Decoding the 96 OBD2 2.0 ABA VW Engine: Horsepower and Specs for Enthusiasts

The Volkswagen 2.0 ABA engine, particularly the OBD2 version found in 1996 models, is a powerplant revered by VW enthusiasts for its reliability and robust nature. If you’re digging into the specifics of this engine, especially concerning its horsepower and technical details, you’ve come to the right place. This comprehensive guide breaks down everything you need to know about the 96 OBD2 2.0 ABA VW engine, from horsepower figures to detailed component specifications. Whether you’re performing maintenance, considering modifications, or simply curious about what makes this engine tick, this article provides an in-depth look.

General Specifications of the 2.0 ABA Engine (OBD2, 1996-1999.5)

The 2.0-liter ABA engine is a four-cylinder, single overhead camshaft (SOHC) 8-valve workhorse found in various Volkswagen models. Known for its balance of fuel efficiency and dependable performance, the ABA engine became a staple in the VW lineup. Let’s dive into the core specifications of the OBD2 variant, commonly found in 1996 and later models:

Engine Code: ABA
Displacement: 1984 cc (121.071 cu in)
Horsepower (HP): 115 bhp (116.6 PS, 85.8 kW) @ 5400 rpm – This is a key figure for anyone interested in the 96 Obd2 2.0 Aba Vw Engine Horsepower.
Torque: 122 ft/lbs @ 3200 rpm
Cylinder Configuration: Inline-4 (I4)
Valvetrain: SOHC 8V
Fuel System: Fuel Injected
Firing Order: 1-3-4-2
Compression Ratio: 10:1
Bore: 82.50 mm (3.25 in)
Stroke: 92.80 mm (3.65 in)
Engine Idle Speed: 800-880 rpm (830-910 rpm with A/C)
OBD Compliance: OBD2 (1996-1999.5 models) – A significant upgrade for diagnostics and emissions compared to earlier OBDI versions.

It’s worth noting that there are subtle variations within the ABA engine family, including differences between OBDI and OBDII versions, and even variations in block casting (squirter vs. non-squirter). Checking your specific engine block can reveal these nuances.

Internal Components: Bottom End Details

The bottom end of the 2.0 ABA engine is built for durability. Understanding these components is crucial for anyone planning engine work or performance upgrades.

Block Height: 236mm
Bore: 82.50 mm
Stroke: 92.80 mm
Bore/Stroke Ratio: 0.89
Compression Height: 30.9mm

Connecting Rods:

Part Number: 037 198 401 C
Rod Type: Forged – Contributing to the engine’s overall strength and longevity.
Rod Length: 159mm
Wrist Pin Diameter: 21mm
Rod Journal Diameter: 48mm

Pistons:

Part Numbers: 037 107 065 N / 037 107 065 M
Piston Type: Cast
Piston Dish: 14.61cc
Piston Variations: It’s important to note that there are different piston shapes within the ABA engine series. Resources like the VWVortex forum thread “OBDI vs. OBDII ABA engines” provide detailed explanations of these differences.

Crankshaft:

OBD2 Crankshaft Type: Cast – Later OBD2 ABA engines typically used a cast crankshaft.
Type: Short Nose with Crankshaft Trigger

Oil Pump:

Part Number: 027 115 105 B
Oil Pump Type: 79mm
Oil Pump Sprocket: 44T
Oil Pump Gear Length: 36mm
Oil Pump Bolt: 8x90mm
Operating Oil Pressure: 29 psi minimum (@ 2000 RPM, oil temperature 176°F) – This is a minimum specification, actual readings may vary.

Top End Components: Cylinder Head and Valvetrain

The cylinder head and valvetrain are critical for the engine’s breathing and performance, influencing factors like the 96 obd2 2.0 aba vw engine horsepower.

Cylinder Head:

Part Numbers (OBD2): 037 103 351 N / California 037 103 351 P
Head Type: Crossflow – A design that improves breathing and efficiency compared to older VW engine designs.
Head Gasket: 4-layer metal gasket

Camshaft:

Camshaft Woodruff Key: N 012 708 2
OBD2 Part Number: 050 109 101 A
Duration @ .050″: 210°/210°
Valve Lift: .417″
Lobe Center: 110°
Valve Timing: -5.8/35.8 – 34.2/-4.2
Valve Overlap: -10°
Intake Opens @ .050″: 7.7° BTDC

Valve Springs:

OBD2 Part Number: 078 109 623 C
Valve Spring Type: Single rate
Maximum Valve Spring Lift: .432″
Valve Spring Installed Height: 1.400″ (+/- .005″)
Valve Spring Compressed Height: .945″ (+/- .005″)

Valves:

Intake Valve Part Number: 037 109 601 E / 078 109 601 E
Exhaust Valve Part Number: 037 109 611 B / 048 109 611 B
Intake Valve Diameter: 39.5mm
Exhaust Valve Diameter: 33mm
Stem Diameter: 7mm

Valve Spring Keepers:

Part Number: 021 109 651 (per half)

Valve Spring Retainers:

OBD2 Retainer Part Number: 078 109 641 c

External Engine Components: Fuel, Intake, and Exhaust Systems

The external components of the 2.0 ABA engine play a crucial role in its operation and performance.

