Golf is a line of models from the German automobile concern Volkswagen, produced since the 80s of the last century. Over the 35 years of the 4th generation of Golfs, the first series is now rare due to obsolescence, but the 2nd Golf, due to the optimal ratio of price and performance characteristics, is in demand to this day.
Popular and in demand car

This article discusses the tuning of Volkswagen 2,3 and 4th generations. You will learn how to modernize the interior and optics, which will make your car stand out among similar vehicles.

Tuning Volkswagen Golf 2

Tuning a VW Golf 2 is an activity that requires knowledge of the design features of the car, patience and financial costs, but the result obtained fully justifies the difficulties.

It is rational to start the external transformation of the car with installation. Compared to factory stamped wheels, due to their lower mass and inertia, they provide improved vehicle controllability at speed and increased acceleration dynamics. This tuning for the Volkswagen Golf 2 visually changes the car, giving it a catchy, aggressive appearance.

Optics for Golf 2 are the second basic component of the car’s exterior. By replacing old headlights with xenon lights, you will receive increased luminous flux power and, as a result, greater safety when driving at night. Xenon headlights on the Golf 2 have low energy consumption, which reduces the load on the vehicle's on-board electrical system.

Tuning the headlights on the Golf 2 is carried out by installing “eyelashes” on the optics or installing LED “angel eyes”, characteristic of BMW cars. Dimming the headlights with tint film also looks advantageous. Unlike varnish tinting, you can dismantle such a film, which is useful if there are complaints from traffic police officers.

Reliability, quality, safety

Tuning Golf 2 is accompanied by the installation of aerodynamic body kits on the car:

• Anti-wing (spoiler);
• Rear and
• Side sills.

Aerodynamic tuning for the Volkswagen Golf 2 turns the compact hatchback into a memorable sports car. Due to the improvement, it picks up speed, and the spoiler redistributes wind flows, pressing the car to the road surface, which gives confident handling at high speeds.

Tuning for Golf 2 involves improving the interior, which in a 30-year-old car has an unpresentable appearance. We recommend leather or Alcantara for the ceiling and door panels. Cover Golf 2 with carbon fiber vinyl film, thereby saving on replacing the torpedo.

You can change the exterior by tuning spare parts for Golf 2. Replace small components - moldings, door handles and mirrors with chrome parts. The front of the car is transformed when a matte radiator grille is installed.

Do-it-yourself tuning for a Golf 2 is variable; follow examples of already implemented projects or your own ideas and you will get an exclusive car.

Tuning Golf 3

The third Golf was produced by the concern in the period 91-97. By operational standards, this is a modern car and does not require fundamental changes to the interior aimed at increasing comfort. Tuning the Golf 3 can be rationally aimed at modernizing the car’s exterior and eliminating problems in its weak point - the transmission.

Problems with the transmission in the third generation begin after 200 thousand kilometers - the clutch begins to act up, which manifests itself in difficulties when shifting gears at high speeds, and a characteristic hum occurs in the gearbox.

Problems can be resolved through a comprehensive repair at a service station, during which the transmission bearings are replaced and a new clutch cable is installed (in rare cases, the entire driveshaft). For replacement, we recommend using stock spare parts from the fourth generation Golf or components manufactured by Sachs, a subsidiary of the Volkswagen concern.

In the factory configuration, the third Golf has stamped wheels; replace them with cast ones and your car will be visually transformed. Tuning a Volkswagen Golf 3 often involves airbrushing the car, through which 3D drawings or patterns are applied to the body.

Unique, personalized and generous design

Airbrushing makes a car unique and has a positive effect on its safety - car thieves rarely mess with cars that stand out from the crowd. If excessive pretentiousness is not for you, paint the car metallic; the third Golf also looks advantageous in a dark matte body.

If tuning the Golf 3 yourself is carried out by replacing the optics, we recommend using the following headlight kits:

• Hella Black;
• Bi-xenon "Toureg".

They are not cheap ($400-500 per set), but they fully justify their price. When making Golf 3 with your own hands, replace the factory seats and steering wheel with sports ones, which will give you new sensations when driving at high speed.

Let's look separately at tuning for the Volkswagen Passat B3. The third series of Passats gained popularity due to their comfortable, spacious interior and durable suspension. In terms of performance, the B3 is comparable to business class cars of that time, which makes sense to emphasize when tuning a Volkswagen B3.

