The '90s spec' thing

[roon]

Some buying guides suggest that if an 89 gti has big bumpers , then they must have been added. But I have seen a few (all 16v) 1989 built and registered with not only big bumper, but amonst other things, PAS. Were these all possible 89 extras or were some 89 16v as per 90s spec?

[VWnut]

Not too sure about exact dates, but my 88 16v had pas as standard. I presume it is possible to have big bumpers on a late 89 model but can't say for certain.

[Dizzie]

my dad had a G plate with little bumpers just to throw a spanner in the works. totally standard.

[golfvr6]

The big bumpers did not come in to Aug 1990, so there are G reg golfs with little bumpers. Anything before that date will have the small bumpers, so if someone has added big bumpers be careful as most of them are poor patent crap. Have a look at wheel arches as these were extended on the genuine big bumper models, alot of the pre-90 cars that have been modded with the big bumpers don't fit at the bottom where they join the wheel arch.

[roon]

So an 89 16v that has rainbow trim, big bumper, PAS cannot be a proper 90 spec? Alot of effort to go through though. Like, if it was changed late in life you'd see where the wider plastic trim across mid doors was on the paint unless they respray...or are we suggesting the big bumper mods were done back in the early 90s on many?

Until this conversation I've kinda based my test of a 90 spec on whether the engine coolant thingy in the top right is a sphere or the more rectangular shape.

Any more views. There's a 89 I really want

Also does anyone know any more on the catalyst thing. The figures I have show the non-cat to have 139bhp and the cat ones to have 129. I've driven 89 16v with the KR engine code and they seem faster than other standard 90+ but I've never checked an engine code. Can anyone check their engine code for a 91/92 16v for me and see it it begins with PL instead (the ones with the cat).

Cheers

[Gambit]

the big bumper was first released in Aug 89, its called 90 spec because the majority of them are 1990 onwards, most waited for the new reg year before buying one

no 16v's have cats, and are all KR engine codes

cat was only an option on the digifant 8v

the hazard light should be on the top of the steering column shroud also in a 90 spec

[roon]

Ahh aug 89 not 90 you make me happy then  

Slightly confused on the hazard switch. I'm sure on my old 89 spec with no big bumper or pas , the hazard switch was on the steering column behind the wheel. I take it, with that oddity aside, a non-90 spec would have it up on the dash with the  fogds etc?

Oh btw while typing this particular 89 golf guy just rung up to tell me he added the big bumpers The giveaway shoulda been the lack of working fog lights  - another sign.

So who recons if its sound I should get it? under 90k miles with full VAG history. Says he used official vw bumper parts and the pas and e/w are original. Tis hard for me...finding a non-pink tornado red.

[Slim Shady]

PAS was std on 88-89 16valves

and as an option on >90

Rainbow trim was late 89 onwards



the spherical water expansion tank is a good tester - as is the placement of the hazard light switch.




My latest Valve has VDO guages - whilst my two cars previous (both 89 - had Motometers.       So this maybe another annomoly.

[roon]

Now we've covereed how to spot a non-90. Is there anything inferior about the <90 16vs? e.g. was the spherical expansion tank part of an important improvement?

[roon]

Also, how easy is it to add fog lights. I take it there has to be some accuracy in where they point at the ground?