CaveVan Forum
VW T4 "Eurovans" => Diesel Swap Tech and FAQ => Topic started by: jackjtr on August 20, 2017, 02:29:06 pm
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Hey guys,
After years of thinking about this swap, I finally have a clear garage bay and have just purchased my donor, a 1997 Passat TDI. I have yet to get a response from Frans @ Dutch Auto despite emailing him twice. I hope he is well.
My question is this: How far should I build the engine before installing it into my van? I will, at the least, be doing top end work such as stem seals and maybe a cam, but I'd rather leave the bottom alone.
I assume that with head studs, I should be able to get away with a VNT17 (or similar). My main goal is not a hot rod, but a majority of my driving takes place in the NYC area, where stop and go is vital to survival. So I will most likely end up with bigger injectors, a larger turbo, and a tune.
On top of all this, I'm on a bit of a budget, and I'd like to avoid opening the can of worms that is the bottom end.
Van is a 2002 MV with a burnt up torque converter and toasted reverse clutches. Don't ask who did it ;)
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You definitely want a VNT 17, and if your donor is a 1Z you want at least ALH pistons. If you're going to be flooring it a lot the bottom end will be under significant stress.
Get an EGT and manifold pressure gauge and watch for spikes and you'll be fine.
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Whoops, didn't have notifications on for this thread.
Is there a go to larger than stock non-VNT turbo that anyone has used in their vans? I'd need a different ECU to control the VNT, correct?
How do you think I would fare with just bigger nozzles, a Colt cam, head studs, and a tune? Will it be undriveable? The stock setup with 201hp/181ft lbs mated to an auto was more than plenty, and if you ex-5 cylinder guys only had 110, and that was comfortable, I'm sure the above mentioned mods would be fine.
I know a lot of this tech stuff belongs in the TDI Club forums, but I'd like to hear it from EuroVan guys.
Thanks so much.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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The 5 cyl gasser was undrivable, and I managed to get one that was running quite well.
Mine now has a VNT 17, 11mm pump and .205 nozzles, and I'm very happy with it. Just back from a road trip through the mountains and it consistently returned 30mpg. The gasser was 19-24 and the uphills were slow and loud.
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I've got the 1z, 11mm, and top end work only with a 1722 turbo ... I'm at 28k miles on this setup. But definitely use the alh manifold gaskets, and definitely use the most recent crank pulley
just 2 thumbs, beware typos