I'm installing a 1.8 16v into my '81 Cabrio. I just swapped out my K26 turbo from my '86 944 turbo and I plan on using it on the VW. What exhaust manifold will work. Also, how is this turbo compared to the popular upgrades for the 1.8T's (T4's, Ko4's etc). Is this turbo a good size or is it on the big end for this motor. I plan on using an aftermarket ECU. What are some suggestions.

dont know much about the k26 but i'm sure that it's wayyy better than the k04.
As far as ecu goes, some of the guys in here are going with the holley commander 950.

Thanks. What I'm really interested in is if will mate up to an available exhaust manifold such as on from ATP or EIP.

Dont think they make any for those turbos, only T3 and T4 flanges for those applications.
HTH
Paul

I am using a k26 on my golf (2.0 ABA 8v) It is much bigger than th ko4 etc. I love this turbo. it starts spooling around 2k rpm, by 3k you really start feeling it. It has plenty of boost to bury the tach. Unfortunately it will not be an easy matsh for the average garrett flange. Maybe you can get away with an adapter flange. The inlet for the hotside of the turbo on the k26 is round. The garrett is rectangular.
Dont forget that with the K26 you MUST use an external wastegate.
Later.

I am a welder and i am making a manifold for my beamer

I have a K26 off an 80.5 944, I havn,t installed it yet because I cant find a comresser map to see if its too big for my 1.8L 8v. So I'm saving to get a crank and pistons for a 2.0 conversion.
I would really like to know how others have gone about doing the flange and turbo placement in a a2