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?

[tendown]

Take a look at the 3F engine, it's a 1.3 from the polo, basically the same block, looks similar and has 75hp as standard. There'll be plenty of bits for modifying them.

[HarryW]

Tbh the 1300 makes what 60hp? Doubt even spending thousands you’d get it over 80hp, so it’s never going to be a rocket.
Personally I’d look to improve the handling and braking if you want it to go faster whilst still being ‘original’.

My wife had the 3 door 1100 mk1, lovely little car in its day. I don’t doubt if it’s still around today the body shell would be a perfect for a GTI build…

[Stretchly]

That’s exactly what I’ll be doing, the car will be getting a couple bits like p-slots and a lowering kit. Definately a few bits of suspension too. It’s not going to be a pocket rocket but something that will put a smile on my face

[Dr G]

Years ago a friend had a 1300 MK2 Golf and gave it similar treatment - he ended up with something like 80 BHP and 100lb/ft. It went alright, but made very amusing noises through big weber carb.

I like your thinking actually. Doesn't have to be fast to be fun.

[HarryW]

Slightly OT…..
Thinking back, I had a Alfasud 1.3Ti back in the day. The world’s first ‘hot hatch’ pre dating the Mk1 Golf GTI by at least 3 years.
Shame it rusted so quickly, but the flat 4 was an epic little engine.

[Nigel_O]

My son has a Mk1 1.3 Driver. Over the years we added:

Lumenition electronic ignition
Weber 35ICH carb - huge improvement over the OE Solex
Tubular exhaust manifold
5-speed gearbox

It still probably has less than 70bhp, but that’s not the point - it was easier to drive and (a bit) more reliable.

As mentioned above, without forced induction, it would take a LOT of money to get it to 80bhp and a small fortune to get it to 100bhp.

And it would still be slower than a modern luke-warm hatchback, although it would look a lot better….