Swapping APK motor into 9n3 Polo Question

Swap it or Repair it?

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    4
carstensdj

carstensdj

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Hey forumites.

I need some advice please. I have a 2005 VW Polo 1.4 (9n3) with 188,000kms on the clock. I need to have the motor done over as the rings and valve stem seals all need replacing (and probably a bunch of other things) and it's losing a lot of oil. I've been advised by many to rather swap the motor out for a 2.0 8v APK (Golf 4 motor, also used in the 2.0 Polo's). The costs would work out to fairly similar amounts, which ever way I go.

My question is: Is it a straight swap or do I need to change the gearbox too? I can't tell you how many mixed answers I've had on this, talking to mechanics and Motor places. Has anyone done this swap or know a little bit about it?

Budget is an issue for me and I've had to save up to sort my car out, so I want to make sure i'm doing the right thing. I drive it daily to and from work and also often, for work. I should also mention that I'm a big petrol head and do enjoying driving a little quicker than the average person, so the idea of the APK swap does entice me. It's just that if I need to change the gearbox too, it sets me back budget wise a little bit...

Thanks in advance!
 
There's some administrative overhead to swapping an engine. Also, if your hourly rate is factored into the overall cost and still ends up the same or less then go for it. You'll need a police clearance certificate for the swap as far as I know.
 
I also think you've already motivated yourself to get the 2.0 fitted...I won't convince you otherwise.
 
kanzen said:
There's some administrative overhead to swapping an engine. Also, if your hourly rate is factored into the overall cost and still ends up the same or less then go for it. You'll need a police clearance certificate for the swap as far as I know.
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Think that should only be for second hand. He didn't mention but new an invoice should be enough.
 
You will probably need a new ECU as well, factor in a new wiring harness and it might not be viable.
 
My cousin did a swop from a 1.3 golf and dropped in an Audi 2.0T and he kept crashing into stuff, but that's probably driver related.

I'd try to budget for at least brakes that go with the 2.0 as well.
 
Swap it, but find someone proper to do it, who can show you some of their good work, also do keep us posted.
 
Also have a look at youtube at random swap build logs. There is sooooooooo much that you learn from those guys. Have a look at this channel, especially his video on wiring harnesses, lots and lots of good info.
 
kanzen said:
There's some administrative overhead to swapping an engine. Also, if your hourly rate is factored into the overall cost and still ends up the same or less then go for it. You'll need a police clearance certificate for the swap as far as I know.
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Yip, I will need to get clearance etc done.

Swa said:
Think that should only be for second hand. He didn't mention but new an invoice should be enough.
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Nope, it's a "low mileage" imported motor from Mikes Place

blaaislaai said:
Swap it out.

Do you have an idea how much mileage is on that APK engine?
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Not sure of the exact mileage but do know that it's supposed to be low mileage imports

Drifter said:
You will probably need a new ECU as well, factor in a new wiring harness and it might not be viable.
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From what i've heard it's just a matter of flashing the existing one with maps for the 2.0

GhostSixFour said:
My cousin did a swop from a 1.3 golf and dropped in an Audi 2.0T and he kept crashing into stuff, but that's probably driver related.

I'd try to budget for at least brakes that go with the 2.0 as well.
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Hahaha, there's a much bigger gap from a 1.3 Citi > 2.0T than a 1.4 N/A > 2.0 N/A. Although, I do agree... Ideally putting some discs at the back wouldn't hurt. Definitely putting some fatter tyres on though.

gamer16 said:
Swap it, but find someone proper to do it, who can show you some of their good work, also do keep us posted.
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I shall do, thanks man
 
Sinbad said:
ABF or bust
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It costs more to do that conversion and isn't as straight a swap as the APK from what I've heard. Remember that the APK is the motor that the 2.0 Polo comes out with, so for reliability, budget and ease of swap reasons, the APK is a better fit for me. The ABF is also a very old motor so chances are the mileage on them will be higher than that of an APK
 
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