Need help with my 79 Mk1 GLS!

[RJA]

Okay this shows how clueless i am when it comes to this kind of thing. Its a 2L from a 1997 mk3 golf cabriolet.

[sports racer]

You're not clueless, you're just inexperienced.

There are heaps of guys here that were the same when they got their old Golfs and now they can rebuild an engine by the side of the road. MK1 Golfs are pretty easy to work on if you stick to carbies instead of fuel injection and the 2.0 from the cabby can be made to fit.

Find the engine number so you know the exact model of engine so we can tell you what's needed for the swap. You'll also have to upgrade the brakes to match the increase in performance.

Cheers

Paul

[RJA]

I've decided against the 2L upgrade and ive found a working 1.6 from another mk1 so ill be using that as itll be much easier to get going! Id still like to get a little more performance out of that though. Will upgrading the carby on that do me any benefit?

[Browneye]

Weber 32/36 DGV with a passat TS manifold is the tried and true method of induction. Another option would be a lynx single sidedraft manifold with either a dcoe or dhla. That with some headers should be a nice upgrade.

From there, a cam is the next step.

Honestly, starting with a 1.8 will be a smarter move. They are simply a better starting point. Luckily any upgrades for the 1.6 will be directly transferable to the mk1 and mk2 1.8 engines, should you decide to upgrade further down the track. The mk3 1.8s are hydraulic lifter which means a different cam must be used.

[RJA]

Id love to start with the 1.8 but budget is stopping me from being able to purchase all the bits anytime soon. The 1.6 is within my price range and that means ill be able to get it started at can move it. I live on street thats on a fairly steep hill so i cant move the car without it running or i may lose it down the street and find it through someones front window! Once its running ill get the interior done (already very clean) and all the electricals (headlights,indicators etc) so its ready for roadworthy. After this ill be able to enjoy the car and save for the bigger performance upgrades

Thanks all for the help! Much appreciated