After helping with two AGGs recently it is deffinitely (IMHO) the best engine. Loads of for/against using PB stuff - helluva lot quicker to wire as has stand alone loom but if you are competant enough to do to wire in a Pb you can do an AGG, just more time consuming.
i know on Gti forums there is always the PB is a better head type discussions but your sidewall will need modding with AGG tall block and PB manifold -'worst' combination for space- have to slit the chassis rail and dress back, reweld it. AGG manifold sits straight in with no modding.
Biggest plus after doing more research/number crunching at weekend is that early mk3 (2e) makes 115bhp/122lb ft at 3200rpm , AGG makes exactly the same at 2600rpm!!!
Just where you want it in a van/T3.Wiring loom is more time consuming as VW made it into the main loom with all the lights on front end so lots to chop out. Once you have done this it is a piece of wee. Shorten a few, lengthen a few. i have got Gary Ds wiring diagrams/pin outs which are spot on.
You only need to run 2 wires to front - one for VSS (you can get them from germany for €59) and one for immobiliser. The OBD uses the immobiliser wire from the ecu so only need to put it in above fuse box andd put an ignition live and earth to it.
So, if it was me doing it again?
Go AGG and use no mk2 parts. I fitted a newman 268 cam (schrick copy) and really woke the engine up, superb dollops of extra torque and this was on a 2e with 2e head so made peak torque higher up. AGG with 268 would be an awesome drive.
Mk3s also had lambda where as the mk2 didnt. AGG has crank position sensor and inlet air temp so slightmy more refined to drive. mk3s also had TPS instead of shut/WOT microswitches , again better ecu control.
Drove a doka on a 4 sp diesel box after doing the wiring for a mate and despite the pants gearing it was/is a superb engine. Like a Tdi to drive but less pants and more revs to play with
