Vw Golf 1 1.6 to 1.8 crank swop

[Jazzyfizzer]

Hi there guys,

I would like some advice on the following. I have a 1.6 8v citi golf life. Mods that I have are just branch and exhaust with a flowed 2.0 short intake and 2.0 throttle body. Car goes well and is responsive, however I would like to change my crank to a 1.8 crank. Reason being, I am suspecting a small end knock. Iirc the bore sizes on the 1600 and 1800 are the same and I won't have to do engine clearance. My friend has given me an 1800 crank but he's not sure how much it has been turned. How can I determine this? Okay so basically I would like to know if I can use the same rods, the mains and big end caps, and if I use my current 1600 pistons (after machining) will it be better than just using 1800 pistons?

[PapaJo]

Bore sizes and conrods are the same size and length. 1800 crank fits with new bearings.

You need to change the pistons though as the 1800 pistons has a shorter compression height than the 1600 piston.

You will need to tune for the increased engine capacity.

[PapaJo]

You will have no piston crown and compresion rings fitted when you machine the 1600 piston down. Get the 1800 pistons.