APH vs. APW

340x · #1 (**permalink**) 05-26-2009, 09:38 AM

2000 Beetle, had an APH engine. Swapped it for an APW which is supposedly 180HP vs. 150HP. The only difference is there is a connector on the rear end of the head that I didn't have on the other engine. It runs without it fine. It is part of the chain tensioner system on the end of the cams. I was wondering if it was a cam timing mechanism to change cam timing while the engine was running similar to the VTECH Honda's. I was going to swap it back to the other system for the APH but if it has a power purpose I'll keep it.

Thanks.

TTTurbo1.8T · #2 (**permalink**) 05-26-2009, 08:52 PM

I believe the AWP motor has VVT only at startup to help the car warmup, it doesn't affect the motor that I know of if it doesn't do it.

vwenthu · #3 (**permalink**) 07-05-2009, 03:02 PM

Found this information on vwvortex.

So back to the subject. The 1.8T engine in the 2001 sport is called AWV. My car was built in May of 2001, making it a 2001.5 if you will. The transaxle in the car is a five speed manual 02J on my car. This car produces 150 HP stock at 8 PSI, which is supposedly understated by the factory... I have heard rumors that it was measured at the wheels. Either way, 150 HP is what it is. There is a NB "S" turbo model as well, and it produces 180HP stock, engine designation AWP. It is a retuned version of the AWV allowing for 12 PSI stock. Both of these engines run a "better" version of the KO3 turbo, sometimes called the KO3s. Physically the two engines are identical. Then there is the older version of the 1.8T carried in the NB, called the APH- also producing the same HP from the factory as the NB sport... 150 HP at 8 PSI. This older model (1999-early 2001) has a regular KO3 turbo, which is capable of less boost at higher RPM's than the KO3s and also has a smaller inlet for the compressor and smaller turbine (exhaust) side. Mine is a KO3-053 if I'm reading the tag correctly- which makes it the better one. The APH also has a different cylinder head from what I have heard.
All other differences are trivial and for the most part, the systems in all three engine codes are operated the same way. Any differences I have noted across the ranges will be discussed in each section. take note of the differences in the MK4 as discussed in each section as well- it may help you to diagnose problems or modify your car even though the real estate looks different between them. MK4 guys have much more to offer, as there are more of them and there are more DIY types than the average NB owner. with this info in hand you should be able to figure out what you need to look at when they discuss certain devices or systems that just don't live in your engine bay as they may show or describe. If you own a MK4, you may even get some info here that may help you.