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22
Suspension & Steering / Steering alignment after rack change
Last post by Matt_ABF -
Hi all,

I have a mk2 gti that was originally a 8v but now has an ABF. Its been garaged a good while but recently found inspiration to work on it again.

I have fitted new 16v hubs to allow 280mm brakes. Subsequently also had the subframe off, new steering rack (non PAS), complete new track rods, new wishbones, all new bushes etc. Issue is now I can't for the life of me get it close to alignment.

Followed guides and set the rack central using verniers at 70.5mm. Then the rod length to 410mm. All back in and bolted up, its country mile off aligning. Just looks like the rods aren't long enough, approx 40mm too short in total, so not a small amount. All the parts were purchased and originally fitted around 10 years ago now, something could be wrong but unsure what. Could it be Hubs? Do they differ much? These have boltable calliper carriers and fit the upgraded callipers.

Does anyone know approx total length from track rod end to end?
23
General Chat / MK3 cabrio restoration
Last post by mof -
happy new year!

i want to get MK3 cabrio §piggy§ back on the road this year - lots needs doing, i got some connects local to help. I'm gonna start in early spring, hopefully document it along the way just with a few words and pics

ill do a list of work needs doing next so you can see
25
Shows & Events / National Club Meet 17-19 July 2026
Last post by vw-widow -
Happy new year to all VW Golf MK2 Owners Club members.

Ok, so it’s our pleasure to announce the date of this years annual meet - July 17-19th 2026, which coincides with the 50th anniversary of the GTI.

Please join us in the celebrations at Curborough Sprint Course tickets will go on sale end of January. 

2 days of track action, onsite camping and loads of Mk2 Golfs.

Traders on site.  If you are a trader/company and wish to be present, please contact us.
29
Members' Cars / Re: G135EPB 8v GTI
Last post by Monkey -
Great update there.

Also, always a good move to let the keen ones go out first, they can dry the track out for you ;)

I really need to make it to a couple of track days in 2026 too, so let me know when you're next heading out!
30
Members' Cars / Re: G135EPB 8v GTI
Last post by ianmac86 -
13/12/25 – MSV trackday at Donington Park National Circuit

This came around quickly! An early start was needed to make the safety briefing and with a slightly damp forecast it was not ideal, but for December, I really can’t complain.
I’ll admit I felt a bit nervous initially. The conditions were tougher than the dry and there were plenty of much more modern powerful cars out there. I was conscious of not wanting to be in the way, but I reminded myself that I’d paid to be there just like everyone else, so I put the nerves to one side and focused on enjoying the day.

After the compulsory sighting laps, I decided to hang on and let the more eager drivers head out first while I grabbed a coffee. Around 20 minutes in, I went out for my first session. Grip was obviously down due to the damp conditions, after roughly 15 minutes I came back in to check everything over. There was hardly any heat in the tyres, I let the car cool down, checked wheel torque (to satisfy the OCD) and then headed straight back out.

Grip steadily improved as the day went on, right up until some light drizzle returned in the afternoon. I spent some laps with Dan in his Mk5 — a very capable car and a very capable driver. I also went out in Warren’s 20v Mk2, again excellent car with plenty of power and a very good driver behind the wheel. Tim was out in his R53 Mini Cooper S, which proved to be very evenly matched with my Mk2 a genuinely nice surprise and great fun to lap with. Unfortunately, Woz suffered ECU issues which sadly ended his day early.

I managed a few more sessions through the afternoon and was feeling increasingly confident, but resisted the temptation to squeeze in one last run before dark.

The 02J EGU gearbox with the 3.9 final drive has made a very welcome difference, particularly when accelerating and on gearchanges. The car feels much more alert and responsive out of corners. I had originally contemplated going even shorter with a CZM 4.2 final drive, but having now driven this setup in anger, I genuinely feel the current gearing is the sweet spot — hot enough to make the car great fun on track and on fast road drives, but still just about acceptable for longer journeys across the country or back into Europe.
Overall, I’m really pleased with how the car performed and have gained a lot of confidence in it following the head gasket rebuild and the gearbox/Quaife change over. I think the damp conditions levelled the field considerably (much like the National Meet). While I did have to move over for some genuinely quick drivers, I also found myself holding onto plenty of others and even getting frustrated at times with cars not moving over. My confidence in damp conditions has definitely improved.

I’m absolutely delighted with both the day and the car, and I’m hoping to get a few more track days in during 2026.