Mk3 Polo 1050 - how to upgrade performance on a budget?

[ppharrison]

I've just bought a polo mk3 coupe (1043cc engine, 4 speed box). Are there any simple upgrades / modifications that would improve performance? I'm not trying to turn it into a track day car or anything, but it would be nice to keep up with traffic! Also, does anyone have any experience of fitting a 1300 engine and 5 speed box from a similar model, is it straightforward?
Thanks,
Phil

[ppharrison]

alternatively, does anyone know the code for a 5 speed box that will go straight in the place of my 4 speed one? My engine code is AAU if it matters. Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated before I sell it and buy another golf!

[zollaf]

how big is your wallet? theres not really anything you can do that will give you any noticeable extra power, unless you want to throw shed loads of money at it. if you want a faster car, you are better off buying a faster car.

[ppharrison]

Not really trying to make it a fast car, just give it that bit of extra go round town, thats why I'm considering the 5 speed box. After a golf gti and a toyota mr2 I can understand its not the quickest thing in the world!

[g40jon]

you can fit a 5 speed box. the gt box would be the best of the bunch as it has similar ratios to the 1 litre 4speed. the 1.3cl box (code 8p) Has long ratios, so will kill the perfermance more so.
zollaf has obviously never played with the 1.05. its the same bore as the 1.3, just has a shorter stroke. the stroke of an engine effects torque more than power. The majority of the 10 bhp gain the 1.3 has over the 1 litre is gained through it running a larger spi injection system. this can be fitted to a 1 litre and makes a massive difference to the 1 litres perfermance. add to that a gt cam, gt/g40 exhaust system and the 1 litre becomes a reasonably fun car to drive.
theres a guide here

http://z8.invisionfree.com/POLO3/ind...?showtopic=859

i ran one in similar spec whilst i was doing some bits on my main car and found it a right hoot to drive, as its a very revvy engine anyway.
other improvements would be to ditch any excess weight, seats etc.
fit a set of vw2 calipers (these allow fitment of vented discs, as found on the polo g40) they improve the brakes no end and can be found on loads of vw cars from the 80/90s, just look out for vwII engraved in the caliper casting.
the other cheap way to go faster is fit some 175/50 tyres which are smaller than std tyres, so increase acceleration, at the expense of top speed.

so as you can see there are loads of bits you can do, pretty cheaply too, as most bits can be found at the scrappy for pocket money.