Non BMW project; 1987 VW Scirocco 16V

[jrossowvue30]

Been a member of these boards for a few years despite not being in the E30 game for quite some time now. I traded my Suzuki GS for it and some cash on my end, probably paid too much cash but feel like I got a fair value for the bike. Although this is not an e30, or even a BMW it is old and it is German so I figured some of you guys would appreciate and I find r3v to be an outstanding source of information BMW or otherwise.

My goal for this one is to have a fun little vintage VW that runs and drives well. This is my first VW and this one needs some loving. Cosmetically there are dents and dings and the paint is near death, but NO RUST ANYWHERE!!! I plan to just buff to remove the oxidation and wax and call it a day. Mechanically, it has had some neglect and most hoses are toast so it runs a little rough. It also seems to run a little warm so I'll do a cooling system refresh. It also has a charging issue, the battery dies overnight. Hoping that is just a bad battery but more than likely a bad ground or bad alternator. It need a jump to start only 20 minutes after I test drove it (didn't need a jump then). I am going to register this as an antique with Virginia antique plates so I can have some fun with this without worrying about inspections.

I'm posting this here hoping that some of you guys who have experience with these older VW's will chime in with knowledge and insight, because up until a few hours ago I knew nothing about these cars. Here are a few pics I just took.

[Nats88M3]

Cool car!! My first car was a 87 GTI

[Brezzi]

Cool pick up! Getting rarer and rarer everyday

[M-technik-3]

Valves need to be shimmed hope they kept up on them and changed oil regularly. Used to own one years ago. Fun car but too nose heavy.

[slammin.e28]

No underhood pic?

SHAME!

[jrossowvue30]

Valves need to be shimmed hope they kept up on them and changed oil regularly. Used to own one years ago. Fun car but too nose heavy.

I've got my trusted Mechanic looking at it Tuesday. I'll have a better idea of whats going on with it.

No underhood pic?

SHAME!

I'll get you one!

[jrossowvue30]

After reading up on Vortex I've added to my to-do list. Since finding euro bumpers seems hard/expensive I'll trim the bumpers down for that sleeker look. I also realized these cars a 4x100 so I'll throw my RS001's on it. I really like the rims that are on it but RS's look awesome on old euro's.

[M-technik-3]

I have some old stuff kicking around for A1 chassis. Might have some E-codes too used to have one in the stable for 15 years.

[jrossowvue30]

I have some old stuff kicking around for A1 chassis. Might have some E-codes too used to have one in the stable for 15 years.

Let me know what you might still have left and what you'd want for the e-codes.

And for you Slammin


My timing belt feels ok, no rot but it feels like it might have some slack in it. I don't know on these motors what is normal.


Lots of rotted out vacuum hoses


And a missing connector

[lemansguy]

i had a '82 westy rabbit, and a 85 westy golf. i have a soft spot for the older VWs for sure. ill be checking back here often!

[LateFan]

I had a maroon '79 with these ATS wheels....

[jrossowvue30]

I'm glad the VW fans are coming out, it was why I posted this to this forum. I'm hoping you guys can help me along the way with getting this one back to good running condition.

[jrossowvue30]

So some progress (albeit small) I am discovering all of the PO's bullshit antics and short cuts. Someone who had it before me removed the AC condenser anchor bolts which put unnecessary stress on everything else, including the alternator itself. I've replaced all belts and I discovered one of the mounting tabs for the alternator is cracked and it is preventing me from getting the alternator into its place therefore I can't get the right tension on the belt. I can run it/drive it like this around the block but obviously getting some serious belt squeal. I've been looking at sourcing a new remaned unit but hate that I am going to have to spend $120+ for a part that is working except for the busted mounting tab.

I've also discovered a nasty hole in my headers. I'll be looking for an aftermarket replacement for that. I think the rest of my exhaust is in good shape but since I don't need to worry about inspections I may use this opportunity to go with long tube headers and straight pipe for some super obnoxious and aggressive exhaust. The engine seems to shake pretty bad while idling, at over 200k maybe its the motor mounts?

The paint is looking pretty shabby, the hood is toast. I tried my best to cut through the oxidation but the paint is beyond saving at this point. The rest of the car is actually shining up nicely.

Its pretty cloudy and taking a picture was an afterthought but here is my attempt at a 50/50 shot of buffed side vs untouched.
[IMG][/IMG]

Here is a short clip of the engine at idle.
Since I can't figure out how to embed the video I will just post the link for anyone who cares to see the clip.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UI1SM2TP6iU

I have always wanted one of these cars but I hate to admit it I'm having regrets. The kid I traded my perfectly fine running motorcycle to for it was having a hrd time unloading it, now I understand. That clown even had the balls to list it as "very reliable" in his FS ad, what I thought was a pretty fair trade is now turning out not to be so far. I may end up putting this one on the back burner for a while until I have my M3 all sorted, which isn't too far from being in tip-top shape. This has been my first real bust of a car, but I guess that makes it a true "project"...

[yodman]

Nice start without rust! 16Vs are FINICKEY AS SHIT. Don't ever mess with the fueling system unless you're moving to side draft carbs. If it runs and idles well, leave it be.

Aftermarket headers tend to make these cars start to sound ricey, just so you know.

To be honest, I wish I could say I ever had a VW with an engine bay that was that nice to start with.

I have some old VWs that take all my time from the e30. I got started on VW's before I bought a BMW.

2013 GTI


1982 Rabbit Pickup Diesel


My ex-1986 GTI with a downdraft carb


1990 Jetta Coupe VR6


1990 Passat Wagon 16V - Project


2012 Jetta Sport Wagon

[M-technik-3]

Sorry meant to get back to you, found them and only have one side and the low beam is cracked sorry.