Date: Tue, 3 May 1994 10:49:45 EDT
From: Michael Johnson 
Newsgroups: rec.autos.vw
Subject: Re: Fox performance

There are lots of things you can do:

* Replace the exhaust system with a Techtonics Tuning or comparable system.
  Ideally you need to replace the exhaust manifold and downpipe, retain the
  catalytic converter, and replace everything south of the cat. The Techtonics
  system uses the manifold from a Dasher or Audi Fox to construct a "tri-y"
  exhaust that flows much better than the 4-into-1 system that is on the Fox
  in stock form.

* Replace the throttle body. You could try fitting one from a Golf or Jetta,
  I don't know how well that would work. Automotive Performance Systems sells
  a wide-bore throttle body that fits the Fox, and includes a cable adaptor.

* Replace the camshaft. If you don't mind being a little illegal, but still
  able to pass non-California emissions tests, the Neuspeed 268 cam works
  great. Or you can fit one of the milder Neuspeed cams that are exempted by
  the EPA and are legal for street use.

* Remove the hot-air duct from the air filter box, replace the stock filter
  with a K&N or other high-flow filter.

* Use a good synthetic oil.

* Adjust the ignition timing to 12degrees BTDC. Or get a recurved distributor
  from Wolfsport. The latter will give you smoother idle and better low-end
  emissions while retaining the advance at high RPM that yields more power.

* Replace the stock fuel-pump relay with the 5000RPM cut out with the relay
  from an 85 Golf (I think that's the right one). Or you can buy the relay
  from Techtonics and be sure of getting the right one. This will allow you
  to use the upper RPM band. With the right camshaft, the engine will pull
  right through 6500 RPM.

* Don't neglect the brakes and suspension. You can get a set of the GTi
  tear-drop wheels from Wolfsport cheap, and fit the Neuspeed 10.1 inch big
  brake kit to the front. 195/55 14 tires fit the wheels nicely. Putting on
  a set of Neuspeed front and rear anti-sway bars is also recommended. For
  extreme handling, a set of Bilstein or Koni shocks and the Neuspeed lowering
  springs are nice, but quite stiff. You could opt for a set of the Neuspeed
  softsport springs, which will lower the car but not stiffen it so much.
  On the rear brakes, you can fit a set of 200mm drums from a Dasher or Audi
  Fox to replace the 180mm stock drums. You need to get a set of the 200mm
  backing plates from a salvage yard. You can use your existing hydraulics
  and get a new set of drums and pads.

* If you want all-out performance, think about dropping in one of the
  Techtonics Tuning 2-liter 8-valve engines with a Street Port stage II head,
  but make sure you get a knock-sensor CIS-E ignition from a Golf or Jetta.
  If your existing engine is in good shape, you can get just the head from
  Techtonics for about $700 US. Think about getting your intake manifold
  worked over by Extrude Hone if you do this, and get a P-flow air filter
  setup.

Michael Johnson, Relay Technology, Inc.
michael@maine.maine.edu, michaelj@relay.relay.com
"I will choose the path that's clear. I will choose Free Will." -- Neil Peart