NSW Newbie - getting back into a Gti ...

[barkerweasel1]

Hi - just joined. I have an '03 VW 2.5TDI Transporter full of surfing gear and a cross-country race Nissan Patrol (SWB with roll cage) build project.

Prior to moving to Aus I had many UK spec mk2 Golf Gti's and absolutely loved them. I then bought an Aus spec car and was a bit disillusioned, quickly swapping for turbo subaru Foresters. Now returned to my senses and looking to get back into them and do a build up of an Aus spec Gti to try and get similar performance...and this looked like the place to join!

[h100vw]

Welcome to the forum mate.

Got any pictures of the MK2s you had in the UK? I am sure the rest of the forum would be keen to see them.

Cheers

Gavin

[barkerweasel1]

Unfortunately the photos are pretty slim - I have been in Aus for 12+ years now and any old shots will need digging out! The last UK car was a black 8v gti that went like a train, faster and faster the more miles on it at 150,000 miles it wound itself round to the pin on the speedo. Little bit of tappet noise in the morning, slight crunch on a fast change into second and the rest of it just felt nice and loosened up! Fantastic car and fast over country roads, I bought it with 40,000 miles on it and was driving alot with work and windsurfing/sailing at the time so piled the miles on it and it got better and better.

Had an early 16v which was good but liked the 8v more and even a Sirocco GT which we called the "Sirocco of doom" - given that it had a habit of the auto choke disconnecting (faulty connection at the carb) and the revs staying at 4,000rpm...good for fast takeoffs and looking a div at lights. The rear wheel bearing failed at 70mph and the wheel, rear drum all came off in one go - amazingly on 3 wheels it was really stable, no dramas apart from some sparks...just pulled up, stopped and went back to pick up the bits and wait for the tow truck.

Family had numerous beetles, squareback and when I arrived in Aus I had a red Aus spec Mk2, followed by a Type 3 Transporter all good cars but still have the best memories of the old black 8v - right car, right time, not many speed cameras then and just great cross-country driving memories.

Good luck on the bike ride - you should be fine. I've done Melbourne "round the bay" a couple of times and if you're riding for 5 1/2 hrs then you will have no dramas doing 160kms.

Golf search starts now...

[OEM G60]

Welcome mate, i used to live in the UK and had 3 Mk2 GTI's too, i loved the 16Valvers though!! I also lived in Manly on and off for many years, great spot to be.
Good luck with the search for a Mk2!!

Matt