UK-POLOS.NET - THE VW Polo Forum

Hi guys.Great site, loads to read up on.
Picked up my MK1 tonight. Just a few questions for starters. I was told engine is on its way out as the bottom end rattles. Which engine can I fit relatively easy. (No G40's at the mo) Looking 1.3 ish?
Also what front seats can be fitted straight in if any or do I need to modify frames etc.
Any help greatly appreciated.

Scott

ah, just change the bearings

probably (!!!) not too big a job, depending on which ones are gronked.

good to see another oldskooler enter the fold, anyway

It's not too hard to change the bearings, if you're confident enough to remove the engine in the first place it should be a doddle
Otherwise, an engine from a mk1 or early mk2 (up to 1986) polo would be a straight swap, or a short block (ie up to 1.3) engine from a mk1 golf. You could relatively easily put a late mk2 polo engine or a mk2 golf short block engine in, but you need to convert to electronic ignition if you do that.

I don't know about front seats really, I would imagine they're more or less the same runners as the mk2/3 polos but don't take my word for that. Mk1 seats do pop up from time to time, and no one really buys them so you can get them very cheap.

Hi Scott, how did she treat you on the way home? the bottom end rattle wasnt too loud i hope !

btw, keep hold of those hubcaps and wheelnut covers, they'll be worth something someday!

Ste

Good to hear of another MK1 saved. You can change the Big end bearings by just dropping the sump, and whipping off the big end caps. Be warned though, your big end bearings may be shot due to the oil pump drive slipping. If that's the case, then the crank will definately need to come out for a regrind.
As the others have said, the easiest conversion is the 1.3 carburettor engine from a MK2, complete with a 5 speed box.

Any pics of the MK1 then??

Hi guys. Thanks for the replies. SteB the drive home was superb. I'm well happy with the car. never thought driving at 50 could be so much fun.
Will keep my eyes open for some seats and a cheap 1.3.

Will get some pics sorted ASAP.

Scott

scott b wrote:Will get some pics sorted ASAP.

Could resist a quick one from its previous ownership



Cool plans for it by the sounds too.

Ste

Hi welcome. The qestion regarding seats is an interesting one, as later polos (think it changed around '84) Have the handle for the forwards/backwards movement of the seat on the opposite side to those of early models. Apparently its just a case of swapping the bases over between the driver and passenger seats but Ive not tried it myself.

Agreed with engine choice, the 1.3 5 speed as fitted to coupe S's rangers and various other models is the easiest to do. What engine does it currently have?

Thanks for the pic Ste.
She's currently a 1.1 (well 1093cc's). Car is in the body shop having some welding done at the mo. Should be back next week then the fun begins

Where's a good place to get lowering springs etc as most places only seen to list MK1 golfs and newer polos. And is the steering column same as Mk1 golf.
Sorry for all the questions
Scott

Steering coloumn depends on the reg. If it has the same dials as a late mk1 golf and mk2 polo then it should have the steering coloumn to accept golf steering wheels:

GroovyCarrot wrote:It's not too hard to change the bearings, if you're confident enough to remove the engine in the first place it should be a doddle

doh, forgot that bit

all i thought was "pop the sump off, no problem"

but its more like remove baffle plate, remove all the screws, remove sump, remove oil pump feeder, remove head, undo bearing shell bolts, pop out pistons, change the bearings, change the rings whilst you're at it, clean it all up, replace pistons, bolt them back up, put on a new gasket, seat and bolt down the head, put all the other bits back on.... and see if its worked.

educational, if you have the time and motivation, pain in the arse if you'd rather just spend on a mechanic or an engine swap.

scott b wrote:Where's a good place to get lowering springs etc as most places only seen to list MK1 golfs and newer polos. And is the steering column same as Mk1 golf.

The suspension is the same as mk2 and 3 polos, i got a full kit from venom, which is probably one of the cheaper places up here

Ste