| How To Give your Bunny A Bad Attitude. Vol. 3 |
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| First off let me say these upgrades all require a good amount of knowlege, and a great amount of time and money. 1.Engines The stock Rabbit can handle upto a 2.0L engine with only minor mods to the fuel and exhaust systems, and the addition of a knock sensor ignition system to handle the higher compresion. This motor with a bunch of the previously mentioned upgrades can make for about 140 to 160hp. Thats a lot of power for a Rabbit, and matches the power of a stock 16v without all the hassle of upgrading the fuel,exhaust,and electrical systems. The next level up is the 16Valve 2.0L. I think you can get about 170 out of these max. But I just don't like the way they sound, and feel.. I think they feel out of balance. But that is just my opinion, and there are Many Many Hot Rod Rabbit owners with 16V's in their car's who would disagree. If you can find a late model 16v scirroco for a good price, and have the time to do all the mods. This is a good option. And on top of the list is a VR-6 conversion. I have no idea how they fit all the computers,wires,engine,and everything else in there. But, Its been done, and I'll bet it flys. 2. Turbo's A Turbo is a big step up in power, and price. A complete stage 3turbo kit is like $2200. You can make a lot of the parts your self from old volvo turbo cars, But at minimum you'll need a turbo, turbo exhaust manifold,pressure valve, and hoses. But to really get your money's worth, you should add a turbo intercooler and hoses. This is another 10hp! Just by cooling the air! I just don't get it, but it works. If you want to get super fancy, make sure all your intake hoses are mandrel bent, that means no sharp turns, and a smooth inner wall for even higher air flow. I have seen 200hp 2.0L turbo's in Rabbits. Thats sub 5 second 0-60 power. 3.Transmissions A transmission can make or break a powerful motor. There are many options. My favorite is the 79/80 4 or 5spd. or any diesel tranny. They have low lower gears,with a tall top gear. Good for the back road and the highway. But Many people like the Gti close ratio tranny. There is even a 6 speed tranny availible! I am no Pro when it comes to gear ratios, but I recomend you try before you buy. What sounds good on paper isn't allways the best in real world use. The Gti Transmission is geared to get you up to speed in a hurry. But at todays highway speeds, the engine is running at about 3500 rpm at 70mph. Now if you swap out the 5 gear with one from say an 82 5spd Rabbit C, it will be more like 2800rpm. You can swap out transmissions fairly easily. If your going from 4 to 5spd, you'll need all the linkages and bushings. If your going from Auto to stick, you'' also need the sterring rack, and shift box, as well as both halfshafts and maybe front spindles. |
| Well thats about it, lots of options, lots of upgrades, lots of money. There really is no particular order of upgrades. Do what you can, when you can, and eventually, you'll have one fast Rabbit. |
