Mk1 Volkswagen GTI - Fast Blast Review - Everyday Driver

When we first heard about Sean's car, we knew it needed a Fast Blast. This strange mix of old-and-new Volkswagen parts is full of personality and requires lots of driver involvement. The guys took it to one of their favorite Utah roads to see how the pieces work together.
Subscribe for a New Review Every Thursday!
If you'd like to help us do more films and go more places, become a Patron:
Patreon.com/EverydayDriver
Our "Car Debate" Audio Podcasts is every Tuesday here:
itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/e...
- Also on Stitcher or wherever you find Podcasts -
Join us: Facebook.com/EverydayDriver
Follow us: Twitter.com/EverydayDriver

[@04dram04]

Jeremy Clarkson believes, for its value, it is the greatest car ever made

[@dasmuven1911]

04dram04 I couldn’t agree more

[@MandusahRamirez]

It’s True even though Jeremy Clarkson contradicts himself sometimes

[@TopG800]

My dad had one, 10-15 years ago, very unreliable, but a whole lot of fun

[@Zygrene]

Love how the BBS wheels look on the mk1.

[@henrikjoten2065]

+classiccarz me 2

[@bhaggen]

I upgraded mine to factory VAG-BBS honeycomb 15s & 195/55s from a 91 Jetta GLX SE donor.

[@Dragunov302]

absolutely

[@K1ng1995]

That's always makes the car, the wheels and stance.

[@daveschozer6166]

I had an '87 Mkll GTI 16v 5spd, still to this day The BEST car i ever owned ! Traded it in, with 174k miles.. Just last yr, My 30 yr old son found My Exact car that I owned. Bought it, for $800.. He is currently Restoring it & then He's giving it back to Me.. He grew up, in this car.. Thats Awesome 😀😀

[@MusicCityElise]

I've owned and raced my '83 GTI for 12 yrs. I also have over 200whp/200wtq. This car looks nice but they don't appear to be pushing it at all. If a MKI is cornering with 4 wheels on the ground, you aren't pushing it. Put the hammer down, trust the car and really see what a GTI can do.

[@biggorilla1999]

It’s not their car. They are just driving it for the sake of a KZbin video. It’s not a mk7 golf r where if they wreck it the production team can easily purchase a new one. They don’t have the confidence to full send it

[@sreginkc]

I traded in my '79 Fuel Injected C for the 1983 GTI. These were so different from ANYTHING available at the time. Came with low profile (for the day) Pirellis and a sleeper attitude that was so fun when you took folks by surprise by the performance. I really miss those days.

[@jorgeferreira3760]

i love that noise it comes from changing the speed, it's awesome!!!

[@HRWhalerhockey]

I love the MK1 and MK2 body styles for the GTI...They are getting so hard to find.

[@djkenny1202]

I have a 16 valve 92 VW GTI. It is my fave car of all time. All Neuspeed suspension, but aside from the subtle Zender rear wing. It ROCKS. The 2 liter is a fun motor.

[@jorgeprado1970]

it's definitely the car of my dreams

[@Thesaltyseafish]

I had one of these for awhile with a 16v swap, great little car. That steering is NOT normal: with a poly bushing kit (and sway bars that this car should have....) these are very tight little cars.

[@SlipknotMaggot0526]

1.8t swaps in older VW's are pretty common. I really want to do one myself.

[@cDOTodi]

I have a mk3 2.0 with a turbo swapped into my 1984 mk1 gti

[@monica93304]

SlipknotMaggot0526 I drove a 90 Corrado with a built 1.8 t swap. Canadian Passat all wheel drive GT30 turbo with Alcon brakes. It made 400 whp. It was nuts.

[@coolcatjk30]

I know comment is old, but for those of you scrolling thru, I know the 1.8t is a common swap. But I just remember my 1.8t on my mk4 jetty having constant issues, I'd rather swap in a 3.2 vr6 personally. But still this car is a beauty. And job well done.

[@getoutofthekitchen]

What great memories this brings back. Had several Mk1 Rabbits when I was a young man. My favorite was my Dad's 1978 and it had a Holley double barrel carb. Man would that car go!

[@carpcruzin1970]

It's 2022 and it still stirs the heart.. the reason I own one.. it's Iconic

[@garypark745]

a high school buddy of mine had a rabbit gti and i was so jealous. that car will always have a special place in my heart. yup.

[@erinwalter132]

Awesome stuff, guys. I owned an 84 VW Rabbit back in the days. I think it was a 4 speed manual ( might have had an overdrive 5, I cant remember,) no air and the radio worked great. And it was tight and light. I miss that car.

