is a mk2 16v competitive?

[Flyinglizard]

The 16V needs to turn to 8000rpm to get to the power level for ITA(150+hp). The stock, legal, cams wont allow much over 7200. 7200 is about the max for the 8V with the best cam and the ECM that allows proper fuel metering. After 20 years of racing both engines , the 8V comes alive much better, class wise, and cheaper than the 16v. And the 8V will tolerate the stock style fuel system better.
I worked for VW about 1991 or so and power steering was "standard" . I have never seen any 16v delivered without PS. They may exist ,but not many came that way.IMHO. Maybe 1987.5 Golfs, just after the Rocco intro.
You have to use the standard details the 16V to spin. IE, piston to wall needs to be about 005. Total Seal rings. The cams need to be closed up,as much as the rules allow. The compression highest, etc.
When you get all done, the car is still an aero brick, the roll centers are too high, the windsheild angle is too steep, etc. The ITB has a lower terminal V and the aero stuff is less of a factor. The ITA should go about 135 @ Daytona, The ITB goes about 120+-3. The 16V Golf wont go 135, the Rocco barely does.
The 16V Jeta is much better balanced and aero wise it is a lot better, FWIW. The VW makes a great track car and midpack racer, dont ever expect to get any money back out of the vast amounts spent.
You can buy one done for 6000$ usually. About half of the parts cost. The price is low because of the racing results, winning cars are worth more.

The 16V is a very nice power package. We drive an old beater Jett 16V. At this point in time, they are better kept than most 8V
James, I meant to talk to you more @ Sebring about your 16V, but I was busy with our new Spiniata.
I can send you a good base line setup for your car(known good values) E mail me ,I'll get back to you about wed next week. (Off to Summit today)
[email protected]
MM

[Knestis]

... The cams need to be closed up,as much as the rules allow. ...

Okay, I'll bite. What does this mean...?

K

[Sandro]

the owner of eurosport Raffi, owns one and races it in ITA, he has won several races and is competitive. From what I understand it is not a fully developed car either.

[Bill Miller]

the owner of eurosport Raffi, owns one and races it in ITA, he has won several races and is competitive. From what I understand it is not a fully developed car either.

That begs the questions of where does he race and who is he racing against? A 1.8 16v or a 2.0 16v isn't going to stand a chance in a North East ITA race. Cut the weight of the 2.0 closer to that of the 1.8, and you might have a chance.

[mgyip]

That begs the questions of where does he race and who is he racing against? A 1.8 16v or a 2.0 16v isn't going to stand a chance in a North East ITA race. Cut the weight of the 2.0 closer to that of the 1.8, and you might have a chance.

That's always the question - just b/c a car wins a race doesn't mean that it's competitive if the "usual" leaders didn't show for the event.

I've been racing a 1.8 16v for years (b/c I'm stupid) and the car is far from "maxed out" so it's slow in comparison to at least half the field. That having been said, it's been reasonably durable and it's a veritable tank in a sea of Japanese tin-foil.

I think it's possible to get weight down to minimum but it takes alot of effort and a very thin driver (which ain't me). Even so, as noted, it has the aero of a large brick BUT at least you become everybody's friend b/c you'll find at least 5 cars stacked up behind you on the straights as they draft their way past...

[jmracer17]

Very true. Its not really competitive but at least its a reliable car that you can go around and beat. For sure its a tank. I'm a Miata's favorite guy at Daytona lol. If the weight wasn't so heavy it maybe able but I don't see that happening. But hey, were all out here to have fun, being in the back by yourself is not but as long as you have some cars to play with it doesn't matter front or back.

[jlinfert]

Very true. Its not really competitive but at least its a reliable car that you can go around and beat. For sure its a tank. I'm a Miata's favorite guy at Daytona lol. If the weight wasn't so heavy it maybe able but I don't see that happening. But hey, were all out here to have fun, being in the back by yourself is not but as long as you have some cars to play with it doesn't matter front or back.

James,
With that attitude you'll go far club racing. And honestly a 16v can be competitive, maybe not a front runner but certainly a top 5 car. Keep working at it young man and don't hesitate to ask us for help.

[markw]

Buy A Used Race Car!!! But buy one as it comes off the track. You will have plenty to do sorting a used car. I know where there is an ITC Scirocco with a DOM cage suitable for Production with a quaife and a 4.40 something ring and pinion. It is just sitting collecting dust in South Florida. Regards

[evofool]

i'm in the northwest and haven't seen anything for sale yet... i'm listening, just alittle stubborn i suppose.

[Tom A]

What is your budget? There are a couple cars on the Council forum that look interesting.

http://www.icscc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=100
http://www.icscc.com/forums/showthread.php?t=293

If you are set on a VW, there is this:
https://improvedtouring.com...ad.php?t=25914
Not local though.

On Edit: You are close enough to get a car from Norcal, so also keep and eye on the NASA Forums, as well as craigslist for any place between San Francisco and Seattle. Search for SCCA and NASA, you will sometimes find good deals, like this: http://sfbay.craigslist.org/pen/cto/1236970395.html

Tom