Crazy Mk1 Turbo-Swapped VW Jetta | A Sleeper on Rails

The Volkswagen Jetta is one of the most popular cars on the planet. It's generally thought of as a commuter car, an everyman's grocery getter, and a gas saver. Not this one... Today we're driving a Mk1 Jetta with a 1.8T swap from a newer Jetta GLI. It has a slightly bigger turbo and puts down approx. 200hp and 240 lbs ft of torque. As it turns out, this is some of the most fun i've ever had behind the wheel of a car. Enjoy!
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[@214iby]

this channel doesnt deserve 58,000. Instead it deserves 580,000!

[@griffsrearmountturbothemod1623]

Young bloke with passion on a budget.. Reminds me when i was a young sap. Great job buddy cool build.. Love the vid too. Keep it up..

[@FaktiniertGermanCreepypasta]

Nice Car, it looks better than the cars today

[@RZAJW]

Faktiniert [German Creepypasta] old cars tends to look better than newer ones imo

[@j_freed]

Really great coachwork and tough finish, these were still completely made in Deutschland. 🇩🇪 Even stock these felt like a truly solid German driving experience. Mine also probably saved my life, great rear crash absorption.

[@RoadsUntraveled]

Thanks for watching you guys! We really enjoyed shooting this one, the weather was great and there wasn't a whole lot of traffic either. LISTEN to the Roads Untraveled podcast every Wednesday and give us a like on our Facebook page! :D See you soon!

[@laundrieshanging9077]

Gotta love rippin valley backroads eh?? Keep it up man. Show the culture. Show the love

[@younessmichael9022]

The Jetta just proved that you just to stop your bias against VW and give them a chance. Please review a well sorted MK6. If you can't find one, please come visit Massachusetts and drive mine :)

[@younessmichael9022]

I meant mk6 GTI. And I know you drive a golf R but I want to see you being honest (not bias) about the gti! Great videos!

[@tonyzhuravlev3017]

review a mk1 vw rabbit caddy same thing just a pickup truck

[@LevvyyEdits]

your guys' production gets better with every video!

[@RoadsUntraveled]

+Levvy Thanks haha

[@LevvyyEdits]

Roads Untraveled

[@iDrive4fun93]

Yes, a VW! I have driven plenty of jettas, from mk2's to mk6's, vr6's to ABF 16v and ABA 8v, and the best I have driven so far was a mk2 with a semi-built all motor 1.8 16v in it, so pure, smooth, and it sounded so good. I grew up around VW and I have driven and seen lots of modded VW's, so when I think of VW I think of enthusiasts cars, much of my family and most of my friends built lots of them, from stance builds to boosted builds. Cool that you reviewed one, great vid!

[@ParadoxdesignsOrg]

I used to know a guy with a swapped MK1, full suspension, roll cage and all. man that thing handled amazing! Great video man. Keep em coming!

[@bstryke15]

That heel toe though...

[@LamborghiniReven1000]

It's at most 36 years old. It's been a classic for 11 years man...

[@stefan-stocksmadesimple5241]

You definitely deserve more subscribers ! Awesome quality as always

[@GhostAlpha10]

The thing that really stands out that I like most about your guys videos versus other car review channels is that you guys include the owner of the car in the video. You let them tell their stories about the car, for instance why they bought it, what was done to it, future plans, etc. Must also note that the interview is done in a very nice relaxed but professional manner. I know if I would ever get invited to show off my cars, I would like for the viewers to know my story. Either way, I wouldn't complain. Keep it up Roads Untraveled!

[@pbfloyd13]

You should drive a VW Corraddo, it has one of the best FWD chassis around.

[@sursomsatan1225]

Seeing that right foot at an angle and I can respect this man as a driver. Subscribed!

[@willmannering]

You deserve way more subscribers! Production quality is top notch! :D Sweet VW ;)

[@UngluckInc]

I did a 1.8t swap 13 years ago. 250k miles later and 500whp. It still crushes. Now it's getting awd and more power.

[@armstrongbuttonsging]

Mk1’s are still on top of nearly every list of most fun cars to drive. Epic machines, vw has always been that way not dude why the guy seems so surprised haha

[@maxdjewaye4538]

I love this channel great reviews of project cars

[@johnhiggins8221]

Amazing car, Amazing review as always bro!

[@a1jettacoupe]

Great vid, was wondering if I'd ever see a mk1 on your channel considering how mint they are out west. Die hard mk1 Jetta owner over here. Glad to see these cars getting some publicity.

[@castrolsupra86]

Very good video, this car certainly has character. A character of a driving enthusiast.

