While in the States, I came across a Golf/Scirocco Performance Book. It looked appealing, so a copy was purchased as a gift for a friend, who owns a Golf. Shortly after receiving this book, my friend started raving how good it was. I quickly got the impression I should have kept the Book for myself as I was missing out on some good Golf info. After much arm twisting my friend relented and loaned me his copy. Then I knew he wasn't joking when he stated that he slept with it under his pillow.
The Book, "Volkswagen Water-Cooled, Front-Drive Performance Handbook" utilises over 200 pages, divided into 13 chapters, aided by the use of some 450 photos, including graphs and illustrations. Author Greg Raven shares with us his vast Volkswagen knowledge gained by working on the marquee at various repair shops in America, also he writes about them in the pages of VW & Porsche Magazine.
Topics covered, range from maintenance through to modifications required for all out racing on both early and later style Golfs, also listing the Technical Specifications on both. In fact the only subject not covered, being Digifant injection on the latest Australian GTI's.
Over half of the book is devoted to the engine, naturally covering every aspect, starting from the humble tune, then progressing to bolt-ons, advising what to expect. A lot is written about the engine itself, listing factory combinations along with explanations on terms such as Nitriding, Shot Peening, Gun Kote and more. Subjects such as heads, both two and four valve per cylinders including camshaft and theories are also well covered. To make this all work, the introduction is explained. Starting with standard set-ups both carby and injection, then how to improve them, even how to estimate carby size required, through to forced induction, covering G-lader, Turbo, and Superchargers. Nitrous Oxide, water injection, inter coolers and Lambda Sensor are also covered along with the exhaust system from manifold to tailpipe.
Remaining chapters cover transmission and drive train, suspension and steering, tyres and wheels, braking system, body and chassis, electrical systems, accessories and appendices. Again filled with useful info in these chapters, covering both standard and hot up. The accessories chapter has a section offering new ideas on theft prevention, along with a fire extinguisher guide, advising on extinguisher suited for injection vehicles. Included in the appendices is a brief explanation of VW part numbers and conversion factors.
If you own a Golf and truly want to obtain the best from it, this book would have to be your first choice in tools. Subject matter in this book can also relate to Audi Foxes and Passats, as there are a great deal of similarities between the vehicles. As there is a strong growing interest in Golfs now sweeping Australia.