We recommend upholstering the interior with genuine leather. The initial costs will be higher than when using leatherette, however, due to the wear resistance of the material, you will no longer need to spend money in the future - such upholstery lasts a long time, and the interior itself looks presentable.

Tuning a Volkswagen Passat B3 involves decorating the interior with overhead wood panels installed on the dashboard, door panels, and armrests. A torpedo covered with wood-like vinyl film looks advantageous.

External tuning of the Volkswagen Passat B3 does not accept the use of flashy sports accessories and body kits. Repaint the car in a solid dark color and equip it with chrome parts - handles, mirrors. Alloy wheels are an additional plus to the visual appeal of your car.

Do-it-yourself tuning for a Volkswagen Passat B3, in order to improve the performance of the car, provides for sound insulation of the interior. We recommend that you carry it out comprehensively - cover the bottom, engine compartment, hood, ceiling and doors with insulating material; you will also need to replace the silent blocks of the Volkswagen Passat B3.

The problem area of ​​the third Passat is the thermostat. You can understand that you need to replace the thermostat on a Volkswagen Passat B3 by the following signs:

• The fan works, but the bottom pipe is cold;
• The upper and lower pipes have the same temperature;
• The car cools down at idle speed;
• The engine warm-up time has increased.

When replacing a thermostat, it is rational to contact a service center. The cost of the service is 1-1.5 thousand rubles.

Tuning Golf 4

The fourth Golf was produced by the Volkswagen concern in the period 97-04 in hatchback, convertible and station wagon bodies. The advantages of these cars are a spacious interior for such a compact body, a high-spirited engine and a silent chassis.

When upgrading the Golf 4, it is rational to perform chip tuning of the engine, during which the factory firmware of the electronic engine control unit is changed. Chipovka ensures an increase in engine power - 1.6. liter engines, horsepower increases from 75 to 83, and torque increases from 127 to 141 Nm.

Chip tuning is accompanied by fine tuning of the power unit, including:

• Removing the factory software speed limit;
• Changing the ignition timing;
• Reduced fuel consumption (within 3-5%).

A car that exceeded my expectations

The cost of chipping the fourth Golf is $250-300. However, keep in mind that an increase in power entails accelerated wear of the power unit; the engine life will decrease by 4%.

When performing tuning on Golf 4 with your own hands, it makes sense to tint the windows. If you have a limited budget, we recommend using tinting film; if finances allow, install double glazing (the first glass is transparent, the second is tinted), or cover the stock windows with electrochromic film. This coating costs $400 per m2, but as a result you get the opportunity to automatically adjust the level of shading of the glass.

Complete the car body with chrome elements - moldings, door handles, mirror covers. If possible, install an aerodynamic body kit and alloy wheels with low-profile tires. This is how you turn a compact, unremarkable hatchback into a flashy sports car.

DIY steering wheel tuning for VW Golf 2

We bring to your attention instructions, following which you can independently install heated steering wheel on your second Golf and cover it with leather.

To complete the work you will need:

• Carbon tapes 110 cm long, 4 pcs.;
• Stationery knife;
• Cling film;
• Leather, nylon thread, needles;
• Super glue;
• Cotton tape;
• Terminals for connecting wires;
• Soldering iron.

Refinement is carried out according to the following algorithm:

1. The steering wheel is dismantled, and the old trim is removed from the steering wheel using a utility knife;
2. Do not throw away the removed upholstery; it will later be needed for marking the pattern;
3. We cover the perimeter of the steering wheel with carbon tape using super glue (Moment will do). Individual segments are placed parallel to each other with an indentation of 1 cm.
4. In the steering wheel, using a stationery knife, recesses are made for laying the cable. The grooves contain wires that are connected to the contact pads of the tape by soldering. The wires in one section are routed inside the steering wheel and secured with insulating tape.
5. To prevent possible damage to the tape when covering it, cover the wheel with 3-4 layers of cling film.
6. We rip apart the trim previously removed from the steering wheel and cut out a blank from the purchased leather along its contours.
7. We cover the steering wheel by stitching the leather using a zig-zag stitch. The elasticity of the material allows you to tighten it, even if you made an error in the size of the pattern.

WATCH VIDEO INSTRUCTIONS

The heating is connected to the vehicle's on-board electrical system through the steering shaft using a 5 Amp fuse. If there are heated seats, the steering wheel wiring is connected to their switches.

