Discussion
Very interesting little cars. I haven't owned a G40, I have had multiple mk2F Polo GT models (like a G40 minus the charger and worse handling) and own it's bigger brother a G60.
They are an absolute riot, with as much power as a mk2 golf GTI but a good 150+KG lighter which certainly adds to the thrill factor. In standard form and certainly by modern standards the brakes and suspension are not fully capable of dealing with the engine but not to the extent that they are [i]dangerous[/-] Luckily since you have prior experience of mk2 polos you will be familiar with the basic handling characteristics! Luckily things can be improved with upgraded suspension, anti roll bar and if you are serious about sorting the handling a full subframe assembly can be purchased which ties the front suspension/anti roll bars up a treat.
The engines are not as fragile as some people like to make out. Yes the supercharger is a servicable item, a typical rebuild is circa 40k and costs around £350-400 at a specialist or £150 in parts if you DIY. Parts for the engine are obtainable and most consumables cost no more than a standard Polo model so GSF/Euro car parts/AVS etc etc can assist with parts.
The main worry with them is the shells. MK2F Polos suffer from rust when neglected, the plastic arch extensions are a nightmare for trapping mud which if not cleaned out leads to the arches rotting. If you can see rust bubbles above the plastic arch it is very certain that under the plastic will be horrendous. Other weaknesses include the front jacking points, the front chassis legs and the battery tray - it is ESSENTIAL to remove the battery on any potential polo purchase, if it rots you get water leaks all over the fusebox which results in all sorts of electrical nightmares.
Depending on how much you are expecting to pay the cars can be broken quite well so if it's relatively cheap take a punt. If it's in very good condition ie good bodywork, service history inc charger, original interior then buy one sooner rather than later.
Cheapest whole cars ive seen are £1000 , engine conversions sell for £800-1200 depending on charger/mods. Looking around at the moment you need £2000 for anything worthwhile and £3000 is where the keepers start. I can only see the prices going up.
http://www.polog40.co.uk/forum/index.php
and Polo3.co.uk
They are an absolute riot, with as much power as a mk2 golf GTI but a good 150+KG lighter which certainly adds to the thrill factor. In standard form and certainly by modern standards the brakes and suspension are not fully capable of dealing with the engine but not to the extent that they are [i]dangerous[/-] Luckily since you have prior experience of mk2 polos you will be familiar with the basic handling characteristics! Luckily things can be improved with upgraded suspension, anti roll bar and if you are serious about sorting the handling a full subframe assembly can be purchased which ties the front suspension/anti roll bars up a treat.
The engines are not as fragile as some people like to make out. Yes the supercharger is a servicable item, a typical rebuild is circa 40k and costs around £350-400 at a specialist or £150 in parts if you DIY. Parts for the engine are obtainable and most consumables cost no more than a standard Polo model so GSF/Euro car parts/AVS etc etc can assist with parts.
The main worry with them is the shells. MK2F Polos suffer from rust when neglected, the plastic arch extensions are a nightmare for trapping mud which if not cleaned out leads to the arches rotting. If you can see rust bubbles above the plastic arch it is very certain that under the plastic will be horrendous. Other weaknesses include the front jacking points, the front chassis legs and the battery tray - it is ESSENTIAL to remove the battery on any potential polo purchase, if it rots you get water leaks all over the fusebox which results in all sorts of electrical nightmares.
Depending on how much you are expecting to pay the cars can be broken quite well so if it's relatively cheap take a punt. If it's in very good condition ie good bodywork, service history inc charger, original interior then buy one sooner rather than later.
Cheapest whole cars ive seen are £1000 , engine conversions sell for £800-1200 depending on charger/mods. Looking around at the moment you need £2000 for anything worthwhile and £3000 is where the keepers start. I can only see the prices going up.
http://www.polog40.co.uk/forum/index.php
and Polo3.co.uk
I've had two,both brilliant. First was completely standard and immaculate,supercharger lunched itself at high revs,that was expensive but I ran it problem free for 4 years afterwards. Second one I had was very highly tuned and had c180bhp,it was nuts but great fun. As mentioned terrible brakes and they are getting expensive now too.
If you can find one,buy one. They are great.
