More oomph less crawling !!

[scylla]

I have a 1.6d and have the usual problem of going slow uphill and being overtaken by the local pensioners on their bikes:). I cannot afford a nice new bigger engine and gearbox. So my question is:-
What can I do to the engine to get bit more grunt. Needs service but are there better bits I can put on engine. Would going to have a proffesional tune up help. All replies gratefully received
Tigs xx.

[kit]

I think you have to accept a 1.6 na is never going to be fast, sit back and enjoy the ride.

[kevtherev]

A more powerful diesel engine isn't an expensive thing. They are found in many scrapped cars and even mot failures that are for sale
The AAZ engine is easy to fit and was fitted to a lot of VW cars
If you do it yourself it's even cheaper.

Or just sit back and get used to it, as said

[Ian Hulley]

Another tragic case of boughtthewrongvanitis

[ringo]

Just enjoy the 40mpg which is a damn site more than anyone else is getting!

Ringo

[MattBW]

You will get used to it, and I find these days I just put my foot down a little when Im approaching a hill to get a little more momemtum for the other side. When I first get into the van after driving my 2.4td Brera it feels horrendously slow but I soon forget again and adjust to the slower pace.

I've did Wasdale to Warks recently and 2 times I ended up going from 60mph to 50mph on a very steep hill but not often enough to worry about, most of the time it only lost 1 or 2 mph. The majority of the journey I was overtaking trucks and slow cars with no issues on the motorways.

Embrace the slower pace, sit back, relax, enjoy the journey and you will feel happier. I wouldn't replace the engine unless you have problems with it, the mpg is pretty amazing on that engine as mentioned.

My Dad is a diesel specialist and he told me the same, that there isn't any mods you can make to improve it significantly. Its not capable of taking a turbo and not easily modified. Make sure the oil levels are right is the best he could offer lol.

[Ian Hulley]

Just enjoy the 40mpg which is a damn site more than anyone else is getting!

Ringo

Rich's quite right, Rob LHD's old 1.6D used to go quite well and was very economical.

[scylla]

Thx guys for advice. Mucho gratis xxx I do enjoy tottering along slower than other cars jus hills can be hairy lol x

[Plasticman]

mine sits at 60 on the flat and gets up and goes well for what it is and im not saying whats been done to it, xriss can vouch for its err performance and i have no issues with vehicles behind me .wouldnt like it as a daily though
mm

[keith]

my 1.6td used to cruise ok....sounds like most vans will once wound up a little.....the frustration ? if that's the right word is how it gets to cruise speed....and what happens when you get to an incline.

that's the only time I think you actually see the benefit of the extra power.

as said ...there are cost effective ways of converting ....but unless you are mechanically competent and confident 9or have a mate who is) then its going to cost you to do it.

if you're happy to tootle along..as I was for years....and if you have a good strong reliable engine......then stick with what you have until you change your mind or something breaks ....

[camper]

Sit back&relax.I had a good condition engine 1.6n for ten years good MPG slow on hills yeh no about that bit. Towed a trailer tent back&forth to the west country&cornwalll slow but reliable.

[MattBW]

I asked the same question when I got mine, and in the end I opted for a simple upgrade.

A sticker which says: If you think this is slow, wait until we get to a hill.

That about covered all my concerns.

[Allanw]

Just enjoy the 40mpg which is a damn site more than anyone else is getting!

Ringo

The cost of 3 extra nights camp fees each way is probably more than the fuel difference though

If I drove my Subaru conversion as slow as a 1.6 D, I wouldn't be far off the same economy... I had 34 on a particularly leisurely drive (and still managed to pass a logging truck, accelerating from 50MPH to 80MPH as I did it. In 3rd.). I don't do slow Usually get 24 around town.

Find a 1y or similar, or the Gti cnversion, sisnce you already have the required "parts".

[tommin]

Drive it like a lazy sunday afternoon, kickback and relax, it will get you there. My little bus took half hour to warm up, would not get above 80 kph (50) even on the flat, until warm. On hills well you just smiled as you approached, dropped down a gear and plodded over it. It was a 83 model, been round the clock at least twice. Last year did over 7000 km in her (fishing trip northern Finland) not a hiccup, was reluctant to let her go, but the offer of my latest got the better of me. Summer is coming, what's the rush!

[supergalaxy]

Diesel Magic (in my opinion,the best) or some other fuel system cleaner can make a big difference to a diesel. That's surely worth a try? and like they say, enjoy your bus. Its about smiles per mile, not miles per hour.