Sorry - I’m a bit of a lurker on here.
Had my S1 for 2 and a half years now but its been off the road for most of that time as it needs a little tlc and I am only now getting to the point where I can give it that.
Its a total body off resto, you know the sort of thing, all new nuts/bolts/bushes/ball joints/rad etc etc
Which has me thinking, its got a VAG 1.8t in it which of course makes it seriously rapid, but as I will probably sell it at some point in the future, is it worth reverting to a 1.8 K series?
I was guessing that I could pick up a 1.8 MGF and do an engine/box/ecu transplant whilst getting Dave Andrews (or similar) to warm it up to 200bhp or so.
Would it be worth a lot more with a K series back in (albeit not a matching numbers one)?
Or shall I just leave the 1.8t in and when I do sell it on, just expect to get a little less for it than an original car would get?
The S1 Exige had a vhpd k series and I think you would need one of those to make it original, with the throttle bodies, b4bp gearbox and correct Ecu. You will struggle to find any of them and they will be big money. I would think it would be much better to make it a tidy and usable Audi, Exige. That would be good, very presentable but not too good so you worry about every chip.
Nothing wrong with re-engined cars …after all the orig VHPD cars were a bit under powered and a modded car is SOOOOO much more fun… and should not command any less in my opinion…but I am biased.
Have fun
Agreed. The project I started literally 3 years ago is going more and more standard by the minute. That said it won’t be perfect OE but it will be a damn good restoration of a well used original.
Once roadworthy I’ll be able to change all the little bits and bobs over time. And time seems where it’s at wouldn’t you say…
So if you have the time and inclination yes go original.
Cheers for the feedback guys. I guess I’ll keep the fun engine in for now…From what you all say, going back to <200bhp is going to be a little dull after 400 odd!
I image you’ve probably got a well sorted car that goes like stink.
To get top money you would not only have to source a vhpd but the vhpd that orginally came with the car.
I would save your time and money and enjoy the car for what it is…or if you want to try something different sell it as is.
