45 What VW parts are interchangeable between models & years?
Description
This article is from the Watercooled VWs General FAQ, by Jan Vandenbrande with numerous contributions by others.
45 What VW parts are interchangeable between models & years?
(This is for all
you junk-yard cats). Created on a suggestion by [dh3q@andrew.cmu.edu (Dan)]
A: General Rule:
All cars based on the same platform are mechanically similar. When the
engine is mostly the same, it'll share engine parts, exhaust, suspension,
transmission, brakes, rear axle beam, most electrical components, sway
bars. Different years may have different components, but the rule is
usually that G & J are about the same in one year while the S's and
Corrados are usually a bit ahead and occasionally share components found in
the next platform (e.g., The A2 based Corrados VR6/SLC have the A+
suspension found on A3 GTIs).
Note that in Europe the engine range is much larger than in NA, but
mechanically things are similar within the same engine range. Throughout
this document you will find other hints of interchangeabilities, for
example, look at the part numbers: S's have a lot of part numbers from R/Gs
(the second and third set of numbers are important), see also the list of
rims and wheels for interchangability. GTI/GLI rims are a nice upgrade for
most G & Js.
However the opposite is true as well...The same model of the same year may
have slightly different components. Essentially VW builds cars until they
run out of a particular batch of parts, or they make them for one region
but then send them elsewhere (e.g., Corrados sold with heated seats in
Southern California). Another example of this are radiators, don't ask what
radiator is supposed to be in your car because no one really knows...
A1: R=G I=Conv/S I & II/J I are all similar. Bodywise & interiorwise, the J
& R are most similar, except for the rear trunk, rear seats, & muffler. J's
used to have thicker sway bars, a good upgrade for an S & R. Final exhaust
sections also different. S's are bodywise & interiorwise different, struts
are different (?), mechanically things are laid out a tad different (air
filter). Convertibles share most with the R/G I, but later models have
similarities with S's (exhaust).
The Passat I/Dasher shares some mechanical parts with the other A1 cars
(e.g., 1600 engine), but otherwise shares more with the old Audi 80/Audi
Fox (NA). Note that the reverse is also true, some Audi 80/100 (4000/5000)
parts will fit in A1 VWs (e.g., the windshield washer canisters of a 5000 =
S). In Europe, the low end Audis share more mechanically with the high end
VWs, because they basically use the same engine block (1600/1800).
There are also some parts shared with Porsches, most notable the 924 & 944
series (locks, rack, steering (?)).
A2: G II/ J II/Corrado. The G & J are most similar, except for the obvious
differences. The dashes are very similar but there are some nuances like
the trim which is bolted in for J but snapped in on early US made Gs.
Corrados 16V (Europe) share the most with GTIs, but the G60s only share
some suspension components (rear axle beam). The SLC/VR6s don't share much
mechanical with other VWs but share a lot with the other C's (brakes,
interior & body). VR6 rims will not fit a G60.
Please add specific contributions:
Brakes: Most >81 A1/A2 VWs can be upgraded to newer calipers & rotors be it
in some cases with some additional modifications (VW&P/EuroCar has had a
bunch of article on that).
The biggest right now are those on the Corrados.
Cylinder Heads: Cylinder heads on 1.7 l A-1 cars from US '82.5 thru '84 are
interchangeable with earlier A-1 engines except a different tool must be
used to depress the lifters. GTI cylinder heads are incompatible.
[eldred@csi.jpl.nasa.gov]
Struts: R/G=J
Interior pieces: A lot will be interchangeable (R/G=J) but be careful a lot
of piece will look the same but won't fit.
Steering wheels are interchangeable up to 8/88? when they switched to a
finer spline. An adaptor
is used to make the wheels fit, so you can use any old wheel on a
newer car if you purchase this adaptor.
Alternators: Almost all are interchangeable, but some may require a
different harness. Usually go to a higher amperage, never lower. The 90A
are the current "hot ticket".
Starters are the same on the engines of one model of the A1/A2 cars.
Electrically no problems, just look at the mechanical requirements
before you go to the junk yard.
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