This thread is to build your dream 1.8t, if money wasn't an object, yet within reason focusing more on the head and most importantly the block (not so much on the components like injectors, wastegates, because this thread is about the 1.8T itself, not the bolt ons).
The reason I state "within reason" is some modifications are so over the top it'd be ridiculous: Case in point carbon fiber rods at ~$9000, that's nonsense. But lets knock that down to not just money, but within reason, tossing the heavy steel cam gear for an aluminum gear for $100 shaves pounds (not alone makes timing adjustable) is a good decision, but imagine if they made an even lighter magnesium gear for $500...yet only was 3 ounces lighter, than your $100 aluminum gear. Buying the magnesium gear will be tossing money way, and wouldn't even net .5 hp more over the aluminum and would be a waste of money, it's not justified.
However, some mods yield absolute no hp gains yet could be considering an absolute necessity like a girdle kit, being ~$800...for absolutely nothing but security and longevity. This creates a weird dynamic as people run this large hp amount vs that hp amount, with no issues and never used a girdle, yet others saying absolutely. I have to say, if $600-800 saves the motor or gets me another 30,000 miles, that nominal cost of ~$800 is a hella of a big enough incentive not to be another tear down, I'm going with yes. Aka, you couldn't pay me $800 right now to tear apart my motor and swap the perfectly good head gasket for the sake of earning $800, no thanks. So if I can possibly goes years more without a tear down that's great.
To drive the point home one more time, at one time I saw that a particular crank was ~4 times more expensive than say the AGN crank, yet the expensive crank offered absolutely no benefits and the AGN wasn't known to fail or have any issues. Granted, lighten it, knife edge it? Absolutely! Remember, this is not a budget build at all it will be an expensive build with the best parts. Basically, imagine if the build was being done 100% for free by a shop, or magazine with no limits, except expenses had to be at least justified to even be a gain or a fantastic upgrade, as where a custom $550 carbon fiber fuel rail is ~junk, it does nothing, it would be approved to buy a $550 fluid dampener, as not only produces gains, but really required for high horsepower applications to smooth the motor out.
Fantasy head: Generally the AEB just about takes the cake, and kinda only leaves two top contenders for valve train kits, with one being better/higher end than the other.
- Supertech kit
- Ferrea Oversized kit (being better)
- Cams: These are more preference, you're not getting failure or more strength with one vs the other and more about powerband and needs but post away.
- Keep VVT/toss?
- Remember, this is a fantasy build so for +$1400 do you convert to twin cam gear pullies? This is pretty trick, this also deletes the entire chain tensioner system inside the head: https://prorace-engineering.co.uk/pr...-vag-1-8t-20v/
However, what's your horsepower yield by being able to adjust the other cam, is it even really needed? Is it a cool mod? Hell yes, but does that stack up worth that kinda money? Your call. Add what ever you've seen out there available, things I've missed, things I've overlooked, that you would do to the head.
Fantasy block: This is the meat and potatos, unlike the head, the 06A block has so so so so so many variations from doing a dry sump, to girdle, to so so so many rods, blends and possibilities.
So we can go up to 2.2L, the only ~possible drawback being razor thin combustion walls, this gets into also debate...do you even take it to that? Or, think 2.1L is pushing it, or you like alot more meat on the bone any really think 2008cc (2.0) is the way as more robust.
PLEASE NOTE: DO NOT SIMPLY STATE, "I would go 2.1L", you need to state your build specs/spread sheet.
06A block, are you looking for a CERTAIN engine code 06A block? Do think it matters?
What are you doing, by who, what specs?
- 06A (what 06A if you think it matters)
- Rods (anything done to them?)
- Pistons (anything done to them?)
- Crank (going to say knife edged, polished, balanced)
- Girdle kit?
- Dry Sump kit?
- Fire rings? <---- I mean, could be justified, never deal with blown head gaskets
- Bearings
- Keep going
Please make your list in an easy format for all to read:
Head:
- AEB
- Ferrea +1 valve train kit
- Cat 3658 cams
- Ceramic Coated valves
Block:
- AWP block
- Etc
- Etc
- Etc
- Etc
With any additional information you'd like to add.
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The European NA 1.8T used a five valve head with a cam timing adjuster that allowed true variable intake cam timing, not just an all or nothing two position system. It also has a dual pattern exhaust flange the has the B7 pattern, that allows you to bolt on a B7 turbo without an adaptor. Could be an interesting variant. 
Originally Posted by Kevin C
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