[@lukemirtes3133]

Love the car, love the aerial shot at the end, love everything you guys do.

[@JettyLife23]

Anyone else want them to drive Super Gramps and Miss Daisy? That'd be MAAAAAAAD!

[@mattbwhite]

Those drone shots were beautiful! I commend you on the hard work to make those.

[@JayDutton]

Nice! The owner is a friend of mine and has since added a H&R 28mm Front Sway bar, and Euro Sport rear strut brace. It's really transformed the car and tightened up the front end. The car is a ball of fury that has no problem hanging with M4s on our club drives.

[@misamisatv]

+Jay Dutton Hopefully a roll cage is planned for the future. These things are deathtraps!

[@jacknimble1]

I have owned and modified probably 25 of these cars, some very similar to this one. With any front sway bar the car has massive understeer and most people remove the front altogether while adding a larger rear.

[@AFryingPan]

Nice drone shots!

[@mattyredrock]

So Badass! I had a 1987 Golf GTi 16v, miss it badly. Would love to get into another after watching this.

[@irvingtorres5316]

i had one the same color with a scirroco engine and breaks.. all the sway bars suspension.. tokiko shocks with entraxx springs, scorpion exuahst. 4 headlight grill and cabriolet bumpers...

[@xRootsx200]

I love my Mk1 i'm glad you guys finally put one up.

[@CodyYankey]

Awesome review. Really cool car. I love that you all are doing modified cars.

[@jeffkelly636]

Well done car review, with fantastic drone footage. I hope the car has been given a newer steering rack since this review. As others have commented - the amount of play in this car seems more than normal, it should not be anything like steering a ship. This tightness and “connection” to the road - the immediateness of the steering response - is part of the GTI driving experience. Great car!

[@zestydude87]

Love the sound it makes!

[@mallratt25]

Beautiful shot from above to end an excellent video.

[@mmafan4livet536]

I built a 1.8T Rabit 4 Webber carb kit TRW Pistons. Head was port polished valves were lapped in It had a desal transmission for the longer gear it would spank 1989 5.0 Foxbody all day until I dropped it in the lake Simcko fucking around doing donuts and when I went to get off the lake the ice broke and down we went lucky me and my friend got out froze my ass off until we walked up to house and called a tow truck it costed me 4 grand to get it out and it's never ran right again miss those days and now I just expect to much out of a car. Just totally remember my car after this great video

[@briantierneyful]

Great Job Guys! I had an '83 Mk 1 GTI. It was truly a fun car and it was amazing how 90HP was such a blast!

[@TopG800]

I thought it was 110-112hp

[@TheContinuum7]

Had a MK3 vr6 that was sooo fun and fast! Had to spend alot to bring it back from the lack of TLC from previous owners but when I did- it was love at first drive everyday. Have an MK4 2.0 JETTA that has been my DD for 12 years now and do not get tired of driving it.

[@p-force7732]

My first ever car was a ‘85 GTI I bought from my older brother. It was my favorite car ever. I drove it hard all day everyday and it always wanted more. Still my favorite car of all time.

[@mechanicalmanny494]

It's about simplicity and the passion , we forget the integrity of cars of the past we are so lost in modern tech savvy today.

[@jessieshand4287]

have a mk4 1.8t and it's a great. I love the look of the original GTI mk1. one day I'll have a mk1 1.8t. this video was very genuine almost made me shed a tear:') beautiful hot hatch with the power and no fancy electronics just pure driving.

[@Salamanca__h12]

thanks for the car review it's awesome I have mk1 gti also and have big plans for it

[@FernandoDiaz-ep7xk]

Only the best I love thanks you guys

[@flemcadiddlehopper]

I own a '84 GTI that is bone stock 'cept the exhaust upgrade. It is patina and sacked out suspension, torn seats and no headliner....But, it is so much fun to drive spirited in 2nd,3rd and 4th gears. I would love to do the upgrades mentioned on this one. Great video.

[@Gweeper64]

My roommate in college had an '83 GTI which I drove a fair amount. I can't imagine more than doubling the power! Wow!

[@Crisnav83]

nice rabbit. i love my vw mk2 scirocco. vdub 4 life

[@dshall442]

Now that I've seen you guys in this car... I REALLY want to see you review the RoadKill Vette Cart!!!

[@cookcars1]

Great video. Love that car!

[@mr.gonzalez1991]

Just picked up a red 84 GTI is a beauty😍

[@skiduech]

Great car, and is actually the inspiration for my mk1 build. It will be a 1.8T(similar to Seans) but will have a larger tune and turbo. I cant wait to drive the fall, utah roads this yr

[@tree_fingers]

love these videos

[@scottcooneymusic6736]

this is a beautiful little car. Those wheels, that paint work, that interior and the stance. This car is everything I want in a car except for the technology that modern cars offer. But I could get around that. This car with the turbo motor is simply awesome. Just great.

