RWD mk3 Golf, the hard way...

[Robmarriott]

I say the hard way as the easy way would be to weld the front on another golf onto the back a la 90s...

This is something I've considered but just don't have the skill, time or money.

I can't even remember how I discovered it, probably a late night Wikipedia session but anyway, the Mk3 Golf has a wheel base of 2474mm (as long as its a 95-98 model, the earlier ones are 3mm shorter for some reason)

This is EXACTLY the same dimension as everyone's favourite drift machine, the 200SX.

It only applies to the S13 though, which has a crappy engine which suffers from oil related bottom end failures.

So, you've welded your Golf shell to your 200SX floorpan (it now has a wider track but will still work with standard arches) but you've binned your CA18DET as the bottom end was knocking.

Where do you go from here?

In my opinion, there's 2 options (there's actually hundreds, anything will fit) the VQ35DE engine from a 350Z with its mountain of torque and it's lovely noise.

Failing that, keeping it VAG, any of the VR6 engines, probably the 3.2 24v VVT lump from a Golf R32 or Audi A3 3.2 but this causes a problem with gearboxes as VW haven't ever made a RWD car with the engine in the front.

That's a hurdle I haven't crossed.

[Relentless Rob]

Do you mean like the twin engine'd taxi from Scrappy Racers?

You could cut a hole in the floor and weld mounts for the front subframe like the twin engine's Alfa 164 from one of the first editions of PPC or this Sud...




...I do recall a twin engine Mk I Golf at one of the bRedline ten of the best events as well. Not forgetting John Cooper built a few twin engine'd Minis in the 60's that were banned from competition for being too fast.

[Robmarriott]

Exactly that way, that's the easy option.

My only experience of this was a pug 106 with an escort RS turbo engine in the back, which was horrific to drive, the front suspension was 106 GTI (ie good) the rear suspension, Erm.... It was the whole front end of an escort turbo, complete with 80s torque steer and bump steer.

Scary.

[Robmarriott]

Oh, i see what you mean, no that's the complete opposite of the ideal way, mine is more like the moggy 200sx thing.

[mjslonergan]

I have vague recollections of seeing a MK1 body on and E30 325 floopan and running gear... but don't ask me any details as if I ever knew, they are long forgotten...

[Relentless Rob]

Off topic; Dakar yellow compact? Very nice.

Engine choice is paramount as it effects the whole dynamic characteristics of the shell vehicle. An ideal would be a mid or rear engine'd power train. I remember a rear engine'd Uno turbo using X/1-9 bits and an MR2 turbo powered Beetle not so long ago. Look at all the rusty MGF's with head gasket failures sat in scrap yards. In a different shell they'd be enough room for the KV6, VVC turbo and even Tomcat conversion that MGF owners have dreamed of but have never had the space for. Something mid or rear engine'd will be a much better donor for a mid/rear engine project.

[mjslonergan]

Off Topic Reply, Thanks Rob, Bought it last week, will put up proper pics soon, its a 318ti...

Back to topic, memory cells long disturbed have visions of Golf body fitting fairly well on e30... though the wings and bonnet were slightly lengthened I think...

[Robmarriott]

Are you sure you're not thinking of the ARTZ Golf 928? Mk1 Golf atop a Porsche 928 floorpan. I would find pics but I'm using one of apples finest so I can't be bothered.

[mjslonergan]

Nope, this was for sale over here, someplace up the north I think...

[DaveRoverMan]

Anyone see the episodes of 'Chop Shop' on Discovery where they grafted Subaru STi running gear into a Mk II, before letting the body guy completely ruin the car by 'designing' a new sporty look for it.

The concept still has merit, but keeping the original shape of the car.

[Robmarriott]

Encouragingly, someone else is stupid enough to think along similar lines.

http://www.corsasport.co.uk/board/viewt ... 408&page=1

Posted on the same forum a few days before is a Corsa C with Impreza running gear.

Glad I'm not the only one!

[DaveRoverMan]

Not a big liver of either car, but the end result is actually pretty cool.

[Relentless Rob]

That C2 vs the twin V6 one?

Should be a good match.

The build does remind me of the old Mk3 Escort Roger Motorsport (could be Roger Motors) built in the late 90's using a rolled Escort Cosworth floor and running gear.