2.0 to 2.6 - worth it?

[sidrick]

Hi guys,

I currently own a 1996 Kingfisher Blue 2.0E (8v ABK) coupe. I've had it for 18 months and really do love the car.
It's spot-on mechanically, runs like a dream and has had a lot of money spent on it (cambelt, tensioners, water pump, radiator, fuel lines and more (preventative maintenance rather than any disasters)) since I bought it, but it's not quite satisfying my need for speed and it could probably do with a splash of paint within the next year to keep it looking good.

I have a 1.8t engine from an A4 bought and waiting to go in it, but I'm starting to think the task might be beyond me.

Anyway, a 2.6 V6 has come up locally at a very low price. Again it's a 1996 in Kingfisher blue and is almost a clone of my current car except it's a bit rough around the edges (reflected in the price) and would need a little tidying up for me to be happy with it. It has no history, but mechanically looks and sounds fine. It also has a years tax and test, which is a comfort.

Obviously I'd like an S2 but I plan to buy a house this year, go to Thailand and possibly get engaged ( ) so I don't think I can quite justify the initial cost of a good one, but can afford to spend a couple of hundred here and there maintaining one of the above while putting money aside into a 'car fund'. The S2 will have to be next year.

My question is that will the V6 be enough of a step up to justify getting rid of my current car or will I soon get bored of it? Should I just run my reliable little beauty for another year while saving for an S2 rather than take a risk on the unknown 2.6?
I'm not looking to break any land speed records and I actually think the ol' 8-valver is a capible wee engine for what it is, but I'd like a little bit more go.

Thanks for reading my life story and any advice is welcome

[quattrostyle]

skip the V6 and build the 1.8T coupe or sell the 1.8T engine and save some money to buy a S2 eventualy.

[Christophski]

Do the 1.8t route and have fun with that. I don't think it's that hard to do if you have some nouse, mates and manuals plus this site has the knowledge for it too. Will be more fun and punch than a v6 lump

[shaun5]

skip the V6 and build the 1.8T coupe or sell the 1.8T engine and save some money to buy a S2 eventualy.

I agree with quattrostyle, Do the 1.8T conversion or sell engine and save, look at lee_whitehead's thread B3 Audi 80 16V Sport (1.8T Turbo) He is doing that conversion

[Rusty]

Quick and dirty mod is to get a 270 cam in the 2.0; it'll make a surprising difference for about £100 secondhand Means you can then get the rest of the kit for the 1,8T together over the forseable future and then plonk it in. A cammed 2.0 isn't going to be much different to a 2.6 in the real world.

[sam80quattro]

i wouldn't waste your time to be honest, my mates 2.8 coupe quattro is on par with 1.3 micras with 2 people in it haha sounds good though

[gripper]

Sounds like your mates 2.8 quattro is sh***ed to me

Really sick of people slating these ! Ok its not going to set the world alight but as a competent all rounder I think they are pretty good. Plus these seem to spend less time being 'fixed' !

[macspring]

Sounds like your mates 2.8 quattro is sh***ed to me

Really sick of people slating these ! Ok its not going to set the world alight but as a competent all rounder I think they are pretty good. Plus these seem to spend less time being 'fixed' !

Agree.

[macspring]

Sidrick,

I know a year is a long time to wait, but my tuppence would be to sell the 1.8T engine and conserve all other non essential motoring expenses unless they're related to the regular maintenance of the existing 2.0L Coupe.

The reason being that it will allow you to save quicker to be in a position to get a Kingfisher S2.

Consider a standing order for a set amount into a savings account specifically for the S2 for extra motvation.

Enough of my life advice.

[Tobs 1]

I love my 2.6!! Ok it isn't as quick off the mark as a 1.8T, or as economical, but there's far more real world torque available. Plus it sounds awesome when you drop it into 2nd when leaving a 30mph zone and floor it :mischeif:

The 2.6 coupe is a stealthy cruiser, not a hot hatch.

[Tonks4x4]

Another vote for save your money!

There is unfortunately no comparison to be had compared to the S2.

However do be prepared to never ever ever ever have any money again....

[andy10v]

If you want and can afford to run an S2 then I would advise save up and get one, it is worth it and a massive difference.

[quattrostyle]

why do people state that the V6 sounds nice? My V6 didn't make any sound at all till I hooked a 3'' pipe into the airbox

[Biggss2]

i wouldn't waste your time to be honest, my mates 2.8 coupe quattro is on par with 1.3 micras with 2 people in it haha sounds good though

that made me tickle!

[sidrick]

Thanks for the advice guys.

I'm going to buy the 2.6 and transfer the front bumper, black half-leather (mine is the blue half-leather) and as much of it's new stainless exhaust to my 2.0 as I can and just sell it on.
I'll be keeping the 2.0 as a daily/sensible car even once I get an S2 though