Nina Caldwell
Volkswagen Golf Mk2 owners often seek to increase their car's horsepower by installing a turbocharger. While some opt for a turbo kit, others prefer to build their own setup. The cost of a turbo kit for a Mk2 Golf ranges from $3000 to $5000, with some kits exceeding this price. The installation process can be complex, requiring modifications to the car's engine, fuel system, electrical system, and more. Some Volkswagen enthusiasts have successfully installed turbochargers on their Mk2 Golfs, achieving impressive horsepower gains. However, others have cautioned against the idea, citing the high costs and complexity of the project.
Turbocharging a Mk2 Golf
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Engine | 1.6 straight diesel, 1.8L, 2.0L |
| Fuel | Diesel, petrol |
| Horsepower | 500-750hp, 800-1000hp |
| Torque | 161.5 nm |
| Fuel injection | CIS fuel injection system, K-Jet fuel injection system |
| Turbo kits | Megasquirt engine management system, ECU, cam, HD springs, chips, turbo, header, intake, plumbed oil pan |
| Other parts | Manifold, turbo diesel fuel pump, turbo diesel oil pan, exhaust valves, fuel injectors, short ram intake |
| Cost | $5000, $3000 |
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What You'll Learn
Turbo kits for the MK2 Golf
Turbo kits are a great way to coax more power out of your car's engine. They take waste energy from the exhaust and use it to cram more air into the engine. While there are no off-the-shelf turbo kits available for the MK2 Golf, there are a few options you can consider.
One option is to look for a used turbo kit. For example, a user on the VW Vortex forum mentioned finding a complete turbo kit for the MK3 ABA for $900. This kit included a cam, HD springs, ECU, chips, turbo, header, intake, and plumbed oil pan. While this kit is not specifically for the MK2 Golf, with enough time and money, you can likely find or modify a kit to work.
Another option is to swap out your engine for one that is more commonly used and has more aftermarket support. For example, the 1.8T engine is currently plentiful in scrap yards and has a wide range of aftermarket performance parts available.
If you are set on boosting your current engine, you can consider a turbo kit for the 1.9 8V TDI engine. Darkside Developments offers a true "Bolt-On" Big Turbo conversion kit that is proven to give big power and perfect daily drivability. This kit includes a stainless tubular exhaust manifold, a 2.5" stainless downpipe, a genuine VW OEM manifold gasket, and all the necessary hardware for a complete installation. However, it does not include a boost outlet pipe, as the intercooler setup can vary.
Before installing a turbo kit, it is important to prepare your engine properly. This may include upgrading your fuel injectors, installing a short ram intake, and ensuring that all fluids and filters are new. Additionally, you will need to consider a proper management system, wiring, and plumbing. It is highly recommended to hire a professional installer to avoid any damage during the installation process.
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$419.39 $465.99
Converting a diesel engine to a turbo diesel engine
Installing a turbo on a diesel engine can be a complex process, and it's important to approach it with careful planning and the right tools. The process involves increasing the combustion efficiency of the engine by improving airflow and boosting power output. Here are the steps to converting a diesel engine to a turbo-diesel engine:
Understanding the Benefits of Turbocharging:
Turbocharging a diesel engine offers significant advantages in terms of efficiency and power. It increases the amount of air in the cylinder, effectively raising the compression ratio. This results in improved engine performance and responsiveness, especially when combined with an intercooler.
Selecting the Appropriate Turbocharger:
Choosing the right turbocharger is crucial. Opt for turbos specifically designed for diesel engines or your specific engine model. Consider factors such as maximum boost level, response time, efficiency across different RPMs, and compatibility with the amount of exhaust your engine produces. Ensure you select a turbocharger that can provide the desired boost without sacrificing performance.
Gathering the Necessary Tools and Parts:
Before beginning the installation, ensure you have the correct tools and high-quality parts. This includes a torque wrench, sockets, pliers, a gasket scraper, a drill set for installing sensors, and a pry bar. Additionally, you may need to source parts such as a turbo diesel fuel pump, turbo diesel oil pan, and the turbocharger itself.
Installing the Turbocharger and Necessary Parts:
Follow a detailed step-by-step guide specific to your engine model to install the turbocharger and any necessary modifications. Pay close attention to the instructions and ensure the turbocharger is securely fitted. You may need to make slight adjustments to the fuel delivery system to accommodate the increased airflow from the turbocharger.
