Whats your best OEM+ upgrades?

Hi all,
Im an OEM chap but like reasonable upgrades. No 3.2 V6 engines, just reasonable stuff to improve looks/performance. For example the headlight loom that gives them 12v direct - did that, wonderful.
What are your top 3 upgrades?

Rear disc conversion including servo and m/s. Is they one or three.

Stainless exhaust system - love the sound.

Loom and lights but not driven at night since loom change.


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My completely original oem 100% factory Caddy mk1 in the concours class of Ultimate Dubs last week


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If your car has a varied collection of different branded 15yr old part worn tyres, a full set of a decent make new ones makes a world of difference.

[mention]Early-1800 [/mention] ha i indeed do have a different tyre for every wheel! Im running 15” BBS RZs. Anu suggestion on tyre brand/size? I wouldnt mind the wheel set up looking a little bit “fatter”…

Biggere servo and m/c makes a big difference, and a MK3 wiper motor. I also relayed all my headlights/spot lights - dip and main beam).

[mention]paceman [/mention] I think I already have the larger 9” servo from the previous owner, if my image is correct?
And yep have already done the headlamp upgrade.
Was considering that Mk2 wiper motor upgrade but didn’t realise you could use a mk3 one - is it better than the Mk2?


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My top 3 in order…
1.  Lower strut brace.
2.  Relay headlights
3.  4,2,1 manifold or early 6 bolt manifold if you have the toilet bowl/C clip manifold

gregpank said

[mention]paceman [/mention] I think I already have the larger 9” servo from the previous owner, if my image is correct?
And yep have already done the headlamp upgrade.
Was considering that Mk2 wiper motor upgrade but didn’t realise you could use a mk3 one - is it better than the Mk2?


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Not sure it's any better than the mk2 version, it's probably easier to come by though (that's why I ended up with one) there are some slightly different versions though. I ended up with one that required more work to fit! I did find some good info on here about it, I'll see if I can dig it out.

For a daily driver mk1/mk2 on a budget:

1. 14 inch steelies and Dunlop Sport BluResponse tyres
2. Headlight relay harness to improve brightness
3. Weber carb instead of Pierburg

sneaky 4. Returning to OEM suspension  spec (but new parts)

mark1gls said

My top 3 in order…
1.  Lower strut brace.
2.  Relay headlights
3.  4,2,1 manifold or early 6 bolt manifold if you have the toilet bowl/C clip manifold

Thanks for that. Already done your second point. And yep heard a few people mention a lower strut brace being worthwhile. Any makes/suppliers you'd recommend?

I went for the OMP lower brace as you can use the original bolts.
The only thing I did do extra was buy a couple of plastic caps for the ends as inside the was not very well painted so sprayed at bit of waxoyl in there and fitted the covers.


https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/191991884333?epid=8017025102&_trkparms=ispr%3D1&hash=item2cb39baa2d:g:gskAAOSwXEdahxI5&amdata=enc%3AAQAGAAAA8ETDjwYdKldp0vWNEEYv0djSAFyp2FQZXtgDaB46Pnh48XF%2FB2qMQD2q150IQSJQ%2F7S3q2o%2B9dRwJSphdFVWmG5mE8PHPD5903g702WMZTvWtb6x2bAjL%2Ft51PDrH3Eub37TtOsoXKzqacEn14c3KYazmPTdSn41g5zlPR9xmcMg622Hay75qHPisFy%2BiGCp%2BtAot%2BD1BimeSPUgLjV8hP2DhHjSnmqdM1k6ZDcFuS8GRg0E3xX%2FYrvxKet8zlR1mYXmHlB9VhIp8az4ivkEwiK0BLAl59LIDhz1ncIOKMHiXA93TP4QB%2FDw2P8iXy0eJw%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABFBMup6khIBg












Plastic caps were 35mm from here.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/123893523092?hash=item1cd8a12294:g:8LMAAOSwFutda9AG




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[mention]mark1gls [/mention] thanks for the advice. I recently fitted exactly what you said. Simple enough job and yes i do think its improved the steering. Bit lighter and tighter i’d say so thanks for the suggestion.

That, along with the headlight relay which [mention]Briano1234 [/mention]  suggested and i finally got to use at night the other day, are really useful and economical improvements. Thanks chaps.

Did the front wiper upgrade too. Also really good although they dont return to the correct park position (just have to do it manually but timing when i switch them off). Got to use them the other day and a huge improvement.

All the above cost less than £100 to do!

I’m thinking to get a new set of matching tyres, probably Toyo TR1s as they seem a popular choice.

But have loved this thread so any other suggestions welcome!

gregpank said

[mention]paceman [/mention] I think I already have the larger 9” servo from the previous owner, if my image is correct?
And yep have already done the headlamp upgrade.
Was considering that Mk2 wiper motor upgrade but didn’t realise you could use a mk3 one - is it better than the Mk2?


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Could anyone confirm if i do indeed already have an upgraded 9" servo. 99% sure i have but just wanted to check. Thanks

Change the POS heater Valve from the Square plastic one to the round Gate Vale from a 89 porsche 944, which is very close to the OEM valve VW used in the 80's.

Easier on your heater control panel.
On my 90 cabbies every one had a cracked exhaust manifold, and whistled like a VW bug.  Changed out for a g60 4-2-1 manifold and a dual down pipe.

A short shifter kit and weighted billet from Missinglinkz.com.  I didn't have to reach into the middle of the passenger seat on my LHD for 5th gear.

Make sure your Upper Radiator Card is installed as that greatly helps keep the car cool.

On Automatics (90's) install a external thermo-controlled  oil cooler…. When I would drive at 80mph in 90 degree F
with the a/c on I would be pushing 150 degrees on the oil temp.  After installing the Oil cooler from a Volvo 940 it wouldn't ever get above 110F. I used scavaged parts from a breakers and it was total about 40 dollar upgrade.

Buy a WOlO Air-Horn, better than the BEEP BEEP of the early rabbits and louder than you need.

Install a screen over your early Golf heater blower cover to keep unwanted leaves and things out of your heater box, as well as a Debris Guard under your hood vents.






Just bought 2 more and in installed them in my two non-vw cars…

I have some threads in the archive section how-to's on the oil cooler, and things.
 

Thanks for those further suggestions Briano1234 .

1. whats the purpose of swapping out the POS heater valve?

2. Short shifter - that company no longer supply to the UK but will look for one over here!
3. Yep have a full plastic radiator card 👍🏼
4. Mines a manual so wont worry about your oil cooler suggestion
5. And thanks for the ideas for the heater screen and horn.

because the newer style which is rectangular, is hard to turn, and I have had those fail more often than the older gate style that my 81 had…(lasted 20+years).

Original 80 valve


newer style golf/cabriolet valve


Porsche 944


For those that have the Cabriolets, the newer Porsche valve is easier on the control slide.