new member - random Qs.

Posted: Sat Feb 06, 2010 9:03 am Post subject: new member - random Qs.

i'm sure this is inevitable everytime there is a new member who joins the forum.
but my cabby and i are full of questions.

first is, my alternator went out. anything i should know about getting a new one?
second is, my car seems to make a "meowing" noise somewhere under the hood anytime my foot isn't pressing the gas. anytime i'm not accellerating there is a strange whining sound and it's been that way for years and no mechanic has been able to tell me what it is. common problem or am i crazy?

third is, i want a new engine. i've got the standard 4cyl 1.7 but i'm lookin to upgrade into something ... sexy. what are the reccommendations from those who have upgraded their engines? what is the best route price wise, performance wise, and specific to the car?

and last but not least, suspension. i feel so wind blown in my cabby any time the arizona weather decides to wake up. is lowering the suspension a good idea? will it improve drivability or do you find it annoying having it lower? how low is too low?

i'm new to all this - do it yourself - car stuff, but learning more and more about vw's everyday. any help is appreciated - thanks!

Posted: Sat Feb 06, 2010 8:03 pm Post subject: Re: new member - random Qs.

Welcome aboard.

While my knowledge is not specific to Cabbys I know Vw well enough.

Alternator: buy a used or reman for your specific year model and engine.

The noise may be a pulley, water pump, P/S pump, idler, tensioner. When you put load on them they get quieter because they have more tension on them.

As far as an engine swap goes I have limited knowledge of the Cabby engine bay, but I think a Mk1 1.8L 16v would be pretty direct. (Not sure, is it?) My favorite motor is the 2.0L 16v from the Passat. But it requires work to install as it uses a different fuel injection system.

Lower = more win. But I dont think it will help with the wind. Because the car is so damn light. You wont get "too low" with bolt in systems.

Posted: Mon Feb 08, 2010 6:21 am Post subject: Re: new member - random Qs.

Welcome to the152.

Little Sexy