lagomorph
Veteran Member
I'm getting ready to start another project.
It's going to be either a B6 wagon, B5 wagon, or a MK5 rabbit conversion.
I would like some help on deciding which route to go.
Of all the cars I've driven lately, the B6 wagon is the nicest, for sure. Prices are coming down to the point where it's reasonable to buy one to tear apart. I'm still waffling though, between the audis and a mk5 rabbit.
It comes down to the complexity of the AWD system and maintenance of said system, since my only other AWD car ever was a 1.8 subaru outback sport. That car needed way too much work drivetrain-wise to be reliable.
I tried to have a discussion with some of my local friends, but it ended up being a "keep the M5" discussion, and not what I was trying to talk about.
Can we discuss the high and low points of swapping into the various cars?
i.e. Mk5 rabbit, late model B5 wagon, or B6 wagon?
overall project price and fuel economy are the two major factors for me, but if there's hidden factors I'm not considering, let's get it all out on the table.
I'm no stranger to swaps. My 77 rabbit has a TDI swap, and my jetta wagon that I had was converted to TDI. I know it's all a big stack of work, but I'd like the advice of some other seasoned swap pros, and I know there's lots of you way more proficient than I.
Here's a quick start-
mk5-pros- US Spec motor, drivetrain, 2wd economy. definitely a unique swap (in the US)
cons- not awd, not a wagon-car acquirement price is higher, drivetrain cost-@5k. will fit in my tiny garage at home. One piece wiring harness.
b5 pros-AWD, documented prior swaps, so knowledge base is present. cars are becoming less expensive to acquire. If I end up selling two cars I've got, I may be able to nearly pay for the whole car+ swap and have no car payment, or a very small one.
cons-older car, styling a little more dated than the b6, pre-facelift cars are going to need more work to refresh along the way. Mileage penalty for AWD, cost-I would guess about the same? 5k... Might fit in my tiny garage at home. not certain about the harness.
b6 pros- AWD, styling is easily my favorite of the three. newer car may need less incidentals than b5. unique swap for sure (here)
cons-won't fit in the tiny garage at home. not certain about the harness. parts more expensive than the b5.
thanks for your input....
It's going to be either a B6 wagon, B5 wagon, or a MK5 rabbit conversion.
I would like some help on deciding which route to go.
Of all the cars I've driven lately, the B6 wagon is the nicest, for sure. Prices are coming down to the point where it's reasonable to buy one to tear apart. I'm still waffling though, between the audis and a mk5 rabbit.
It comes down to the complexity of the AWD system and maintenance of said system, since my only other AWD car ever was a 1.8 subaru outback sport. That car needed way too much work drivetrain-wise to be reliable.
I tried to have a discussion with some of my local friends, but it ended up being a "keep the M5" discussion, and not what I was trying to talk about.
Can we discuss the high and low points of swapping into the various cars?
i.e. Mk5 rabbit, late model B5 wagon, or B6 wagon?
overall project price and fuel economy are the two major factors for me, but if there's hidden factors I'm not considering, let's get it all out on the table.
I'm no stranger to swaps. My 77 rabbit has a TDI swap, and my jetta wagon that I had was converted to TDI. I know it's all a big stack of work, but I'd like the advice of some other seasoned swap pros, and I know there's lots of you way more proficient than I.
Here's a quick start-
mk5-pros- US Spec motor, drivetrain, 2wd economy. definitely a unique swap (in the US)
cons- not awd, not a wagon-car acquirement price is higher, drivetrain cost-@5k. will fit in my tiny garage at home. One piece wiring harness.
b5 pros-AWD, documented prior swaps, so knowledge base is present. cars are becoming less expensive to acquire. If I end up selling two cars I've got, I may be able to nearly pay for the whole car+ swap and have no car payment, or a very small one.
cons-older car, styling a little more dated than the b6, pre-facelift cars are going to need more work to refresh along the way. Mileage penalty for AWD, cost-I would guess about the same? 5k... Might fit in my tiny garage at home. not certain about the harness.
b6 pros- AWD, styling is easily my favorite of the three. newer car may need less incidentals than b5. unique swap for sure (here)
cons-won't fit in the tiny garage at home. not certain about the harness. parts more expensive than the b5.
thanks for your input....
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