Yes, putting a turbo on a NA block is fine. But keep it cool.

I've put several turbos on the Naturally Aspirated VW diesel engines. You can use all three brands that came with the VW in various configurations, KKK, air research, and...forgot the other one. There's a big version and a small version.

You just have to make sure they stay cool. I use the RX7 oil-to-air coolers and a good sized radiator and an Saab intercooler. That seems to be the way to keep these VW diesels cool.

You'll also want to get a pyrometer to measure your heat and a boost gauge. Adjust fuel and boost to keep the heat range proper and your good to go with extra HP/Torque and a smile.

 

This little gem my buddy just got has an industrial 1.9 turbo. Chromo links, D44's, air in front coilovers in rear, tube front cage

 

Cool. Sounds like a nice build with all that stuff.

Just rebuilt the transmission in my diesel Sidekick. My daughter was driving on the freeway pulled over and called me, "Dad" the transmission is making a bad noise. Got it home and apart and the middle bearing was completely apart. found broken teeth on 3rd gear, ball bearings in the bottom of the case and broken bearing clips that hold the bearings in place in the casing. Crazy.

Anyway, got it back together and she purring like a nice diesel.

Anyone have recommendations for fuel additives...since the low sulphur takes the toll on the injection pump and system?

 

Be careful with putting a turbo on a natural aspriated VW engine.
The VW turbo engine has a stronger crank, different hypereuretic pistons and oil spray jets to cool the downside of the pistons.

The heads will also develop cracks between the valves, if stressed.

On the other side you can squeeze the turbo engine up to 120hp. It's done here very often.( I did to)

I still have the original oil cooler adapter, fitting the 1.6 engine.

 

I have a VW Rabbit Pickup with a torquemonster 2.0 liter TD in it as a summer driver and was really considering a Zuk with a 1.9 AAZ (I have a good spare) as a winterbeater. It looks like an easy swap with good results.
The problem is finding a good Zuk here.

 

Yes, same with motors untouched by the salt of Ontario. All the 1.9TD blocks I would buy, 90 percent came from Ontario, would have to be descaled and the engine bosses had to be redrilled and threaded. I would imagine that zuks are hard to find without rust too.

Sidekick trackers seem to be more plentiful out your way. Love to visit some day. My mom has been there, but I haven't made it yet.

 

There be a lot of us dieselfreaks on the east coast. You're always welcome here.

 

This fellow is from Eastern Canada, I think.

Have you seen this:

 

And that's why we rock diesels. In one word: SIMPLICITY

 

Hey guys... I was lookin around on google and found this site and someone was askin about diesel zuks.. I have done one. and its for sale. any takers???