Installing GTI pistons?

[soltwede@privateI.com (Night Shadow)]

> Now that I am about ready to put my '84 JH engine back
> together, as a last minute performance upgrade I'm
> thinking about installing GTI pistons.  While I have
> worked on engines quite a bit, I still don't know the
> advantages/disadvantages of doing this.  Better power?
>  Better MPG??  Decreased engine life??  Would my

More power, can't say on effect of the MPG.  Shouldn't change engine life.
You will need to add knock sensing ignition.

> engine still be freewheeling(or whatever they call it
> when your valves don't bend if the timing belt
> breaks).

AS far as I know yes....it should remain a non-interferance engine.

>  Also, these pistons would be used, is that
> OK?  Finally, are these pistons the only reason the
> GTI 1.8l was rated at 110hp and the normal 1.8l only
> 90hp?  Are they both JH engines?  I assume exhaust may

No, they Golf GTI engines were RD code engines.  Biggest difference was
the pistons, which raise the compression ratio to 10:1.  That is the
reason for increased power, and the need to have knock sensing ignition.
I had a JH motor, with RD pistions, dual outlet manifold, race downpipe
and a g-grind cam.  Thing ran like a raped ape!  I say go for it!

> have had a little to do with the power differential
> also-  Thanks in advance,
> Rob

Well, as long as your aren't running that toliet bowl 4into1 manifold, you
will be fine.  If you do have that manifold, source yourself the 4 into 2
manifold and a nice TT dual downpipe.

Eric

--
Eric
Northglenn, CO

76 Honda CB400F Super Sport
80 Scirocco (Parts car again, no more DD duty)
81 Scirocco S (2.0 16v swap and complete restoration in progress)
81 Rabbit Truck LX Diesel (THE NEW RIDE)
91 Cabriolet (2.0 Crossflow 8v swap and mechanical rebuild in progress)
00 Golf GL TDI (Katy is driving this for now)

"For Aquarians, the physics of loopholes is a perfectly valid science."
-Kelli Fox