Did the high-mileage R32 from earlier get you wondering what you might do with the drivetrain? A little over three years ago, we took a look at a special early Rabbit. Dressed in Miami Blue and looking subtly upgraded with Corrado steel wheels and a lower ride height, what the exterior didn’t give away was that lurking under the hood was a 2.8 liter 24V VR6 motor popped in. The swap looked well executed and generally clean outside of some loose wiring, and the builder hadn’t gone over the top with a crazy interior – instead, relying on the original items for a true sleeper status. With a few minor changes like a better executed intake, engine cover and some odds and ends, the car has reappeared with generally the same introduction – but that’s okay with us, because the look is spot on! It’s also a no reserve auction, so we’ll get to see where an honest yet seriously quick Rabbit gets you these days.
CLICK FOR DETAILS: 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit VR6 24v Swap on eBay
The original post appeared on our site in January, 2014
It’s a good week for Mk1 Volkswagen Rabbits. After featuring a remarkably well kept 1982 Rabbit L Diesel from a reader yesterday, here we have this 1977 Rabbit with a 24V VR6 swap. I remain firm in my assessment that the VR6 engine is one of the best engines of the last three decades. I’ve driven a few later model Volkswagens with this lump under the hood and the smooth power and awesome sound is enough to hook you every time. A VR6 swap into what we would now consider vintage VWs is nothing new, but contemplating just how fast a lightweight car like the Mk1 Rabbit would be boggles the mind.
Year: 1977
Model: Rabbit
Engine: 2.8 liter narrow-angle VR6
Transmission: 5-speed manual
Mileage: 167,100 mi
Price: No reserve auction
New Description
For sale is my 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit.
This car is mechanically sound and has a unique look with the Miami Blue paint and the right amount of patina The car is quick, sounds great, and turns heads everywhere! This car has new front rotors and pads, a new battery, new tires, refinishing of the NLA Corrado steelies, new center caps, new small duckbill, and a new dome light. The exterior received a full detail to include clay bar, paint correction, & paint sealant. The interior was cleaned and carpet shampooed. The roof was clear coated to preserve the existing patina. The rubber window seals are showing their age, so new hatch, and side window seals were purchased and will go with the car. Here are the details and upgrades as the car currently sits:
— 2.8L 24v VR6 100% rebuilt in by Engine Lab in Tampa, FL following a spun main bearing. Several upgrades were also added and all the work totaled over 4 grand! (about 20k miles on engine now since engine rebuild)
— 020 5speed transmission completely rebuilt in 2015 with TDI 5th gear added. New clutch and axles.
— Unitronic IBM defeat and Stage 1 flash (230hp)
— Forge CAI with 3″ MAF housing
— Forge Overflow Reservoir
— SAI delete
— Working OBD2 port
— Billet catch can
— Short Shifter
— 42DD “crack pipe”
— 42DD billet/Polly Passenger side MKIV motor mount
— 2.5″ Stainless straight-through exhaust. . .. . ..sounds simply mean
— NLS muffler
— Billet gas hood struts
— External hood release
— PS, AC, & Blower Motor Deleted
— MKV .:R32 high volume oil pump
— Shorty .:R32 oil pan
— Rokkor Coilovers
— Reproduction European Bumpers
— Extended early front strut mounts
— Dual-drilled hubs, 4×100 & 5×100If you wouldl like any more information please call or text 7062073844 or 7066120858
Old Description
Up for sale is my Miami Blue 1977 Volkswagen Rabbit 24v VR6. While that should be enough to have you interested, here are the details:I purchased this car locally a few months ago. Don’t be scared. The previous owner was in a jam and had to unload the car quickly in order to purchase a new truck for work. I jumped at the opportunity simply because I wanted to drive it! If you’re reading this you’re probably like me…I’ve owned and driven numerous A1 cars, but never one with a 24v VR6! According to the previous owner all it needed a brake master cylinder. So, I towed it home. In reality it ended up needing a brake master cylinder, a brake line, a coil pack, and tires, but otherwise I was overly happy and I had a 24v Rabbit! I also fitted it with new Corrado steel wheels, new tires, Genuine VW center caps, and high-speed polished the paint. Other than that, I’ve taken it to a couple shows and enjoyed it on weekends.
As was my plan when I originally bought the car, I’ve decided to sell it and pass on this absolute bundle of fun to a new owner. This car is mechanically flawless and has a unique look with the Miami Blue paint and the right amount of patina. The car is quick, sounds great, and turns heads everywhere!
Here are the details from the previous owner, and upon my visual inspection, and inspection of the records, found to be true and accurate:
– 2.8L 24v VR6 100% rebuilt in April of 2013 by Engine Lab in Tampa, FL. After a year or so of ownership, the engine spun a main bearing and was COMPLETELY rebuilt and several upgrades added. Receipts for over $4,000 worth of work!!!
Short List:
– Unitronic IBM defeat and Stage 1 flash (230hp)
– Custom CAI with 3″ MAF housing
– SAI delete
– Working OBD2 port
– Billet catch can
– Short. Shifter
– 42DD “crack pipe”
– 42DD billet/Polly Passenger side MKIV motor mount
– 2.5″ cat-less exhaust…….sounds simply mean
– NLS muffler
– Billet hood struts
– External hood release
– PS & AC Deleted
– MKV .:R32 high volume oil pump
– Shorty .:R32 oil pan
– Rokkor Coilovers
– Extended early front strut mounts
– Dual-drilled hubs——4×100 & 5×100
EXTERIOR: Some minor rust in the rear arches, surface rust on the roof, and a small area under the river side foot are that could be addressed. The hatch looks great on the outside, but also has some rust. I would replace it before choosing to do paintwork. You could respray the car or enjoy its beautiful patina.
INTERIOR: VERY good condition, 100% original. No tears and very clean. It does have some cracking in the dash which has been covered by a dash cap.
I’m willing to assist the buyer with shipping arrangements. For international buyers, I can deliver the car to the Florida shipping port of your choice for a reasonable fee.
If you have additional questions, or would like to view the car in the Tampa, FL area prior to bidding, please message, email, or call me to discuss. Good Luck and Happy Bidding!
-Patrick
Phone: (eight one three) 956-3183
I like everything about this swap. I’ve always been a fan of the steel rims on this particular car and it gives just enough of a hint that this isn’t your ordinary Rabbit. The color and original interior are nice but it appears there’s a bit of an issue under the dash with the wires hanging down. That would certainly need to be addressed. Given where Mk1 prices are, a swap like will probably pull somewhere around the $8,000 mark if the right buyer comes along.
-Paul