1984 GTi with GTI engineering

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1984 GTi with GTI engineering

September 23, 2021, 10:30:11 PM

Hi All,

As promised, here are some pictures of my 1984 alpine white Golf GTi with Plus-pac tuning from GTI Engineering. I bought the car in 2016 and the owner before me was in the process of fully restoring it. He had done a pretty decent job respraying it in its original colour and he had also rebuilt the gear box with new clutch and timing belt replacement.

In my time I have added / replaced / carried out:

Water pump
Oil pump
Full ST sports suspension lowering springs and dampers
Refurbished tear drop alloys
Porsche script door handles
Auxiliary air valve (AAV)
Starter motor
Votex steering wheel and centre console
Rear disc callipers
Underside waxyoyl

There is still plenty to do but it isn't too bad condition and is lots of fun to drive especially after 4000 rpm. Ideally, I'll get it on a rolling road and see if its managed to keep most of its horses over the last 37 years.
https://www.vwgolfmk2.co.uk/clubforum/index.php?action=dlattach;sa=tmpattach;attach=post_tmp_529_17d15e0af7594adceae000d2d32f7608;topic=1098https://www.vwgolfmk2.co.uk/clubforum/index.php?action=dlattach;sa=tmpattach;attach=post_tmp_529_fe5660e0e3f4c57087d220f0fcbb9fad;topic=1098https://www.vwgolfmk2.co.uk/clubforum/index.php?action=dlattach;sa=tmpattach;attach=post_tmp_529_1aec1a81d04b853dd3eb33940b01fa28;topic=1098https://www.vwgolfmk2.co.uk/clubforum/index.php?action=dlattach;sa=tmpattach;attach=post_tmp_529_23de2c6705c855f72e4d54efe6521561;topic=1098https://www.vwgolfmk2.co.uk/clubforum/index.php?action=dlattach;sa=tmpattach;attach=post_tmp_529_83a94109d65d97cbdef802c564c802a8;topic=1098
Next jobs will be some VDO gages, a cassette radio and a full replacement of the cooling system.

Regarding style and spec, I am not too sure how to move forward. The fact that the engine was tinkered with very early on its life means it will never be truly original, so maybe just keeping it clean and subtle is a good way to go for now - but if anybody has any suggestions and thoughts on would I could potentially do to make it even better would be great

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Re: 1984 GTi with GTI engineering

Reply #1 – September 23, 2021, 10:47:25 PM

https://www.vwgolfmk2.co.uk/clubforum/index.php?action=dlattach;sa=tmpattach;attach=post_tmp_529_fc586bf229503e474bbfb8db51d5ddfe;topic=1098https://www.vwgolfmk2.co.uk/clubforum/index.php?action=dlattach;sa=tmpattach;attach=post_tmp_529_1325ef09bdcd997776e6cc44e1e93248;topic=1098

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Re: 1984 GTi with GTI engineering

Reply #2 – September 24, 2021, 08:13:24 AM

That looks fantastic!
I'd just tinker and enjoy that one.
I'd recommend you swap the cam belt out though, being rubber, they only usually have a reliable life of around 5 years.
Also, get some Solution Finish on the black rubbers, you need to be careful, as it's a dye, but it does a fantastic job of restoring them.

Re: 1984 GTi with GTI engineering

Reply #3 – September 24, 2021, 08:19:10 AM

Thanks Monkey!

That's probably not a bad shout - I'll get straight to it.

Re: 1984 GTi with GTI engineering

Reply #4 – September 24, 2021, 10:43:03 AM

That looks stunning and reminds me so much of my first one. I mean my first first one, back before the internet and not my previous one the majority of people on here know me for. Back then you had to take photos on a camera and get them developed, so unbelievably I have no pictures of it - just fond memories.

I know it's personal taste, one thing I'd look to change is the wheels. What you have are my least favourite design and wouldn't have been available on an 84. P-slots would suit it, but they're a bit 'meh'.

Some Zender Turbos would be epic, but they're always stupid money.

I'd check out the GTI Engineering options and try and get something period to perfect the look. The Aerotech ones always look nice (I think Tim Gash has them on one of his cars) a bit like Series 1 RS Turbo wheels, or the Ronal R8 as found on many Audi. They're all options.

