id like to say, having driven Mk1, Mk2 and Mk3 GTIs, it really dont care for the suspension on the Mk3. It feels sloppy and you wallow around (relatively). Handling is a not an exact science like some would have it, but alot to do with the feel of the car. A good handling car allows you to faster in a corner partly because you feel more confident about doing so, it does what you say when you say it.
The best handling car of the bunch IMO is actually the Mk1 Scirocco, which i attribute to the driver being slightly further back and lower.
and as for the original 8v timings, i dont believe ANY so called timing that havnt been done on proper kit. Its easy to settle, get yourself upto Santa Pod and get some proof
