So, I've read and re-read various posts on this forum and have spent many late hours, with tiny slits left for eyes drooling over the cars that you guys are building, working on, and enjoying.
And I have decied, without a single doubt, that I WANT ONE.
Background: I'm a biofuels nut, and I've been running vehicles on SVO and biodiesel for 5 years now. However, I'm also a racer, and my latest flirt with:
and getting to flog it on this track:
http://www.pca.org/pol/images/autocross_layout.pdfhas left me with the insatiable need for speed and traction. In desparation , I stumled upon threads at vwvortex, and ultimately saw this post by malone:
http://forums.vwvortex.com/zerothread?id=1964259&page=1I knew my prayers for performance had been answered. And I've been reading ever since.
So, it's time to start looking for the essentials.... first I'd like to find the motor. I have some questions, with respects to this:
1. How do I identify an honest-to-goodness mkII 1.6TD. Are there any markings or metal stamps on the bottom end?
2. I understand that I should peek under the hood of every mkII jetta that I see, however, are there any other models to check out?
3. Should I snag the tranny too?
4. How much does this motor weigh? I have two reasons for asking the question: a. Can I hoist it out of the bay (with accessories detached) and into a pickup truck with a strong friend or will I need an engine picker? b. what's weight distribution on a GTD rabbit like due to the motor weight?
5. What should I look for in terms of visible wear to avoid a lemon (aside from odom. mileage)
That should be enough to help me out in the boneyards here in Edmonton, AB. I'm sure I'll have an easy time finding a motor, as diesels are prolific in Edmonton - especially vw. Furthermore, I wouldn't mind looking for more than one if somebody wants one.
In terms of which car to build, I have generally settled on the mkI vw rabbit due to the weight it can be reduced to. With 200whp, a GTD rabbit can achieve the same power-to-weight ratio has a Ferrari 355
Howver, I have since discovered that a few people have made sirocco GTD's. This appeals due to rear-wheel-drive. Drifting is fun. Are the sirocco's hard to prepare with the 1.6TD, or is it as straight forward as the rabbit? Are they hard to find?
Alright guys, with your advice, I'll start hitting the yards as soon as I know what to look for, and I'll post pictures and findings here.
PS - does anyone know of a capable vw diesel tuner in Edmonton?