Using the Mk2 VW Golf Booster

[catch22]

The good:

- Same bolt pattern as the E30 piece
- 9" diameter
- Although the actuating rod inside is too short, it is threaded and one can use a 6mm x 50mm socket screw in there to adjust it

The not so good:

- The fork shaft is too long and is also thicker than the E30's. Therefore, the same mods as the E21 unit will have to be done to it
- As it sits right now with about 1.5mm / 5mm of spacers driver/passenger sides I only get about 2mm of clearance between the shaved intake manifold and the booster (pic below taken before I jacked up the tranny.. so it's a little better now)

The pics:


BMW = Left
VW = Right





BMW = Left
VW = Right




Engine doesnt run yet, so I cant comment on brake assist, but for now it seems to me that this is just as good/bad of a solution as the E21 brake booster..

to be continued

[Mike B.]

You're going to want to shave that manifold down a bit more. It looks like there is still contact with the booster.

[Bmjpv]

Stock booster

Put the stock booster back in and modify (fiberglass) the intake manifold for clearance! Don't mess with your brakes with a weak/under powered booster . joe

[catch22]

Put the stock booster back in and modify (fiberglass) the intake manifold for clearance! Don't with your brakes! joe

rofl i started doing that.. i took off way too much off the manifold, and my fibreglassing doesnt look much better than my kindergarden days paper mashie skills (or lack there off)..

[eko]

Which Golf model is the servo from?
Im using a VW Golf MK2 1.3cc servo and had no problems fitting it.All i had to do was put a 10mm spacer(bolt with the head cut off) in the end of the E30 master cylinder,rest was a straight forward fit!

[catch22]

I'm not too sure which model it came from, i think all the golfs/jettas/etc mk2 pieces are interchangeable since they all got listed in my Car-parts.com search. I think the problem is US vs Euro models..

[eko]

I think the problem is US vs Euro models..

Possible but im sure i read somewhere that the GTi model is no good for the M50 conversion?

[Teaguer]

Dude for all the work you are having to do and it still does not fit you might as well have started with the '02 or E21 booster .

Many European cars of the same generation share things that will interchange like the boosters .

Word has it that the Porsche 924/944 boosters will work and they are 8" diameter and have the same threading .

[catch22]

Dude for all the work you are having to do and it still does not fit you might as well have started with the '02 or E21 booster .

Of course now we all know that. But until now, I've only heard how these boosters are a direct fit. I guess everyone who has fitted these without a problem has been using euro-spec VWs and not the US ones..

[FredK]

LOL at the pic!!!

I used the 944 booster. It is like the same size as the mk2 booster, and you have to shave the first four fins and put a spacer on the driver's side engine mount.

[Teaguer]

Of course now we all know that. But until now, I've only heard how these boosters are a direct fit. I guess everyone who has fitted these without a problem has been using euro-spec VWs and not the US ones..

One look at that clevis shaft and you'd know right away that its not a direct fit .
At that point is when you should have substituted it for one of the 2002 or 320 boosters .

I used the 944 booster. It is like the same size as the mk2 booster, and you have to shave the first four fins and put a spacer on the driver's side engine mount.

Hell with a big enough spacer on the drivers side you can keep the original E30 booster . :D

[FredK]

Hell with a big enough spacer on the drivers side you can keep the original E30 booster . :D

true, true.






:mrgreen:

[Jason89i]

thanks for all the research. its nice to see first hand experience, the pics are a great reference tool. now we can start putting some of the internet "hear-say" items to rest. cheers, jason

[nismoman]

so will a 944 booster fit with no mods to the actuall booster arm itself ?

[FredK]

The input rod needs to be trimmed down a few inches, and the shaft needs around 3/4" or so more threads. But the shaft is 10mm in diameter, so threading it is pretty easy.