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1.8T VAG engine, immobilizer
Cluelesstom - 21/8/18 at 09:16 PM

Hello, just thinking out loud and wondering if anyone knows if it would be possible to use a factory ecu on a 1.8t in a kit car.
would i encounter problems with the immobilizer and others?
would it be worthy to just buy an aftermarket ecu?

Thanks.

Russell - 22/8/18 at 05:41 AM

It's not too difficult to get the immobiliser removed by a chip change in the ECU. I had it done, cost about £150 including a remap. If not done, the ECU is coded to the dash instruments and the ignition key.

Cluelesstom - 22/8/18 at 06:29 AM

Do you know if I Would be able to link out the instruments and the ignition battle as well? And then have the ecu chipped ?
Thanks

Russell - 23/8/18 at 07:31 AM

If you have the immobiliser removed you don't need to use the original ignition barrel (it's actually a detector ring around the barrel) or the original instruments.
I had this done to my ECU about a decade ago by someone local to me but I've seen adverts recently on eBay for the same service.
It's surprising how few wires you need to run the engine afterwards!
Mine's a 1998 AEB engine by the way.

Cluelesstom - 23/8/18 at 08:02 AM

ah! Brilliant thanks for the info really appreciate it, I was going to purchase a bam and then change the sump and pick up.
Just glad the original ecu can be used!
Thanks again. I might message you if I get future problems if that’s okay?

Cluelesstom - 23/8/18 at 08:05 AM

Could I ask what gearbox you have?

Russell - 23/8/18 at 07:00 PM

No probs, feel free to message me and I'll try to help. I transplanted the engine and transaxle from a B5 Passat into the back of a Spire GTR so it's mid engined RWD. It starts and drives but I haven't touched it for nearly 2 years 😐
The BAM engine is nice!

Russell - 23/8/18 at 07:03 PM

Have a look at eBay item 153113358337

Cluelesstom - 23/8/18 at 07:23 PM

added that one to the watch list! Haha.
Just figuring out what gearbox I’d like, I think I’ll stick with stock power and see how it goes then with the power increase I’ll buy the box to go with it.
All good fun!

lars509 - 4/3/20 at 06:15 PM

quote:
Originally posted by Russell
If you have the immobiliser removed you don't need to use the original ignition barrel (it's actually a detector ring around the barrel) or the original instruments.
I had this done to my ECU about a decade ago by someone local to me but I've seen adverts recently on eBay for the same service.
It's surprising how few wires you need to run the engine afterwards!
Mine's a 1998 AEB engine by the way.


Hi,
I am in the process of using a 1.8T from a 2003 passat in a mid ending chassi I built. Does anyone have a guide or schematics for the minimum amount of wiring that I would need to run it? It has the drive-by-wire throttle.

Thanks,
Lars

Russell - 5/3/20 at 12:36 PM

Conversion to cable throttle might be the easier option

lars509 - 5/3/20 at 06:15 PM

That's one thought. However, I still would like to simplify the wiring harness. I need to keep the fuses and relays for some things, but I dont need things like AC, lighting etc. There must be a lot of people out there that have done this.