difference between models

[TIM20]

Im thinking of making a track day car and can't afford to pay for a straight gti right now

I have seen many drivers and lesser models, obviously there are differences in the suspension and breakes but what are the other differences?

Any in the shell eg/ will buying a 1.3 prevent me from fitting a larger capacity engine?

anything really that is different?

Im thinking of a 1.8t conversion using the qpeng harness at a later date once the shell is preped so just need to know if i can bolf the stuff like front sub frame/ rear beam etc on to it?

Tim

[Agreeable Slick]

the shells are all the same, its just brakes and suspension that will have to be changed if you want to make a track car out of it.

Major difference between a 1300 and a 16v for instance, about 70bhp and a fresh set of trousers. 

[Fielder5757]

the front brakes are the same on the CLs, Drivers, GLs and 8Valve GTIs, The GTIs however have thinner brake pads and thicker vented disks. However you can do a straight swap for GTI pads and disks on any of the lesser models. Im in the middle of converting a 1.6 for track day use.

[Si]

Yo, fielder, are your brakes on your Driver vented Gti discs? My front discs are solid!!! And drums on the back!

[Si]

If it was me, i would use an 1.8 or 1.6 Driver as a track day base car. At least then you already have the slightly uprated suspension and brakes and engine.
You dont often see many lesser models in a great condition as people dont generally seem to look after them as much as higher models. For a trackday car, i would love to go 2.0l conversion with throttle bodies....

[rubjonny]

Second best choice is a 1.8 Driver/GL, as these will have the front anti roll bar fitted as standard.  One less job to do
Course if you were planning to upgrade the front ARB then this is a null point!

Best choice is a GTI, otherwise you'll have to source a complete injection system including the rear fuel pumps, GTI rear beam & disc brakes (has internal ARB) etc

[Fielder5757]

Yo, fielder, are your brakes on your Driver vented Gti discs? My front discs are solid!!! And drums on the back!

They went as standard, But they are now, I just went out and baught Vented GTI Disks and Pads, You have to swap the pads and disks over or they wont fit. The front disks are also drilled for added ventelation on the track.

[Si]

What about the Calipers? were they the same as GTi?

[rubjonny]

yep

[Organisys]

Best choice is a GTI, otherwise you'll have to source a complete injection system including the rear fuel pumps, GTI rear beam & disc brakes (has internal ARB) etc

If I remember correctly, the qpeng conversion is based upon an 8v digifant fuelling system. So that would be a good base car.