Wow its confusing, how to work out easiest upgrade?

[MattBW]

I have a 1.6d non turbo recon Vege unit on a 4 speed gear box, although its a good engine with only about 50k on it, and does 40mpg its pretty bad up steep inclines. The places I like to go like the lakes and Devon need a little more torque.

Looking into replacing the engine, what would be the least disruptive and simplest engine to drop in that will give a little improvement in holding speed up hill?

I've been reading this forum and there are so many options I'm a little blinded by the options. https://club8090.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=194" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false; is a useful thread just not sure whats the best option for simplicity and minimum mods.

[Oldiebut goodie]

1Y
https://club8090.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=107034

[Aidan]

whs with a 4 speed ABD gearbox from a petrol 1.9 bus if you want a bit more speed for distance work, but you can do the conversion without changing the gearbox initially
40mpg is stunningly good

[ajsimmo]

^^^WTS^^^
1Y (1.9 NA) is by far the easiest and most straightforward swap for you. Will give you that little bit more oomph up the hills when you need it (but not loads more) without dropping mpg too much if you drive at the same speeds on the flat.
As Aidan said, no need to change gearbox initially. Just as easy to try it with your 'box and see how you go, then upgrade later if you feel the need.
I found 40mpg is achievable with a 1.6D, they're amazingly economical. A really good crisp one can actually be quite nice to drive too (but most aren't ). A 1Y will just make it nicer to live with, fewer down shifts and might even pass the odd truck!

[colinthefox]

At this point I must put in my customary plug for the AEF engine.

It's not a lot different in terms of performance or fitting from the 1Y. Either one will do the job excellently. AEFs are freely available, but you must buy the whole engine with injection pump, alternator, water pump and power steering pump as a job lot.

There's a full guide to fitting on Brickyard.

The 1Y or the AEF are the only engines you need to consider for the change you want.

[koendd]

I went for a 1Y (from JX)

because it was the cheapest to build in my van and reliable!

[jed the spread]

I would live with the crappy power for 40mpg

jed

[slowcoach]

I would live with the crappy power for 40mpg

jed

Gah, me too. . .

[ringo]

You must have missed the advice about not changing your engine until its terminal.

Of course, the choice is yours but my advice would be to stick with the 1.6d until it goes pop (which could be never).

Having done this myself, I was extremely happy to have a working engine (my ky went pop) but a tad disappointed. Initially I was over the moon with the little bit of extra power the 1Y gave me. But then I was really disappointed by the loss of mpg.

40mpg is not to be sniffed at. You will never get that from another engine.

Jed's comment above may have seemed rather off the cuff but believe me when I say this - that's advice that's been hard earnt in terms of sweat, tears, time and money. Lots of.

However, if you have lots of money and time and like hobbies - get a TDI fitted.

Good luck,

Ringo

[Plasticman]

agree with most of the above, mines a heavy laden hitop with a 1.6n/a, i can sit at 55-60 all day and it does pick its feet up ask xriss who followed me round ireland,its learning to drive and plan ahead, i dont quite get 40 mpg as its driven hard so 35ish is good all day
mm

[ZsZ]

40 mpg is good for a 1.6 NA. with the easiest 1.9 NA you will get 35-40 mpg but with more torque.
my 1.9 tdi with modified AAP gearbox can do 43 mpg. But the conversion cleaned my wallet.

[kit]

I would live with the crappy power for 40mpg

jed

No brainer really a good recon CS against a 1y even with history I would just change routes to avoid the hills.

[weldore]

i would put the seat back a few notches and just enjoy the ride...all the other road users can wait

the gearing will get you up most hills albiet slowly

[ringo]

I've had three 1ys and not one has given me over 35 mpg.
Not saying it cant be done, just giving my figures for comparison.

[weldore]

id say mine is 30 - 35 ish but no more