The Volkswagen Golf 2 first went into serial production and became a favorite car for tuners. This applies not only to tuning the appearance, but also to all the hardware installed on the car.

Tuning Golf 2 with your own hands

Correctly carried out tuning will help to significantly transform not only the appearance of the car, but also significantly improve the dynamic characteristics of the car. The most popular option, which is used primarily by almost all car enthusiasts, is spoilers. It is worth immediately noting that not all elements that can be used in external tuning can be made at home. This is not due to the fact that there is not enough skill, but to the fact that incorrect calculations in their manufacture can lead to unpredictable consequences.

Installing a spoiler helps convert laminar air flow into turbulent air flow. In most cases, the spoiler is divided into two types - front and tail. The front one is the “lip”, the tail one is the “skirt”. In addition to installing a spoiler, external tuning will not be final unless a wing is installed. The main goal of installing a wing is to improve the adhesion of the car's wheels to the road surface by pressing the tail of the car.

In some cases, the wing can act in two guises, as a spoiler and as a wing at the same time. Among other things, installing a wing will help transform your car in appearance into a racing car and make it stand out from the crowd of others on the road. The correct wing in cross section has a shape that resembles an ordinary wing, which is why it got its name.

It should be located at an angle of 10-15 degrees relative to the longitudinal axis of the machine. It is made from fiberglass or aluminum. When installing a wing, it is worth remembering that the further from the base of the body it is located, the more attention should be paid to its fastening.

Another popular element of external tuning is the installation of a deflector, which, in addition to being an aesthetic guide, also carries useful functional capabilities, consisting in the distribution of air flow in the required direction.

Do-it-yourself Golf 2 interior tuning

Having finished with the exterior of the car, you can begin its interior. There are a lot of conversion options here. You can cover the entire interior with leather, but it will be too expensive, so leather can be used as a decorative element. You can decorate the interior in two tones, playing with contrast, as shown in the photo.

Tuning the instrument panel by installing a white scale will help give even more charm to the entire dashboard.

Are you tired of your hands sometimes sticking to the steering wheel in severe frosts? Then it’s time to start reupholstering the steering wheel with leather and installing heating. Moreover, for this it is absolutely not necessary to run to a car service center, but everything can be done with your own hands, at home. The work plan will be approximately as follows:

• Make patterns.
• Sew a ring from the resulting patterns.
• Sew the resulting ring onto the steering wheel.

As a heater, you can use a heating wire from a heated floor, wrapping it around the steering wheel and wrapping it with electrical tape for reliability.

You can begin preparatory work and preparing a pattern, without which it will be impossible to do high-quality work. In order to make patterns you will need cling film and masking tape. We wrap cling film around the steering wheel, covering it on top with masking tape. After this, carefully cut in a circle with a painting knife and remove the finished pattern.

It is worth remembering that the pattern came out without the necessary tolerance, so having laid it on whatman paper, we redraw the pattern, increasing it by four millimeters. You can always remove the excess, but you won’t be able to add it. After the work done, you should have a pattern like this:

We sew the pattern into a ring; you can sew decorative seams along the edges:

You can sew by hand, using a toothed wheel to accurately mark the seam. You can use an awl and a needle to sew seams:

The seams that hold the parts together can be additionally treated with glue.

We put the ring on the rim, having previously sewn the middle on the machine.

We tie the rim using a “macrame” seam, which is used in German cars. For this purpose, the rim covers were pre-stitched by hand. Starting to pull the thread through the ties, we tighten everything to its logical end.

When replacing the buttons, bend the edges, having previously coated them with glue. The steering wheel is almost ready.

The wires can be hooked onto an additional patch behind the steering wheel.

Do-it-yourself Golf 2 engine tuning

In order to improve the technical characteristics of the engine, it is necessary to increase its torque and maximum power. To do this, there are two mutually intersecting, but completely different in effectiveness methods. The first does not require any global intervention in the internal structure of the engine. It is enough to install a sports camshaft, a throttle valve, a zero-resistance filter, a receiver and an exhaust system.

Only the use of external elements will increase engine power by an average of 20-30%. At the same time, you will not have to spend a lot and these transformations will not take much time and effort. The second method is to fine-tune the engine mechanically. When using this method, two main approaches can be distinguished - modifying the cylinder heads and increasing the engine displacement. It is worth noting that, as noted above, the two indicated methods intersect and complement each other: a forced engine will require the installation of more efficient external elements.

