What to do? Repair? Replace?

[Garold_GTI]

Hello all . New to VW's. I just got my hands on a GTI with 1.8t from a 98 Audi A4. I love the car. Someone but a lot of love in this car. Was told it was built by Jim Miller (anyone know him?). It needs some work to get it back to awesomeness that is once was. Some of you on here may have seen this car. It is what I would call "Smurf Blue".

I am mechanically inclined for the most part, but I am not so much an electrician. So I was told a faulty ignition switch caused a short in the engine harness. May or may not be true but I do know there are some charred wires under the hood about 6 to 8 inches from the ECU. In searching for a new harness I have found you have mutiple versions (not sure what one is in it) and they can be pretty pricey..........and that brings me to why I started this thread. I am thinking I may take the engine harness out completely and go over every wire for any flaws, repair any that need repairing (cause even though I am not an electrician i can match colors, install butt connectors and shrink wrap) and reinstall the harness. I'm down for taking the time to look at every wire for flaws.

What would you do? Good Idea? Bad Idea?

[Garold_GTI]

Guess I may replace it after all. I opened my big mouth to soon......I continued to search and found a salvage yard that is not trying to rape you on prices. Thank you Force 5 Auto.