Ask an expert

I drive a 1989 VW Golf and I was wondering if it would be possible to drop an engine from a GTi into it and convert it to manual?

Would everything line up?

I love this car and I think it is full of character but its current engine is beginning to pack it in, so I want to get her back out there but am a little concerned about the cost and how straight forward the job would be.

Jason

From the "Ask Jack" archives - 10 October 2008

I presume you're talking about transplanting the engine/gearbox from a similarly aged (1989) Golf GTi. If so, I would imagine everything should 'line up' ie: front axles and engine mounts etc.

Converting from auto to manual however would require a donor pedal box, clutch, clutch master and slave cylinders and centre console. Any such modification would then require a Low Volume Vehicle Certification to make the car road legal.

You may also find the braking system would need upgrading and the exhaust system may differ. Having known somebody who has carried out a similar transplant I would strongly advise against it.

You could easily spend several thousand dollars on a mechanic/engineer to complete the job.

I would advise you look for a low mileage manual Golf to replace your vehicle, or sourcing a second-hand engine or reconditioning the original one and retain the auto transmission.