Part 6: Engine Mounts

Two approaches are possible here. Firstly new brackets can be made to connect with the original Mk2/3 mounting points thus avoiding modifications to the vehicle chassis– this method is covered below. The second possibility is utilise the original TFSI mounts and modify the Mk2/3 chassis and subframe to suit. This approach is particularly attractive if you plan to use the Mk5 02Q gearbox.

On RHD cars if the engine is located in its normal position for the Mk2 then the compressor housing fouls the rubber gaiter for the steering column UJ. Therefore the whole engine and gearbox must be moved forward around 15mm. This in turn causes problems with the oil filter fouling the front cross-member. The engine is also pretty tall. The height of the engine must also be adjusted to ensure adequate bonnet clearance while maximising ground clearance and front cross-member clearance.

Rear engine mount

Although the mounting holes for the original Mk2/3 engine mounts are in the block the original mount cannot be fitted due to the position of the turbo charger. However, moving various components as detailed above can yield enough space to fit a specially designed mount that meets up with the original Mk2 subframe mounting point. The original turbo oil and water feed pipes pass under the compressor housing. However, to achieve the clearance required the turbo oil and water feed pipes must be remanufactured and rerouted to allow the engine mount to sit directly below the compressor housing. In this case a Mk3 VR6 rear engine mount has been shortened and modified to fit the Mk2 subframe.

Front engine mount

The oil cooler prevents the original Mk2 front engine bracket from being used. In addition the need to relocate the engine means the mount must be completely redesigned to connect the engine to the original MK2 mount of the front cross-member

Gearbox mount

Since the engine and gearbox need to be moved forward by 15mm to ensure adequate clearance a new redesigned gearbox mount is required, even if using an 02A/J/S gearbox.

Front Cross member

As detailed previously, on RHD cars the engine must be moved forward to ensure the compressor housing clears the steering column gaiter which brings the front cross-member very close to the oil filter. Therefore the cross-member must ‘notched’ to ensure clearance is maintained.