1986 Volkswagen Scirocco GT review from UK and Ireland

Fuel Tank leak

Fuel Pump defective

Wax stat in automatic choke

Offside bearing replaced

Carb mountings prone to losing seal and sucking air in.

This car started life as a 1.6 GT automatic with GT trim (i.e. pretty grim) but is now a 1.8 carb manual with the GTII box and block. The trim was upgraded to GTX by taking the seats and dashboard from a GTX. Some bits didn't quite fit right (the rear seat mountings!) but it works pretty well.

A previous owner also put Corrado style body kit on and had converted the carb to a Weber, but de-converted it back when he saw me coming down the road. I've put the racing pedals on and given the car a general overhaul (full details on www.apocalypsenow.cwc.net - my own personal site, not an advert!) as it was a wreck when I got it.

This is the 5th Scirroco I've had (I've had a 1984 GTI, 1985 GTL, a Storm and a 1986 Scala - see some more reviews!) and they are all totally different from each other, but one thing for sure - they sure are great cars!

If you are prepared to spend up to a grand doing all the work recovering from the neglect by previous owners, you'll have a super-reliable car that will run forever!

A lot of criticism is levelled at the Pierburg carbs, but I've generally found that to be unfounded. The automatic choke unit is vulnerable, but is a cheap replacement. A carb clean and actually replace the FUEL filter every service will prevent many of the problems.

The carbs have a great economy/performance compromise and Weber do a direct replacement if you want more lively performance. The carb and associated components are quite complex and its more likely ignorance of the arrangement and adjustment is the problem rather than generally poor performance.

Most problems with the carb actually originate with corrosion internally in the fuel tank shoveling muck along the fuel lines and getting lodged in the jets. A clean fuel filter is a must and a new fuel tank on a high mileage does wonders!

GTX seats are great and the extra padding on the steering wheel is great too. Getting the GTX dash, door and window handles is a worthwhile upgrade on the horrible cheap GT plastic prone to splintering in your hand!

The carb versions, even with the 90+ bhp of the EX engine are sluggish compared to the injection DX engine, but are still lively and responsive. Torque is great at low revs and if you want to drive it like a sports car you can.

Oil burn is virtually non-existent in these well proven engines if they have been treated well in the early years. Stem seal replacement is not an impossible job for high burners.

Like all of the Scirrocos I've had, the natural territory is the motorway. Top speed for my vehicle as it is easily pushes 120 which is more than sufficient for normal motorway speeds without excessive noise or fuel consumption.

I've found regular redexing is required for the around town environment to maintain performance.

Ride is hard, but that's the way I like it - its good to feel the road.