Testing and Fine-Tuning:
Once the turbocharger is installed, thoroughly test it to ensure it functions correctly. This includes checking for proper boost levels, monitoring engine performance, and ensuring there are no leaks or issues. Fine-tune the turbocharger settings as needed to optimize performance and efficiency.
It is important to note that converting a diesel engine to a turbo-diesel engine may require mechanical expertise and a deep understanding of engine mechanics. If you are unsure about any aspect of the process, it is always best to consult a professional mechanic or seek advice from experienced individuals in forums or communities dedicated to automotive modifications.
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The cost of turbo kits
On the other hand, a turbo kit for the MK2 Golf, including a turbocharger, manifold, front-mount intercooler, piping kit, and other components, can be priced at $5000. However, some individuals may prefer to set a budget of $3000 for such a kit.
It is important to note that the cost of a turbo kit is not limited to the kit itself. Additional expenses, such as fuel modifications, tuning, and professional installation, can add to the overall cost. For instance, eBay turbo kits, which are generally cheaper, may require additional expenditures for fuel mods and tuning, and there is a risk of the kit damaging the engine.
Furthermore, enhancing the engine's power may necessitate additional investments in the car, such as improving the fuel injectors, installing a short ram intake, and replacing fluids, filters, and belts. Therefore, it is recommended to consider the total cost of ownership when budgeting for a turbo kit.
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The horsepower of a turbo MK2 Golf
The Volkswagen Golf Mk2 is a popular car for tuning enthusiasts, with a range of engine options available. The base engine was a 1.3-litre, but there were also 1.6- and 1.8-litre petrol options, as well as a 1.6-litre turbocharged diesel.
For those seeking high horsepower figures, a 2.0 L engine producing 134 horsepower (100 kW) was introduced in 1990 for North American 16V models. This engine replaced the 1.8 L engine, which produced 85 hp (63 kW) in the Golf GL trim.
However, some enthusiasts have taken the Mk2 Golf to extreme levels of horsepower. One example is a Golf Mk2 with a 2.0 L 16v ABF inline-four engine and an upgraded turbo, producing an astonishing 1,233 horsepower and 1,094 Nm of torque. Another example is a Golf Mk2 with a turbocharged 2.9 L VR6 engine producing 1111 horsepower and 1113 Nm of torque.
For those seeking a more modest power increase, a 1.8T engine is a popular choice. With some modifications, it is possible to achieve 500-750 horsepower with this engine. This setup is also more cost-effective than the VR6 setups, which can require significant modifications to achieve similar power levels.
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The mechanics of turbocharging
Turbochargers are a type of forced induction device that uses a turbine to increase an internal combustion engine’s efficiency and power output. They are powered by the kinetic energy of the engine's exhaust gases, which is extracted by the turbocharger's turbine. This energy is then used to compress the intake air, forcing more air and fuel into the engine to produce more power.
The compressor in the turbocharger pressurises the intake air before it enters the inlet manifold. The turbine section, also called the "hot side" or "exhaust side", produces the rotational force to power the compressor via a rotating shaft. After spinning the turbine, the exhaust continues into the exhaust piping and out of the vehicle. The turbine uses blades to convert kinetic energy from the flow of exhaust gases to mechanical energy, which is then used to power the compressor.
The centre housing, which is usually made from grey cast iron, contains the bearing system that supports the shaft connecting the compressor and turbine. Seals are used to keep oil from passing through to the compressor and turbine, and to keep intake air and exhaust gas out of the centre housing. Turbochargers for high exhaust gas temperature applications may also incorporate cooling passages in the centre housing.
Some engines use multiple turbochargers to reduce turbo lag, increase the range of rpm where boost is produced, or simplify the layout of the intake/exhaust system. Turbo lag refers to the delay between pressing the throttle and the turbocharger spooling up to provide boost pressure, caused by the increasing exhaust gas flow after the throttle is opened. Superchargers, which are mechanically driven by the engine, do not suffer from turbo lag.
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Frequently asked questions
There are a few ways to turbocharge a MK2 Golf. You can either buy a turbo kit or swap out the engine for a turbocharged one. If you're new to modifications, it's recommended to buy a turbo kit.
A turbo kit contains all the parts required to turbocharge your car's engine.
A turbo kit can cost anywhere from $3,000 to $5,000, depending on the specific kit and the engine being turbocharged.
If you're looking for a powerful engine, you can swap your current engine with a VR6 engine, which can produce up to 750 horsepower with a turbocharger.
You will need to consider the management system, wiring, and plumbing of your vehicle. Additionally, you may need to upgrade your fuel injectors and install a short ram intake for better performance.
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