Looking to go big Turbo and Engine internals.

[firefly4322]

Okay, what I am looking for is recommendations and opinions and why you have that recommendation or opinion.  I have been hitting the search button, and checking google and seeing whats out there and that is why I am looking to see what people are thinking out there.

What I got is a 2003 Jetta 1.8T.  This thing has been my pride n joy outside of my two daughters and wife.  I have really dropped a hugenormous amount of money into this car so far.  Its really not that much compared to most of you out there but its alot to me.  I have done 95% of the work on this car the 5% that I didnt do I was standing right there watching to make sure the guy was doing what he was supposed to do.  Not that I dont trust mechanics, just had some bad experiences with so-called "warranty work".  That and I wasnt 100% comfortable with tearing apart a brand new transmission to install an LSD.  However I was there to help with the whole tear down and rebuild on the transmission.  I would like to keep it that way in the matter that I continue to do all the work to the car. 
 
My car has a number of bolt on components.  I am sure that I want to go big when it comes to turbo but of course money is going to be an issue depending on how much is going upfront...  I was thinking working this all out in stages but if I want to go BT then I need to be concerned with how much power my car is going to be able to handle.  As this is a daily driven car I wouldnt mind  something that I can pretty much dial in so that I can change the economy of power so that I can drive down the road when I am not racing down or around a track.

Components that I have on the car and I know any major modifications will pretty much omitted allot of the engine components:
ABD Racing (FMIC, Lower intercooler pipe, Cold Air Intake), APR (ECU programming), GHL Motorsports (3 inch Turbo back exhaust), Samco (Inlet Hose, Boost Hoses), Forge DV, Eurospec (O2J 6 spd race gear transmission,  Stg 2 clutch and L/W Flywheel), Quaife LSD, Driveshaft Shop (400hp Drive Axles),
Bilstein (PSS9 Coilovers), Neuspeed (Fnt/Rear Sway bars, Lower tie bar, Upper strut bar)
 
I have bought a AEB head which was supposedly port and polished.  It dont look very polished it still looks very rough.  Its just he head, no valves, cams, springs or other hardware.
As well, an APR intake manifold and Z flow intercooler.  I am thinking of having the APR intake manifold polished on the inside, would you recommend that or do you think its a waste of time?
 
I had been thinking about Ferera valves, springs and retainers however, they are rather pricey.  Looking into Supertech at the same time. 

Not quiet sure if I should goto solid lifters or not.  I dont know what the ups and downs for using solid lifters are.  That leaves me with the dilema of what to do about the cams.  I think I am going to look into CAT Cams 3551, I think.
 
As far as HP.  I would like the engine to be able to handle whatever turbo I put on it.   I dont "think" I want to change the displacement.  However I would like to try to get over 600 hp maybe 700 if at all possible.  That may be asking too much from a 1.8T but I wouldnt mind trying at least once.  I have seen Eds GTi on the internet.  I have been reading that its streetable.  If that is really true or not I dont know.  I figure if its too much I can get a smaller turbo later.  Im sure I will be getting another VW at some point so more parts are always good.
 
Well, so I think that might give you a good idea of what I have and where I am looking to go.  I think the best thing for me right now is do it in stages (i.e. Engine first, turbo second).  However if I take the head off then I want to do the lower engine stuff at the same time.

[Jeronkie]

WOW, looking at 600-700, economical, daily driver, low cost all in one.! 

I would suggest the following (but that’s just me) Get a realistic power goal, drive with someone that’s got a 400 or 500 hp 1.8t and then rethink you power goals and what you are using the car for

If you still want more you can always go bigger and bigger, more and more $

You were thinking a lot ! LOL

Solid lifters No, on Hydraulic some of the guys go to 8000+ rpm with Big Hp numbers so I don’t think that’s needed now  ,

What is the definition of streetable , you must decide if you want big power it will come late that the bad side of BT conversions ,

I would go for (but that’s just me)

1)   Set of rods (IE ,Scat)
2)   Unitronic file (Big turbo) + injectors + Fuel supply (in-line pump)
3)   SEM intake manifold
4)   You mentioned the intercooler but I am not from the US , just make sure it’s as big and effective as possible 
5)   I Would give BOBQ a call to look at the head and maybe go for Cat52 Cams, springs, valves etc
6)   GT30R or 35R depending on your definition on daily driver and you Power goal
7)   Exhaust manifolds (lots on the market ,again depending on what you want to do)

If the 600 or 700hp is your goal, it’s also the goal of many on this and other forums, just not that easy to get! Anyway good luck with your build, keep us up to date   

[Jeronkie]

Sorry wanted to mention, some of the suggested parts is not for your power goals, It just a good BT start.

Sure the others will add a few more suggestions   

[TommyBoyee]

I have a 350hp 1.8T Corrado street car and that's pretty damn reasonable IMHO. A 600+ car is not necessary for "daily driver" purposes. The tradeoff between hp and driveability should be worked out.

For me the amount of $ available and the purpose of the vehicle are key to a successful build. Without those the car can sit forever waiting on money or the end result is terrible at it's task.

[Don®]

Jeronkie, pretty much summed it up