What box

hi ppl was wondering what gear box would be best i am running a 2.0 16v 9a on r1 carbs with  standard 1.8 8v gti box  , but im finding its costing me a fortune in fuel , so i have to cruse at 65 mph so not to got on longer journeys any idea's..

No one ??

I don't think the gearbox makes much difference on fuel economy. Look elsewhere if you're using too much fuel. Can you give solid info, eg what is the fuel consumption.

i was thinking the 1.8 gti topped out at 112mph so the mk2 top end was higher so there for better fuel consumption as i can cruse at a higher speed.

I know, but it doesn't work like that. Gearing isn't that important. Its about the engine efficiency.

If you can find one try a 8 v mk3 golf gti g/box, its rod change , so simple fit and gives about 23 mph per 1000 revs, should help fuel consumption when cruising on the motorway, comes with 100mm d/shaft cups but easily swapped for mk1 90mm items if thats what you are using.

What economy are you expecting from a perfromance 2 litre petrol engine fuelled by 19th century technology carburettors?

A MK2 Golf 1.6/1.8 CL/GL gearbox gives @25mph @1000rpm, or put the 1.8 8v DX engine back and get @40mpg.

Early-1800 said

What economy are you expecting from a perfromance 2 litre petrol engine fuelled by 19th century technology carburettors?

My 2 litre 16V, albeit fuel injection, achieved the same fuel economy as the engine it replaced (1.8 litre 8V fuel injection) and changing from a 1.8 box to a 1.6 box (lower geared) didn't make much/any difference to the fuel economy either.

Carbs - I've not used them myself but possibly if they're set up properly, shouldn't be THAT far behind fuel injection for fuel economy.


But….without solid info (sorry to have to ask twice for an actual fuel consumption number) we don't know it its just at the low end of efficient, or possible there's a fault. For example if there's 2 carbs and they're out of balance, one might be too rich and the other too lean, etc etc. Or there might be excessive bypass of the fuel into the exhaust. What ignition system does it use?

Tbh im not that fused on the fuel as its not a daily drive just wanted a higher crusing speed . the carbs have been balanced so there are working as well as they can for now running static standard ignition atm witch i know is not going to help , i have just invested into a bespoke maniacal advanced dizzy set up so cant wait to see what that does ..thanks for sensible replies
, obviously i know im not going to be getting 40mpg from my current engine other wise i would not have swapped it.

I got 40mpg+ from my 2.0 16V

would the standard corrado box fit ??

change the 5th gear for a diesel or 4+e:
Welcome to BrokeVW.com

Dont think my skills go into breaking down gearboxes thanks for the advice though

have a read chap, its very easy

so you dont think a mk2 box would make a difference ?

mk1 and mk2 1.8 gti boxes have the same ratios, except for late mk2 have a taller 2nd. mk3 gti have slightly taller ratios so would be good to consider, but you would need a new clutch friction disc.

Gear Up!

you can swap the 5th gear with the gearbox still on the car if you like