New to 85 jetta 1.6 TD.

[Brystephor]

So I just picked up a Canadian 1985 jetta 1.6 turbo diesel. It has kmh on the dash so the odometer is in km to. It's at just under 160k km so about 100k miles. Picked the car up for $1600. Almost entirely stock with different wheels, and lowered some, sound system and electric fan. I think it was a pretty good deal. Recaro interior to which is fun to say you have.

Anyways. I'm looking to get more power for cheap from thus car but keep it reliable.
My future mod list plan is the injection pump, Governor mod, turn boost up to 15 psi before intercooled. Guessing at 15psi, gov mod with the injection pump turned up some, should be at about 110whp?

BUT HERE'S THE BIG QUESTION: I'm brand new to working on cars. Dealt with dirtbike for a few years now so carburetors aren't completely foreign to me. How easy are these engines to work on? What are their issues? What should I be aware and cautious of? All advice is appreciated. Thanks!

[vanbcguy]

Sounds like a good score...

Not sure you'll get to 110WHP without an IC. BHP maybe.

Issues/Maintenance:

- Condition of the timing belt is paramount; a failed timing belt will be a total head rebuild at a minimum.  Plan on changing it (along with the tensioner) unless you have clear evidence that the previous owner did it recently and you trust them to have done it properly.  They'll last 60,000 miles or 8 years before you need to worry about it again.  Replace the oil seals when you do the timing belt (cam/crank/intermediate shaft - they all use the same seal p/n) as you'll be all the way in there anyhow.

- Fuel filters need to be changed every 2 years, it's not like a gasser where it's good essentially forever. 

- If it's an AC car you'll probably find you have issues with the alternator belt slipping or wearing out prematurely

Mechanically the 1.6TD is pretty solid; feed it good oil, don't let it overheat and you'll have very little in the way of problems.

[KyMoonshine]

Excellent, sounds like a great find for sure, these cars are very easy to work on