Chip tuning Golf 2

One of the most common ways to increase engine power is to run it. You can unlock the internal reserve that was built into the engine by the manufacturer on any Volkswagen model. By applying reprogramming, you can reduce fuel consumption by increasing engine torque. What can the final result of a correctly carried out flashing of the electronic engine control unit:

• Motor power will increase by 20-30%
• The maneuverability and dynamic characteristics of the car will increase.
• Improved traction at low speeds.
• Ease of operation when the vehicle is fully loaded.

After watching the video, you can more clearly imagine what tuning Golf 2 can give in the final result.

The second generation Golf is the conqueror of the hearts of all drivers and hatchback lovers throughout the entire expanse of the former Soviet Union. It’s probably impossible to find a more popular car for such ridiculous money. Moreover, not only on our territory, but throughout the world. Only the Beetle is more popular. That’s why tuning enthusiasts treat the little German with special trepidation.

Headlights, bumpers and external tuning

Simple, but incredibly modern, and today the design of the car cannot be emphasized enough, and many, realizing this, respect the tuning of the external panels of the Golf 2. Tuning the Golf 2 with your own hands, examples of which we will give today, emphasizes the individuality of the image of the second Golf, but in its The apparent simplicity hides many clever solutions that not everyone notices.

The car was not conceived at all as a sports car, but its potential allowed it to shine in sports, and there were few equals to the second Golf. This is one of the most popular rally cars of the late 80s. Those who remember this try to make sure that Golf does not forget about it. Like, for example, this blue beauty. Nothing special, it would seem. The owner simply installed 32 mm shorter struts, a set of sports springs, and, of course, Momo alloy wheels, which are so popular in Germany. And the sporty bumper of the Golf GTI series does not require any tuning.

The same applies to the rear bumper of the Golf 2. It organically blends into the sporty image of the car; the only thing done on this red Polish example is a neat skirt and lower body kit. An adequate, harmonious and complete image of a semi-sports car.

And here you can already feel the hand of our craftsman. Despite the 13-inch wheels, the diameter of the exhaust pipe whistle is very close to their size. The TV antenna above the third door looks especially disgusting. Or is this a spoiler?

Here is another confirmation that a good car does not need global changes in appearance. These square headlights are not aftermarket. This is the factory version. But if you ask the lady to move, we will see how carefully the Slovenian guy decided to do with the wheel arches. They are elongated by 40 mm, and you can’t tell right away. But he always finds the right size fans, as you can see from the photo.

Golf 2 interior tuning

The interior of all Golfs is simple, neat and very German. Everything is balanced and verified. Therefore, many are in no hurry to touch it globally, fearing to frighten off that god of ergonomics who lives in every handle and every key of this unassuming interior. The changes that the car interior undergoes are rather modernization, so to speak. Golf lovers rarely, very rarely say goodbye to the front panel and instrument panel. Simply because they are comfortable.

Replacing dials takes place on almost every tuned Golf, as does LED backlighting. A matter of taste. Increasing the functionality of interior lighting using LEDs is a good move, especially since it is both modern and does not go against the concept of the car. The same goes for interior colors. This orange foppish Golf does not at all remind you of gypsy fairs, because everything is done in moderation and tasty.

Golf 2 suspension tuning

This is also an option where the main thing is to do no harm. There are a lot of tuning kits for the second Golf, which allow you to either lower the suspension within reasonable limits or raise it. Moreover, you can still find pneumatics, which were in fashion ten years ago. It looks very impressive, although it is a rather useless and expensive task. It's better to buy a set of alloy wheels with this money. They definitely won't interfere with Golf. Although, frankly speaking, stock wheels have already begun to be forgotten. With great difficulty, we managed to find their photos and, with hands trembling with excitement, we posted them on the page.

Golf 2 engine tuning

With such an abundance of engines that were installed on a car during its assembly line life, it makes no sense to bring the engine of a particular car to mind. If you need an economical Golf, please, there is a 1.2 liter engine that is content with 5 liters of gasoline per hundred. Do you need a two-hundred-strong beast? No problem, the GTI version also has such an engine with a 220 horsepower turbine. Its service life, however, is not high and the turbine does not last long. Especially on our oils and gasolines. But there is such a possibility. And it pleases. And whoever's hands are itching, let him do chip tuning.