[@marcomartini9239]

Gorgeous! I just love these boxy vw thing

[@Bunchofhelmets]

Great little car, built on a budget with a simple goal. Love it.

[@bcab7955]

The VW driver's car to experience is a 92/93 SLC Corrado. Incredible handling chassis and one of the first iterations of the VR6 platform.

[@ntricarico87]

This channel is so underrated!

[@ironvenom12]

wow,ive never really looked into a mk1 jetta or recall if i ever seen one.looks real dope.

[@sabio101]

Great video again! I really like this build, this car is so light too, seems like a lot of fun. Ps Marcus, I'm not sure what cars you got lined up, but have you ever thought of some sort of monthly pole from your Facebook page or something? It would cool to get some of the viewers input too. Just an idea :)

[@joebroart]

love it! always wanted an mk1 golf

[@juancarlosortiz7985]

muy buen Jetta ... clean & dapper ... saludos desde México

[@j_freed]

Love this. Despite putting some meaty torque in an ancient compact car with no crash protection.

[@MrBrian17172002]

Those RMs.... Damn

[@kevinho1922]

screw a go pro mount a damn dslr on the windscreen lol, really loving your videos don't know how i've just found your channel, great content!

[@thestig572420]

Mk1 Jetta 2 door is rare here in the states. Good looking girl

[@johnhiggins8221]

+thestig572420 I think they are getting rare just about everywhere, Guy that lives near me has a red one, i'm waiting on the day he drives past me with a for sale sign in the window.

[@professorharenmans]

+John Higgins you can put a note on his car saying you're very interested in buying his car and that if he'd ever consider selling it, you'd give it a great home. People often appreciate this and call you first because they want their car to go to a nice new owners that'll give the car a great home. It's worth a shot ;)

[@basstard13]

Totally digging it! Probably a bit of caging to stiffen up the chassis would perfect it? Props to the owner nonetheless! Cheers from Italy!

[@sunday_funday7765]

great vid! we need a tdi video one day!

[@Alonsel3]

I love it man. Trying to do the same with my 225 TT but its way too far on the heavy side. So trying to shed some weight. THough more power with the K04. Love to do a project like this one day. I love these 20v 1.8t!!!

[@jonnycollison]

LOVE IT!

[@OGFallen-]

Beautiful review

[@RoadsUntraveled]

+Chad Webster Why thank you!

[@Relyt345]

Cool car. I really like the variety of cars you review, nice mix. Also love all the imports. Being on the pacific coast is awesome for Japanese imports, my first car was a 1990 z32 Fairlady tt. Sounds weird but I really miss the smell of that thing.

[@rosseaton89]

More VW/Audi's!! Don't overlook the vdub scene bro, you've been missing out! notice how most of the upgrades are all parts from other VW'S. these cars are highly upgradable & interchangeable for cheap. they are the ideal budget tuner car

[@RussellRobinson77]

sweet tunes :] My Grandma drives an old 2nd gen jetta haha

[@Froseization]

This car reminds me my actual Audi 80 from 84, except that I have only 70hp... xD

[@broccolihart1]

Awesome!!

[@easycomeeasygo8901]

love the vw' s old and new. whats a budget build like this run? and did u say you want it to run 12s 1/4? whats it run now?

[@ItsMikeArre]

Marcus another great review man if you could only upload everyday 🤔🤔🤔 thanks again man I really appreciate ur work 👍👍👍 I'm looking forward to Tuesday

[@RoadsUntraveled]

+Mike Arredondo Thanks! Lookout for a special video on Sunday too ;)

[@raidarea5167]

+Roads Untraveled keep IT up dude Nice Work!

[@brandonbeckster]

Aren't those recaro trophy seats the most comfortable things ever? I have a set in my e30 and love them.

[@rvborgh]

Very nice. This car reminds me of my Cabby :) German Mk1... except that mine is twin screw supercharged.

[@s4rg380]

Baddass! I like it.

[@riaanfourie7535]

Nice

[@chriswheeler6092]

The air pressure in the front tires can make a huge difference when you don't have power steering.

[@xMrin10se]

so awesome

[@alexstava]

I gave the 1000th like

[@s4rg380]

In South Africa this is known as a Jetta, and this is the MK1.

[@wtfdididolastnight]

Awesome!! Exactly what i meant, 1.8T swaps are REAL. I hope you guys do a follow up of this guy, if he ever goes K04 you should revisit him. Complete riot to drive this car!

[@JohnyKnox]

didn't he say it has a K04?

