Marc,
First of all, why are you asking me this??? I
really don't mind at all, but I was just curious.
Yes, 2.0L is the way to go. What I would like
someone to do is get one of the newer 2.0L 16v short block and put a GTI big
valve 8v head on it. I think that would be the ideal 8v setup.
The compression would be around 10.0:1, and if you ported the head some and
had the right cam, you'd probably pull down around 150hp!
It really depends on what you want to do. a
fresh stock 1.8L may just give you the little boost you want! If you
want to really surprise someone, you could go with the 2.1L also. You
can check out this website to get some ideas also: www.volkswagen.org
This should help you get some ideas.
The web site above should give you some ideas as far as what engine you
may want to use, then you'll just have to locate one in your local salvage
yard. Most if not all the parts from your 1.8L will fit on the
2.0L block so all you need is the short block. Although, the more
stuff you slip by with from the salvage yard, the more extra parts you have
in case your 1.8L stuff is crap.
I don't know about the 8v motors, but the 16v 1.8L
head is a better performer than the 2.0L 16v head. You may want to ask
around a little more and maybe check out some magazines or VW watercooled
performance books (there are about 3 or 4 good ones out there, I think a
couple are just revised so they are basically identical to each other).
The 2.0L block will go RIGHT IN your 1.8L spot. Use this
opportunity to replace motor mounts, believe me, much easier to replace out
of the car!
Dave