20vt conversion best car to start with

[sc]

is this like the vr6 where your best off to start with a 90spec car or does it not make much differnce as the wiring alll changes anyways?

[Diamond Hell]

In my opinion you're better off starting with a Syncro - they have the high tunnel that gives the shell more stiffness and you're putting the power through all four wheels - it's a win-win situation, except you might need to cut the tunnel to let the exhaust come down under the central driveshaft.

[VeeDubGTI16v]

can a syncro handle the power?

[Philpy]

Syncro running gear? No way!!  But you could convert to Rallye stuff... But I dont think he's on about 4WD!

[Diamond Hell]

The only thing that won't handle the power of a 20VT at either 150 or 180bhp is the rod-change gearbox and you can swap that out for a cable-changer from a Rallye or Passat Syncro.

Then you just need 280mm front brakes, rear discs and away you go.

Having spent the evening playing with a turbo downpipe that's not going to be too taxing

and yes, I AM on about having the 4WD - you guys running 2WD are missing out on a BIG trick.

[sc]

well i'm on about 2wd
don't want a 5dr and don't want to spend forever finding a 3dr or converting to syncro as its clearly a big ball ache i now 4wd would be better but its going to a budget build

All i want to know is are there any models of golf that are easier than others ie if its 16v, 8v, driver, or poverty spec
or pre 90spec post 90spec
if it makes no differnce i'll probably try to find a cheapie golf to do the conversion so i can keep my 16v on the road while doing it

[ben44]

i have a 1986 golf c 20vt 2wd with a rod change box and im pushin 230bhp through it!never had a problem!

the year of the car doesnt matter if you are using aftermarket management (quantum's plug and play kit for example)
best to start with a gti though as they have capable fuel pumps installed alredy!
the rod change gearbox will handle 200bhp easily IF it is in a healthy condition, you will need a uprated clutch as standard ones slip like mad!!the ratios of the gti box are too short for the power but if you can put up with 3400rpm @70mph then its fine.

as for the 4wd, syncro boxes suck! rallye boxes will swap and cope easily though. but it depends on what power you want to push really as 2wd with some good tyres is stickier than you think ( i mangaed a 14.1 @114mph at the pod)

[sc]

so basicly i'm after an 8v gti with a knackered or prefrerably no engine
thats cool thanks for the help
is it as easy as it looks on the qpeng site or is it in reality a massive ballache?

[ben44]

so basicly i'm after an 8v gti with a knackered or prefrerably no engine
thats cool thanks for the help
is it as easy as it looks on the qpeng site or is it in reality a massive ballache?

yep a knackered 8v would be cool.

nope its as easy as that !   

[sesterfield]

surely a late spec car would be better for wiring purposes?