Fuel Injectors:

Bosch Part Number: 0-280-150-955
Fuel Injector Type: Top mount
Flow Rate: 176 CC/Min, 126.6 Grams/Min, 16.75 lbs/hr
Fuel Pressure: 36.25 PSI
Impedance: High, 12-16Ω

Fuel Rail:

Part Number: 06A 133 317 R
Inlet Location: Passenger side

Throttle Body:

Bore: 2.4″
Throttle Plate: 2.22″
OBD2 Specific: Integrated throttle position switch (replacing the Idle Stabilization Valve and Dashpot used in OBDI).

Intake Manifold:

OBD2 Lower Intake Manifold Part Number: 037 133 206 C
Lower Runner Length: 6.2″
Lower Port Inside Diameter: 32.5mm (head side), 34.5mm (upper manifold side)
Lower Runner Volume: 150cc
OBD2 Upper Intake Manifold Part Number: 037 133 203 T
Upper Port Inside Diameter: 34.25mm (lower manifold side)
Runner Length: 3.875″
Plenum Volume: 1.8L
OBD2 Feature: Vanes inside the upper manifold, located before individual ports.

Exhaust Manifold:

OBD2 Part Numbers: 037 253 031 L ; 037 253 031 CC (California)
Material: Cast
Type: 2-piece, 4-2-1 configuration
Collector Diameter: 2.25in
Exhaust Manifold Studs: 8X47mm

MAF Sensor (Mass Air Flow Sensor):

VW Part Number: 037-906-461-A
Bosch Part Number: 0-280-217-103
Housing Size: 2.75″

Camshaft Sprocket:

Part Number: 049 109 111 c

Spark Plugs and Wires:

Spark Plug Gap: .028″ (Verify VW specification for your specific model year)
Spark Plug Wire Size: 7mm

Thermostat:

Part Number: 044 121 133
Opening Temperature: 185°F (85°C)
Fully Open Temperature: 221°F (105°C)

Electric Cooling Fans:

Part Numbers (examples): 1H0 959 455 (no AC), 1HM 959 455 C (with AC), 165 959 455 L (either)
Fan Size: 305mm or 280mm (depending on part number)
Stage 1 On/Off: 198°F – 207°F / 183°F – 196°F
Stage 2 On/Off: 210°F – 221°F / 196°F – 208°F
Stage 3 On/Off: 230°F – 239°F / 221°F – 230°F (Stage 3 may be present on certain models)

Alternator:

Part Numbers (Valeo/Bosch examples): 028 903 025 P / 037 903 023 G (+a/c), 028 903 025 P / 028 903 025 Q (+a/c)
Pulley Diameter: 49mm (1.929 in)
Voltage: 12V
Amperage: 90A

Radiator:

Dimensions: 675mm x 675mm x 322mm

Expansion Tank:

Cap Opening Pressure: 19-23 psi

Distributor:

Part Number: 037 905 237 BX / 037 905 205 T
Type: Breakerless
Firing Order: 1-3-4-2
Rotation: Clockwise

Ignition System:

1996-1999: Bosch Motronic M5.9

Coil:

Primary Resistance: 0.5Ω to 0.7Ω
Secondary Resistance: 2 kΩ to 4 kΩ

Water Pump:

Part Numbers: 037 121 005 C (housing with impeller), 037 121 010 C (pump only)

PCV Valve (Positive Crankcase Ventilation Valve):

Part Numbers: 037 129 101 H / 037 129 101 R

Vacuum Brake Booster:

Part Numbers: 1H1 612 107 C (w/out ABS) / 1H1 612 107 D (w/ ABS)

Master Cylinder:

Part Numbers: 357 611 019 B (w/out ABS) /1H1 698 019 B (w/ ABS)

A/C Compressor:

Part Number: 1H0 820 803 D
High Side Pressure: 205.0 Psi
Low Side Pressure: 17.0 Psi

Fluids and Capacities for the 2.0 ABA Engine

Maintaining proper fluid levels and using the correct fluids is essential for the longevity and performance of your 96 OBD2 2.0 ABA VW engine.