Re: 1984 GTi with GTI engineering

Reply #5 – September 24, 2021, 10:51:13 AM

I've a weakness for GTiE stuff, plus it's Alpine White so you're onto a winner as far as I'm concerned.

Me, I'd try to keep things as original as possible without getting too hung up on the finer details ... look after it, but use and enjoy.

Your steering wheel - Posted these up before somewhere, but to save you looking -

It's an Atiwe Typ ATC4, rebranded by VW as a Votex, nice thing and very high quality... the original hub will probbaly be the earlier 3x bolt pattern if it's period to the car.

Re: 1984 GTi with GTI engineering

Reply #6 – September 24, 2021, 10:54:34 AM

Damn my old fingers... I seem to be slowest on here these days!

Re: 1984 GTi with GTI engineering

Reply #7 – September 24, 2021, 11:02:27 AM

Some other random bits about wheels -

Re: 1984 GTi with GTI engineering

Reply #8 – September 24, 2021, 01:37:29 PM

Eddypeck, I think I agree with you. I have just seen some nice Zender sports on eBay, I think they would do the car much more justice and would be in keeping with the whole GTiE upgrades. They're a good old price mind, but seem to be in lovely condition.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/284412444245?hash=item42384d7e55:g:lSAAAOSwi~dhGoPw.

Thanks L90E, that is some classic documentation from the GTiE group, and I can't believe you even have info about the steering wheel. This has really made my day! Thanks everyone

Re: 1984 GTi with GTI engineering

Reply #9 – September 24, 2021, 06:56:11 PM

Those are steep and have been tinkered with - no bolts, wrong center caps (look like repros) and polished, be hard work to keep shiney.

If you're genuine about any of the old school Zenders such as Sports / Sterns or Turbos and see some you're interested in stick a post up here first.

They can be a minefield trying to get the correct spec. and came in so many variations... I've still a few trade catalogues with part numbers etc. that can identify most of them providing I'm given some info. usually found cast on the reverse.

Re: 1984 GTi with GTI engineering

Reply #10 – September 24, 2021, 07:23:45 PM

Absolutely, I won't rush into anything just yet. I'll keep my eyes peeled for when the right set come along and definitely put it up on the chat for some group consensus and wisdom before making any purchases.

Re: 1984 GTi with GTI engineering

Reply #11 – September 24, 2021, 07:41:48 PM

Nice set of ATS Cups would look nice on that!

Re: 1984 GTi with GTI engineering

Reply #12 – September 28, 2021, 04:54:46 PM

Managed to bypass the rain today and change the radiator, metal coolant pipe and coolant hoses. Everything was running a bit hot and even the radiator fan housing would burn if touched. I tried changing the thermostat a while back but that made no difference. After the job today I think I've cracked it. The metal coolant pipe had severely corroded in several places (see pics) which has probably gone on to clog the fins of the radiator. Gave it a run out and everything seems to have cooled down and the fan isn't constantly kicking in now.

https://www.vwgolfmk2.co.uk/clubforum/index.php?action=dlattach;sa=tmpattach;attach=post_tmp_529_0000a466e9afaeb7b7e90b9b73be886e;topic=1098https://www.vwgolfmkhttps://www.vwgolfmk2.co.uk/clubforum/index.php?action=dlattach;sa=tmpattach;attach=post_tmp_529_f55b8f0289ea0f48cd1d541570d07f30;topic=1098https://www.vwgolfmk2.co.uk/clubforum/index.php?action=dlattach;sa=tmpattach;attach=post_tmp_529_a6be5a40a7c4ebb86b63fa803fa74aa9;topic=1098

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Re: 1984 GTi with GTI engineering

Reply #13 – September 29, 2021, 11:41:27 AM

Awesome! Just to add with the solution finish - apply G techniq C4 as a sealant and it'll prolong the finish.

Looking forward to some updates!

Re: 1984 GTi with GTI engineering

Reply #14 – October 05, 2021, 08:02:56 AM

Quote from: Sam Stirrup on September 29, 2021, 11:41:27 AM

Awesome! Just to add with the solution finish - apply G techniq C4 as a sealant and it'll prolong the finish.

Didn't know about that, great tip!