Thoughts on AHU/1Z vs. ALH

[Quantum TD]

So, I'm thinking about the ideal swap for my 1982 Quantum Wagon. It's got the CY 1.6TD with the Garret turbo. It's not running at the moment (blown head gasket). But my idea is for a swap down the road. Basically, I'm trying to make the perfect car for the post-apocalypse, anarchistic distopia (can't stun my car with your EMP copper!). So, I've got the leather jacket with the football shoulder pads sewn on ready for duty, along with a lifetime's supply of canned dog food. Now, I just need the car.

So, here is what I'm thinking. I've driven 1.9 TDIs in Passats, A3 Jettas, and A4 Jettas. Of all, I like the power of the ALH. But I prefer the simplicity of the eariler AAZ motor (fully mechanical). It' basically the same as the 1Z and the AHU, but with a mechanical pump. From what I gather, they all use the same waste-gated KKK turbo (in various sizes).

According to lore, the AAZ is rated for 75 HP stock, and the 1Z and AHU are rated at 90 HP stock. From what I gather, most of this power difference is to be gained in the intercooler.

Also according to specs, the ALH in my 2001 Jetta is rated at 90 HP, but it's a completely different animal in regards to performance. It's bone stock with 120K on it, but it has much better throttle response and torque than any AAZ, AHU or 1Z I've ever driven, and those cars weigh less than my 2001 Jetta.

So, I'm assuming that the added grunt on the 2001 is due to the VNT turbo used on the newer cars, as all else is about the same (correct me if I'm wrong). This would account for the greater throttle response at all RPMS (not just over 2000 RPMs). I understand that bigger turbo does not necessarily mean more power at all RPMS (takes too long to spool up), and small turbos spool up quickly, but max out at mid-range RPMS. Thus, the VNT is a great solution.

So, I like the idea of the M-TDI, but I'm a little green here, so maybe some people can help me out. I'm thinking that instead of buying an ALH lump with all the wiring and crap, and they tossing the pump  for an AAZ mechanical pump, I could simply buy an AAZ motor with pump for a reasonable price. They're plentiful in the Northeast where my folks live. If I rebuild one of those, and slap on a VNT and FMIC, I should get similar performance to my 2001 Jetta: no? Down the road I'd consider injectors,Giles pump rebuild, etc, for added performance, but for the moment I'd like to keep it simple.

My question is: has anyone gone this route, and if so, what were the results? Also, if you're running a VNT, what controls the actuator? Do you simply connect to a mechanical vacuum pump off the intermediate shaft, or is there some electronic crap that needs to be done to wire up the N75?  Everything else would be fully mechanical, and I'd like to keep it that way, but something has to control the actuator.

Perhaps these questions are naive, but I'm trying to figure out what will be the best upgrade for my car, but won't cost me a fortune. I"m thinking all done in the $1000-2000 range.

Thoughts?

[jtanguay]

if you really want to be totally mechanical.  install a flap in the airbox that can block off air going to the engine.  hook it up to a cable that goes into the cabin.  remove the stop solenoid.  pull the cable to kill the motor when you need to.  runaway? no more!  :lol:

hook up a rope to the motor and pull start it  :twisted:  lol that is definitely road warrior style!

[jimfoo]

The TDI is a more efficient engine, making more power and torque than an IDI. I  have an AAZ with a VNT, and it had good power as far as I was concerned. With extra mechanical drain having to go through a transfer case and overdrive and power a 30 amp fan, I got 80 hp at the rear wheels with an IC and 15 lbs boost. I probably could have turned the fuel up more, but for some reason, maybe the 3500 lb weight, I got too hot on hills, so never touched it. The way to operate a VNT is through cables and springs. Just search for me, Libbybapa or Tintin as we all have different versions.
Due to circumstances beyond my control, my motor crapped out, so I am currently starting work on turning the AAZ block into a TDI as the 1Z and AHU head and pistons will fit.

[Quantum TD]

if you really want to be totally mechanical.  install a flap in the airbox that can block off air going to the engine.  hook it up to a cable that goes into the cabin.  remove the stop solenoid.  pull the cable to kill the motor when you need to.  runaway? no more!  :lol:

hook up a rope to the motor and pull start it  :twisted:  lol that is definitely road warrior style!

Nice. But it'd have to be supercharged instead of turbo-charged to be "the last of the I-4 interceptors."

[AudiVWguy]

Could their be any difference in the head design or cam profile of the 1Z/AHU to account for the 90 hp rating? I'm looking at a similar project myself. It would be nice to start with the best block/head possible.

[Ziptar]

"Give us all of your IDI and TDI and we let you walk away, we let you live."

                                             :lol:

[Quantum TD]

"Give us all of your IDI and TDI and we let you walk away, we let you live."

                                             :lol:

Very nice. It reminds me of the South Park episode with Butters as the warlord. Good times.

I was snooping around here, and saw the libbybapa Mechanical VNT setup. I was wondering if he might chime in with any updates on that 1983 Quantum TD with the M-VNT setup he made. Fuel economy, power, etc. Looks pretty slick, and easy too.  Basically I think my 'dream' wagon will look about the same but with a 1.9 AAZ block.

I guess I'm really intrigued by this whole M-VNT idea. You get all the benefits of the VNT, without all the electrical crap of the TDI.

Any thoughts on what might be a good VNT candidate? I know nothing about the VNTs that VW produced. Ideally, I might find a VNT off an old american car, but from what I gather, they weren't used on gassers (until recently).