The second generation Volkswagen Golf is perhaps more popular abroad than at home. The car is solid, honest, strong and moderately powerful. And if desired, everyone can try to realize their secret passions on an old Golf car, giving it a new tuned life. Happy travels to everyone!

It is not for nothing that the Volkswagen Golf 2 is called the second generation, since for several years it has occupied a leading position among cars that have from three to five doors. Although the car is no longer produced, its popularity still remains great. The thing is that every year the Volkswagen Golf 2 begins to acquire even better and brighter colors in appearance. After all, the main feature of this car is its unusual and modern design made by tuning the outside of the car.

The popularity of Tuning Volkswagen Golf 2 is off the charts

Tuning Volkswagen Golf 2 is gaining more and more popularity among all Volkswagen cars. Exactly - this is, first of all, an innovative approach for all lovers of new products in the world of cars.

will make your car not only exclusive, but also ideally emphasize your individual style and attractiveness.

The aerodynamic body kit of the Volkswagen Golf 2 includes: bumpers, a spoiler (in addition, sometimes a brake light is included), a radiator grille and eyelashes for the headlights. There is no specific material from which the parts must be made, since they all have certain properties. This includes materials made from fiberglass, polyurethane, and plastic. If you decide to draw attention to your car, then this is perhaps one of the most effective ways.

Today, especially for Volkswagen Golf car enthusiasts, a wide selection of tuning parts is available that improve the external technical characteristics of the car.

Tuning a Volkswagen Golf 2 cannot do without upgrading the optics. Optics include rear lights, headlights, bulbs, lights and turn signals. Alternative optics find their use in standard areas of the car. Also, special standard correctors from our own optics are installed on the tuning headlights of Volkswagen Golf 2. Tuning optics can be made in two styles: “angel eyes” and “LED eyelashes”.

Undoubtedly, bright optics will significantly change the appearance of the Volkswagen Golf and will make this car stand out among other gray cars. Tuning the front optics of the Volkswagen Golf comes with an electric detonator made from standard headlights. For rear optics, conventional incandescent lamps or, in some cases, LED flashlights are used. Both the front and rear optics are located in the standard place; standard Volkswagen Golf connectors are used.

New car image

If the image of the car plays an important role for you, then it is very important to purchase brand new bumpers for the Volkswagen Golf 2; it is the original front and rear bumpers that give the Golf a serious appearance. You need to know that not only external characteristics influence the tuning of a Volkswagen Golf, a significant factor is the aerodynamic function, which reduces the influence of constant windy currents.

All bumpers have good resistance to temperature changes. This type of spare parts meets all quality standards and is ideal for your car. If you have no experience or desire to do everything yourself, then it is best to trust the professionals, after which your car will acquire a new color, and you will gain pride in having Volkswagen Golf tuning(photo below).

Quite often, car enthusiasts begin tuning their Volkswagen Golf by installing spoilers on the car. In this case, it is the tail spoiler, also called the “skirt” of the car, that is gaining popularity. Installing a spoiler not only changes the appearance of your car for the better, but this in turn will help convert laminar air flow to turbulent one.

Another subtlety in tuning

Tuning a Volkswagen Golf 2 cannot do without another important detail. If you want to give your car a serious look, you will definitely need to install a radiator grille. Externally, this device is somewhat reminiscent of grill devices. The grille is installed specifically instead of a standard element of the car on fasteners made at the factory.

Tuning a Volkswagen Golf does not have exorbitant prices, which is why it is widely popular, as it is accessible to everyone.

Powerful V-6 under the hood, acceleration to hundreds in 6.5 seconds, perfect condition. It's hard to believe this is all about the Golf II GTi, which just turned 31 years old. “A holiday car,” that’s what owner Evgeniy Minginovich says about it, who over the course of several years brought the car, which is rare today, to perfect condition.

After the “six” I realized: I want a foreign car

The first car of his own in Evgeniy’s life was a Lada of the sixth model, which was given to him by his old grandfather.

- Don't think it was an old car. My grandfather bought it new in 1996 in Tolyatti, he drove it a little, so the car was well preserved, and for me, as a student, it was a very generous gift. Of course, like all Soviet cars, it constantly required minor repairs, so after a couple of years I, considered, qualified as a mechanic.

