Max power gotten from 1.6 IDI?

[Scotty]

Sorry if It's been posted before, I searched but didn't find anything on the topic...

Anyways, what is the max power people have gotten from a 1.6 IDI engine?  What about the 1.9 AAZ?  What about quarter mile times, is low 13's possible with an IDI?  Lower?

Thanks!

[Smokey Eddy]

after 200-250hp an IDI, especially the 1.6, tends to lift the head between the fasteners. Not sure if you can get those numbers on a 1.6 without a 1.9 head. but regardless, the issue is with the heads lifting.
In my opinion, you realistically can't have a reliable high hp idi. They just break them selves. unless you could cast your self a solid one. or use an iron head - at which point, why would you not be using a direct injection head? =P

[8v-of-fury]

well its not necessarily the power numbers that lifts the heads off, its the boost associated with the power numbers that lifts the heads off...

However, If one were to run the turbo in its hot spot (I think 17-18 psi for a T3?) the boost lifting the head shouldn't be too much of a problem. So with 20psi CRAZY PORTING of a 1.9 head, pump work and the required hardware to hold it together.. you should have a very reliable IDI in my eyes anyway. If you aren't boosting the head off, or melting the pistons.. it should theoretically be able to hold as much power as it can make. After all you see the little 1.6 Honda motors pushin like 250-300 hp with a GIGANTIC turbo fro ma cummins.. these 1.6 diesels are surely built stronger.. no?

a completely built AAZ with nothing but reliability in mind should reliably deliver around 200hp no problem with moderate boost and fueling, nothing too extreme.

[RadoTD]

After all you see the little 1.6 Honda motors pushin like 250-300 hp with a GIGANTIC turbo fro ma cummins.. these 1.6 diesels are surely built stronger.. no?

Unfortunately we have 2 problems; high compression and low RPM's.

They're running like 8:1 compression so the peak force on rods/head bolts/etc isn't nearly as high as ours at the same power level.

And while they may be only doing 250ftlbs, that torque at 8000rpm puts out nearly 400hp. In terms of strength limitations, torque is the killer. They can just throw more rpm's at it.

And a B16 is capable of far more than 300hp 

[Scotty]

Hmm, I see...

How is after market parts for these cars?  Am I correct in assuming that it isn't as strong as other four cylinders?

[truckinwagen]

the aftermarket for diesel vw's is not very large, but most of the bits for gasser vw's will work with minimal adjusting on them(external parts that is)

as for strength, the 1.6 diesel is very robust, but has some weaknesses, if you keep them in mind, they are virtually bulletproof.

[Scotty]

Aye so no camshafts/pistons/things of that nature then?  I see...

[truckinwagen]

yep, but intake and exhaust manifolds, water pumps, alternators, valve covers, oil pans etc... all bolt right on.

[Runt]

Diesel pistons, camshafts etc. are all available, in standard forms.  Just no aftermarket bits out right now.
FWIW, I hear that there will be a new high performance diesel cam on the market very soon.  Problem is I've heard that (from different suppliers, mind you) more than once, and next week is always a week away.
There is a small but active group of people building these motors, and while you can't just order up a 'power package' at your local parts store, they have figured out what to use, or what to make, for just about every need.

ps. I mean no offense to those working on said cam.  I'm (patiently?) waiting my turn to try one.

[mystery3]

I think there is a problem in your thought process. What is it your looking to have in your future car? If you want massive horsepower look elsewhere, maybe towards subaru, mitsubishi, some toyotas, nissans, porsches and assorted other gasser vehicles. If you want a nice, drivable, easy to work on/modify, torquey, lightweight car that makes you smile especially when calculating your fuel mileage look at the idi vw's.

There are a few crazy vikings building 1.6 and 1.9 motors well in excess of 200hp and probably 300ft/lbs dyno sheets are few and far between on this site and others.

Have you thought about tdi? Bolt ons can net you some good power with the tdi.

[Scotty]

Have you thought about tdi? Bolt ons can net you some good power with the tdi.

I have, but to be honest drive by wire systems kind of rub me the wrong way.

There is a small but active group of people building these motors, and while you can't just order up a 'power package' at your local parts store, they have figured out what to use, or what to make, for just about every need.

I know how that goes, along with my newly acquainted love for VW's, I have a passion for AMC's 

[VW Smokr]

Scotty said, "... I have, but to be honest drive by wire systems kind of rub me the wrong way."

You're not alone... Toyota secretly isn't feeling real confident about drive-by-wire systems these days either!!!

J.R.
SoCal