How much work would it be to swap the (upgrade limited) 2.8 12V to a 1.8T in a 1996 quattro manual trans?
What needs to be changed?
- engine
- engine wiring harness
- ECU
- exhaust
else....

Does the clutch bolt the 1.8T?
Driveshafts?
Can the motor mounts be modified?
Radiator etc?

 

Uh.... Why are you downgrading?

 

lmfao ^

if it's a 12v its an upgrade, 30v is another story.

 

Both are 'non upgradable' as far as I am concerned. The 1.8T can go for a few bucks (Stage 2 chip) to 'quite fun', and for a few more to 'lots of fun' (350hp). In steps, so not all money is needed at once.

Only 2.8 upgrade: Supercharger. Rare and expansive.

That's why.

 

Motor mounts will work, clutch wont seeing the 2.8 and 1.8t do not use the same clutch kit or the same flywheel. If you swap a 1.8t you will not have to change anything in the driveline itself, the 2.8 transmission will bolt right the 1.8t block since the 2.8 and 1.8t both use the same 01A transmission. Many 1.8t owners have swapped to a 2.8 transmission because it has slightly taller gears, have even seen some 2.8 owners swap to a 1.8t 5 speed transmission to make the car quicker thru the gears.

 

So mechanically, no biggi (get 1.8T clutch and flywheel).
How about electrical?
Biggest issue will be to get engine wiring harness I assume?

 

Yeah. Just have to find a parts car to get everything off of it.

 

is the wiring harness in just the engine bay or does it somehow make its way into the cabin, i know where to get a few harnessess

 

Pretty much all in the engine bay, IIRC a few to the cluster inside the car. I actually removed most of my engine bay harness a while after going stand alone. Just got tired off it just tied up in the engine bay and wanted to use the ECU box to hold part of my data recorder.

 

ive been contemplating this swap also but i have the 30v im sure its straight forward.