All this time, Evgeniy studied at a mechanical engineering college, then went to work at MTZ.

— It was quite hard work: assembling tractors on a conveyor belt, after the shift I also worked part-time in a taxi company, and helped a friend in a painting shop. Later these skills came in handy. It was thanks to a friend that I met Golf II. Compared to the Lada, it’s heaven and earth. Everything about it seemed perfect to me: both appearance and control. I wanted the same thing, only special - a GTi, and even then I was sure that there would be enough knowledge and experience to restore it.

Grandfather's GTi

Before going to choose his new car, Evgeniy managed to read a lot about the desired model and decided for himself that he would check everything carefully. But as soon as I got behind the wheel of the first car I inspected, I lost all skepticism.

— This Golf was sold by a young man; the car had a lot of “collective farm” tuning. At the back there was a huge spoiler of unknown origin, the steering wheel was the cheapest China. But I got excited and thought: “Here it is, my car, I’ll throw away everything unoriginal.” The seller, seeing my eyes, even reduced the price a little. But then a friend came to the rescue, who, unlike me, meticulously inspected the car. He literally took me by the hand and pointed to the bottom... And it was rotten, smeared with some kind of black paste and covered almost with newspapers.

Evgeny had better luck with the second car - it was an original GTi, which was being sold by an elderly couple.

“I knew there could be a big difference between what’s in photos and what’s in real life, so imagine my surprise when a well-kept Golf GTi stood in front of me. The condition was as close as possible to the original, and the spouses sold it. The owner was well over 60 years old. His wife, an English teacher, said that the car began to break down more often, and it was difficult for them, old people, to go to the service station. According to the documents, they had the car in their hands since 1996.

During the inspection, it turned out that the bottom was in perfect condition, we noticed a slight blow to the front, and rust had accumulated near the towbar. The fender trim was welded in and the front passenger door was replaced. But, surprisingly, when I was already removing the trim in the garage, I saw that the rear fender was covered in black soil. This indicates that the car was made a very long time ago, and the body parts were installed new. They also put the original sticker on the side, just like from the factory.

Been preparing for painting for a month

A 1985 Golf GTi cost Eugene $2,500, which in 2009 was a lot of money for such a car. He didn’t have the entire amount, so he had to borrow the missing part from friends. As a small compensation, Lithuanian coins were found under the rug.

— When I started painting the car, my skills as a painter left much to be desired. The first time I decided to reproduce the original color - burgundy, but it turned out so-so. The door stood out from the general scheme; it was a little darker. Therefore, it was decided to change both the color and the approach to the process. I spent a whole month preparing the car for painting: I cleaned it with an eccentric sander, smoothed out all the dents, and smoothed out the surfaces with a meter block.

Initially, Evgeniy wanted to repaint the car in chameleon color from black to red, but the idea turned out to be too expensive. A can of paint cost $150, and you needed 2-3 for a car. Considering the upcoming costs, this was a serious budget overrun.

— When I realized that I couldn’t pull off the “chameleon” and my soul wanted something unusual, I bought a special Candy powder “red apple.” First, I painted the body in a black base, then mixed the purchased powder with a binder, after which I applied four layers of Sikkens varnish to be sure. In the end, I think it turned out a little provocative, but my friends liked it.

In dim light in the morning it looks like a normal black color. But as soon as the sun rises, the Golf turns black and burgundy, and not just black and burgundy. It is difficult to describe this color in words, it is better to see it in the photo.

V-six for GTi

Initially, under the hood there was a stock 1.8-liter eight-valve EV engine producing 112 hp. s., which Evgeniy did not like with its dynamics.

— Initially I wanted to install a 16-valve KR engine with a capacity of 139 hp. With. We managed to find two motors in acceptable condition, but after measuring compression they had to be abandoned. I was upset, of course, but what could I do, I went back to digging the Internet.

On the Internet, Evgeniy found the necessary information, from which he learned that it is possible to install a 2.8-liter V-shaped six on the second Golf.

— We managed to find a suitable engine in Brest; it was installed on the Passat B3. Together with the body kit, the engine cost $1,100 at that time. It fit into the engine compartment without any problems, I installed it myself. But I’m not good with electricians, so I had to take it to a specialist.

