84mpg, 0-60 in 7 seconds..for $7,000-in a 1981 VW Rabbit

[85 Cutlass Brougham]

I found this series of articles on a VW Rabbit rebuilt for better acceleration and fuel economy. Two of the people involved were formerly of the now defunct, tech intensive Sport Compact Car Magazine (not a lot of wings and bling, but plenty of performance). Anyhow, here it is for all to enjoy. Note, it is archived from newest at the top to oldest at the bottom, so start at the bottom and work your way up if you want to read it all.

http://www.topgear.com/us//tags/features/tag/Sipster

 

[KrisW]

Well, it was a pretty cool story, all things considered.

I did not appreciate the snobby sayings such as " hillbilly backwaters who don't know why the air is yellow," and other such socialist garbage. What are they, euros or something? Isn't Top Gear British? That would explain a lot. Either way, I won't read anything else they print ever.

I contemplated this swap in the 90's when I had an 81 Rabbit Pickup diesel and a 97 Jetta TDI that got 53 MPG. All in all, I will keep it in mind for future usage.

The bull crap environmentalist nonsense I will let wash away.

I am, however, a big diesel fan. I think I will computer manage my 350 diesel at some point in the future just to help the tuneability factor.

 

[85 Cutlass Brougham]

I basically just take from these stories what technical data I need and let the rest go. I also read some of the greenie blogs from time to time in order to get information on saving money, not saving the planet. I am a big fan of the newer solar technologies and other ways to possibly use less money to live. The politics of green? NOT a fan. As much as I like some of these technologies, I don't want to be forced to use them at the barrel of a gun, which is precisely what most of the environmentalists wish to do. I'm a Libertarian and feel that the best amount of government in most things is no government. You also have to remember that the editors of TGUSA are left coasters who formerly ran SCC. It was the best technical magazine I ever found, but some of their politics were a bit annoying at times too.