had an old cust call me begging for me to look at his daughters car, 1979 volkswagen rabbitt, runs like a champ other than its got some blue smoke, thats the problem, do they have any common issues? valve seals/guides? or is it normal for the rings to spit out all of a sudden? if the engine is shot is there an aternative to swap in? fiqure theres more collective knowledge here on pretty much anything automotive thanks in advance folks jeff
Valve guides usually go before the rings. Anything from a 1.6L to a 2.0L will bolt in, you'll just have to decide which fuel system you want to use. On a 79, I'm thinking that would be carbed? In which case, unless you're looking to build a hotrod, I'd leave it be.
Of course, if the body happens to be rust-free.... 
BTW - www.vwvortex.com has all the answers you'll ever want, just make sure you search first.
How much blue smoke? I'd probably try changing the oil out for some Valvoline 20w-50 -- or something even thicker -- before doing something expensive.
it is quite a bit of smoke, the car is rust free, real sweet little ride, i think i'll do a leak down, maybe a crancase flush, and see how it does thanks
Crankcase flush'll do nothing. Check the intake tract for oil. On FI A1s, overfilled oil, or even near the full mark on a long right sweeper will cause oil to pool up on top of the head on the driver's side and get sucked through a breather into the intake tract. Generally the mosquito fog will clear after a few minutes, but it's worth checking.
HTH
A rust-free "vintage" Rabbit? I didn't think there was such a thing.
All the time or only on a start/decel? Do a compression AND a leakdown test. If it's the original motor/head who knows what could be going on.. 79 is getting a bit long in the tooth.
A good condition used 1.8L will cost you less then a set of rings for those motors. Many times you can get them free or have people pay you to take them.
You'll need to log in to post.
