No, in fact the ABA was the first major change in the I4's.  it is known as
a tall block because the block is notably taller than previous designs.

-----Original Message-----
From: Vanagon Mailing List [mailto:vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com] On Behalf Of
Don Hanson
Sent: Saturday, March 28, 2015 10:53 PM
To: vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject: Re: inline hybrid motor?

  As far as I know, the VW inline blocks, including the diesel, remained
the same casting until the Gen IV Jetta, around '95(?)....I am no Inline VW
expert...I read up and learned all I needed to know to do my own
motor...only...