Modify or Keep Standard ??

I know this question has probably been asked a thousand times but I'm struggling with what direction to take with my mk1.

I have a 1979 series 1 Gti not in great shape but solid enough and most of the parts are there for a full restoration in the next year or so the problem is the engine I have most of the parts for a 20vt conversion but now I'm having second thoughts !!

I can sell the 20vt parts and have my original 1.6 engine and box rebuilt and probably put a lot towards my winter respray at the same time. A few weeks ago I was set on a 20vt but now after learning there are very few series 1 Gtis left I think standard may be the best option. 

So your opinions please though I think I already know the right way to go 

Thanks

I'd leave it standard, because of the model rarity.

Standard I reckon with a few subtle tweaks to the rebuilt motor to scoop a cpl extra horsepower

Standard Baz  

Do it correctly and its a winner in its look and its future resale, if ever  

Do what YOU want to do.

Mostly standard but with one or two subtle modifications to make it one of a kind and unique. If your doing a full resto you will have the opotunity to change a lot about, in a way that it can still look oem.

I had a lambretta a few years ago, I totally restored it and then began to modify the engine.  What I ended up with was a flying machine in scootering terms.  I then progressed to a fast road bike but also kept my scooter only to regret ever modifying it.  Keep it original mate.

(Then by a bike, lol)

Sell it to me!

Thanks for the replys pretty much what I was thinking after I found out there are only 30 1979 series 1 Gti left in the uk. 

Going to price up an engine bay respray and start selling my 20vt parts !!

I have a fast road cam and ported head to go on my 1.6 rebuilt engine so it will still have a bit more power than standard. 

abfmk1 said

Do what YOU want to do.

This actually is the correct answer !!

What 20vt bits are you selling ?  I need 02a gearbox mounts and hydraulic to cable clutch parts

I'm literally in the same position, without the 20v sitting about. My car already has a 1.8 S2 Gti engine. I've got all the paperwork for the swap and all the receipts but being a 79 Gti I keep looking out for a 1.6.
Like the others say do what YOU want. With regards to future value, if it's the original engine with matching numbers I'd keep it. You can always change the look of the car with bolt on bits that can be swapped or changed as and when ?

Yomp said

Sell it to me!

You not got enough on your plate Graham?  

I can't see myself selling the car ever lol !!

I always planned to return the car to standard and wanted a 20vt just for a couple of years of fun. 

Still leaning towards selling the 20vt and spending the money on standard stuff

let me know everything you have and how much you would want for it…. I could be interested.

Thanks

Steven


***Just seen you for sale add***

In the same predicament, friends say keep it standard but I want ABF in jenvey ITB.

Standard, it's actually harder to do it correctly.

Decided it's definitely going to stay standard !! 

Poor day today though found a couple of areas that will need attention that I hadn't figured on doing this year so it looks like the car will get the full body resto I had planned for next year a bit sooner !!!

It means the car won't be back on the road this year but I have a back up plan so I won't miss the shows …..

If it was me std……………….but it's your car do what you think is best

As others have said it's your choice but for me I would aim to keep it standard