If you can find one,buy one. They are great.
Regarding the brakes if you want to run bigger than 13 inch wheels then it you can fit Golf GTI 16v brakes all round!!
here's mine:
256mm GTI discs with Vauxhall cavalier SRI calipers
Behind 14inch wheels
229mm rear - note I have flipped the back axle upside down and fitted mk2 Golf GTI stub axles and rear brakes, haven't yet fitted the hand brake cables back on in this pic but mk1 golf ones fit fine.
Golf GTI 16v 22mm Master cylinder (note eagle eyed people will spot the G40 steering rack including dampener)
Brake bias adjuster, (to save running the mk2 golf compensator that attaches to the back axle)
here's mine:
256mm GTI discs with Vauxhall cavalier SRI calipers
Behind 14inch wheels
229mm rear - note I have flipped the back axle upside down and fitted mk2 Golf GTI stub axles and rear brakes, haven't yet fitted the hand brake cables back on in this pic but mk1 golf ones fit fine.
Golf GTI 16v 22mm Master cylinder (note eagle eyed people will spot the G40 steering rack including dampener)
Brake bias adjuster, (to save running the mk2 golf compensator that attaches to the back axle)
Had a ton of G40s and a Corrado G60. The G40 is a rawer, more fun car but the G60 just sounds ace! Now, stick the G60 charger on the G40 engine!! It's nuts!!! 
be interesting to see how reliable these remanufactured larger superchargers rottel racing ones are, the G45, G65 and G75. Initial reports seems encouraging.
be interesting to see how reliable these remanufactured larger superchargers rottel racing ones are, the G45, G65 and G75. Initial reports seems encouraging.
Superchargers blow up from bad maintenance and poor mechanical sympathy.
Check oil feed and drain of charger are clean and free of debris inside, I'd advise to replace them both anyway.
The scroll seal and/or spring would 'pop' due to high temps from oil and high reving charger causing metal outer seal casing to expand. People used to bang off the rev limiter and do sustained top speed runs, both ways to shorten your chargers life.
Check oil feed and drain of charger are clean and free of debris inside, I'd advise to replace them both anyway.
The scroll seal and/or spring would 'pop' due to high temps from oil and high reving charger causing metal outer seal casing to expand. People used to bang off the rev limiter and do sustained top speed runs, both ways to shorten your chargers life.
Edited by PaulG40 on Monday 6th January 16:29
A car dear to my heart, I have a polo g40 that's been sitting in my garage for about 10 years now, had a full bare metal respray in original windsor blue and then tucked away, the only picture I have available is at the address below. Although it is now sitting on 15" golf gti bbs wheels. Running circa 160-180bhp it's a little rocket!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/30572117@N02/40553790...
http://www.flickr.com/photos/30572117@N02/40553790...
NK51XXX said:
A car dear to my heart, I have a polo g40 that's been sitting in my garage for about 10 years now, had a full bare metal respray in original windsor blue and then tucked away, the only picture I have available is at the address below. Although it is now sitting on 15" golf gti bbs wheels. Running circa 160-180bhp it's a little rocket!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/30572117@N02/40553790...
Thats a peach! Shame its tucked away. You should let me borrow it http://www.flickr.com/photos/30572117@N02/40553790...
PaulG40 said:
Superchargers blow up from bad maintenance and poor mechanical sympathy.
Check oil feed and drain of charger are clean and free of debris inside, I'd advise to replace them both anyway.
The scroll seal and/or spring would 'pop' due to high temps from oil and high reving charger causing metal outer seal casing to expand. People used to bang off the rev limiter and do sustained top speed runs, both ways to shorten your chargers life.
Exactly this. My charger has given me NO issues whatsoever from 1989>2014 over 88,000 miles having had bi-annual oil changes, new charger belts annually and 2 replacement oil feed lines - genuine VW only. Check oil feed and drain of charger are clean and free of debris inside, I'd advise to replace them both anyway.
The scroll seal and/or spring would 'pop' due to high temps from oil and high reving charger causing metal outer seal casing to expand. People used to bang off the rev limiter and do sustained top speed runs, both ways to shorten your chargers life.
Edited by PaulG40 on Monday 6th January 16:29
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