Oil:

Oil Type: API grade SH or SH/CD multi-grade oil
Oil Viscosity: 5w40 or 10w40 (temperature dependent)
Maximum Oil Capacity (including filter): 4.2 Quarts

Fuel:

Fuel Type: Gasoline
Fuel Octane: All standard octanes acceptable
Fuel Pressure (regulated): 36 psi
Maximum Fuel Capacity: 14.5 gallons

Coolant:

Coolant Type: 50/50 mixture of water and coolant (G12 or G13 recommended, never mix coolant types)
OBD2 Maximum Coolant Capacity: 6.1 Quarts

Automatic Transmission Fluid (if applicable):

Trans Fluid Type (1995 and later): VW transmission fluid ONLY (G 052 162 A1 or G 052 162 A2)
Maximum Trans Fluid Capacity: 3.2 Quarts

Brake Fluid:

Brake Fluid Type: DOT 4

Power Steering Fluid:

Power Steering Fluid: VW PS fluid (G002000 or G002012)
Power Steering Fluid Capacity: 1.6 Quarts

Air Conditioning:

A/C Oil Type: r134a
Maximum A/C Fluid Capacity: 28 oz of R134a, 3.9 oz (total) of PAG based oil

Transmission Options

The 2.0 ABA engine was commonly paired with both manual and automatic transmissions.

5-Speed Manual Transmission (020):

Transmission Codes: DFQ, CHE, or AMC
Main Shaft Diameter: 24mm (pre-June 1, 1997), 22mm (post-June 1, 1997)
Speedometer Gear: 15T
Gear Ratios:
- 1st: 3.455
- 2nd: 1.94
- 3rd: 1.28
- 4th: 0.97
- 5th: 0.80
- Final Drive: 3.67

Automatic Transmission:

Transmission Types: CLK, CFH, CFF
Number of Gears: (Specific gear ratios and dimensions for automatic transmissions require further research).

Fuse Box and Relays

Understanding the fuse box and relay layout is crucial for diagnosing electrical issues.

Location: Drivers side, under dash, above clutch pedal.

(Diagrammatic Representation – Refer to original article for visual layout)

Relay Positions and Functions (Examples):
- 1: Air conditioning system
- 2: Rear wiper/washer
- 3: Fuel injection/ignition system
- 4: Load reduction
- 6: Emergency flasher
- 8: Windshield wiper/washer
- 11: Horn
- 12: Fuel pump
- 13: Heated oxygen sensor control module (O2 sensor)
- 14: Park/Neutral position
- 10: Fog lights
- 5, 7, 9, 15-24: Optional equipment or not used (Specific functions may vary based on vehicle options).

Torque Specifications

Correct torque values are critical when working on engine components. Here are some key torque specs for the 2.0 ABA engine:

Cylinder Head Bolts:

Tightening Sequence: (Diagram provided in original article)
Stage 1: 30 ft/lb
Stage 2: 44 ft/lb
Stage 3: Additional 90 Degree turn
Stage 4: Additional 90 Degree turn

Other Torque Specs (ft/lbs unless otherwise noted):

Air temperature sensor: 84 in-lbs
Alternator mounting bolts: 18
Camshaft bearing cap nuts/bolts: 15
Crankshaft main bearing cap bolts: 48
Engine crossmember-to-body bolts: 37
Exhaust manifold bolts: M8 bolts = 18, M10 bolts = 30
Flywheel mounting bolts: 44
Fuel rail mounting bolts: 84 in-lbs
Intermediate shaft flange bolts: 18
Intermediate shaft sprocket bolt: 59
Lock carrier-to chassis bolts: 17
Lock carrier to fender screws: 48 in-lbs
Intake manifold to head (lower): 18
Intake manifold to lower intake (upper): 15
Lug Nuts (wheel bolts): 81
Oil cooler nut: 18
Oil pan drain plug: 22
Oil pump cover bolts: 84 in-lbs
O2 sensor (heated oxygen sensor): 37
Piston oil jet/pressure relief valve: 19
Rod bearing cap bolts/nuts: 22
Spark plugs: 22
Starter mounting bolts: Lower 33, Upper 44, Stud 44
Throttle body through-bolts: M6 bolts = 84 in-lbs, M8 bolts = 15 ft-lbs
Timing belt tensioner bolt: 33
Transmission bell housing to engine: M10 bolts = 44, M12 bolts = 59

Volkswagen Engine Codes

For more in-depth diagnostics and troubleshooting, referencing Volkswagen engine codes is essential. Websites like “http://www.obd-codes.com/trouble_codes/volkswagen/” provide valuable resources.

Conclusion

The 96 OBD2 2.0 ABA VW engine is a robust and well-engineered powerplant. Understanding its specifications, including the 96 obd2 2.0 aba vw engine horsepower, components, and maintenance requirements, is key for any VW owner or enthusiast. This guide serves as a comprehensive resource for delving into the technical details of this iconic engine. For further repair guides, maintenance tips, and community discussions, be sure to explore carparteu.com.