$500 Jetta : $2011 Classifieds forum: Grassroots Motorsports Magazine

Subscribe get a full year for only $23.95 Sample Free Test Drive—no strings attached

July 27, 2010 4:01 p.m. JoeyM HalfDork

Not mine, but the owner is a friend of a friend. I thought it might be useful to someone as a starting point for a challenge car. The car is located in Winter Haven, FL.

http://lakeland.craigslist.org/cto/1866264294.html

1997 VW Jetta Trek Edition also known as a Jetta GT. It has 143,xxx miles on it. I t has a 2.0 liter 4 cylinder motor that the timing belt broke on. There IS damage to the engine and the vehicle DOES NOT run at this time. It will need to have the engine rebuilt or replaced. There may also be some issues with the transmission. It has four wheel disc brakes, ice cold a/c, new KYB struts on all four corners, a new clutch cable, bicycle roof rack, power door locks (not with remote though). Tires are fair. Interior is in good condition. It also has a new starter, ignition lock cylinder, and the electronic piece to the ignition as well, and tinted windows. For any further information the person to call is Sean and his number is 863-224-6629. He wants $500 for the car and that price is firm.
July 30, 2010 10:33 a.m. spoolin New Reader

I want it. Left him a message.
July 30, 2010 10:49 a.m. DukeOfUndersteer UltraDork

those are not an Interference motor, just slap another belt on it!
July 30, 2010 11:14 a.m. spoolin New Reader

Shhhhhh!
July 30, 2010 11:18 a.m. DukeOfUndersteer UltraDork

spoolin wrote:

Shhhhhh!

whoops, i mean.... damn that motor done blowd up, pull that bad boy out and put nutha one in damn!
July 30, 2010 2:33 p.m. Travis_K Dork

Yes they are, the valves are bent. Its not that huge of a deal to pull the head and put new valves in though.
July 30, 2010 4:53 p.m. 16vCorey UltraDork

Nope, not in stock form anyway. I've heard they can be with an aftermarket cam, but everyone I've ever changed has just been a simple belt change and it's good to go.
July 30, 2010 6:38 p.m. Travis_K Dork

I have personally seen the bent valves (and lack of compression before it was pulled apart) out of a 1996 ABA 2.0 that broke the belt, which after than head was removed and used valves put in, ran fine again. Beyond that, I dont have other experience with that subject.
July 31, 2010 11:06 a.m. spoolin New Reader

I bought a used aba head on vortex for $75 shipped for a gti a couple months ago. Also they are very easy to work on.
Aug. 2, 2010 7:31 a.m. DukeOfUndersteer UltraDork

Travis_K wrote:

I have personally seen the bent valves (and lack of compression before it was pulled apart) out of a 1996 ABA 2.0 that broke the belt, which after than head was removed and used valves put in, ran fine again. Beyond that, I dont have other experience with that subject.

could have been valve hang...
Aug. 2, 2010 8:01 a.m. 4cylndrfury UltraDork

a buddy of mine had a newer 2.0t and the belt let go while idling in the parking lot while he ran in to get a snickers (mmmm snickers). Walks back out, previously fun turbo goodness is now a dead lump in the middle of the lot. 2 new heads later, and the problem is still not fixed (most likely a plugged oil galley from schmutz falling down in while spinning the wrenches). I too have seen the bent valves, but the turbo head/later design may be different than that posted above.
Aug. 2, 2010 9:19 a.m. 16vCorey UltraDork

4cylndrfury wrote:

a buddy of mine had a newer 2.0t and the belt let go while idling in the parking lot while he ran in to get a snickers (mmmm snickers). Walks back out, previously fun turbo goodness is now a dead lump in the middle of the lot. 2 new heads later, and the problem is still not fixed (most likely a plugged oil galley from schmutz falling down in while spinning the wrenches). I too have seen the bent valves, but the turbo head/later design may be different than that posted above.

It most definitely is. Those are valve benders for sure! Any VW with more than 8 valves is a certain valve bender.
Aug. 2, 2010 11:07 a.m. VanillaSky HalfDork

I'm glad I simply don't have the money this time around. I need another car I can flip for a profit.
Aug. 5, 2010 3:25 p.m. spoolin New Reader

$18.95 for a new belt and a couple hrs work it runs and drives. Has a few other problems to fix but its a nice car, thanks for posting.
Aug. 5, 2010 8:55 p.m. JoeyM Dork

No problem. Glad you're happy with it.
Aug. 5, 2010 10:27 p.m. vwcorvette Reader

The ABAs are interference motors, just not terribly so. If the belt goes while stopped at a traffic light, possible little to no damage. If it goes on the interstate--valves generally hit pistons. Seen both situation in my dealership days.