[@wtfdididolastnight]

+Johny Knox i think not sir Knox. he swapped the gli 03' turbo with a 00' engine. that's KO3 right there ☺ it's stunning that's what it is!

[@JohnyKnox]

+wtfdididolastnight ah you are indeed correct. I guess I was not listening carefully enough.

[@88Hellrazr]

1984 GLI and build year 1983, were the GTI with a trunk, had the same JH 1.8L 4K 5 speed. All GLI 4Dr and 2Dr were Special Order (Code 715). Canada got both 4Dr and 2Dr unlike our neighbor to the South.

[@88Hellrazr]

Also Alpine White and Blue Interior extremely rare and hard to come by along with Dimond Sliver.

[@MrTheHillfolk]

@@88Hellrazr I had an 84 turbodiesel. I miss that car 😭

[@UnknownArtist994]

to je to!

[@Matt-vz5wy]

this thing is cool. 2 door mk1 jettas are pricey around here though.

[@fahrvergn00gen]

Yeeee. I like it.

[@KevinDeanTaylor]

This is like an old school version of my turbo Getz which pushes 214hp, ppl always under estimate small lightweight cars.

[@tiegocow9920]

Hey guys i've got the same car,my question is how do you maintain balance from such a big engine,i mean what else did you convert besides the engine???

[@ThatCrazyMechanic]

love the video and car. but what is the name of the song in the outro

[@colabuzz]

Awesome video. Very well put together. I would really like to hear from the driver of this car. He is in BC as am I.

[@dakotataylor7909]

guess on the torque might be high... stock 2004 made 150 and 170 HP..

[@antonioduarte1523]

dude please try doing review on a MK2 jetta vr6.

[@jckblck]

Who did the driveshafts? any dimensions available??

[@joes.7536]

B5 chassis Audi a4/Passat from 97-05 make a great daily. They actually have an all aluminum 4 link front suspension. They handle bumps and corner very well and also provide comfort. Bonus. These cars are dirt cheap.

[@viniciusfernandes4700]

Nossa parece muito com nosso voyage o motor ap e o mesmo show de bola

[@Elswalbe]

This went up two days ago... KZbin you should have shown me.

[@jarrisbrutalikzpurcell2248]

Owner reminds me of jessy from ff

[@supercowmoo3]

so im buying a volvo 240 with the intention of ls swapping it. That is going to be basically my version of this kind of build. I also own a mk1 golf diesel that i turbocharged and rebuilt which im going to start building chassis and suspension mods to so i can make it handle the way i want it to. Eventually i might throw in some 1.9L vw diesel rods and crank to get the added stroke out of it and make some more power or just wait until i either blow up the 1.6L or it wears out (unlikely lol) and put a tdi in it with a tune and blocked off egr

[@2419ivan]

what is the song called at the beggining please?

[@thompolar]

here he has an ear ring again. not a piercing, but an actual ear ring

[@TheJrummel]

Whoa

[@hausmeisterengineering5952]

what year is the car?

[@alexanderwillems6611]

And 240s coming soon?

[@Aladdin5cave]

Would also be nice to see shots of the engine bay

[@roylangley9991]

+Aaron Li - Watch the video again at 2:44 min.

[@RoadsUntraveled]

+Aaron Li Plenty of engine shots in the video!

[@Indawoodsvt]

Yeah I like vws

[@pmodd]

A nice mix of good and ghetto lol, but no doubt a riot to drive. However, I'd install an electric power steering pump from an MR2 or an Australian Holden Astra (perhaps there's an equivalent Vauxhall/GM car to the Astra) were I the owner, and change the rack to whatever power assisted rack that suits the dimensions. Non-power racks are fine for a while... then they start to piss you off. Been there, done that. Power assist ftw.

[@thestig572420]

I believe someone makes a direct electric steering conversion for the mk1. I know they make them for the mk2

[@a1jettacoupe]

I have to disagree there, I loved every manual steer mk1 I've owned. The mk1s came with power steering as an option and it sucked. Unless there is a vr6 up there no need to go power.

[@thestig572420]

a1jettacoupe i agree i had to put power rack in my 16v after the vr swap but i loved the way it felt before the new rack went in.its not terrible now either but its not as good imo,but in the end its worth it to be able to move the boat anchor around the parking lot

[@pmodd]

thestig572420 Yep, parking was one of my biggest sources of aggrevation, when operating the manual racks I've had in past cars. The second issue was tramlining on the many divots and potholes in the roads where I live. Never had many issues with torque steer on the manual rack FWDs I've had, as they had too little torque for that to be an issue.

[@screwloose455]

Did I miss it or is there actually a part where he goes WOT...

