GTi vs 1.6 Driver vs 1.3 Ryder

[warnesey333]

I'm looking for a 3dr for my (Hopefully) first project.

It's going to be a 1.8t conversion but I'm stuck as to which to get.

I've only really been looking at GTi's but because I'm getting rid of the engine, would it be possible for me to get a Driver or Ryder?

The things I've thought about so far are:

- Engine Mounts
  These will be uprated regardless

- Engine Bay room
  I'm not sure how the Driver, Ryder and GTi differ so I need some advice here

- Brake Lines + Brakes
  Upgraded regardless

- Fuel Line
  I believe I will need to change this?

- Suspension
  Will be upgraded regardless


Is it worth me just waiting it out and finding a decent GTi or would I be ok with getting a Driver or maybe a Ryder?

Cheers
Jack

[johnson6672]

I think the in tank fuel pump that is on the GTI would be needed, however you could get round this by fitting a motorsport type in car one i think, Engine bay i believe is the same.
Rear brakes may be an issue as the 1.3 and i beleive the 1.6 have drums not discs so the rear axle may need to be changed.

Engine bays are all the same as are the positioning of the mounts.

Suspension is all interchangable and the only reason there are different springs on the different models is down to the rating and height, obviosley a standard gti is lower.

[Alec]

I saw a mk2 thats already been converted on pistonheads about an hour ago with engine problems

Dunno if that info is relevant to you or not. One thats already been converted might still make a good project especially if its not running right

[warnesey333]

Cheers for the replies.

I'm going to start and keep a look out for all of them and if a decent 1.6 or Ryder comes up I might have to go and have a look.

Would make a nice sleeper

I saw a mk2 thats already been converted on pistonheads about an hour ago with engine problems

Dunno if that info is relevant to you or not. One thats already been converted might still make a good project especially if its not running right

I think Ive seen the one you're talking about, I'd rather start from the beginning tbh, it'd be a bigger learning curve for me

[tony_ack]

Quite a lot of changes to get from Ryder/Driver to GTI spec - e.g. brakes, suspension (okay you're upgrading both), rear axle, front arb, seats, clocks.

Depends how far you want to go really, because the list could go on to parcel shelf, headlining, carpets, front and rear spoilers, wheel arches, etc.

[Wayne]

Better to start with a GTI, if you start with a carb version your going to need a GTI injection set really.

[Khare]

Better to start with a GTI, if you start with a carb version your going to need a GTI injection set really.

+1.

Also remember that the 1.3s have different engine mountings, and the 1.6's will need uprating absolutely everything, only thing you keep is the shell really. Better off starting with an 8v digi gti, makes the wiring easier than the K-jet models.

[Mew]

I would be buying on the condition of the shell, rather than what it has bolted to it. A driver or a 1.3 with a decent body is probably going to be easier to find than a decent gti, and if not easier, it will almost certainly be cheaper.

Admittidly there might be times when the project stalls due to needing bits like a gti rear beam, fuel pump assembly/wiring, the odd bracket etc. but they're easy enough to find if you look for them......

[fishnchipsx2]

If you have a 1.3, the driver's side mount on the chassis rail will need to be cut off, flipped upside down, and welded back on closer to the bulkhead to accommodate the big block.

For both a 1.3 and a 1.6, I would imagine you would want to convert from rear drums to rear discs.  A bias valve of some sort will be needed.

A carb'd fuel pump will obviously need changing, but I'm not sure whether a mk2 gti one will suffice...?

Personally, I would go for whatever the tidiest shell you can find is. If you're doing a 1.8t conversion, most of the issues above should be relatively trivial, compared to what else lies ahead - good luck! 

[mattneck(Beavis)]

Better to start with a GTI, if you start with a carb version your going to need a GTI injection set really.

+1.

Also remember that the 1.3s have different engine mountings, and the 1.6's will need uprating absolutely everything, only thing you keep is the shell really. Better off starting with an 8v digi gti, makes the wiring easier than the K-jet models.

The 1.3 engine mounts are all in the same locations, as are all golf 2 mounts, the front and gearbox are both as usble, even the rear has the same bracket layout..

If you have a 1.3, the driver's side mount on the chassis rail will need to be cut off, flipped upside down, and welded back on closer to the bulkhead to accommodate the big block.

No, that's a Mk1.