DOHC 16-Valve
2.0L EA827 16V Engine
Complete technical specifications from official VW repair manuals. The legendary 16-valve head that defined the hot hatch era - DOHC design delivering 134-150 hp and exceptional high-RPM character.
1984cc
Displacement
110 kW
150 PS @ 6,000 RPM
180 Nm
@ 4,400 RPM
82.5 × 92.8
Bore × Stroke (mm)
10.5:1
Compression
7,200
Redline RPM
16V Engine Codes
EA827 Family| Code | Disp. | Power | Torque | Years | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9A | 2.0L | 134 hp | 174 Nm | 1987-1992 | Golf II GTI 16V, KE-Jetronic |
| ABF | 2.0L | 150 PS | 180 Nm | 1992-1996 | Golf III GTI 16V, Digifant |
| AAL | 2.0L | 134 hp | 174 Nm | 1990-1993 | Passat B3 16V |
| PL | 1.8L | 129 hp | 168 Nm | 1986-1992 | Scirocco/Golf II 16V (Euro) |
| KR | 1.8L | 136 hp | 166 Nm | 1987-1992 | Golf II GTI 16V (Euro) |
16V Architecture
DOHC DesignEngine Configuration
- BlockCast iron (EA827)
- HeadAluminum DOHC 16V
- Valves/Cylinder4 (2 int / 2 exh)
- Cam DriveTiming belt
- LiftersHydraulic (no adjustment)
- Fuel SystemKE-Jetronic / Digifant
Cylinder Head
- MaterialAluminum alloy
- Intake Valve Dia.33.0 mm
- Exhaust Valve Dia.28.0 mm
- Valve Stem Dia.7.0 mm
- Cam Journal Dia.26.0 mm
- Max Distortion0.1 mm
The Legendary 16V Head
The EA827 16V head was VW's first mass-produced DOHC design. Its crossflow layout with center-mounted spark plugs delivers excellent combustion efficiency and a free-revving character that made the GTI 16V a benchmark hot hatch. The head flows well enough to support 180+ hp naturally aspirated or 250+ hp with forced induction.
Crankshaft Specifications
Rep. Gr. 13Crankshaft Dimensions
- TypeForged steel
- Main Bearings5
- Main Journal Diameter54.0 mm
- Rod Journal Diameter47.8 mm
- Axial Play (New)0.07-0.17 mm
- Axial Play (Limit)0.25 mm
- Thrust BearingBearing #3
Pistons & Rods
- Piston MaterialCast aluminum
- Piston-to-Wall0.02-0.04 mm
- Pin Diameter20 mm
- Rod Length (C-to-C)144 mm
- Rod MaterialForged steel
- Rod Bearing Clearance0.02-0.06 mm
Torque Specifications
Official VW SpecsCylinder Head & Valvetrain
Cylinder head bolts (Stage 1)40 NmAll bolts
Cylinder head bolts (Stage 2)60 NmAll bolts
Cylinder head bolts (Stage 3)+ 90°Replace bolts
Cylinder head bolts (Stage 4)+ 90°Final pass
Camshaft bearing caps20 NmSequence critical
Camshaft sprocket bolt80 NmUse counterhold
Crankshaft & Block
Main bearing cap bolts65 Nm + 90°Replace bolts
Connecting rod bolts30 Nm + 90°Replace bolts
Crankshaft pulley bolt90 Nm + 90°Replace bolt
Flywheel bolts60 Nm + 90°Replace bolts
Oil pan bolts15 Nm
Timing Belt & Accessories
Timing belt tensioner20 NmAfter tensioning
Water pump bolts15 Nm
Intake manifold bolts20 Nm
Exhaust manifold nuts25 Nm
Tuning Potential
PerformanceNaturally Aspirated
160-180 hp
Modifications
- Performance cams (Schrick, Autotech)
- Ported head
- Individual throttle bodies
- Header/exhaust
- ECU tune
Notes
- Head responds well to porting
- ITBs transform character
- High-RPM screamer
Supercharged
200-250 hp
Modifications
- Roots or centrifugal SC
- 6-10 psi boost
- Standalone ECU
- Upgraded fuel system
Notes
- Instant throttle response
- Stock internals to ~200 hp
- Forged pistons for higher boost
Turbocharged
250-400+ hp
Modifications
- Custom turbo manifold
- T3/T4 or GT28 turbo
- Forged internals (300+ hp)
- Standalone ECU
Notes
- Head supports big power
- Lower compression recommended
- Popular build platform
Common Issues & Maintenance
TroubleshootingKnown Problem Areas
- Timing BeltReplace every 60k mi
- Head GasketFailure at high miles
- ISV (Idle Stabilizer)Carbon buildup
- DistributorHall sensor failure
- Hydraulic LiftersTick when worn
- Thermostat HousingPlastic cracks
Maintenance Intervals
- Oil Change5,000 mi (conventional)
- Timing Belt60,000 mi (CRITICAL)
- Spark Plugs30,000 mi
- CoolantEvery 5 years
- Valve AdjustmentN/A (hydraulic)
Interference Engine Warning
The 16V is an interference engine. Timing belt failure will cause valve-to-piston contact. Replace belt, tensioner, and water pump every 60,000 miles or 4 years. Do not exceed this interval - the 16V belt has a shorter service life than later engines.
Vehicle Applications
EA827 16V| Vehicle | Years | Engine Code | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| VW Golf GTI Mk2 16V | 1987-1992 | 9A, PL, KR | Iconic hot hatch |
| VW Golf GTI Mk3 16V | 1992-1996 | ABF | European market |
| VW Corrado 16V | 1989-1992 | 9A | Sport coupe |
| VW Passat B3 16V | 1990-1993 | AAL, 9A | Sport sedan |
| VW Scirocco 16V | 1986-1992 | PL, KR | Final Scirocco series |
RECOMMENDED
EA827 16V ENGINE PARTS
Timing Belt Kit 16V
VIEW ON AMAZON
Spark Plugs 16V
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Fuel Injector Set 16V
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ITG Air Filter
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ARP Head Stud Kit 16V
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Performance Exhaust Manifold 16V
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