The Mk2 Golf is a bona fide legend and a rapidly appreciating everyday classic. But of course there’s lots you can do to make it even better. Here’s a guide to some of the best budget upgrades…

Even if you’re on a shoestring, you can make a Golf Mk2 into a highly rewarding road car for very little outlay. The key, of course, is to start with a sound example and get it running properly before you embark on the modifying route. It might be that once you’ve given it a thorough service and tidy up, you might decide to keep it totally stock. And we’ve no problem with that because we like originality…

On the other hand, if you’re freshening up a tired car with a long list of things wrong with it, it’s just as easy and almost as cheap to fit upgraded parts rather than the originals.

Bear in mind that engine modifications aren’t usually the most cost efficient means of going faster. A Golf that handles well, brakes efficiently and flows through bends nicely is easier to drive and cheaper to achieve than a seriously overpowered monster that wants to put you backwards into a hedge at the first opportunity.

Suspension
That’s precisely why it’s wise to spend your first bit of hard earned on the chassis and suspension – and that might simply mean a four-wheel laser alignment to ensure the geometry’s spot on. Beyond that, the lowering kit with stiffer sports springs and shorter stroke sports shocks here is the way to go. Prices start at just over £400 for the whole kaboodle. Don’t go too mad – dropping the car by around 40mm all round will be enough to improve stance and improve handling. Add to that a Polybush suspension bush kit (£257) and Eibach anti-roll bar kit (£368) you’ll have already transformed your car from a placid family friendly hatch into a lithe road toy.

Engine
There’s lots of little things you can do for not much money to make a Mk2 instantly a tad pokier. Try a panel filter/induction kit to liberate a few more horses, while a tuned bigger bore exhaust – such as a Jetex 2.5in system (from £278) – will not only make your Mk2 sound throatier, but also make it a bit more responsive. Getting a little bit more serious, cylinder head work (flowed and skimmed with porting and polishing) and a high lift cam will also work wonders. Swat up on the best, most efficient combinations – but in some instances up to 20bhp can be unleashed. With a budget of just over a grand, go for a 2.0-litre 9A 16v lump from the Corrado/Passat. Alternatively, the Audi 3A 8v (bubble block) and Mk3 Passat 2E/AGG 2.0 8v are also popular choices and don’t involve too much electrical jiggery-pokery, especially if we’re talking about pre-’89 Central Electric 1 (CE1) cars.

Wheels
For those counting their pennies, swapping the Golf’s original rims for something a bit more interesting will instantly make a Mk2 look better. BBS are the Holy Grail, of course, but there’s lots of less expensive options out there such as these beautifully retro looking Rotas. 7x16in rims will look great and 8x15s will also look great with G60 arches. Go much wider and you’ll need to carry out arch surgery to make them fit, and be careful with offsets to prevent the risk of chafing on the suspension struts.

Brakes
Of course the sky’s the limit when it comes to Mk2 Golf stoppers, but if you’re limited on cash start by switching to vented, grooved or drilled discs and uprated pads. There’s a huge amount of choice from the likes of Black Diamond. And if those original flexible hydraulic hoses are shot, why not fit a set of braided stainless steel replacements for a better pedal feel. Meanwhile, to get round the perennial problem of seized rear Mk2 brake calipers, why not carry out a drum to disc conversion at the rear. You can buy a kit here which uses Mk4 Golf bits for just £201.

Inside job
Finally, don’t forget the interior. Again, there’s not much you can’t do to a Mk2 – and with complete carpet sets, including the boot and underlay costing under £350 there’s really no excuse for putting up with a scruffy cabin. You can even get hold of the original material for those limited edition Recaro pews – as well as the stuffing to take out any sags…

Obviously, that’s just the start. There’s really not much you can’t do when it comes to Mk2 Golf mods, and the fact that it’s a car that you can jump in and use every day makes even the slightest improvement fun and totally rewarding…

Ian

The opinions expressed here are the personal opinions of the author and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of VW Heritage.