First off,
This site is killer! I wish when I built my first Mk3 I had just 1/10th of 1% of what I have already found.
Let me introduce myself, I am Scott, I own a landscape business in Phoenix, AZ. Cars are my passion... Period... (actually more like an obsession or addiction). I am on my second Mk3, the first being a red 1990 about 5 years ago. I hand rebuilt the motor 2x the first time i made the mistake of installing an OEM gasket at factory specs( i know I didn't have to rebuild the whole motor, but it turned into "well I have that off, might as well take this off too" I know built it right, but then I found that not only did I use the incorrect gasket, but also I had the torque specs wrong. The second I did a little more research and bought the ARP hardware and torqued it correctly. I found on my own how finicky these cars can be expecially in the AZ heat (been here since 1998).
I am taking another stab at the Mk3. I don't know why I can't move on from these Mk3's. I haven't been in one in a couple years, and BAM! I run across another 1990 this one a White Edition blue interior and it was love a first sight, even with mocha mix in the oil pan... Bottom end feels tight and the turbo is in the best condition I have seen. The dash has no cracks and the top doesn't leak.
I had done some basic mods on the other car, but was really enjoying how reliable it was with superior maintenance. I took great care of that car and it seemed to love it. I even kept the stock sawblades on it.
This time, after do the head gasket job and full maintenance, I am going to put some nice staggered wheels and some power into it.
BTW I watched the etiquette video and will try not be a jerk..
Scott
This site is killer! I wish when I built my first Mk3 I had just 1/10th of 1% of what I have already found.
Let me introduce myself, I am Scott, I own a landscape business in Phoenix, AZ. Cars are my passion... Period... (actually more like an obsession or addiction). I am on my second Mk3, the first being a red 1990 about 5 years ago. I hand rebuilt the motor 2x the first time i made the mistake of installing an OEM gasket at factory specs( i know I didn't have to rebuild the whole motor, but it turned into "well I have that off, might as well take this off too" I know built it right, but then I found that not only did I use the incorrect gasket, but also I had the torque specs wrong. The second I did a little more research and bought the ARP hardware and torqued it correctly. I found on my own how finicky these cars can be expecially in the AZ heat (been here since 1998).
I am taking another stab at the Mk3. I don't know why I can't move on from these Mk3's. I haven't been in one in a couple years, and BAM! I run across another 1990 this one a White Edition blue interior and it was love a first sight, even with mocha mix in the oil pan... Bottom end feels tight and the turbo is in the best condition I have seen. The dash has no cracks and the top doesn't leak.
I had done some basic mods on the other car, but was really enjoying how reliable it was with superior maintenance. I took great care of that car and it seemed to love it. I even kept the stock sawblades on it.
This time, after do the head gasket job and full maintenance, I am going to put some nice staggered wheels and some power into it.
BTW I watched the etiquette video and will try not be a jerk..
Scott
Last edited:
