VW Golf Mk2 Owners Club

Engine swap advice

May 03, 2026, 11:46:25 PM

So my 1.8PB now has 193K on the clock and feels like it's in need of an engine "fettle"/swap. I'm tempted by a 2litre block but retaining a PB head and Digi injection. Which engine is the simpler swap? AGG, 2A, or another?? and how do you distingush them.
Noted a couple of Audi ACE/bubble engines for sale but they seem more of a faff having to move the oil filter, oil pick-up and sump.
Tried to search this site for such conversions but my searches aren't returning anything. TIA.

Re: Engine swap advice

Reply #1 – May 05, 2026, 05:36:55 PM

ABF 2ltr is popular but you have to fettle the downpipe a bit as the engine block is taller.

Re: Engine swap advice

Reply #2 – May 07, 2026, 06:52:02 AM

Problem is nowadays, any engine you swap in is going to be over 30 and feel almost just as tired.

Personally, I'd use the money getting your 1.8 rebuilt.
As long as the bores are good, a hone, fresh set of piston rings and a handful of other refresh bits should see it back to it's best.

First, you should get someone to do a leak down test. You may find you've got something like worn stem seals/guides and can get away with just a head rebuild.

I know I'm probably the last person to tell you not to swap out the engine, but if you want to get best bang for your buck, you may be better off keeping what you have.

Re: Engine swap advice

Reply #3 – May 12, 2026, 11:07:00 PM

Thanks Dave, yes I am surprised by your answer 
My thought process was that I'd be able to swap out the engine fairly promptly and not have the car off the road too long, but I guess if I increase the power then I need to fettle the brakes etc!

Re: Engine swap advice

Reply #4 – May 14, 2026, 06:48:44 AM

Yeah, must have been ill that day!!

But I can understand your want to swap the engine, depending on how far you want to go, you could source a 2.0 bottom end, get that refreshed and then spend a couple of weekends swapping your head over and putting it in.

Though I'd still get a leak down done on your engine first, no point in putting a potentially worn head on a shiny new block.