› Forums › Project Cars (contains photos) › Golf MK2 8v gti Syncro
Tagged: mk2 golf syncro gti conversion
Firstly just wanted to say that I am no mechanic…. I can battle my way through most basic mk2 problems, but I have a good group of mates who are always keen to help – who know a lot more than me – which has been invaluable. I bought this car of my friend, who had unfortunately wrapped it round a lamp post! The damage although it looked bad – was minimal, as it hit exactly in the middle… and I had the spares to do a simple fix, so it was a no-brainer! SO this is where the project started…
Initially I was focused stopping the rust from getting hold in the standard mk2 places including the jacking points and wheel arches. Then I stripped and re-sprayed the engine bay.
I swapped the wiring loom to later CE2 version from a scrap mk2 gti. (with the later fuse box) I also used this ‘scrapper’ to salvage loads of other gti parts such as interior trim, rear brake callipers, fuel pump & lines, and various bits n’ bobs. This was 500quid well spent considering all the miscellaneous parts I scavenged from it. The scrapper was a run-out model gti (J-reg) which had the later fuse board, steering column and pedal box configuration all of which ended up being changed over to the Syncro. Other stuff was invaluable also such as the fuel pump, power steering rack, fuel sender (which needed to be modified for the Syncro fuel tank) the interior, and the big bumper exterior trim. The engine and gear box went into my old j-plate 2-door atlas grey, which then got sold on. The 2e bottom end, with a TSR head & cam from my old golf mk2 GTi, with a Rallye O2C gerbox is now in the Syncro.
The end result will be a Golf Mk2 8v GTI Syncro. Not mental quick, but fun. And hopefully in keeping with VW thinking… if VW had ever done a 4 door 8v gti, it would look something like this. I always loved my 8v gti so wanted to build something which maintained this character, but was also ‘future proofed’ a bit, if I ever wanted to put something silly in it!
Other stuff I remember doing at somepoint….
Drive shaft modification – gti drive shaft one side, Syncro the other, but with bigger Inner CV’s to marry up with O2c
Cable linkage conversion, with manual actuator. Cable linkage box from a mk2 g60syncro. Mk2 1.3L clutch cables used (I think)
G60 front brake conversion, with bigger 22mm master cylinder and bigger brake servo.
Things to sort /problems to solve
Working out the Rear diff vacuum configuration.
Work out how to marry the reverse lights wiring.
Work out how to get the relay from the old Syncro wiring loom for the free wheel mechanism incorporated into the new wiring loom/fuse board.
Custom Exhaust manifold & downpipe will have to be purchased.
All things I hope that this amazing Syncro Forum will be able to help with to finish the project!
Looking good Andy! Super clean bay, mmm… 🙂
hope this helps “rear diff vacuum system”
http://www.vwsyncro.co.uk/data/forums/topic.asp?TOPIC_ID=2570
Nice car! Look forward to seeing how it turns out
nice project – this is the sort of inspiration I need to get a move on with mine 🙂
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Today I picked up some shiney stuff from the sand blasting/powder coating shop. I have a load of poly bushes to fit, and have hopefully sourced some RALLYE rear calliper carriers. Should be lookigng to put the rear back on the car in the next couple of weeks.
Before and after…. best £125 I have spent…?
Not sure why the pics are upside down… but hey – you get the idea.
It’s great when stuff comes back all shiny isn’t it ?
Very nice, something I’d love to do with my own car
Progress… I managed to get some Rallye Calliper Carriers thanks to Chris of making me aware of them, and my german friend for sorting out! with that in mind, i am now unsure which sliders to use. i have the ones of an old gmk2 gti setup, and a pair from some g60 carriers which i had on the shelf (see pic). Both fit, but the g60 ones are slightly shorter and appear to slide better. the longer ones from the gti carriers appear to restrict the sliding. any ideas welcome.. i guess i will try them both as its easy to change them. Also just bought a few other buts and bobs including rallye handbrake cables and braded hoses. just off to VW now to see if i can some MK4 4-motion backing plates. Also i need carrier bolts. Any ideas if these are still used on anything that is still available?
carrier bolts are available at heritage and the like. probably vw too. the thing to bear in mind is that if you space the caliper carrier off the arm a bit (as i had to to centre it on my discs) you will find they are too short. Only engage by about 3 threads. Golf mk4 ones are longer and the right thread pitch, but are about 5mm too long 😀 So you either have to cut 5mm off or fit a 5mm thick washer under the head. Other otion is just to buy some 10.9 grade bolts of the right thread pitch. Ebay has them, they are in my basket while i make up my mind what bolts to get mk4 or ebay ones….
Moral of the story, is try the carrier and disc on the arm before buying standard 20mm long ones.
in fact, im picking up the correct bolts (for me) tomorrow. if you can wait, and your not spacing off your carrier you can have my four mk2 golf bolts for half what i paid for them, so a tenner plus post for 4.
Cheers Lloydy. I took advantage of the VW Heritage Black Friday 25% sale and ordered discs/pads, handbrake cables and brake hoses today. When they arrive i will assemble it all, see if it all lines up and make a decision on the bolts. Should be next weekend. Any thoughts on the calliper sliders?
sorry, my carriers came with the guide pins already greased and fitted. so i didnt remove them to look. These are the correct ones for the carriers (by part number 443698470) https://www.ebay.co.uk/p/Guide-Sleeve-Kit-Brake-Caliper-SP9896-TRW-AUDI-VW-Seat-SAAB-443698470/1337696427
maybe you can compare the image and decide?