The decision by Volkswagen of America to reclassify the Mk5 Golf as the "new" Rabbit sent the US Dub scene in to turmoil. It appeared some folks liked the resurrection, while many just rolled their eyes at the thought.
We're certain VWoA's marketing department is hoping the US public will make cute and fuzzy associations with the mothballed-since-1984 nameplate, but we still think of the original Rabbit as a quintessential Dub - a worthy canvas for the most hardcore VW projects. And this month we bring you two '77 Miami blue examples as proof.
The cars belong to Washington residents Pat Kirwan and Jeff Evans. They live an hour apart yet had no idea the other owned the same car until each was well along with his own project.
Although the end results couldn't be more dissimilar, Jeff and Pat shared a fundamental approach to building their Rabbits - while enamored with all the positive traits of the Mk1 Golf (light weight, simple design, affordable parts, etc), they wanted to incorporate modern performance and technology into the mix. Additionally, each owner preferred the OEM+ approach, so the VAG corporate parts bin was the number one resource.
As disheartening as it must be to learn you're not the only local with a pristine Miami blue '77 Rabbit ("Oh, crap!" was Jeff's initial reaction), the final results have convinced both owners that such coincidences make life more interesting, especially when the only thing these Dubs have in common is their color and birthday. To say these two projects have taken diverging paths would be an understatement.
No matter how cool you think it'd be to own a classic watercooled VW, the truth is that a '77 Rabbit's meager 71 horsepower just isn't going to cut it in 2006. On this point Jeff and Pat agree. It's how they went about addressing the situation that really sets these projects apart.
Pat's approach was a bit more traditional, and basically followed the old hotrod credo, "there's no replacement for displacement." Under his Rabbit's dainty hood resides 2.8 liters of VR6 goodness. And you'd be excused for thinking an additional 100hp in a lightweight Mk1 would be more than sufficient, but Mr. Kirwan would disagree. "I wanted a Rabbit you don't see everyday, and I wanted big power with daily drivability. For me, a VR6 turbo was the only option."
Swapping a VR6 into a Mk1 isn't unheard of, but it's still a rare conversion and takes a great deal of effort to get right. It's absolutely not a bolt-in procedure. Pat took his time fabricating new Mk3-style engine mounts and also went the extra mile by bracing the front end.
On the VR6 he added a cable-shift O2A trans with Peloquin limited-slip already installed. The Kinetic Motorsport Mk3 turbo kit he purchased required tweaking to fit the Mk1 engine bay, but now fits and operates perfectly. It runs 6psi of boost, uses a Spearco intercooler and measured 260hp to the wheels the last time it was on a dyno.
A Mk3 wiring harness was used for the conversion, so Pat found it easier and cleaner to include a Mk3 dash and instrument cluster as well.
The extra weight and massive power of the turbo VR6 was obviously more than the Rabbit's puny brakes could handle, so Pat modified a set of Mk3 five-lug hubs to fit his Mk1. As a result he now has VR6 discs all around, complete with ABS.
So is Pat pleased with the results? "It's a lot of fun because the stock exterior catches people off guard," he said. "The '70s pinstriping and 15" steel wheels really complete the sleeper effect. Leaving Porsches in the rearview mirror is its own special treat, believe me!"