1.6TD swap into '81 Dasher

[Tmarkle]

So I'm currently rebuilding my 1.6, many of you have probably seen my turbo swap thread that got out of hand and became a project thread. Any how, I have a clean dasher body with no motor that I personally like the look of much better than the Jetta. I also like the room of the wagon. My questions are, how hard is it to adapt the motor to be used in an inline situation, and since it's a 4-speed, is that transmission worth using? How hard to find and swap is a quantum or fox 5-speed?


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[theman53]

I think you will need different exhaust manifolds and an oil filter flange, maybe the intake manifold. I cannot remember for sure. Other than that I think it is pretty straight forward and nothing else needed, other than the dasher trans.

[libbydiesel]

Filter flange, oil supply line, oil pan, oil pump, both manifolds, new exhaust, flywheel/clutch, starter, accessories with pulleys.  Trans is a fairly easy r+r.  Might be hard to find, though.  Wagons are much nicer than sedans. 

[Tmarkle]

Filter flange, oil supply line, oil pan, oil pump, both manifolds, new exhaust, flywheel/clutch, starter, accessories with pulleys.  Trans is a fairly easy r+r.  Might be hard to find, though.  Wagons are much nicer than sedans.

Do you think that the four speed is worth using? When I rebuild the motor it's coming back to life pretty aggressive. I found a five speed from a fox on eBay, might go see what a pick and pull yard has to offer also.


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[RabbitJockey]

itd be best if you could get a whole swap from a quantum.  I'm not sure that a 5 speed is a direct bolt in either.

[air-cooled or diesel]

the 4-speed trannys just suck, the 5-speed are better, i think all of them were geared high-for 55. you ll find high-revs in 5th. isnt it the 020A that has the high gearing? i forget recently its been sometime since theres been that discussion. probably be better if your work/hopping^up works out.

iirc the dasher and the fox had certain problems that were never smoothed out, i forget the problems with them, whether gas motor, electric, suspension, or what. with a diesel you may avoid some of these problems. even so, looks like a nice body for a build. dont forget diesel tags.

[Tmarkle]

The car was originally a diesel. I found a 1.6 that came out of another dasher the guy wants $100 for and it's got all the accessories. Hopefully I can track down a 5 speed transmission. Anyone know of a place that sells remans? Or know of one for sale.


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[Tmarkle]

would this work? Is that an ok price?


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[RabbitJockey]

nice!

[Tmarkle]

Got the parts engine today. Block is no good, typical 11mm 1.6 cracks. I wasn't needing it anyways. Everything else is good. The injection pump it came with sat for several years but has NO shaft play, where as the pump on the other motor is worn out (walks the belt off). Any differences from an '81 to an '86 pump? Is it worth cleaning and resealing to run? I've got all the parts I need to make the soon to be rebuilt engine fit in the dasher. Just on the hunt for a 5 speed now.


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[vanbcguy]

Run whichever pump is in the best shape. They may have minor differences with their timing curve but it'll be emissions related more than anything. Idle speed adjustment procedure may be difficult too.

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[Tmarkle]

I'm going to completely reseal the pump. After sitting for however long I'm sure the seals are dried up. I have a mk2 gasser intake manifold currently. This probably won't fit under the hood of the dasher will it? I need one from a Quantum correct?


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[Tmarkle]

As noted, finding a five speed is proving to be difficult. Something like this I'm cautious ordering on eBay, and VW diesels are scarce here in Montana, let alone a Quantum or Fox. Motor may not receive the power originally planned, as I am having a tough time finding a machine shop that will add the piston oilers and that's not something I would do myself. With the 4-speed will it be capable of highway speeds? My Jetta with a 5-speed could cruise 75mph no problem. Ive had it up to 85mph passing before.


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[vanbcguy]

Try Dutch Auto Parts for the transmission. They ship from Europe but the pricing is usually pretty reasonable. Lots of folks get euro 6-speed swaps from them. Frans, the owner is totally solid. Had a package he was sending me go missing in transit, he made up a new shipment and took care of it without me even having to do anything.

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