AGR Engine Swap

[Dino]

Hi folks,
I've got a donor vehicle - Octavia 1.9tdi, Engine code AGR - to upgrade my CS 1.6D non turbo engine from a 1986 t3 camper. I've been reading the threads and posts but have come across precious few relating to an AGR engine swap. Is an AGR engine any more difficult than other engine codes mentioned?

From what I've read its a clutch, gearbox, engine and loom swap that will be needed to be done. I have a mechanic friend who is going to carry out the work with me helping / making the tea.

Any comments would be appreciated. Thanks.

[syncroandy]

Well.. the big difference between the AGR (and ALH, AHF, ASV etc.) and the JX, AAZ, 1Z etc. is the block is different so you can't use any of the T3 diesel ancillaries mounts etc. the only common thing is the bellhousing bolt pattern. This suggests an upright mounting (using its own sump, and an adapter plate), and mounts etc fabricated. The AGR uses a wastegate turbo, so doen't have the benefits of the VNT turbo used on the other later TDi engines. So all in all not really an ideal choice for a T3 swap.

[Dino]

Thanks very much synchroandy. That's a good reason to consider another engine altogether. There's an old Audi engine a mate has that I may be able to get my ands on. I'm not too sure of the code. Here's hoping it'll be a better fit.

[syncroandy]

Audi engines are generally best avoided as they're often mounted front-to-rear and so have various differences in the block and ancillaries. I would suggest you look at a late Sharan 1.9 TDI, AFN or AVG code. This can be fitted with mostly T3 TD parts, plus adapter plates for the turbo.

[Dino]

Well, i may have another option - if its possible - I reckon you're the guy to ask about fitting a turbo to a non turbo cs diesel engine. And if it is possible, is it worth the effort? Th engine I have has about 93000 on it, hasn't been misused too much but could do with a bit more power. Basically I'm looking for an easy-ish fix to hande the hills and stop causing tail-backs.
I have little or no skills myself but im always willing to try. I do have two mates who are decent mechanics who both love a Challenge. I'd love to take the van on a touring holiday but would hate to be considering only the flat counties.

[discipleofsketch]

Well, i may have another option - if its possible - I reckon you're the guy to ask about fitting a turbo to a non turbo cs diesel engine. And if it is possible, is it worth the effort? Th engine I have has about 93000 on it, hasn't been misused too much but could do with a bit more power. Basically I'm looking for an easy-ish fix to hande the hills and stop causing tail-backs.
I have little or no skills myself but im always willing to try. I do have two mates who are decent mechanics who both love a Challenge. I'd love to take the van on a touring holiday but would hate to be considering only the flat counties.

I think the CS block is not suitable for a turbo as it doesn't have the oil channels used on a TD.

By far the easiest/ cheapest upgrade from a 1.6 CS is the 1.9 1Y non-turbo. It is largely a straight swap. This thread might help:-

https://club8090.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.p ... 34&start=0" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I had that done last year, and it was a good upgrade performance-wise compared to the 1.6 (but don't expect miracles). I would have stuck with it if mine hadn't turned out to be burning stupid amounts of oil.

Now i've read somewhere that the 1Y block is suitable for TD, and can effectively be upgraded to an AAZ with the addition of AAZ parts. Or you could just fit an AAZ if you can find a good one.

A common tdi conversion is the 1Z, which I have now had done. Much more work with wiring and fabrication, and the CS gearbox is undergeared, so you would need to swap that too:-

https://club8090.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=132150" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

[Oldiebut goodie]

I have a JX block (with pistons, conrods,crank), head and pump going spare if you are local and can pick it up. You would need a JX sump, turbo, manifold, exhaust etc. A winter project to fettle in the garage?
I took my CS powered van on a UK tour - John o'Groats, Lake District,Wales, Cornwall - slow up mountains but 35 - 40 mpg fully loaded. My advice is to get it in top condition and run it for a few years in the slow lane and forget modern speeds (learn to ignore the tailbacks but pull in to allow them to pass on restricted overtaking roads like Highland single track roads) and spend the time enjoying it. In the meantime accumulate parts and build up an engine ready for a swap.
Highland motorway with CS engine!

[Dino]

I think the CS block is not suitable for a turbo as it doesn't have the oil channels used on a TD.

By far the easiest/ cheapest upgrade from a 1.6 CS is the 1.9 1Y non-turbo. It is largely a straight swap. This thread might help:-

https://club8090.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.p ... 34&start=0" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I had that done last year, and it was a good upgrade performance-wise compared to the 1.6 (but don't expect miracles). I would have stuck with it if mine hadn't turned out to be burning stupid amounts of oil
Now i've read somewhere that the 1Y block is suitable for TD, and can effectively be upgraded to an AAZ with the addition of AAZ parts. Or you could just fit an AAZ if you can find a good one.

A common tdi conversion is the 1Z, which I have now had done. Much more work with wiring and fabrication, and the CS gearbox is undergeared, so you would need to swap that too


https://club8090.co.uk/forum/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=132150" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

I was hoping to utilize one of the engines that wasnt going to cost me other than labour. I'll keep your recommendations in mind for the future. Thanks.

[Dino]

I have a JX block (with pistons, conrods,crank), head and pump going spare if you are local and can pick it up. You would need a JX sump, turbo, manifold, exhaust etc. A winter project to fettle in the garage?
I took my CS powered van on a UK tour - John o'Groats, Lake District,Wales, Cornwall - slow up mountains but 35 - 40 mpg fully loaded. My advice is to get it in top condition and run it for a few years in the slow lane and forget modern speeds (learn to ignore the tailbacks but pull in to allow them to pass on restricted overtaking roads like Highland single track roads) and spend the time enjoying it. In the meantime accumulate parts and build up an engine ready for a swap.
Highland motorway with CS engine!

Unfortunately I'm not local. I'm across the pond in Dublin. But you're right; my ambition is to get the van in top condition and fingers crossed I'm not too far off. The body was in a bad way with filler and rust bu that's been addressed over the last few years. The engine has been checked over and apart from a couple of minor issues It seems grand.
Thanks again for all the comments. Cheers folks.

[HarryMann]

Talk to your fellow Dublin Syncro owners on 8090...
Theyll be able to help with alt.engines as that's what they've been doing for years

Krankinwagen Jebiga Syncropaddy (down south a bit)

[Dino]

Will do.