Are all 1.8t blocks the same???

[Loony R]

Hey all!
I need a fresh block for my LCR
Are all 1.8t blocks the same part for 150, 180, 210 and 225 bhp?
Cheers

 

[Ronin225]

All 06a blocks expect BAM are almost identical but BAM has additional strengthening webbing on the casting.
Someone did tell me some of the older blocks took 11mm bolts/studs instead of the current 10mm

 

[Allan_84]

.....but BAM has additional strengthening webbing on the casting.....

where do you get this from?

 

[Ronin225]

Have a look through vortex, etc it seems to be a well documented thing

 

[Allan_84]

Have a look through vortex, etc it seems to be a well documented thing

not well documented, i have been seaching in the vwvortex forums 1,8T section: BAM, block, strong, stronger, and cant find it mentioned.

i know the BAM engine have lower compression ratio, but that is the pistons.
i know the BAM engine have 20mm wrist pin but some other 1,8T engine also have this.

if the BAM block is stronger then all other 1,8T why is it then that the AMK also have the same part number on the block?

the only think you can say is stronger is that you can run more boost on a BAM because the compression is lower, if that is what you mean by stronger?

 

[Ronin225]

Found it, it was clubgti i was looking at where its discussed and another link here
http://forums.subdriven.com/showthread.php?2474296-Differences-between-180-225-(Bam)-TT-engine-internals....
Also this
http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthread.php?2447809
http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthread.php?1230270

 

[Allan_84]

thanks, i can see you might be right on this, but all the links and pictures ar almost 5-9years old now and non of them seems to work now, so i cant see much.

so im still vary curious on this topic, i see some threads post 2 PDF docs where there apparently should be more on this, but again its old and no links works, those 2 pdf:
225-cae.pdf
225-1pt8.pdf

most i read is still pure speculation on some of the threads if you know what i mean, and some even say that the strengthening is "inside" so you cant see it on the block, like some water channel that is wider or got other shape at the top of the block.

but as what i can read if there is somethink that has additional strengthening, then im sure its not only the BAM engine, its probably also both the AMK and the BAM engine, and maybe also other 210/225 bhp engines found in other vagcars like S3 and TT.

so im still not satisfied with the result, i want more info on this but i know you cant do magic and get all my answer, but if you know or later get more info on this please let me know here or PM me.

 

[grahams81]

I found the same info as Ronin when searching, but to be fair there does seem to be loads of bad info surrounding "blocks".....
Some people think block is the complete bottom end, pistons crank rods etc and thats why BAM's are better - the rods are still crap and snap often.
The facts are most 06a blocks (physical casting) are the same and are very strong. The only differences in engine codes are related to piston compressions, wrist pin size etc.
Apparently the BAM's do have more internal webbing for strength and different water jackets but i'm not sure (would be strange / expensive for VAG to invest in different castings for the last in the line of 1.8t's especially when there is nothing wrong with the normal 06a blocks.
If the OP is after a block for a high power build then depending on what parts will be replaced will determine which engine code to go for.
If its big turbo stuff i would be tempted to go for AGU (largeport head) and change the rods / pistons. That would be good enough for nearly all situations.

 

[Ronin225]

Engine should be coming out soon anyway for stroker so if you get some comparison photos of another block i'll get a load of my BAM one before it gets bored out