My reasons for thinking about it are: pros: smaller engine, easier to keep cool still a powerful engine even at 1.4 more space on engine bay to fit and maintain it no immobiliser in the clocks to worry about cons: why not just fit a 1.9,more power thoughts?
the 1.4 is underpowered in a car, it will be no good in a van. If you are going to do all that work, get yourself a bigger engine or you are just wasting your time and money
1.4 TDI in my seat arosa is an AMF code engine and in standard form is 75BHP and 144lb/ft torques, mine i sa little bit more powerful as its had a remap, approximately 90 - 100bhp, not sure what torques it is now though
depends which model but anywhere from 90 to 150bhp the PD versions are 115, 130 and 150 but they have the added complications of being bigger and heavier and having to sort out the immobiliser
1.9 PD from a Mk1 Leon FR at 150 PS is a great engine with a lot of torque but has an intercooler fitted, so something else to find space for.
They're produced like that though. It's a lot of work to go to to convert one for very little gain imho. I'd want a minimum of 130bhp as you can get that from a type 1 for a lot less hassle!
But I am type 4 and its a lot more money for the power gains in a type 4. Still wondering if this is a good idea though, maybe a 1.9 is the way to go? Do an AFN conversion first for ease and then move to a PD based engine in the future
mk 3 golf era AHU 1.9 gives 90hp, is a cheap and easily sourced lump and with the evry fuel pump mod, it's a pretty gutsy performer. Uprate the turbo and intercooler and remap it and it'll easily keep pace with a 20v turbo and put out a lot more torques. Less complex than a PD too
Go for a 1.9. There's plenty around as they've been used in just about everything. Remapping in diesels makes a big difference. If it has an intercooler, could it be located in one of the rear side vents in a bay?