RWD V8 Mk1 Jetta

[JamesS]

This is not a project that I am starting now but it's one that I have thought about starting.

Does anyone know of a RWD Mk1 Jetta? There are some RWD mk2 Jetta's but haven't seen a mk1.

My idea would be to use running gear from a 540 BMW (4.4 V8) and a mk1 Jetta shell which excluding consumables could be done for £2500 + 100's of hours my time!

Only problem with this engine would be the weight, a lighter inline 6 from an E46 would be better but they are still fairly expensive. The grunty V8's from the older BM's are cheap as chips. Whole car can be had for under 1k.

One of my friends has put this engine in the 325 cabby and it is an awesome drifter and there seems to be a fair bit of space around the engine so size wise I think it could fit in the bay with some tinkering.

Im aware that loads of cutting & welding will need to be done, but to be honest that's what I want because it's something I love doing! I would also choose a rough mk1 Jetta as the base because I don't want to mess up a good condition one.

Only big issues to overcome would be steering rack, mounting points for the running gear & length of driveshafts & wishbones etc.

Any thought or alternative doner cars for the running gear?

[SoundillusioN]

Sounds challenging, I don't know of one.

Where do you plan on mounting the engine? 

Depending on how you intend to chop the Jetta up, do your research on how it will go down with the DVLA when it comes to an IVA if it's required.

[Wayne]

I did spot in one of the VW mags today someone had built a Ford GT40 engined mk2 (mid engined) might be worth a read.

[leigh_harty]

It'll handle worsererer than a mk3 vr 

Id still say go for it though!

[SoundillusioN]

It'll handle worsererer than a mk3 vr 

Id still say go for it though!

Impossible! 

Meh, i'm sure it'll be a great drag car though!.. You never know, if you mid-mounted the motor it might handle well!

[JC]

or you could use porsche running gear

http://www.clubgti.com/showthread.php?129699-rwd-golf-mk1-v8

 

[SoundillusioN]

Or TVR as featured on here many moons ago.

[JamesS]

*(from a 740, not 540)

I was originally thinking FR because it would require fewer custom bits, no daft side intakes and would be great for drifting. Re-locating as much as possible to the boot would go some way to help the handling. Would want to keep it looking as standard as possible.

The main idea is to make a cheap drift car & something different. An E36 M3 engine would be easier to fit & lighter but would be more to buy.

Hmmm, would be awsome fun!