Club 80-90 Forums

Hi I really want to build a camper and I've seen a few t3s with broken engines. If I buy a 2.1 that has no engine in. What would be easies/best for a DIY on a budget?

1.9 TDI
1.6 TD
Golf mk3 2.0
Rebuild the 2.1
Subaru boxer

This is my thoughts. TDI/Subaru is the best optinos but also most expensive. Maybe too expensive for me even tho I will try to make most of it myself, And I think this power increse is not allowed where I live.. But I could use a 1.6 I think.

1.6TD is older and I guess thees days expensive and harder to come by. Unless I find a doner vehicle.

Golf mk3 2.0 - I own a golf 3. but I think this would be almsot as much work as the TDI to make it fit right? But this could be a good swap or insted of a 1.6TDI if it's much easier.

Rebuild - I have no clue how expensive this will be but It would work for me if it was the cheapest option

how are you going to rebulkd the 2.1 if the van has no engine in it?

cheapest ans simplest option, find a working WBX .

 

IMO a diesel donor van would give you more options allowing a range of I4 engines to be fitted using the bellhousing and mountings.

The 'GTI' engine is significantly simpler to install, not having turbocharger plumbing nor intercooler/chargecooler. Unlike the TDI where a gearbox rebuild is pretty much essential, the 'GTI' engine should work with a stock T3 gearbox. Do your own research on the box though as the stock diesel boxes might not be ideal.

Whatever figure you have in your head double it at least.
To rebuild a WBX motor could cost a lot more than you'd bargain for. Cost me about 2.5k in parts if I recall to rebuild a 2.1. I coulda put that money towards a more modern engine.

Even buying a second hand engine thays complete and "running" could bite you in the backside. You're still gonna be spending on parts like a clutch, possibly replacing old coolant hoses, nuts bolts, if you go for a TDI maybe a turbo. It all adds up.

If you're planning on keeping whatever van you buy then its worth spending. Just remember with these vans it's best to get one with good bodywork.

Ive been down this road

I did a Subaru for a mate years ago and didnt like it but in fairness any conversion is going to be a 50/50 for like and enjoy

Rebuilt my stock 1.9 DG, twin webers, still not good enough so...

Considered a Vw Golf motor, GTI or AHU, not fussed, got a full adapter kit for it too, nah not for me, so...

Planned a Ford Zetec aka Bostig style, got an adapter but bought a Ford 2.5 V6 out of a boat, was a little rough so...

Scrolling for the 2.0 Zetec again and found a 3.0 st220 V6, properly done ECU to run outside the car, ive a thread on here someplace detailing it all, broken 3x Autoboxes including a Porsche one from the 944 2.5, so...

Now fitting a 5spd manual as thats whats in my current budget, getting on with it slowly, will upgrade to a 4 speed manual another day

Out of all the above i have for sale:

a 1.9 DF if your interested, long block and manifold and some other bits

Zetec to vw adapter plate

Golf to vw adapter plate, flywheel, clutch and starter motor

Scrapped all my auto stuff as no one wants it

Thats been a hell of a 3yr journey so decide one route and go with it, remember most engines we use are 20+ years old now, the WBX has a costly parts supply chain compared to others. Ive had a bad year on mine but still very affordable, no turbo, no pricey fuel pump, ECU mods etc i had none of that, exhaust manifolds are pricey in stainless and to be fair ive spent more on my exhaust system than buying the engine cost me

For me i still go with my choice, simply incredible

...but as already stated think cost, the engines are cheap as anything, the adapter, flywheel and other engineering, exhaust and sump cost the real money! Plenty of used about to get you started driving which is all that really matters, enjoying the van

 

3.0 Zetec? Duratec surely?

Jaguar 3.0 is essentialy same engine, cheaper and designed for longitudinal install. 

TwinTurbo wrote: ↑14 Mar 2025, 17:55 3.0 Zetec? Duratec surely?

Jaguar 3.0 is essentialy same engine, cheaper and designed for longitudinal install. 

I was referring to when I was looking for the 2.0 Zetec as per Bostig, yes the 3.0 is Duratec, I've edited that post now to read clearer now bud

The Jag wasn't even a contender and if you read my thread Steve has jumped in on this with loads of info on it, but it's different in some key ways

Ultimately my choice rationale is all on my thread as easy to think that'll fit but it's the rest of it that's the challenge