[@RooRichy]

love it. how did anyone dislike this?

[@troys7246]

I use to own a silver 1983 GTI & I always wanted to put some BBS rims on it but I never got the chance to. After only 2 months and 6 days of owning the car a old lady who lived down the street from me ran in the back of me and totaled it. That was a sad day for me. I still love those cars though

[@MrNicholg]

So Paul is falling in love with the Mazdaspeed3 Wolfsburg edition? Nice.

[@thomasstorrs6345]

I had one that was made in Lancaster PA. Broken all the time. Traded in for 3 series in 1 year.

[@SeanMichaelMannDC]

E-brake has since been fixed...

[@tonyincs]

"..Angry, it's Angry..." That alone got a thumbs up. I want my 93 cabriolet limited wolfsburg wht/wht/wht collectors edition to have just that type of attitude. Last year of the Mk 1. VR6 12v is the plan. 16v Disc brake set up. Coilover suspension. 4 point role bar. And haters FYI, I will be wrapping and storing the OEM parts so the car can be restored some day if wanted.

[@constructivecritique4049]

God damn, what a sharp little ride. Who needs modern? Awesome.

[@Jorge-Tamacas]

It's a common practice in my country to do that. To take an A1 Golf (the name we give to that generetion of Golf) and make the swap to a more powerfull engine. Even there is racing group for that car. And it´s because of the light weight of that generation. The following generations became heavier.

[@reneharde3459]

Very cool, this is the car that made me a VW driver for life (Kleine GTI...) - but I'm fascinated about all that play in the steering, almost like you are driving a 1980 AMC Gremlin - my 87 Golf GT was tight on steering, along with the 85 Scirocco I once owned - it was point and shoot - no play - my mother had a 1979 Rabbit that was also very tight in the steering - was this model made for the American market with slop specifically? Looking for info, because this is such a fascinating little monster!

[@misamisatv]

Yessssssssss this review pleases me!!

[@greengrass9572]

Wow ,I love the square headlights, I don't know if that's an American thing , so much better than the round ones we have in Europe. The italian designer of this car wanted square lights and VW changed them to round ,and he was very unhappy about this , can see why - it looks great.

[@wendellbeach1611]

WOW brings back some many memories of my 84 GTI aftermarket of cause, to many things to list. this was back in 94 my big VW days. I LOVE THIS CAR TO DEATH. It was stolen in 96. I would trade both my family cars for it again. Race with my crew to Waterfest. Ahh those days

[@killasracing]

Very good video and route guys !!! Great rabbit For me rabbit is the best car in the world. Kind Regards

[@fatboy19831]

What was funny about the original GTI was its real world traction was so high you had to literally take you hands off the steering wheel to crash in them. So much body roll it was funny.

[@ItsMikeArre]

Awesome vid :)

[@RapiDEraZeR]

looks really nice

[@scottieray]

When I was 16-18-ish....I had major desires for the Mk1 and the RX-7. I had serious lust after the black Mk1...but wound up with a Dodge Omni GLH in black.

[@user-kz9jy1ts2c]

bbs + golf = fantastic !

[@monstersemmel]

Honest question: How come you never lift the headrest up to the correct position? Other than that - thanks for your content, just today I bought the 911 feature film, it's great and worth the 10 bucks.

[@uptone12111]

I like the sciroccos too-little sportier.That drivers seat was moving around a bit much.

[@robm425]

Oooo drone footage!

[@bettertraining3491]

great looking car!

[@caribkidful]

I have owned 22 Volkswagens since 1985 have a 2009 Rabbit now. Most of those 22 were all MK1s I had 3 MK1 GTis'. I never saw one with that much play in the steering nor did I ever own one with that much play in the steering. They are tight cars, the rack bushings are shot or the rack is shot. Could need some other front end work tie rod ends or ball joints. That much power and no front sway bar upgrade us insane, the GTI's came with front and rear sway bars but they are toothpicks compared to the ones from Neuspeed back in the day.

[@CrAzYDr1veR]

so did you fix the ebrake?

[@garymathe9863]

I used to want more and more power, then I had a bunch of tickets and an accident which made me realize that you can't really use all that power anyway. Now I just want "classic" VWs like this and the Mk4 and mk5 R32. So much more character than new cars. Pretty soon we'll all have self driving electrics, so might as well enjoy real cars while we still can.

