need some advice swapping TD into a NA

[alex17young]

Hi folks, I've been reading this forum for a while but just recently figured out how to register. I plan to swap a 1.6 TD into my '81 rabbit this week with a FF tranny. The TD is stock for now but I'd like to make big hp out of it in the future soo I'm looking for a nasty clutch I can beat on yet daily drive. Any suggestions??? I spoke with Clutchnet last week about a stage 4, but if I can do something cheaper than $350 right now that'd be fine with me! I'd also like to use the alternator on the TD because I'd imagine it puts out more amps. I noticed the connectors were not the same, what should I do there? I'll be sticking a head gasket and timing belt on it and hoping to have it all put together for this coming Sunday for a diesel drag racing event. -thanks

[theman53]

I paid more than that for my 210mm clutchnet...they must have lowered the prices. BTW I have it for offers in the for sale section. I won't give it away, but don't feel the need for it. The alts were only beefed up for the a/c cars. Non a/c were all the same amp output. To make the alt work you will have to either cut the plug*I don't recommend* or make jumpers to the appropriate connectors. Also, you will have to find a way to make the brackets work if you don't swap out the brackets with the alts. Unless the head gasket is a problem leave it alone...do the timing belt and do it correctly as you can trash the entire engine by being off more than 1 tooth. Vince Waldon has a timing belt procedure that you should follow = Search, and you should own a Bentley Manual.

[alex17young]

I ordered my stage 4 today, they said they can get it to me by the weekend. I've done a head gasket and belt on my NA so have a little bit of experience wrenching on these things I suppose. This engine has 250k on it so I was just thinking of doing the head gasket for preventative maintenance but I might leave it alone. My car has a non AC alternator and bracket I think so I plan to run the one on the TD

[R.O.R-2.0]

I ordered my stage 4 today, they said they can get it to me by the weekend. I've done a head gasket and belt on my NA so have a little bit of experience wrenching on these things I suppose. This engine has 250k on it so I was just thinking of doing the head gasket for preventative maintenance but I might leave it alone. My car has a non AC alternator and bracket I think so I plan to run the one on the TD

myself personally, i like OEM clutches..

the 020 doesnt like lots of torque anyways, so i would rather my clutch slip than my trans break..

[alex17young]

Uh oh, in the future is there a certain tranny I should be looking for?

[R.O.R-2.0]

Uh oh, in the future is there a certain tranny I should be looking for?

unless you want like 6 or 7x stock power, i wouldnt even worry about it..

there are only a handful of us that really NEED a tougher trans..

i still havent blown one up bad enough that i couldnt make it home..

[alex17young]

Good to know. Rabbit wont be making any passes down the track, found all sorts of cracks in the head. My clutch didnt arrive either... I was just flipping through a parts place publication, it says about a 200mm clutch for 81-84 rabbits. The fella at clutchnet said something about a 190mm the first time I called. Will my new clutch fit? Is it worth sending back?

[theman53]

If it is cracks between the valves that is no big deal. If they are in the precups then you may have something to worry about. Make sure you get it together the correct way as it seems you are new to these. One tooth and you could bend some valves.

[R.O.R-2.0]

Good to know. Rabbit wont be making any passes down the track, found all sorts of cracks in the head. My clutch didnt arrive either... I was just flipping through a parts place publication, it says about a 200mm clutch for 81-84 rabbits. The fella at clutchnet said something about a 190mm the first time I called. Will my new clutch fit? Is it worth sending back?

he sold you a 190mm? i would send it back and get a 210mm unit..

[alex17young]

No idea how to quote on my phone folks lol... There were cracks in between all valves which isn't a big deal, my NA 1.6 was the same way. Three of the tungsten inserts had cracks, then there was a huge crack in #2 from intake valve to insert. I was always told the TD had the best alloy, I'm not impressed lol. Hopefully Parts place will take it as a core... Where do I measure this clutch at to tell what it is? I told the dude it should be the same clutch as what the 1.7 gassers had, so maybe I was mistaken.

[8v-of-fury]

1.7 gassers had the 190mm clutch. Diesels had the 200mm clutch.

[alex17young]

Cool thanks, is a 210 as R.o.r. said earlier my best option?

[8v-of-fury]

I honestly think it doesn't matter. For a stock 8v setup any of the three will work just fine.

Unless you use an upgraded pressure plate, or one from a 16v its not going to make a difference.

[R.O.R-2.0]

Cool thanks, is a 210 as R.o.r. said earlier my best option?

if you run the right pressure plate, the 210mm unit has the most surface area, and there for, the most potential for holding torque..

my rabbit would slip the 200mm clutch with the VNT15 turbo, and barely any fuel..

the 210mm setup ALMOST holds back my VNT20, more fuel, and a better intake..

[alex17young]

I see, I'll call them up and see if I can return it. I guess I need to find a Mk2 flywheel that fits the 210?