Lets get a current mod list for Gramps going: SASed, tired old 22R swap, top shift W56, transmission break, rear disc conversion, Chevy 63 5 leaf pack in the rear, 4.10 gears, 33x12.5R15 BFG KO2 (Ew), welded rear/open front, "not made by me" front tube bumper, and weld on sliders.

Got started on the donor today and iv removed the front clip so far. Everything come off more or less without hastle save for a few rusted in bolts. Gave them a good hit with the dakka and they come right off. There are pros and cons to living close to the ocean… I did notice there is more than just a little bit of oil coming through from the turbo. I might have a GTC1549VZ lined up if the stock one is bad. Wish me luck.

Welcome Ku_Guy,

Thoughts about your project…

First, I commend any DIYer backyard mechanic doing any kind of “swap”, modification, or trying a challenge build.

I owned a diesel-powered vehicle. It was by far one of the best and most enjoyable daily drivers I’ve ever owned.
Based upon that experience, however, I would not want to own one again. My choice would be gasoline powered.

Being involved in the off-road hobby since 1977, I’ve seen lots of backyard projects.
I’ve spoken to lots of people who were doing some kind of modification.
There are a gazillion words posted on forums about swap projects.

I’ve only done 1 engine swap.

Experimenting creates discovery.

I’m curious to see what we discover about your swap.

Good luck.

Gnarls.

Thanks for the input! Honestly i want to make the cool sounds and do something out of my comfort zone! The process is what gets me. For me the excitement builds from the research and apexes when i turn the key for the first time! I also only have (and drive) 22r carb trucks so the fuel injection is a new mountain to summit with its own quarks!

Todays I made some major progress. The rest of the engine harness was disconnected and labeled, the engine was pulled, and the transmission separated. Working on these VWs is a major learning curve. Lots of time spent between google and the service manual trying to find out what each sensor does as i go so i can label as i unplug. Just trying to make my life easier when i go through the wiring harness later. Stumbling with the “new to me” tripple square drivers was a trip but I managed to get the passenger side  CV axle off from under, the drivers side was a little hard to get access to so that would wait till later. The hardest part was trying to find decent mounting points to attach the engine to the cherry picker. At this point my boy showed up and gave me a hand. Once we had the engine supported from above I removed the bottom engine mount then slowly undid the two side mounts making sure we didnt drop it. When the engine was floating on its own I dropped it a bit and cut the exhaust after the flex pipe. We then moved the engine forward a bit to gain access to the drivers side CV. Next up was removing the DSG auto trans and that was an exercise for my brain trying to find the correct combination of tools to reach all the bolts. I had a knocking sound sometimes when idling or decelerating and come to find out that my pilot bearing was in pieces and my flex plate was loose. Super stoked the intermittent tapping was from that and not something internal. When that was done she was finally free! Threw her on the engine stand and called it a day. A very good day.

There's no such thing as too much money, too many cubic inches, or too many off-road adventures! 

I love the photos!! 

Gnarls.

Been think a lot about power steering. Iv been going back and forth between finding factory mounts to use a VW pump, making my own brackets for a Toyota pump, or electric PS. Iv committed to electric power steering using a 2004-2012 Volvo S40 pump. Now to figure out wiring. Ill do some research to see the best way to wire this.

After clearing my area i made a back board that would fit my harness with some scrap wood. I tied it down to the board with some wire and screws but of course it has to start pouring rain so i stood her up and stowed it away for the day. Something about water and wiring doesnt seem right to me.

Ku_Guy,

I cannot even imagine taking on a swap project that complex!!

I'm eager to follow your progress.

Gnarls.

Iv learned that if i do enough research to understand the process i gain to confidence to move forward. Honestly its not too bad if the procedure s and reasons are pinned down. Iv done10x more research than actual work. I dont know specifically what wires or bundles i need to keep or take out entirely yet but i have a good idea. Ill be talking to my tuner to figure out what i need as well as forums. People in these communities are amazingly helpful and honestly care that you do well!