If you're gonna swap out the engine, you might as well put in a tt. There really wouldn't be a good reason to put another n/a in. If you wanna upgrade in performance, it'd be alot easier to do with a tt engine than an n/a. For the same amount that you'd spend upgrading an n/a to stock tt levels, a tt would have nearly 1.5 times more power or more.

If you had a tt to begin with, then just a tt engine would be necessary since all you'd have to do is just drop it in.
BUT, in an n/a, you'd be better off with a front clip (basically the front half of the car) because you lack in the n/a all the stuff that makes a tt a tt. Namely the tt engine, of course, the trans is different. Intercoolers and all the plumbing involved there are also missing. ECU and wiring harness are different on the tt so you'll need those as well. If you wanted to change to a tt front end you could do that as well since it should be included with a front clip. The only thing that you'd really be missing is the HICAS system. Of course, many tt owners'll tell you that you aren't missing anything anyway. But that's a matter of debate and has been so since it's introduction. IMO, something less you have to worry about breaking though.

The difference between the USDM and JDM tt engines is minimal at best. So whatever you can get for less would probably benefit you financially. If you're looking for an engine online, ebay would probably be the worst place to go since you don't really have any guarantee or warranty on anything you buy. Most online retailers are reputable. Be do your homework. Ask others that have shopped there. Unfortunately, I haven't done that particular upgrade yet. So, I can't at this moment recommend any particular place or shop or retailer.

I bet thatNismo LMR could though. So here's your chance to help out Nismo. Now get to it.

 

That's right, if they're selling an engine, that's all you'll get is an engine. Which is ok if you already have a tt. But you don't. A front clip would be more beneficial for you because it'll include EVERYTHING. Just cuz they'll sell you an engine doesn't mean that they'll include the wiring harness or the ECU to run it.

Doing your homework before you buy will save you the trouble of having to shop and shop and shop around for what you need later. It might save you some cash as well, especially if you get a front clip that'll have everything you need to get up and running.

As far as the intcooler goes, if you don't get a front clip that is, you have the option of installing a single large front mount or upgrading to the larger side mounts that are available. But you'll still have to track down the wiring harness and a manual transmission ECU and the trans itself and so on.
So just for the sake of me saving my breath and not having to repeat myself again, getting a front clip for a n/a to tt conversion is the easiest way to go. That way you can just transfer the parts over from one front end to the other.

 

I would get a short or long block before doing either and in the long run it will probably be cheaper.. Then find a wrecked TT to pull all the parts off of..

However if your going to do a TT conversion your better off just getting a TT.. Mainly because there is so many things you will need..

The last thing you want to do is get the motor pulled and put a new one in and it die on you a few days down the road.

We are doing a TT Conversion 300 Convertible now.. Its not really that hard to do but does take time and $$$ to do..




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