[@Crazy_Alex_7667]

I have a mk3 and 6 gti… but I would do a thing for a “black and red”. Or green mk1 with circle headlights

[@MiklosBencsik]

I don't have mine anymore but,I recommend you find a Mazda Mx-3 GS Precida with a KLDE/KLZE 2.5 V6 swap and give it a try. The cars stock specs with a direct bolt in swap 170-200hp motor and just better rims and tires is cheap and amazing. Its one of the cheapest and reliable fun cars you can get and modify for an FF

[@thomgift7313]

So we all gonna ignore those doors handle, gear linkage ( selector).. But I Jst love Mk1 Golf that car is massive.... ✌️🔥💓

[@kgamaseg]

VERY...nice!

[@carlkwasnjuk9518]

You forgot to mention that the original 8-valve 1.8 liter was only 90hp mated to the 5-speed close ratio gearbox. Also, both the 1983 and 1984 Rabbit GTI's had no power steering. You did not mention if this particular GTI was upgraded to power steering along with the Audi TT engine. Also, if the transmission the original or upgraded as well?

[@SteveRunciman]

the aerial photography is incredible. drone, plane, or copter?

[@phattyhales]

+SteveRunciman Quadcopter

[@ChiTuSai]

Strange to see the Mk1 Golf (or Rabbit) with this headlights and this turn indicators... In Europe the front is totally different

[@Slickpete83]

how did u guys pass safety test with no e brake ???

[@henrybrown6023]

any idea where i can get one

[@richardjohnson4696]

Owning two Volkswagen Rabbits taught me how to work on cars. Then I went with buying Japanese built vehicles and doing their regular maintenance has been next to no problems at all for decades.

[@Shakerhood69]

My first car was a Rabbit, it was a fun little car.

[@SonOfTamriel]

ermahgerd!! Wish I never sold my mk1 GTI. Some day I'll have another.

[@hound903]

Are those Yugo headlights?

[@volkswagonaudiuk]

Only prob with it appears to be the seats are on wrong sides :) as the seat release should not be centre but on door side :)

[@Abesteroni]

Great video, seen it several times and enjoyed it every time! Was wondering if anyone might know the average weight of a 1984 Pennsylvania built Rabbit GTI if you have a 1.8L engine, standard 5 speed, sunroof, no stereo, no rear seat (at the moment), complete removal of interior fabric, headliner materials, armrest panels, and bitumen weather coating on the floorpan? I'm super curious because I just bought one in the last couple weeks and it's my dream car, complete with Techtonics head, aftermarket header, exhuast, aftermarket adjustable coilovers, Grant formula series steering wheel, new tires (running on teardrop wheels), new radiator, new battery, new Scirocco disc brake conversion, new fuel tank, and blacked out aftermarket turn signal lights & rear lights (and maybe even more that I'm forgetting), 208k miles, and all for $1440 off Craigslist in Oregon!

[@zakdunlap2090]

Was it near medford oregon

[@joebroart]

i want one soooo bad!!

[@nickbenderer3086]

Where did he get those gauge pods at!!!

[@CanadaLuke]

Interesting car, but the suspension doesn't look like it's dampened very well.

[@LeeVai666]

omg my dream!!!! call me crazy but id rather have this than (name any car) FRANKENVAGEN!!!!!

[@Anjeluvadavis]

No no no, get the most expensive car you can so you can sell that to buy 10 of these

[@juanmartintorrebiartealvar7205]

Mk2 gti

[@exothermal.sprocket]

8.472 sec in the 1/4 is a frankenvagen. kzbin.info/www/bejne/ZqKXlqidiMeKn6c

[@MrDieselakias]

Question: How it can be enjoyable when the steering wheel has so much play?

[@Mikefngarage]

those mk1 gtis wer reall fun to drive stock. They just broke a lot. stuff just breaks on them

[@Crgio04Ngl03Rz97]

17' inch BBS? or 16' I hope you answer me

[@SeanMichaelMannDC]

16" 205/16/40

[@6dangerous230]

My dad is planning on buying one for me with sr20 swap cant wait lmao

[@6dangerous230]

And its converted to rwd

[@kanob6440]

we need a viper review

[@TheMdr1995]

Awesome

[@gracien2008]

Just like 911s ...its timeless :)

[@alejandropk0]

I’m between one of these or a classic mini .... help me !

[@MrFact01]

the scene this side is huge with rabbits. guys please please please do a review on a Forte Koup first edition, even if you compare it with the current model please please please

[@lrreidjr]

Mk1 love

[@dumkopf]

Allll that exhaust drone. Eesh.

[@ffthebom7092]

Top karretje