Adding a turbo to an NA - IDI Engine - VWDiesel.net The IDI, TDI, and mTDI source.

• Adding a turbo to an NA by coke on 31 Dec, 2010 00:41
• Came across this kit on ebay from prothe. I know some people have had poor to miserable luck with his products, but wondering if anyone used it or had any experiences with it or input. http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/VW-1-6-Diesel-Add-Turbocharger-Turbo-Manifolds-Downpipe-_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQhashZitem5ade0e9068QQitemZ390272553064QQptZMotorsQ5fCarQ5fTruckQ5fPartsQ5fAccessories#ht_2175wt_1165
  
  Looks like its missing the intake elbow attached to the intake with cap screws, that connects to the turbo.
  
  I've never had the luxury of a turbo vehicle or the pleasure of working on one, so my ignorant question is next. What hooks up to the vacuum connection on the wastegate actuator?  Short of that, if the kit was of any decent quality at all, it looks like just some fabrication work on the exhaust pipe, and oil return drain. Supposedly, the early TDI feed line fits fine.
• #1 by R.O.R-2.0 on 31 Dec, 2010 08:39
• if you buy it, you will shortly be replacing the turbo..
  
  and the intake manifold is for heads with D shaped ports, not oval ports like the 1.6
  
  the kit is junk. i would avoid it like the plague.
  
  you can usually find whole OEM used turbo kits for 250-500 bucks. and there not cheap crappy chinese parts..
• #2 by coke on 31 Dec, 2010 09:06
• Thanks for the info. I would really hate to do all that work and have to replace it soon.  Where is the best place to look for the kits?
• #3 by R.O.R-2.0 on 31 Dec, 2010 09:09
• here..
  
  in the classifieds.
  
  people dont always post them up, so you better make a "WANTED" post
• #4 by coke on 31 Dec, 2010 09:21
• Thanks for the advice, I really appreciate it.
• #5 by 81 vw pu on 31 Dec, 2010 11:46
• Here' my build with that kit. About 5000 miles ago.
  
  http://www.vwdiesel.net/forum/index.php?topic=25440.0
• #6 by coke on 31 Dec, 2010 11:55
• Wow, that turned out better than expected. How many miles do you have on the build now?  Custom exhaust work isn't outside of my realm of possibility, but I was hoping to have an idea of what to do before I do it so I can have everything I need.
  
  I'm still hesitant on buying anything from prothe. I've heard the turbos are junk.
• #7 by 81 vw pu on 31 Dec, 2010 12:12
• Quote from: coke on 31 Dec, 2010 11:55

  Wow, that turned out better than expected. How many miles do you have on the build now?  Custom exhaust work isn't outside of my realm of possibility, but I was hoping to have an idea of what to do before I do it so I can have everything I need.
  
  I'm still hesitant on buying anything from prothe. I've heard the turbos are junk.
  

  I've put about 5000 miles on since I finished the install.
  It's not a high quality kit. I spent about $700 to get it running. I have seen a almost complete used 1.6td turbo kit for $750, or even better a 1.6td jetta for $1200.
• #8 by coke on 31 Dec, 2010 13:54
• Was that a new kit or a used kit?
  
  I'm not really keen on the prothe idea, even though some people have had good luck. Need something reliable. Even though he advertises a 1 year warranty, if it doesn't last me a year its not worth my time and effort.
• #9 by 81 vw pu on 31 Dec, 2010 14:46
• Quote from: coke on 31 Dec, 2010 13:54

  Was that a new kit or a used kit?
  
  I'm not really keen on the prothe idea, even though some people have had good luck. Need something reliable. Even though he advertises a 1 year warranty, if it doesn't last me a year its not worth my time and effort.
  

  
  That's on used parts you would need to make the conversion on a na 1.6. As far a a kit with new original 1.6td parts. I don't think it exsit. Best bet is to buy a good running td engine and swap it out. will be cheaper and more reliable in the long run