NOOB buying 1.8T

[caldwell]

I am shopping for a MK4 1.8T or VR6. I found a 1.8T in my area from a subie dealer. 03' Red 1.8T GTI with 65,000 on it, listed for 10G's $. assuming the timing belt and water pump should be replaced around 70K, how much would it cost to repair ?? I could use this to my advantage to haggle the price down and take care of it myself with the loan i am approved for through a credit union. is the recall for the 1.8T's still in affect for the coil packs ? cause again i could use this to lower the price. considering a subie dealer wont know much about a VW.

cause going to the dealer with knowledge as my weapon, plus not having to finance thru the dealer. i will be in control of the sale, and wont be hanging to dry with insane interest rates...

any other piece's of info i should know about these cars, prior to taking the plunge ? im hoping i can get the car down to 8,000 principle.

**** local VW tuning shops in the SOUTH PHILLY / SUBURBS area ????


**** when someone says ( AWP 180 HP ) does this mean 180whp ? or does AWP stand for the name of the engine ???????

Thanks Fella's !!

[TROLL]

AWP might be the engine code... I know my 2000 Audi A4 1.8T was an ATW engine code, there are a few different versions of the 1.8T.
Not too sure on the other answers so I'll let someone else chime in there.

[cbirgl]

AWP is the engine code. 180hp is stock crank horsepower for that car. A timing belt job for that car should be +/- $1000 at a dealer/shop. Being a recall on the vehicle, the dealer will know that you do not pay anything for that. If you have the VIN I can personally check if the recall is open for you if you want. Timing belt is a large maintenance, but I'd also check valve cover gaskets and under the oil cap for evidence of sludge/proper maintenance. The 1.8t is a strong engine as long as it is properly maintained. Other things to make sure: the coolant should be pink, brake fluid should not be black - it is to be changed every 2 years/24k miles.

I live between allentown/reading area a bit north of you if you need anything let me know. Also any other questions post it up!

[caldwell]

the VIN - 9BWDE61J934044675 for an 03' RED GTI 1.8T

just curious... if i were to go for the VR6 im looking at... do they have a timing chain ?

ive driven a VR6 before, but never popped the hood... it was a blast to drive real aggressive sound, trans was smooth, really quick for 200whp :)


basically what engine would be easier to maintain in the long run ? both vehicles are at 63-64K... im pretty good with general upkeep...

[cbirgl]

I'd vote 1.8t over vr6. The vr6 has a chain and is a pretty reliable motor, but will more likely nickel and dime you with coolant leaks etc. The 1.8t is much more mod friendly unless you want to spend a lot. My 2002 1.8t did 205whp at the wheels with just software, intake, and exhaust. The vr6 is also much harder to work on since it is a bigger motor in the same space.

That VIN number shows no open recall for the coils. It may just not be open yet but coming in the future.

[caldwell]

now ive heard on 2 diff forums to go with the 1.8T over the VR6... on the basis that the engine is easier to work on ( space ), and more mod friendly...



just curious whats your current set up CBIRGL ?

what kinda power is making it to the wheels stock ???

[cbirgl]

Most likely my car was making about 165ish at the wheels stock. I only have Unitronic software, intake, bov, and exhaust - I bought the car with everything except different software. I don't have anything crazy right now but have built and worked on some other nice VAG cars such as audi rs6 - v8 twin turbo 530hp, k04 GLI 1.8t putting down record power, 35r on a 1.8t 20th. Also have a big job on a black 07 gti FSI that I'm not releasing more information as of yet. Also had a stock turbo GTI 1.8t putting down over 220 at the wheels with a bunch of other things done.

The vr6 will run out of steam modding much over 200whp without going turbo which comes to a big expense. With the 1.8t you only have to pay for 4 cylinders instead of 6.

[caldwell]

im sorry to keep asking questions, im just really curious and excited about a new vehicle lol... do you have a turbo back exhaust or cat back exhaust ???... i dont know alot about turbo's but in the exhaust aspect, bigger is better to a point ? i was thinking 3'' staright pipe for a CBE, then a 3'' DP later on... would this be possible ?

also do you know of any VW tuners in the south philly area ??? i do not know of any...

[cbirgl]

I don't mind the questions - keep them coming. I have a full exhaust, but I think it is only 2.5". For turbo cars the bigger the exhaust the better, to any point. You may lose some bottom end torque going bigger, but you gain horsepower up top. There is no need to have back pressure like in non turbo cars because the turbo creates back pressure for the head, not the exhaust. After the turbo you want to get all of the exhaust out as quick as possible.

I sent you a PM.