1990 Golf Mk2 GTI - ABF engine swap - Sussex

Discussion in 'Say 'hello' in here.' started by Gord111, Apr 22, 2022.

  1. Gord111 New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 22, 2022
    Likes Received:
    1
    Hi all,

    I’ve been watching these forums from the outside. Very knowledgeable people here.

    I recently bought a Mk2 golf GTI from a friend. It has a 2.0 ABF lump in. The car was supposedly set up as a track slag so while not pretty should have been capable.

    Took it on a track day at Goodwood about 3 weeks ago and the car was good (ish). Stupidly went to the “ring” this last week and let’s just say I’ve spent £2k going nowhere. The clutch was slipping and to get it replace was 1309€!!! Nurburgring taxes.

    While my friend was seemingly well intentioned with the mods he’d done to the car, everything and I mean EVERYTHING is a bodge.

    Got back last night from the ring and even with new gaskets and a new main seal is leaking like a colander.

    Stupid things like he ran out of M10 bolts for the seat brackets and just used some 3/8”’s instead because “that’ll be ok”

    The car has Koni coilovers fitted, but can’t be adjusted as the threads are now knackered.

    Windscreen has a massive crack but can’t be replaced as the sill is rusted to crap.

    I’m more amazed now when I get into the car and something actually does work

    That said, it has potential. It’ll take buckets of cash and time but I “could” actually make this a capable car one day.

    Very first things first, I need to have a new clutch put in (I know this one is only a day old - but if the gearbox is coming off to change the main seal and push rod seals then now is the time to upgrade)

    What I desperately need is someone competent with Mk2 golfs and ABF engines to do this work.

    My friend had his buddy a “VAG Mastertech” do the work on the car for a couple of beers ‍♂️ Remember you get what you pay for. Looking at the state of that workmanship it looks as though he’d had the beers before he started working on the car.

    I’m in West Sussex (Worthing) and the car still drives (badly). I want this done right, no shortcuts or “that’ll do”.

    This car deserves better than it’s had. No more bodges!

    So if you Golf buffs know of anyone local in the Sussex area let me know.
     
  2. MJA

    MJA Paid Member Paid Member

    Joined:
    Dec 30, 2019
    Likes Received:
    130
    Location:
    North Herts/South Cambs borders
    Have you thought about learning to do yourself? It will save you £££ and gain high levels of satisfaction. If not there is only one place I would recommend and that is Stealth Racing in Warwickshire. £65+vat per hour which is pretty reasonable considering the knowledge and what other places charge and you'll get it right first time.

    Don't underestimate the amount hours required to put something right though - 50 to 75 I'd guess if it's have a full going over but I've always found Stealth to be upfront and honest and they also let you supply parts.

    There is somewhere down the coast your end of the country but I've not always heard good reports and they are a lot more expensive than Stealth.
     
  3. Gord111 New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 22, 2022
    Likes Received:
    1
    Thanks for that. I could try doing this myself and it’ll be ok, but again get what you pay for.

    I think I know the place you mean near me, starts with a J. Seen mixed reviews about them. Some saying they’re great and then the total opposite. I’ll keep stealth in mind and reach out to them.

    This may seem trivial but it’s the oil leak that is driving me nuts!! Seen on the pushrod seal and bush are the number 1 cause of the leak and end up killing the clutch every time.

    Changing the clutch and the seals albeit taking the gearbox off to do it, is only a couple of hours work.

    Thanks for the advice mate ;)

    Hopefully see you all around when the car is better sorted and not dripping oil
     
  4. MJA

    MJA Paid Member Paid Member

    Joined:
    Dec 30, 2019
    Likes Received:
    130
    Location:
    North Herts/South Cambs borders
    It can be a stressful experience getting the car into a conditition you're happy with, I know the pain well!

    You're right it is that place. Most notable job of theirs I am aware of was a Corrado Campaign nut and bolt - what a £40k restoration i guess or perhaps heard- and the car was like a bag of nails. Rattles, engine tapperty. Chap couldn't sell it. Ouch.

    I have always found Vince at Stealth very accomodating. He did a big refresh on my Corrado back when I was fresh and didn't have any facilities to work on cars. I pop there for the day (200 mile round trip..) to get some jobs I don't have time to do and basically keep a relationship going. He always gives me advice on my other cars and I will help me out whether working on them or not. My mk2 will go to him for a once over and rolling road set up once I am done with my fettling. Likewise an ECU map on my mk3 16v too.

    My pal bought a Corrado many years ago. It had its chains done by "some specialist" before sale but was burning oil when he got it and on strip down at Stealth was found to have 2 bent valves and ovulated cylinders - Vince could hear it and smell it before strip down. My point here is if the car had just gone to someone who knew what they were doing then it would have been fixed first time so it's well worth the effort to travel there plus they are great receipts to have your file come resale.
     
  5. Gord111 New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 22, 2022
    Likes Received:
    1
    I love everything you’ve just said mate!!
     
    MJA likes this.
  6. Gord111 New Member

    Joined:
    Apr 22, 2022
    Likes Received:
    1
    There is one slight problem. These chaps are 136 miles away, a 3 hour drive :-(
     

Share This Page

  1. This site uses cookies to help personalise content, tailor your experience and to keep you logged in if you register.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our use of cookies.
    Dismiss Notice