New to me 71 need advice

slide · 03-24-2001, 06:51 PM

I just got a 71 1.7l and I am not too interested in keeping it stock. I want fun!!!!
What do you guys suppose is the best first upgrades?
Thanks

scotty914 · 03-24-2001, 07:14 PM

first thing is to give it a tune up then give it a side shifter tranny, you will be glad to have better shifting. also you might think about up grading the brakes.

------------------
scott thacher
75 1.8 under construction
75 under rust
(fine german rust)

slide · 03-25-2001, 11:09 AM

OOh, I see what you mean about shifting, Boy does it suck finding or rather grindind 2nd. is there a part number for the side shifter? How much should I be spending on that?

scotty914 · 03-25-2001, 11:34 AM

well first you need to find a side shifter tranny ... which will run you about 200 used and about 500 to 1000 rebuilt

then call PP and get all the linkage parts to put it in ... if you are more money limited (like me ) read the tech article on shifting improvements (tail shifter )

but if its grinding second you might need to adjust the clutch and slow down your shifts .... or maybe time to rebuild the tranny in which case you should upgrade to side shifter

------------------
scott thacher
75 1.8 running at last
75 under rust
(fine german rust)

72_914 · 72_914's Garage

Best thing I have done for my 72 w/tail shifter was replace all the bushings. Took alot of the slop out. At least now the gears are where they should be 95% of the time. Also I had to re-learn how to shift since it was so diffrent. The best way is to just take your time, and don't force it. I think all the bushings cost less than $20, and about an hour of my time to install and fine tune. Well worth the money. One other thing you should do is adjust the valves and set the timing. If you can't about any VW shop can do it. Good luck.