the 10 grand question.

[TassieGTi]

$10k sounds like a lot, but it doesn’t get you far when you sit down and plan it out

I have receipts that add up to $44k……spent on my S3 by the previous owner in the space of 3 years! You will never get your money back, but it is the enjoyment of the project and the end product that counts……time and money well spent if you are going to do the work with your Dad

A VR6 conversion is feasible and unique for a Mk2 in Australia. At the end of the day, ease of access to the parts will keep the costs down. I can tell that trying to find a balance between the Mk1 and Mk2 is going to do your head in All part of the fun of ownership

Just a list of things to consider for all of us considering a conversion project:

1. Make sure the project is realistically achievable. Are you capable of doing most of the labor intensive work yourself? Many projects begin with great enthusiasm, but never get finished due to skill and financial issues!

2. The more complicated the conversion, the longer the car is off the road. How long can you do without the car? It always takes longer than planned to complete a conversion!

3. Is the car to be used as a daily driver or weekend cruiser? This will obviously influence the direction your project takes.

4. Have you got easy access to all of the parts required? Donor cars or someone with access to the parts you require will help.

5. Plan it out before you begin. This will hopefully minimise the amount you go over budget. There are always lots of hidden costs that can be overlooked.

6. Are further upgrades to the conversion possible? People always want more when they have finished! Can you get more from the car down the track, such as a turbo/program upgrade on a 20vt conversion?

7. Is it a car you wish to keep long term? If not, can you justify the time and money spent? It will be the buyer that benefits from all your hard work!

8. Don’t take short cuts! Be prepared to spend what is required to ensure a quality product. It is well worth it in the end. A VR6 conversion without brake and suspension upgrades??

9. Uniqueness and power? It is certainly the uniqueness of a project that appeals to me. However, consider the money spent for the power achieved! A simple 16v conversion or a more complicated and costly 20vt conversion running a standard 150bhp??

Very boring of me, but I'm sure others can add more!!

[zjm]

Id buy another one and then put the other $9000 on my mortgage

[GoLfMan]

i think you have covered everything Tassie....

Stop and Think... I know from experience that dreams are free but reality costs a whole lot more work to your budget and start when you have the funds to do so

[86gti]

You need a lot more than $10k to do most of the stuff in question properly (i.e. 20vT), even without labour

yea, i know, it all adds up...need a bit more than a motor and a day to drop it straight in..
Anyone know of supercharger kits for K-jet 16v?
Im 99% shure of the 16v conversion, with mods....and maybe something to help move it along.. seen a few k-jet turbo set ups, but they look like a nightmare!

Id buy another one and then put the other $9000 on my mortgage

lol, if i could find a MK2 GTI for 1g id buy it now.....show me where!!!!

Yea i know what you mean Mike...thats why im still keeping the 16v idea pretty close..
I know allot of people new to the car scene just see the price of the motor and think thats all you need...
done a few conversions in my time (all jappers and escorts) and yess the estimate always goes way over, when you consider all the little things.
just really wanting a conversion i can build on over time...so the 16v seems the best choice at the moment....
nothing to rave about i know, but im trying to be realistic and have some money left over for some rims and addons.

[evorobin]

20VT and coilovers

[aussieg60]

Maybe this vid will help you decide on the 16v G60
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MVTLJox7Td8
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w7DN2cOgpaU

[static1800]

stop giving me naughty ideas....

[2L mk2]

I'm about to do a VR6 swap into my mk2 later this yr I have a complete mk3 lined up.

once I start I'll keep everyone posted on the progress

Scott

[nick1234]

not sure if you'd like my opinion, but I'd do the paint and whatever needs to be done (optical stuff). The rest I'd save for upcoming repairs and possible parts you might need in the future. I'd personally make it original again and save the rest.

Last summer in Germany somebody crashed into my parking MK2 and ran off - can happen anywhere, of course nobody saw the chap. I really like the insurance tip (agreed value) but I wouldn't spend it all ! Accidents do happen and if something happens you've spent all this money and time.

Btw. I'd keep the original bumpers cause you hardly see any scratches on those ! Just a suggestion though ...

Enjoy and good luck !

[william]

i know the first mk2 gti vr6 the guy that built it is a friend of mine james mckinon worked with him at barlo oak green two door mk2gti he showed me his pics of the build up it floating around sydney in wollongong i think