.

[QuickTD]

I only have one 1.6TD currently, and I may have a home for it. I have access to at least 2 1.6TD's and countless 1.6NA engines at the local junk yard, assuming they haven't been crushed. Most of them end up there when the head gasket goes south. A2 VW's are getting old and rusty so there isn't much of a market for parts around here. Most of them get crushed as soon as they reach the yard, motor and all, TD's included... I have the word out to not crush any A3's until I've been notified though.

[lord_verminaard]

Yeah, I've done searches on car-part.com for good engines and usually I only find a dozen or so in the whole USA, let alone any in or near Ohio.  TDI's can be found more frequently but the prices are still high for them.  Thankfully my Rocco will be drivable in gasser form for a while. hopefully I will get lucky and come across a good TD.  Has anyone figured out a way to get TDI's to rev a little higher?  

Brendan
84 Scirocco 8v
00 Camaro L36 M49

[veeman]

Hey there...

I've got some extra VW (from a 16V) and Audi (from an MC turbo 5-cyl) oil squirters if you're interested in trying out your ideas...

Let me know...

[Northboundtrain]

Thanks, I'll look into this further.  I have a good 1.6 n/a block, so it might be more economical than buying a td block (if I could even find one).

[DieselsRcool]

I spoke with my machinest a couple years ago and he said he could make a tool. It would clamp to the block and act as a drill and tap guide. You would then use a hand drill to do the actual drilling and a hand tap for the threads. You would then need to remove all galley plugs and rod the galleys to clean them. Problem is he wanted about $500 to make the tool.

Someday it will be worth it. For now I keep watching for $200 turbo cores.

[lord_verminaard]

I'll go on record that if I ever win the lottery, I'll invest in the tooling to make new cast TD blocks, and sell them to the TD community for cheap.  But until then we are screwed.  

Brendan
84 Scirocco 8v
00 Camaro L36 M49