Robert Lilley wrote: > > When you are thinking about engine options also factor in 'The transmission' as part of the package. Yep, sure did! My Syncro has a fine stock trans, and if it needs rebuilding, well, they all do. A 5-speed would be nice, but wasn't an option. One of the reasons I didn't do anything more than a NA 2L I4 (ie, 1.8T, 1.9TD) was because the cost of a beefed trans had to come right up front, I doubt a stock Syncro trans will like 150lbs/ft of torque from near-idle :-) [...] > If you are thinking about spending bucks to go to Tii conversion I4, you will spend @$5000+ for the engine + ??? for labor. Add a close ratio tranny to make up for the lacking low end, add another @$2000 on top of what you have spent and you would pay for a WBX rebuild w/mods, SA 5 speed, hoses, and many other parts towards a restoration (Which I did). I came in about 4500 installed, after sale of the leftover bits. [...] > While you can swap to the Tiico 's kit, you would then need to spend more money to make it run better at low end: cam, intake and other changes to make better power at low speeds OR live with having to rev the engine, which can then shorten it life.... Point well made, but I suspect the 2L Golf motor will run forever shifted at 4 grand. The low end is not marginally worse than the stock WBX in my experience, it's just *so* much better when revved that lugging it isn't as much fun. As mentioned, I think the built WBX is a great idea, but it wasn't for me. I'd do it long before I'd do a Subaru, though (and I _love_ that engine), and do thank you for your exploration and evangelizing. ed |
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