1.6 11mm mech / 1.5 bottom / 1.6 pump

[ObscuredByClouds]

So I was digging through my idi parts and wanted to put together a 1.5 engine. Always loved it just because it was the original.. but.. is it worth it? I have a 1.6 block but would rather use the 1.5.

If I use the 1.5.. can I install a 1.6 11mm mechanical head on it? I hope to measure the ring gap of the engine and buy new rings to bring it back close to spec. 1.6 pump also ok? I read somewhere it needs more timing advance (1.04?) than the 1.6 0.95?

I will keep my eyes open for a mk1 or 2 diesel shell as I restore the engine top to bottom this summer (IM shaft, rod/main bearings still available for the 1.5?)

Also how about the governor mod on my setup? 55hp possible? I would be happy with that.

[Baron VonZeppelin]

You can do that build, but its not the best investment unless you just completely cannot source a 12mm 1.6 engine.

11mm 1.6 would be next best.
11mm 1.5 is bottom of the barrel - but not the worst thing in the whole world ... just saying in our VWD world.

You would need this adapter for the block/head:
http://www.vwdieselparts.com/1.5-1.6.htm

11mm people need head studs as Job1 on a rebuild - as modern legend has it.

I've been told there is a 10-20 mph top speed difference between similarly equipped 1.5 and 1.6 NA's.

Personally ... i wouldn't swap a 1.5 into a car unless it was already a great running engine, and almost free, and no other options existed financially. But if i HAD to, i would. Otherwise, No.

No harm or ill sentiments intended. 

[ObscuredByClouds]

no no, of course not! I know. Maybe I'll just add a clean 1.5 block as living room design- I swear my vw diesel parts are great art pieces 

so I have a 1.6 block and 1.6 head I want to put together- how do I tell 11mm or 12mm?

[Rabbit on Roids]

i turned my 1.5 into a daily driven screamer. it was fun. took it well too. stock head gasket, stock head bolts, basically stock bottom end. just had a turbo pump..

[Baron VonZeppelin]

no no, of course not! I know. Maybe I'll just add a clean 1.5 block as living room design- I swear my vw diesel parts are great art pieces 

so I have a 1.6 block and 1.6 head I want to put together- how do I tell 11mm or 12mm?

I'd hang on to it also, never know what you might need by the time its all over.

There are indicators (clues) for the block - but best bet is to buy a 12mm  bolt from a nut&bolt store or order a 12mm head bolt from a parts store - and check for fit through head - and into block.

It shouldn't be but about a buck or two for a headbolt.

Or if you have an old/used VW headbolt - check its diameter with a caliper. And go from there with test fitting.

[RabbitJockey]

u can always put the 1.5 internals into a 12mm 1.6 block and lose all the bad things about a 1.5

[fatmobile]

Yep, bore is the same,
 crank, rods and pistons are different but can be swapped into a 1.6 block if you don't mix those parts with the 1.6 parts.

 The 1.5 has a shorter stroke, so not as much torque on startup,.. but can hit higher RPMs.
 Has good power in the midrange.

[VW Smokr]

Yep, bore is the same,
 crank, rods and pistons are different but can be swapped into a 1.6 block if you don't mix those parts with the 1.6 parts.

 The 1.5 has a shorter stroke, so not as much torque on startup,.. but can hit higher RPMs.
 Has good power in the midrange.

And if you put the 'strong' 1.5L into a light car, and don't demand as much torque, you may reap the benefits of higher fuel economy than the stock 1.6L would deliver with the same use. (Stock 1.5L had its torque peak @ 3,000rpm.) 2" exhaust system & cruise @ 3000rpm = good mileage machine. If your driving style dictates that you insist on "lugging it" or over-revving the engine, you'd probably get better MPG from a 1.6L, especially with 5-speed & higher 5th gear ratio.

As far as power, my 1.5L w/4-speed was flat out @100mph (5,200rpm), while the 1.6L n.a. w/5-speed was still up for more at @ 105mph (3,800rpm). Above 90mph... all economy bets are off!

J.R.
SoCal

[RabbitJockey]

i'm curious too, i've never done more than 85-90 with out a turbo.  maybe a scirocco with an na diesel could do 100 but not a rabbit golf or jetta with out good mods.

[burn_your_money]

What tranny were you using to only be at 3800 at 105?

[8v-of-fury]

i'm curious too, i've never done more than 85-90 with out a turbo.  maybe a scirocco with an na diesel could do 100 but not a rabbit golf or jetta with out good mods.

Rabbit on Roids hit 100mph with his 1.6 N/A, I think all he had done was an intake and governor mod.

[Rabbit on Roids]

i had a intake, and header. pump wasnt opened up, just cranked up the fuel screw and removed the max throttle stop. now its turbo charged, internally modded, and has nothing more than a downpipe. the header and intake were an improvement, the nitrous was a bigger improvement, but the turbo.. there is no replacement for boost, end of story.