ABA/JH Swap by Moljinar

3 minute(s) of a 40 minute read

10-26-2009

I'm indeed close to solving the powersteering crisis but I'll not revela that until I'm in the midst of it. 

Meanwhile despite the taller engine I've found the upper strut brace as sold by EuroSport and TT do clear the head with no real issue. I'll have pics soon.

11-3-2009

Small update. 

After a few weeks of driving I can now recommend that anyone doing this swap will want to dimple/flatten the section of frame rail where the Serp belt tensioner sticks out. Although mine isn't hitting normally it does on hard left turns. I figure this is due to the passenger mount sagging differently between different cars.

11-8-2009

Firstly I helped out my clearance problem by jacking up the engine until I could slide in a piece of rubber tubing with a 8mm bolt in side. That keeps the mount from dropping which moves the engine closer to the frame rail. Being mostly rubber it doesn't increase the vibration any.

Secondly, yeehaaaw!! I have a A3 powersteering pump and bracket in hand and after a bit of experimentation have figured out how to make our powersteering work with the ABA and a serp belt setup. I have pics and when I finish the install I'll post the solution.

11-9-2009

Here's few pics to whet your whistle.

The A3 ps system uses a heavier set of brackets which hold a cradle which holds the ps pump. The cradle is pivoted at one end and adjusted via a geared adjustment similar to some VW alternators. All in all rather solid. 

The A1/A2 ps pump is physically identical to the A3 pump as far as external dimensions and mounting points go. Only the hose connection is different. So simply remove the A3 pump and put in the A1 pump. 

But the A3 hub is longer, about 1/2". To use the A1 pump we need to remove the hubs and trade them. That's where I'm at right now. I thought I had a 3-jaw puller but I don't. May rent one tonight. 

OR...... you could probably use the entire A1 PS setup and use the A3 hub and get it to work. Personally I prefer the sturdiness of the A3 setup.