Engine work on a mk1 1300 golf

[Stretchly]

Hi Guys, I’m currently restoring a mk1 1300 golf and am looking at “performance mods” for the engine. I want to keep the original engine as it is matching numbers and want to keep some semblance of originality so no I won’t just swap a 1.8t 20v with 300hp. Anyway, I’m thinking a 4-2-1 manifold and exhaust system, Weber 32/34 carb and maybe a camshaft… anything further I should do?

[ManicMunky]

Twin carbs and a fruity cam

[Stretchly]

Twin carbs? Is that not a bit too much for a 1300? I’ll have a look into it if you have recommendations for cams and carbs?

[bangerhoarder]

Have a look at the Polo GT engine changes. I believe it's the same basic engine, but those have MPI. Of course, they supercharged the unit in the G40.

If you don't want to change that much, you're probably there with cam, carbs, ported head, perhaps a block skim or piston changes.

[TonyRPH]

Back in the mid 80's I had a MK1 1.3

I fitted a Weber 36DCD7 carb (26 primary / 27 secondary choke tubes) but had the standard camshaft with a free flow exhaust.

I did briefly try a single 40DCOE but the standard engine didn't cope with it at all.

It would willingly rev to 7200RPM in 1st and 2nd gear, but barely make it to 6500 in 3rd (with the 36DCD7).

Based on this, my thoughts are that a better camshaft would be beneficial, but to use big carbs I think the head would need porting.

Also, if planning to go above the factory 6700rpm* limit, I'd consider strengthening the bottom end.

• IIRC it was 6700rpm