Club 80-90 Forums

Hi all,

I'm looking at buying a T25 Syncro crew cab and I'd like it to tow a trailer with a VW bay. What engine would you recommend, would a 1.9 AAZ be okay?

Who and where is the best place to take it? I'm based in Leeds, someone close would be ideal, also what price would I be looking at to source the engine and fitting?

Thanks

Rob

i think you would kill it.

its old
it runs hot
its down on power for what you want

Go to the Technical, Alternative and Modified section, and scroll down till you get to the T25 Alternative Engine forum. Read the first two threads. There is loads of information in there about alternative engines. Lots have people have swapped engines, with Subarus and (yes) AAZs both very popular. There are some very useful threads lower down detailing swaps, but the first two will tell you all you need to know about what's suitable and what's not so good.

Just re-read your post. Towing a trailer with another vehicle on it might need something bigger.....

keith wrote: its old
it runs hot
its down on power for what you want

That's why he wants to tow it behind a T25

Seriously though, a tdi (e.g.1z/ahu/afn) would probably be the best option for towing, and people will be along shortly quoting silly prices, though it can be done relatively cheaply compared to prices i've seen bandied about - a major factor is whether you change the gearbox (no need unless you plan on towing above the legal speed limit), and also whether you just swap in a known used engine, or have it rebuilt first. The major difference with a tdi is the labour time involved in the wiring loom, intercooler etc. Labour cost ballpark for the guy I used (down in cornwall) is £1500. My engine was £300 (but in retrospect would have had it reconditioned/ overhauled if I could afford it).

Thanks for your help, I really appreciate it.

Some really good reading in the Tech session.

I'd only be towing the bay camper a few miles here and there, no long journeys.

I towed a horse trailer with a substantial horse in it with my 1.9DG, OK on the flat...
I also towed my kitcar on a trailer from Watford to the Scottish Borders without problems, car only weighs 700kg though.

Quite apart from consideration of the engine, have you looked at how the weight of the Bay camper and the trailer compare with the maximum trailer weight limit of the Doka?