what size? 1.6TD or 1.9TD?

[Stacker]

Well im new to the vw diesels and I just bought a nice tin top off ebay that has no motor or trans.  The question is what size diesel motor will I be happy with?  It gonna be my DD and remain mostly stock.  Will I just crave more power if I get the 1.6TD or will that be sufficient?  I dont know where Im gonna get the motor from yet but more than likely Ill try to buy a good one from a reputable source.  I drive mostly on country roads (55mph) but would also like to have enough get up and go for the highway and do some road trips in it if I have to.  Im just undecided on what I would like better.  any input would be great.  Ive already done a 1.6 16v in my other samurai but i really want to go diesel (match my duramax truck to an extent)  Ive got a little time before I get home so Im just trying to weigh the differences I dont want to be dissappointed if I go with the 1.6TD Id rather spend a little extra $$$ now.  I guess I just need some input from people with experience with both.  thanks.

[Zuzuki]

First off, thanks for your service Dan!
I'm content with my 1.6 N/A, but everything else I drive is slow. I bet if you leave your rig stock, you should be happy with a 1.6TD. If you go with a 1.9TD you may need to change your axles and transmission to Toyota.

[Stacker]

First off, thanks for your service Dan!
I'm content with my 1.6 N/A, but everything else I drive is slow. I bet if you leave your rig stock, you should be happy with a 1.6TD. If you go with a 1.9TD you may need to change your axles and transmission to Toyota.

well this one cant be too extreme, thats why I have my other zuk.  so maybe too much power isnt a good thing huh?  I dont want to go too much past stock as far as the drivetrain is concerned, Im developing a passion for diesels.  I just want to keep things mostly stock and try to make it nice.  my wife gets to drive the really nice stuff so I figure ill just try to make my sammy really nice.  thanks for the reply, I was toying with the idea of a 1.6n/a but i thought for sure it wouldnt have enough power.

[love_loaf]

im in the same spot. i have a 1.6 na that is on its way out. i was able to live with it but it is dam slow.  i am leaning towards the 1.6 turbo. im thinking that a 1.9 will be too much for a stock drive train. im running 31 inch tires and a have the 4 to 1 low range. top speed with the diesel and stock drive train is quite slow top out around 100Kmh. and the motor is screaming.  the diesel is  great off road.

i think a 1.9 is only needed if your going to be running big tires like 33 or bigger. imo

[surfersami]

I use my samurai as a daily driver with the 1.6 n/a engine. I am totally happy with it unless I am on a long highway trip then I crave the turbo. If you are staying with smallish tires then go with the 1.6T. You wont regret it, and the mpg will be awsome.
Just the other day I was talking to a Prius owner who scoffed untill I said I get 40 pmg average city/hwy combined. 1.9T is probably overkill for a DD unless you are racing Isuzu P'up diesel trucks. Stay safe and thanks for serving!

[Stacker]

thanks for the input, just what I was looking for, will be mostly used for 55mph roads to and from work.  wouldnt mind having the power on the highway though.

thanks-Dan