A2 GLI Jetta club racing classes

[WVWGBO169HW]

Our one-owner '87 GLI 8v has 260,000 miles and is smoking.

We want to keep the car because it is really straight and has all new suspension bits, brakes, rotors, bearings etc. We really like the close ratio gearbox, which could also use some freshening,

We are considering rebuilding the 1.8L engine, or looking for a PD / PF used engine or short block.

One of our future uses may be club racing of some sort. Unfortunately, we are not familiar with classes that the GLI may be eligible for these days because I have been away from the scent for many years.

What classes are there, and would different displacement engines change our options or competiveness?

Thanks for your thoughts,
Mike

[chois]

The best places in SCCA club racing for that car would be Improved Touring B (a regional only class), or H Production. The A2 VW is proven competitive in both with the 8v 1.8 motor. It could also run in ITA or F Production with a 16v power plant, but in my opinion the 8v classifications are more competitive, and definitely have more existing development into them by others.

[WVWGBO169HW]

Thanks, chois, for a great answer. That's exactly what I wanted to know.
Maybe I'll be chasing you through some esses in a year or two! (We'll see if German-built gives an advantage....)
Mike

[chois]

Cool. If you choose to go ITB or HP I will be happy to share any advise that you think might be helpful based on my car, and on my experience helping a friend with a runoff podium HP car.

But pick ITB, more people to race with for me