Looking at 97 GL 2.0l any probs to look out for

[courtz1976-2dr]

Hi there All,

I am looking at a 97 Golf GL 2.0 with 220k on the clock for $5900 are there any things that I should be aware of that may be a pain to fix.

Also - I have a 76 golf that goes pretty darn hard (weber carby. flat top pistons, mild cam blah) what are these like (97 GL) when driven hard (my usual driving style) the 76 laps up all I throw at it.


Cheers,
Courtney.

[Golf Loon]

You can drive em hard and wont break the engine, but it wont go as fast as your Mk1, or be as much fun. They feel heavy and slow in comparison.

On the plus side they have heaters and ac that work, power steer.

Check electric windows work and the abs if fitted.

[h100vw]

Front wishbone rear bushes are crap as are the rear axle bushes. Other than that they last well, the 2 litre doesn't rev well with the longer stroke but it's a flexible motor though.

Gavin

[william]

ignition coils check when changed last they are good for 50000ks.
check cam belt for wear should be done every four years or 90000ks.
check control arm bushes vehicle will pull one way on acceleration if gone
tyre wear will indicate if wheel bearings are gone thats all i can suggest other than
they are bullet proof.

[courtz1976-2dr]

Thanks Golf Loon

[QUOTE=Golf Loon;40694]You can drive em hard and wont break the engine, but it wont go as fast as your Mk1, or be as much fun. They feel heavy and slow in comparison.
QUOTE]


What can be done about this, does the engine lend itself to mods to improve performance, headers, cams, chips etc. I am pretty sure they can be turboed??? I wil have a look in the performance section. Also but open to suggestions.

I like the responsiveness of the mk1 - but is looking tired and needs TLC I dont have time for + is not very presentable for work....


Let me know what you guys think...

Cheers again and thanks to all who responded.

[evorobin]

You're on the right track tuning n/a only works in light cars (at this level) you need Forced induction for torque!

[SOHC]

its tough car...
just heard that the ignition coils can be cooked by the engine heat...if they got the plastic mounting??

[deemoE36]

i got one myself, with 115K now, and i can tell u that after zipping around in ur mk1, when u jump in ur GL, ull demand more power,

like Matt said, it feels heavy, it does pull up high, but doesnt like to go to close to red line
if u have room for a project car, just get an mk1 and drop GL engine in it, thatll get u moving

[courtz1976-2dr]

OK looks like I will be the proud owner of a newish 97 GL, now hopefully someone can shed some light as to the engine type that will be in it - the car is already upgraded in my head before getting it!!!

So I have heard mention of crossflow and also "standard" type heads can anyone point me to where I can find the specs etc of the engine fitted to this year model - solid lifters. hydraulic etc I know the Gti is hydro but as much info would be appreciated.

Hmmm add the GL to the 92 (90) Gti mk2 (which I really wasn't all that impressed with the performance of) the 76 2dr, the 1978 4dr and the 1980 4dr I have here.

So back to the GL - quickest easiest mod (I have totally rebuilt mk1 engines before) that I can do - cam/chip combo - exhaust whats gonna give most bang for the buck. I have also read something on the ebay cheapie chips being OK. So all you mk3 2.0l owners gimme the lowdown.


Cheers and Regards,

Courtz

[bombsquad21]

How many k's on the car? Love the 97 2.0! Cruise control, rear headrests, roof mounted aerial are all handy improvements over earlier GL's. Car is slow from a stand still, 3rd gear 80-140 for overtaking is the sweet spot. Enjoy the car...post some pics!

[courtz1976-2dr]

How many k's on the car? Love the 97 2.0! Cruise control, rear headrests, roof mounted aerial are all handy improvements over earlier GL's. Car is slow from a stand still, 3rd gear 80-140 for overtaking is the sweet spot. Enjoy the car...post some pics!

Hmmm 80-140 in 3rd!!!! not bad, not bad

One pic so far - looks very nice

Cheers guys.

[MattyT]

Looks nice, congrats on the purchase!

[Golf Loon]

Hydraulic Lifters, Not Crossflow Head.

Cam and Chip. Best Bang for Buck.

H100VW should have some idea about a cheap chip upgrade

[deemoE36]

Hmmm 80-140 in 3rd!!!! not bad, not bad

One pic so far - looks very nice

Cheers guys.

looks good, identical to mine when i just bought it

enjoy!

[courtz1976-2dr]

looks good, identical to mine when i just bought it

enjoy!

I saw in another thread that you were talking about turboing your mk3 - any luck or is there some other mods that you have done that have bettered the performance - I also see mention of toyota superchargers hmmmm sounds interesting.

Also the ebay "cheapie chip" I see that some have done this.

Suggestions on cam + chip combos where, how much and what sort of gains.

I am just going on how the GTI mk2 performs - basically stock standard but with a K&N pod filter - changes the sound but what about hp gains???

The Gti also is sloppy down low the best pickup is around 4500 to 5600 and seems to level at 5800. I am pretty sure that they are close to the same weight so an extra 200cc must make a little difference???