'81 Diesel Caddy Enhancements

[VWRacer]

I'm looking at a buying an '81 diesel caddy (that's in very nice shape), and got to wondering about how well they respond to suspension and engine upgrades? (The only reason I've hesitated is that it doesn't have a/c - kind of a must hear in Cali.)

I had a diesel caddy back in the day, and my recollection was that it was grossly underpowered and too softly suspended. Can a Mk1 GTI-type suspension be retrofitted? And I'm confident that upgrading the engine to TD would be a big help. Suggestions...ideas?

Thansk! Stan

[jtanguay]

if money isnt an issue, you can do practically ANYTHING

if its non turbo.. and the engine is old.. you might have around 48 HP to work with.. (running a/c will make that drop to about 42 HP or so with compressor and alternator draw)  I know a guy who put a 300 amp alternator into his diesel car-it had 48HP and would stall at idle lol...

but yes if money is no issue, buy the stiffer coils and different parts you need and it should work.  Maybe someone on this forum has inexpensive tricks for you though

[mk1vdub]

hey, take a look here  click for all your caddy needs :wink:
if you can't find out info on what you want to do there then it probably can't be done....

[VWRacer]

Cool...thanks for the link!

[jtanguay]

like i said... if you have money.. it can be done.. lol

MONSTER GARAGE vw diesel caddy swap cummins V8 engine!!! LOL

[lord_verminaard]

The part that's a bummer about caddys is the rear suspension, it has a solid axle with leaf springs, which are great for hauling loads but not so good for handling. (although it will out handle most any other truck, it IS a VW after all...)  I have no idea if it is possible to swap the torsion beam suspension on a Caddy.  I'd be pretty cool if you could, though.  

Brendan
84 Scirocco 8v
00 Camaro L36 M49

[Mikeyworks]

I have my '81 Diesel Caddy (which unfortunately at this time is DOA), and it had the 1.6TD in it. I would very pleased with the power of the TD, to the point that I sold my V6 Ford Ranger b/c the Caddy was much more fun!!!!

As for suspension, you can always retrofit any MK1 front suspension on there. As for the rear, if you want to drop it, you can just flip the leafs to the underside of the axle. Or if you want to jack it up, check out Roger's pages...here...this includes adding a leaf or two, or even shackles if you really want to go up!!!

I am in the process of putting a 1.9TD into my Caddy...that should be more power than I need!!!!

Mikey

[diffdude]

The part that's a bummer about caddys is the rear suspension, it has a solid axle with leaf springs.

 That camaro you have does prity good with a solid axle? I have a 69 camaro with rear leafs and it does just fine at the track.

[diffdude]

vwracer, I have a 81 caddy i am working on now. I bought a 88 cabriolet on craigslist for 150.00 in concord and all the suspention bolted on. The ac stuff bolts on to except the motor brackets.

[lord_verminaard]

The part that's a bummer about caddys is the rear suspension, it has a solid axle with leaf springs.

 That camaro you have does prity good with a solid axle? I have a 69 camaro with rear leafs and it does just fine at the track.

Heh, my Camaro has coil springs, lower control arms, torsion bar, track bar, and a rear swaybar, all stock.  It still doesnt handle worth a crap.  

Just messin with ya- but the Camaro was designed to handle well on the street, the Caddy was designed with more utility in mind than handling.  It still has the basic VW front suspension design though, which is what makes it handle like a true German car should.  

It's pretty sad when the 20 year old springs on my Scirocco are tighter than the springs on my 5 year old Camaro, which weighs almost twice as much.  :roll:

Brendan
84 Scirocco 8v
00 Camaro L36 M49

P.S. the Camaro is getting sold in the springtime.  

[diffdude]

Its prity bad when american sports cars are built around ride comfort, not all out performance.