Golf 4: AJM Engine Swap to ARL

Hello everyone.

To address a potential head injury in the AJM (presumably a medical context), the consideration is to directly convert to ARL (likely another medical procedure or treatment).

I would like to ask you to share your experiences with me and thank you in advance for your contributions.

Vehicle:

Volkswagen Golf 4, manufactured in 2000.
AJM 6-speed.

What do I need, and where might problems arise?

Are the wiring harnesses identical in every detail, or are there any issues with them?

Can the AJM control unit be flashed with ARL software, or does it have to be an original equipment manufacturer (OEM) unit?

4. Training AI: Is it straightforward, or are there any hidden drawbacks?

"5. What about the fuel cooler and front mount intercooler (FMIC)? Are they plug-and-play, or is more extensive work required (e.g., modifying the engine bay support, front bumper, etc.)?"

Thank you for your responses.

Best regards,
Marc

Hi,

The engine block is not the same. A replacement engine with either an ARL or ASZ code (note: different turbocharger) would be a good option. The boost pressure sensor needs to be replaced, and the intercooler is different (mounted transversely at the front instead of sideways). The turbocharger is also different, and it's questionable whether you can simply reprogram the engine control unit (ECU) or if it will even work correctly... There are several EDC15 revisions depending on the year of manufacture. If you're already going through all this trouble, I would recommend getting the correct engine control unit to avoid potential problems.

Best regards, Rainer.

The good thing about using the AJM as a base is that it already has a 6-speed transmission, which saves a significant amount of work.

"However, it's quite a bit of work and involves several parts. Just the FMIC (Front Mount Intercooler) alone requires: mounting brackets, a water cooler, an air conditioning condenser, a dryer, two climate control lines, a water hose, a fan, and the two turbocharger boost pipes plus four hoses."

MSTG: I would always use the engine control unit (ECU) that is specifically designed for that particular engine.
The wiring harness is not exactly the same; the pin assignments are correct, but the cable from the boost pressure sensor would be too short because it's located in a completely different place on the ARL engine. However, it could be extended, so you wouldn't necessarily have to replace it.

The easiest option would be to find a wrecked or salvaged car with an intact front end; however, if you buy all the parts individually, it will become very expensive. Alternatively, if you're not particularly attached to the specific car or if it has extensive modifications, consider getting a new vehicle.

BadStranger wrote:

4. Training AI: Is it straightforward, or are there any hidden drawbacks? Best regards, Marc

.

The ARL engine control unit (ECU) uses immobilizer system 3. If the AJM speedometer also has immobilizer 3, you can link them using VCDS, but you will need the PIN from both ECUs (which cannot be read out with VCDS).
Does the AJM Golf have an Immo 2 speedometer installed? Do you also need another speedometer, and if so, new key transponders and both PIN codes? The prerequisite is that the Golf already has CAN bus lines connected to the instrument cluster.

Immo2 speed sensor = WFS symbol on the tachometer.
Immo3 speedometer = WFS symbol on the speedometer.

AI without CAN = Part number 1J0919xxx.
AI with part number 1J0920xxx (would be helpful for the project).

Okay, so to speak: read the mileage displayed on the dashboard of that AJM Golf and check the part number. If it shows "920" in the middle, it's doable; if it shows "919" in the middle, it won't work.

The AJM engine in the Golf always had CAN (Controller Area Network). Models from the year 2000 came with IMMO II as standard equipment.

ARL MSTG was also available with IMMO II, but only for about ~7 months before the switch to IMMO III in model year 02. That's why I say: get a Schlachter unit, then you can directly replace everything, including the KI and even the transponders; you wouldn't even need to program anything.

TDI-GTI-4-Motion wrote:

AJM always had CAN in the Gulf.

Very good.

Well, it really depends on what kind of parts you get. Ideally, as described by GTI-TDI, everything should come from the same car.
Otherwise, you'll need someone who can pull the pins for you.

Thank you for your responses, even though I'm only replying now, very late.

I have to apologize for that; it's not usually how I behave.

The issue is now closed because the cost-benefit ratio simply doesn't justify it.