looking for info on mk1 and mk2 rabbit/gti

[super_sailor]

Hey guys currently on deployment. Just had to sell my project 59 becwuse of lack of garage space at my parents. So im really considering getting a mk1 ir mk2 for a fun little curve carver when im back home.and something to do a turbo or swap on after next deployment. So please share your knowledge!! What to look for, the differences best mods, engineswaps etc. Thanks!

MNSA Bruce

[91JET16V]

I've always had MK2's, 8v's and a 16v, drove a Vr6 swap once and loved it. MK1's are lighter older a little more rare. Probably easier to find parts for the MK2's. You can pretty much put whatever motor (16v,1.8T,2.0T, VR6) in whatever car you want.

I did have a 1983 MK1 GTI briefly, bought it from a towing auction for $5, it had been rolled and must have landed upside down. Trailered it to work, picked it up with a forklift by the roof, to un-accordian it, got the door open, un-hydrolocked it and tossed a battery and fuel in it and got it running! Would have loved to keep it because of the older more square, but the body was beyond repair.

I think either car would be a fun project, I would be open to either if I didn't have one. I would look for something without rust, either something stockish, or modified close to what you are looking for.

[Rockerchick]

There are still plenty of parts out there for the Mk1 cars.

Really, what I'd do is venture into the mk1 and mk2 forums and just read, read, read. We can all give you personal preference, but you need to figure out what you really want in the car.

[super_sailor]

Thanks guys! My whole goal is just a fun car. After owning several aircooleds im not really concerned with a straightline monster, but rather efficiency and usability. Id rather drive a car at 90 percent of its ability rsther then a monster and use maybe 30 percent if that makes sense. Id love a brand new gti, but something about the earlies draw me in. My end goal is a simple, well handling FUN car. Taking on the ocasional track and many nountain roads. Im on the fence wether or nit f.i. or just a simple na 8v with all the standard goodies. I think a mk2 with the 4 light grill is the ticket. Ive read the forums but all i really see is "my cars busted fix it" . If there any hings you guys could point me towards it would be great!

[91JET16V]

I would at least would get a 16v, an 8v has torque, but runs out of oommph pretty quickly, compared to the 16v's and later motors.

I still would believe it would be a bit more of a challange to find MK1 parts, depending on the part.

It would be cool to have a clean MK1 though and I'm sure anyone with a '59 standard beetle wouldn't be afraid to track down parts.