Producing easy power from the 1.6 n/a...

[VWdieseljunkie]

Working with a tight budget, what is the easiest (read: cheapest) modifications/tweaks that can be made to the 1.6 n/a?

Most info on the web that is easily found is usually turbo-specific.  I cannot yet decipher if the max fuel screw adj and governor tampering I read about applies to the n/a pump or not, I'm guessing it does, but do not want to crack the pump open until I can verify.  Wish I could afford Giles.  :cry:

The motor will be pulled from my 86 jetta coupe and will be used to repower a toyota drivetrain via ACME adapters (where most of the budget will be going).  This being said, I want to pull as much power as can safely be produced from this motor so that it will still be safe for road use.

I'll take any advice at this point shy of making it a turbo.  Links, emails, you name it, I'll take it all!

[riddleyo]

The governor mod and the fuel adjust screw both work on N/A engines. Porting the cylinder head is free if you have time. Routing the intake to the cold air duct in the engine compartment is pretty cheap. Probably the most effective first mod would be modifying the injection pump for more fuel (governor and fuel adjust)

[Vincent Waldon]

I've ridden in a N/A Golf that could have definitely outrun my stock TD Jetta... and the only thing done to the Golf was pump mods... so don't let the lack of a turbo stand in your way.

The governor mod and "subtle" adjustments to the fuel screw will help.  You will also benefit from reading the sticky on adjusting the internal pump pressure... *so* important in terms of having the dynamic advance system working to your advantage.

Well-calibrated injectors, good tires at proper inflation, timing set somewere around 1.00 mm, no extra weight in your trunk... every little bit will make a difference when you are starting with 53 hp.

[malone]

Working with a tight budget, what is the easiest (read: cheapest) modifications/tweaks that can be made to the 1.6 n/a?

Most info on the web that is easily found is usually turbo-specific.

http://vwdiesel.net/phpBB/viewtopic.php?t=4391

[RabbitJockey]

also make sure its timed correctly, that can make all the difference between a pleasure to drive or a disaster

[burn_your_money]

I seem to remember Giles saying that only half the gov mod can be done on a NA

[RabbitJockey]

I seem to remember Giles saying that only half the gov mod can be done on a NA

yeah i remember that too other wise it will hang at certain rpms

[VWdieseljunkie]

I've ridden in a N/A Golf that could have definitely outrun my stock TD Jetta...

I will admit, this jetta coupe is stronger than any other vw diesel I have ever owned.  Count: 1 86td jetta, 1 82n/a caddy, 79, 81, and 82 n/a rabbits.  The cis cars i've owned were comparable, but with more top end.  

I seem to remember Giles saying that only half the gov mod can be done on a NA

I was thinking the same, but wasn't 100%, thus why I want to absolutely verify before I play with the pump.

Thanks for the replies so far!  You guys are on the ball, i didn't expect so much response so soon.  I can't wait to get the ball rolling on this project.  I've been planning it in my imagination for a long time.  With working offshore, 2wks/2wks, I finally have BOTH time and extra $ to do this.  Normally you only have one or the other!

I want to do as many mods as I can while it is still in the jetta and still drivable, so I can guage it's effectiveness with my butt in the seat.  I will also report my findings as I go.  As for right now, this is a 100% BONE STOCK 1986 1.6l n/a diesel jetta coupe (no a/c car).  Estimated 250k+ miles, odo quit 10 years ago at around 150k.  NO smoke even at WOT, current top speed 85mph (where things get shakey but it could go faster).  So as far as I am concerned, I have an excellent base to start from.

If it had reverse, I'd drive it more than I do.  Fred Flintstone reverse is kinda embarrasing in public places.  :oops: