So Hans wanted something different, now in the VW tuning scene there isn’t much that you can do that hasn’t already been done! This makes things a tad harder but also interesting. We have seen all manner of 4 & 6 cylinder engines fitted, Normally aspirated, turbo charged, super charged and the various ways to do so!

But this had to be different without breaking the bank!……..Challenge accepted!

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So this is what greeted me on arrival to my workshop. A very straight and clean Mk3 1.4 CL Golf. The perfect base for a sleeper project. ……poor little car, it didn’t know then, but its life was about to have a dramatic change in power and sound!!!!

Say goodbye to this tiny but faithful heartbeat! With this car being a 1.4 small engine setup, lots of components need to be changed for more manly items, like fuel pump, drive shafts, exhaust…..and the list goes on, but the end result would be worth it!

Before the new power plant could be slotted into its new home, it was stripped and consumables were replaced, this included timing chains as these are known for being a “consumable” in these engines. Due to its location, which is the gearbox end of engine, behind flywheel, its wise to replace while everything is apart with far easier access!

I will add that the timing chains are replaced in all VR based engines before fitment as part of the conversion process!!

Ok, here it is!!!!

The engine chosen in the end is the very much forgotten 2.3 20 valve V5/VR5 engine found in cars such as Mk4 Golf and Seat Toledo. Now the reasons for using this engine are plentiful. They cost less than any of the 24v v6 engines, there is a good supply of these, as you can buy complete donor car for far less than you think!!!!……and the most important thing is the sound track, it sounds like no other with its very distinctive tone!! Now take that and fit to a fairly light shell and things become interesting!

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As you saw, these engines don’t look like much in stock hue of colours, so some delicate colour matching has been added to brighten things up!

The cam cover has been carefully matched to the exterior body tone to liven things up. The inlet manifold, after much deliberation was coated in a black crackle like finish which is tough yet flexible, as the inlet manifold is made from plastic and can flex in places as the engine is put through its paces.

So happy with the visuals, it was time to wire and plumb in the new heart, so it could beat that distinctive rhythm that only a 5 cylinder can play!

So she runs. With the help of a trusted Emerald K6 ECU, all controls needed to run engine are wired to ecu using a custom in-house built loom. ECU is then mounted in stock location to keep everything looking ‘stock’ as possible.

A silicone water hose kit was sourced to keep water where it’s needed, ordered in red to compliment the previously painted cam cover.

An air filter was sourced, yep you guessed right, in red!….but i promise you that’s it, no more red accents!!!!

Sooo, with everything buttoned up under the bonnet, it was time to deal with a few very important issues that would fall very short of maintaining this new thumping heart. Namely brakes and exhaust system. Both still very much 1.4 CL spec items. To address the brakes, a complete change of hubs were needed as the 1.4 CL brake calipers carriers are part of the hub and non removable. A set of hubs with bolt on caliper brackets were sourced and fitted. The brakes on these were then upgraded further to larger diameter discs.

The last thing to do was to give the pee shooter 1.4 exhaust system its P45 and install something a lot more free-flowing without being too flash. This job was entrusted to none other than Style Dynamics. These guys know their pipes, so with clear instructions on what style we were after, the car was booked and left with them to work their magic.

They have done themselves proud. Exactly what the doctor ordered. Below video is what this conversion was all about! Enjoy…..

Now, this car is a sleeper. But the stock wheels wouldn’t fit over the upgraded brakes so some new shoes needed to be sourced, yet still remained understated!!!! I’ll let the pictures do the talking……

Folks, I would say watch out for this car, but methinks its more a ‘listen’ out for it type of deal!

On to the next project now, coming to a street near you soon!