VW Rialta Motor Swap?

[baldbandit]

I recently blew my 1996 VW Rialta's motor. After some research I noticed they bumped up the horse power in 97 and then again in 02. Does anyone know if I can swap out a motor from the newer models and if so do I need to replace the transmission as well?

[slowmachine]

The short answer is no, you cannot swap either of the VR6 engines that came in later models into your 1996, which has an inline 5-cylinder. With enough money and parts, just about anything is theoretically possible, but the modifications required to do this come very close to replacing the entire cab and forward chassis with parts from a later model Eurovan. Enjoy the relative simplicity of the inline 5. The best way to increase performance is to reduce vehicle weight.


Mike
2000 HR Endeavor 40PBD
Freghtliner XC, CAT 3126B

[oldsman41]

a good friend of mine had same year and loved it. blew the motor and wanted more power. well he spent a heck of alot of money completely refabing the front of the thing but finally got it together and running. he could have bought a new one for all he spent on it. try to find a rebuilt inline and replace it or move on to something a little newer if you can aford it.