Is the aba vw motor a interference motor?

Answer 1

Original Answer:

no, the aba 2.0 8v motor in stock form is not an interferance engine as the pistons do not rise above the block deck. and there is no point where the valves go below the head deck.

the 9a 2.0 16v motor is however an interference motor as valve reliefs are cut into the factory pistons so that the pistons dont slam into the valves

Improved:

Regardless if the ABA is stock or not, many who own or work on them, and major parts suppliers, DO consider it an interference motor. There are many people who have had bent valves on a complete stock ABA after a timing belt went. There are also some who had no problems after throwing a new belt on. The best diagnosis is to run a compression test. It is better to consider it an interference engine as interference does happen on stock ABA's. You basically have a 50/50 chance. Consider it interference and be sure to keep up with maintenance and change the timing belt tensioner pulley at the same time as the belt as they are known to fail, melt the belt until it breaks, resulting in bent valves.