Along with the engine, Evgeniy installed a K&N filter, a five-speed Passat gearbox, an equal-length exhaust manifold, and the car drove off.

— When 174 horses settled under the hood, the Golf became much more fun to drive. It reaches the first hundred in 6.5 seconds. There is plenty of power on the highway when overtaking. The plans are to install a new V6, 280-horsepower engine from the Passat B6.

Almost a lowrider

Evgeniy came up with the idea of ​​lowering the Golf by accident and, according to him, this is a temporary condition of the car.

— While browsing American forums dedicated to VW, I came across projects of lowered Golfs more than once. Well, the effect of the 25th frame probably worked. Therefore, I decided to install a Tatehnix-20−80 screw suspension. With the car lowered to maximum, it looks very sporty. The front lip, which is very short-lived, by the way, also adds to this feeling. It is soft and quickly becomes scratched, after which it only needs to be replaced. That's why I bought several of these in reserve.

In this form, the Golf GTi managed to take part in several car festivals, where it aroused constant public interest.

— Of course, a small ground clearance causes a lot of inconvenience, this was especially true when traveling to Odessa, then we even had to raise the car several turns. In Minsk, minor difficulties with speed bumps also occur. But this is not what influenced my decision to return the car to its original appearance. Over time, the low suspension began to seem like a foreign element on the Golf. Therefore, there are plans to abandon it.

Lucky chance and rare discs

Eugene's Golf II GTi is distinguished by the presence of rare elements that can rightfully be the envy of many avid golfers.

Moreover, our hero got them all completely by accident.

— I remember, looking through the advertisements, out of the corner of my eye I caught a beat-up second Golf that was being sold by a resident of Chashnikov. This car had rare folding windows. These were not installed as standard on this car, but were made by the Happych studio. Today this is very rare. I honestly couldn’t even believe my eyes; I looked through the pictures several times.

The seller agreed to Evgeniy's offer to exchange ordinary glass for glass with windows, but with an additional payment.

— Even heavily used windows like these cost from $350. Everything cost me much less. It was a real lucky break.

However, this was not the only happy accident in the history of the Golf II reconstruction.

— For a long time I wanted to find original BBS RS wheels. These are three-piece racing wheels. In good condition they are worth a lot of money. And imagine my surprise when, returning home from work one day, I saw them on the neighbor’s Passat B3. Without hesitating for a second, he wrote a note and put it under the car wiper.

The neighbor called back the next day. We agreed that Evgeniy would buy a new casting kit for the wheels for $150 and pay an additional $20.

— The purchased discs were in terrible condition. The fact is that forged wheels themselves are light and strong, and upon impact they begin to crack, and even welding will only help temporarily. But it was very important to me that they were on my Golf II. Now I am in the process of restoring them. It’s like for an archaeologist to find a rare vase from the Chinese dynasty: yes, there will be cracks on it, but this will not reduce its value.

Evgeniy wants to replace the existing interior with a sports one from Recaro, which was installed on the GTi.

— There are big plans for customization. This includes upgrading the old Recaro seats that were installed on this second Golf into leather. They have the strongest lateral support, by the way. Installing an original air conditioner is a very rare thing. I happened to see one of these during disassembly, but the set was incomplete, so I had to abandon the purchase. In addition, these air conditioners were filled with R12 reagent, which is now prohibited. And to switch to the permitted R134, you need special equipment. Well, I want to find my own radio radio.

Holiday car

Throughout the winter and part of the spring, Evgeniya’s Golf sits in the garage; its time comes in the summer, when rare trips behind the wheel turn into a real holiday for the owner.

— If you drive often, you lose the sense of the importance of the moment: you just get behind the wheel and go about your business. This Golf was built for something else. Every trip is a real ceremony. Everything from preparing the car to filling gas and turning the key in the lock keeps the atmosphere of the holiday. It's hard to put it into words. These are the most positive emotions that a car can bring.

Golf II experienced many happy moments with Evgeniy, the most important of which was the wedding.

“I entrusted this car to take the most important person in my life – my wife – to the altar. We had a very unusual and memorable wedding. I gathered my friends, Golf owners, especially for the ceremony, and together we created a colorful procession. My wife, by the way, although she has a license, is not a car enthusiast like I am, she doesn’t tinker with me, but she cooks wonderfully and supports me in everything, and that’s worth a lot. And Golf II itself eventually became a full member of the family.

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