[pmburn01]

Scored an '82 Cabby recently for $275. Last week, I also scored some polished, forged OEM aloys from a '93 Cabby with new Nitto tires for $125 and I scored a complete leather interior for $100. The cabby needs a new top, new carpet and a complete respray, but I have that accounted for through cash and barter. I also have wheels, suspension, and euro bumpers already.
Now for the questions. I have a 1.8L 16v from a converted Gti ready for an engine swap. Should I use this as is, turbo it, spring for a 2.0L 16v conversion with 1.8L head, or eat the cost and do a full-blown 1.8T conversion (I have access to an AEB one.)?
Costs are $700 for 1.8L swap; $1500 for 2.0L 16v swap; $2700 for 1.8L 16v turbo; and unknown as of yet for the 1.8T.
I would like a VERY quick daily driver, but I can spend no more than $5k total. I currently have about $2000 out there in various parts collected for the project GTi that will be harvested to complete the Cabby.
Comments and Suggestions appreciated.

 

[bluerrrabbit]

Re: Happy News; Questions for the Vortex (pmburn01)

I am really into the 16v turbo. If you can afford to go afermarket engine managment, there's worlds of potential there. Probably still lots cheaper than the 20v, also.

 

[pmburn01]

Re: Happy News; Questions for the Vortex (bluerrrabbit)

I might eventually be able to afford independent management. I'm leaning toward the 1.8L 16v turbo. I would think that it would offer performance potential similar to the 1.8T.

 

[pastpargolf]

Re: Happy News; Questions for the Vortex (pmburn01)

I like a worked 2.0L with a 1.8L head, fuel enrichment and exhaust and some cams, relativly inexpensive, probably the most reliable and it will haul you cabby's arse around at speed!

 

[flippinvw]

Re: Happy News; Questions for the Vortex (pmburn01)

I would say just stick with the 1.8 16v for now and spend the money replacing all of the various parts that could go wrong in the future like belts/seals/hoses, maybe stick a rebuilt 4K in there with a better 5th gear. After owning 5 dubs going on 7, I prefer reliability over pure power. You could also spend the $$ on some nice suspension upgrades to help reduce the flex in the chassis you are going to encounter with all that high speed cornering?

JMO
good luck http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif

http://****************.com/smile/emthup.gif

 

[pmburn01]

Re: Happy News; Questions for the Vortex (flippinvw)

Didn't want to seem as if I was bragging so I didn't mention that I also recently purchased a Shine suspension system (Bilstein Sports) and will be harvesting Neuspeed stressbars from the Rabbit. What are the best chassis stiffeners for a Cabby?

I want Fast and Reliable. Can it really be done in a MkI?
[Modified by pmburn01, 9:20 AM 2-12-2002]


[Modified by pmburn01, 9:21 AM 2-12-2002]