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
![Wink ;)](http://www.cavevan.com/forum/Smileys/default/wink.gif)