How much realistic power from a 1.6TD

[greggearhead]

OK, I just got back from a test drive of an  A1 with a 1.6TD swap.  It was decent, like I remember TDs in the past (about the same as a 1.7gasser) but I guess I have been seriously jaded by the 2.0 16V power.  

With stock internals, how much power is easily doable.  I was thinking on the order of 120hp, but I haven't played with these yet.  

My plan was:

1.  Fabbed Downpipe
2.  2.5" exhaust
3.  Pump mods
4.  Intercooler
5.  Boost increased (cheapo bleed off valve)

Now, this engine has a few miles on it and  I would rather not blow it up.  Is the metal head gasket and  raceware studs a requirement for anything over 10-12psi?  

If I get this I will sell the 2.0 16V which is an absolute ball to drive, but I don't want buyers remorse.  I should have the Dasher back up as my "fast" car by then, but I was just wondering about some real-world experience and numbers with the modded 1.6TDs.

Thanks.

[fspGTD]

There is quite a bit of performance potential in the 1.6lTD, and yet diesel performance generally has gone unexplored by the mainstream for so long, it is also still an exciting area of ongoing research.  Welcome to the GTD forum.  

I believe you could do better than 16V motor performance no sweat with those mods.  I have my Rabbit GTD autocrosser in the low 130's crank hp area, and that is with stock unmodified turbocharger with stock boost pressure, and also a stock engine internals (all as required by my racing class.)  It is very fun to drive, and yet it also gets over 50 miles per gallon driving cross country to racing events.

[greggearhead]

Thats pretty much what I was thinking and hoping - just wanted to hear it from others.  The 16V is a very "healthy" example and I had/have plans of megasquirting it and individual throttle bodies, etc.  

However, I just think diesel, biodiesel, WVO and the like are so much more intelligent and responsible (no, I am not a tree-hugger, not that that matters), and a new engineering challenge always gets me excited.  

Starting to read up on LPG fumigation as well.   Oh my.

[veeman]

>> The 16V is a very "healthy" example and I had/have plans of megasquirting it and individual throttle bodies, etc.

Welcome!  I think I recognize your handle from the vortex_forums.  I had a 16V as well and I agree that it was a blast to drive.  It was pretty high-strung but was very strong up high.

>>However, I just think diesel, biodiesel, WVO and the like are so much more intelligent and responsible (no, I am not a tree-hugger, not that that matters), and a new engineering challenge always gets me excited.

Funny... this is almost exactly where I'm at right now.  I race/drive gas VW's and Audi's but then a friend of mine got a TDI.  I had been interested in a diesel A1 for commuting / economy but then stumbled onto the WVO kits and that sealed it for me.  Soon after, I latched onto a caddy that came with a TD in pieces and that really got the wheels turning.  This should be fun...

Anyway, driving the diesel truck is a different kind of fun than my 16V... Mine's way slow, but I enjoy the experience.  I'm new to it, but I like that diesel sound and even the way the smoke/fuel smells (is that odd?).  Guys like Jake and others here are inspiring and once the TD goes in, I'm sure I'll be trying to chase down more power.  

As my TD currently has stock internals, I'd be interested in what Jake has done to get around 130 at the wheels.  Time to search the archives...

FWIW, I'm noticing more interest in the diesels on different forums.  I know others must be having the same thoughts since the price of gas is so high.  Most things diesel are now greatly in demand here in Ohio.  I asked about buying a used TDI at a VW dealership and the guy laughed at me.  They get snapped up the same day they come in.