[@Jolinator]

#RoadsUntraveledKillingit

[@RoadsUntraveled]

+Jolinator We like this hashtag

[@denis_vr6]

jetta coupe :)

[@NorthernPerformanceGroup]

All vw are like that

[@Degens-n-regenes]

What's the wheel and tire specs any wheel spacers, eat?

[@Degens-n-regenes]

Ect*

[@reubengoh7728]

+cameron liceaga *Etc

[@donald_ts]

Brazilian VW Voyage

[@CHEF2077]

can someone tell me the intro song?

[@dRawD13]

i's like to know also

[@sk8gp]

Perséphone - Retro Funky (SUNDANCE remix)

[@Mariusz803]

If Top Gear is a complete flop at least I'll be happy here on this channel. Cheers

[@ShutUpBubi]

DUB GANG

[@ronnybarz]

Drive a mk3 with a 1.8t swap!!!

[@argus2878]

Can you review my 350z

[@IAMJAKETRIMBLE]

Song? I love it! Also it's a good idea to just throw the song name in the description so assholes like me don't have to bother you every time lol

[@RoadsUntraveled]

+IAMJAKETRIMBLE You don't have to bother us everytime! :p All of the songs used in each video can be found on our website: www.roadsuntraveled.net. Thanks for watching!

[@schecter006]

+Roads Untraveled Am I blind? I can't see it. O.o

[@roylangley9991]

+schecter006 - www.roadsuntraveled.net/2016/04/28/crazy-mk1-turbo-swapped-vw-jetta-a-sleeper-on-rails/

[@MrMusic-pv1vc]

song name?

[@roylangley9991]

+Mr. Music - www.roadsuntraveled.net/2016/04/28/crazy-mk1-turbo-swapped-vw-jetta-a-sleeper-on-rails/

[@DatGameCollector]

More vdubs. I'll let you drive mine.

[@DUTCHswift]

Wait, so you don't like VW's but the last two you drove you loved? Be open to everything. Most platforms have potential. Digging that this is a coupe too. Much harder to come by.

[@RoadsUntraveled]

+DUTCHswift We wouldn't be making this videos on these cars if we weren't open to everything :p We pick good VW's to drive, that's why. I've driven a couple Mk4's and they were all extremely underwhelming to say the least.

[@DrTaurix]

+Roads Untraveled mk4 golf's are some of the worst Golf's thought imo.

[@DUTCHswift]

You should find some one with a BT 1.8t, VR6, or a VRT

[@JohnJohn-ms6xr]

Pop the hood

[@AntonioHenrike]

vw voyage on brazil

[@JunkVWs]

not really. completely different model

[@MrFreeze79]

it's lowered, of course it's going to be bumpy lol wtf. and i would have tried to keep that car looking 100% stock. good motor upgrade but would definitely keep the old look.

[@MrTheHillfolk]

bunkerbuster The vws ride better lowered than the lowered pogostick hondas I see. Unless it's a Vw scene idiot most of em know it's not cool riding on your bump stops. do it with tires but no one likes that look anymore except me. Not to mention it helps the acceleration, mines a nonturbo diesel My mk2 can't barely clear a cig pack set sideways , but 175-50-13s do that. I still have plenty of actual suspension travel, I went old school with some neuspeed sport springs. I don't hear scraping and crunching when I'm on normal roads.

[@Heartbeatslol]

Why you hatin on vee dub yo

[@timothyferrell6285]

Vw’s are the shit mk1 and mk2’s you should do a episode on a Vw mk2 git vr6 turbo

[@JunkVWs]

At first I read - mk1s are shit :D

[@MrTheHillfolk]

@@JunkVWs I almost did ,and was about to be like WTF man 😂😂

[@loou26]

Great start to a nice project , Love the car but the commentary was painful. Guy needs to realize VW enthusiast will be watching the video. Do some research so you can make some sence when you speak especially when commenting on the Volkswagen community.

[@therealpickleahoy]

Watching you reminds me of breaking bad... without any the meth

[@tylerschwartz4327]

he kinda does look like jesse lmfao

[@isabellemellody7431]

Markass needs to give his head a shake or is he missing his modern electrics he may have to learn to drive god help him if the stability control fails on a golf 6r with him driving Fyi thats the thing you cannot turn off in the USA.

[@malcomaustria3479]

Isn't this just a fwd bmw e30 with a few exceptions to the front end?

[@loganlake4522]

vw's are awesome handling cars!...up to the mk3....the mk3 is a dog and they didn't really seem to get things right again until at least the mk5.