New engine for my Golf GTI Mk2 - Should i bother?

[kristyw]

Hey there,

Very long and boring story..i wont bother with too many details.

I have or had a lovely working VW Golf GTI 1991 MK2. An (ex) friend drove up the great ocean road and (my mechanic said) ruined the engine because it overheated. I don’t really know much more about whats wrong except that it needs a new engine.

I had it towed back to Melbourne because i wasn't sure what to do. He conveniently left town and went back to England while i've been unsure what to do for months now.

I was about to list it on ebay hoping to get a few hundred dollars for parts but then i was a bit sad.

I've only had it for 4 years and when i started looking for new cars to buy nothing really compares to it. I love that car and i know it's old and maybe not as great as i think it is..but does anyone think it would be worthwhile putting a new engine in it and what roughly would i expect to pay for an engine and labour?

I was expecting to pay about $5000 for a second hand car so I just thought maybe..just maybe I could get it rebuilt for that much?

I have had a few problems with it over the years but for an old card kind of expected it.

Other than a new engine (which i know is big) it is in good condition. The body is good and all the other bits were working before hand.

Really appreciate any words of encouragement as I’m a bit lost without my car.

[Jarred]

It is possible that all the car needs is the head reconditioned.

how mechanically minded are you? it's defiantly worth saving I reckon, especially since you seem to love it so much!

[kristyw]

Ummm.. on a scale of 1-10 about 0. All i know is how to add oil, water, change a tyre, and to stop driving my car when there is smoke coming of the engine!

What do you think i should pay for something like this? Does anyone have any recommendations in the Melbourne area?

Do you think if someone drove it until it over heated and then kept on driving and driving that would be the only thing i only have to worry about about?

Very vague i know..really appreciate any advise.

[Peter Jones]

Drop in the 1800 motor from a later MK3, they're about $500 (+fitting) around these parts.

Or just fix the one you've got, could be just the head as Jarred suggests.

Pete

[velly_16v_cab]

i am sure a one of us melbourne lot can pop around and have a look for you.

[joshyd-mk2gti]

hey, is it a black mk2? if it is, i've seen you driving it around a few times. it looks good, so def get it running again..!

[h100vw]

Overheating could just require a head skim and refit to fix up. Not done it over here but in the UK you could sort that out for a gasket kit at less than $100 and a skim for similar money.

If you pull the head then dependant on mileage, it's probably worth replacing the valve guides. Don't give up on it, you can fix it for less than $500 I would think by doing it yourself.

Probably an afternoons work for a good mech to remove and refit the head.

Gavin

[Golf Loon]

Drop in the 1800 motor from a later MK3, they're about $500 (+fitting) around these parts.

Thats what I`d do. I can deliver a 1998 spec 1.8 engine with 100ks on it to the door of your mechanic for $550 inc postage.

Newer and less ks. Most Mk2 engines are getting pretty tired by now.

Probably pay $500 to get it fitted, plus $350 for a new clutch whilst you are at it, thats it.

[ausgolfer]

I'd say budget for about 2K to get a newer engine in. But definately get a mechanic or someone mechanically minded to look at it first.

A head rebuild and refit could be under 1K.

I'd hate to see another mk2 die

[qsz]

Hi Kristy,
I'd be happy to have a look at your car for you and i only live in Richmond so not too far.
I am sure I can help you to sort your car out.

R,


Simon

[tommymac]

save the car mate, as Matt and the rest said drop a mk3 1800 into it.

[benough]

Save the whales! um...er... i mean, save the MK2s!

I was in the same position. I knew SFA and mine did a head gasket. So i got the manual and went in head first.

I got my motor working again for around $600.