Caddy side project

[Jaswan]

Looking really good Dave.

Thanks for keeping us updated, great to see the progress.

Jase.

[K Simmonds]

Looks pretty good to me Dave, you'll be amazed at what will flat out once it's cured properly, as long as there's plenty of paint on there to play with and no serious runs you should be fine, the vast majority of currently visible dust will be in the very top layer.

And yes, UK 8V GTI's came with steel's as stock (alloys were an option) apart from the very last 1991/2 run out cars which basically got all the 16V extra's including BBS RA's.

[Tractor Dave]

The paint is still a little soft so I'm going to leave the flatting for another week or so.
So, onto the engine. Pulled it out of storage. I have a new timing belt kit, the Epytec mounts and a new clutch and flywheel to fit.
2026-08-31_15-52-21_573.jpg I found out that the mounting brackets need some work to fit. The timing belt back plate needs a trim and you have to delete the idler pulley. I was a bit concerned about this but have been assured by the caddy conversion guru that its fine.
2026-09-02_15-45-06_721.jpg I won't be needing the pas or aircon pumps so this bracket can have a trim.
2026-09-02_17-00-16_381.jpg The water pump housing is nice and clean inside with fresh looking antifreeze.
2026-09-02_14-46-30_874.jpg

[K Simmonds]

I like those mount's, I wasn't aware that anyone offered a PD into MK1 conversion kit, pity you need delete the idle roller but I can't see it being an issue either. The belt's are so tight on those engine's that it won't slap about, I suspect it's main function is get belt inside the cover to a make room for the bulky stock offside engine mount.

[Jaswan]

I think that the mounts are the same as for a 1.8t into a MK1. The pulley is the same deal too. I used a 16v KR tensioner on my Scirocco.

[Tractor Dave]

Its all together now. I had to trim the top cover a little as well. As you say Kit, its a tight wide belt!
Interesting about the idler. Epytec don't give you that option on the tdi instructions but seem so on the 1.8t. Maybe there is slightly more space?
2026-09-03_16-10-02_241.jpg

[Tractor Dave]

Another little update. I did buy some Alfa GTV seats for this project but when these popped up locally for a bargain price, i couldn't resist. Mk1 Golf Gti leather seats! Rare as rocking horse poo and a direct fit into the caddy. Getting fed in the sunlight below. Anyone want some mint Gtv seats? 2026-09-03_14-00-08_006.jpg

[K Simmonds]

That's hell of a result finding a decent set of MK1 leather seats, no pissing about making them fit and they look to be in nice solid condition...

The longitudinal 1.8T's with an external water pump share the same basic block casting as the 1.6/1.8 MK1/2 engines and should fit either chassis on the original mounts, I've compered one of mine to the 3A 2.0 in my B3 and as far as I can see all the various bolt holes required to fit those car's are there, those 3A and 9A blocks were once quite sought after by the VW crowd after an extra 200cc. Whereas the transverse 1.8T engine's share the much later revised block casting housing an internal water pump with the PD which don't have the old fixing points and need custom mounts.

The 1.8T belt isn't anywhere near as wide or tight as a PD one, I'd have check but I think they're same width a MK2/Corrado 1.6V KR belt and tensioned up the same way. PD belts always strike me as more than a little on the tight side but that's how they're supposed to be fitted to according to the pointer on the tensioner so have learnt not to worry about it.

What's the plan for this one Dave, sell her on or keep it as a super economical, fun and practical little runabout?

[Tractor Dave]

Interesting.
It's probably going to be a keeper but i have just bought another project so we will see.

[sal_s2]

Yes those epytec brackets look identical to the 1.8t ones.
Seats have most likely had a retrim, I dont think any mk1 gtis had leather
Looking forward to seeing it on the road

[RedV6]

Did UKMk2 GTIs come with steelies? Never new that.

Yea they did for sure, certainly in 8 valve form. We had a 1988 small bumper one in 1991. Silver steels, I liked them.

[K Simmonds]

Yes those epytec brackets look identical to the 1.8t ones.
Seats have most likely had a retrim, I dont think any mk1 gtis had leather
Looking forward to seeing it on the road

I was thinking much the same regarding leather in MK1's, I've never actually seen one with it fitted from the factory, though perhaps it was an option on the late car's or from they're from a Cabby which I've seen plenty of. Regardless, a good find.

[Tractor Dave]

Did no one notice i mentioned a new project above?
Anyway, i found it locally for a good price. Its been off the road for 18 years. Just my thing. Proper barn find. I always fancied one.
2026-09-11_13-13-54_767.jpg

[Tractor Dave]

Like a kid with a new toy i couldn't resist having a play. I removed the spark plugs and put some original redex in each cylinder. P!ugs look good. After soaking for an hour or so i turned the engine over by hand. Not seized. Phew. Oil filter is genuine Porsche which is a good sign. 2026-09-11_17-01-46_596.jpg
2026-09-11_14-00-28_843.jpg

[RedV6]

We are all kids at heart! Its just that the toys get bigger and more expensive in terms of time and money. But they are just as exciting as they were when we were 9!
Brilliant.