MKIV GTi AGU - Bottom End Strength

**evarn** · 30-10-2008, 01:43 PM

Hi,

I've been googling and searching forums but can't find a straight answer, so apologies if this n00b question is answered somewhere already.

All I want to know is what is a reliable amount of power for an AGU engined mkiv 1.8T gti...

I'm in the market for one and am tossing up between one which is totally standard, or one which has some significant mods. Both are around the same price.. both have about 120K on the odometer. But one has a garret turbo, front mount intercooler and so on and pushes 150kw at the front wheels...

My worry is that the bottom end won't last as the mods have been on the car a while now from what i can tell.

The car also has bosch injectors, pod filter, brass impeller water pump and a full 2.5 inch exhaust.

Thanks

evarn

**DUB 20V** · 30-10-2008, 02:15 PM

300hp 200kwatw is sweet on std internal

**spj** · 30-10-2008, 02:21 PM

Originally Posted by DUB 20V

300hp 200kwatw is sweet on std internal

i have a nice, near standard one for sale, with only 99kms...
under 20 too!

check the classifides section.

**h100vw** · 30-10-2008, 05:33 PM

The AGU would be the pick of the bunch, large port head and big wrist pins on the rods. As mentioned can handle 300hp and probably a bit more if the software is written so boost doesn't come on too quick.

Gavin

**Oneofthegreats** · 31-10-2008, 06:03 PM

Originally Posted by h100vw

The AGU would be the pick of the bunch, large port head and big wrist pins on the rods. As mentioned can handle 300hp and probably a bit more if the software is written so boost doesn't come on too quick.

Gavin

The AGU is the pick of the bunch as stated. It also has the forged crank.

The other pick is the AEB which is the logitudinal version, but this had a cast crank from memory.

I've heard of report's that the standard AGU internal's can cope with approx 400hp, but only & I mean only if the tune is spot on.

The weakest link in these engine's are the conrod's. They don't like too past a certain power level & definately don't like high cyl. pressure's. (don't get mixed up with cyl. pressure's & boost, as they are totally different)

I've got report's of a AGU with pauter rod's & standard BAM (TT225) piston's making in excesss of 700hp!
Obviously other top work has been done, but the bottom end with the right component's is nearly bullet proof!

**Bug_racer** · 31-10-2008, 09:35 PM

I disagree , the BAM is pick of the bunch . The AGU only has 19mm wrist pins , the BAM has 20mm .

Most 1.8ts have forged cranks , its only certain later a4s that have cast cranks

As for how strong the bottom end is , well , if you run a steady boost without spikes you can go to 400hp , but with torque spikes you can break a rod bolt with only a ko4 . Its really in the tuning !

**Oneofthegreats** · 31-10-2008, 10:26 PM

Originally Posted by Bug_racer

I disagree , the BAM is pick of the bunch . The AGU only has 19mm wrist pins , the BAM has 20mm .

Most 1.8ts have forged cranks , its only certain later a4s that have cast cranks

As for how strong the bottom end is , well , if you run a steady boost without spikes you can go to 400hp , but with torque spikes you can break a rod bolt with only a ko4 . Its really in the tuning !

The only down side to the BAM is the small head port compared to the AGU (Golf 4 GTI & Audi A3T) & AEB (Passat & A4) & the BAM engine can be a hard one to come by & most time's is much more expensive as I found out when buying my 20vt, which for interest sake was an extra $3K that came out of a rolled over TT & that's when I brought mine with ony 30K on it

But if your going to upgrade the internal's, why bother paying more when your not going to use the internal's anyway.

But I will say the AGU & AEB do have 20mm wrist pin's, as I've found out, when enquiring about rod's & piston's.

The early AGU & AEB's also don't have VVT which if your going down the big power & cam swap route, is far more of an advantage also.

Here's an older version 20vt listing for your viewing pleasure.

IMO there's plenty more pro's for the AGU.

I'd still go the AGU.