Help me with my Mk1 shopping list

[area53 at validpath.com (Jeff Toomasson)]

You'd be surprised how fast $4-5k can be gobbled up - especially, when you 
start buying the "little bits" to refresh everything. On the highest level, 
your info request is more all-encompassing than I have time to address. But I 
touched on a couple things I thought were noteworthy. Also, providing your 
(desired) engine configuration helps too! Read within...

First, it sounds like you're going to eat at least $1k on your bimmer (good 
choice BTW).

See the rest of my comments below:
 
> Here's what I'm thinking:
> 
> +Fix up the electrics
>   -Painless wiring harness (already have)
>   -Rear mounted Optima Red Top (already have)
>   -90A alternatore (already have, but apparently requires pulley
>   modification) -Relayed lights, beefy grounds, etc
>   -Bulbs and such for signals
>   -Misc switches, etc
>   -Budgeting $150 (not including wiring harness/battery/alt)
> 
> +Replace 1 wheel/tire ($175)
>   -Rotate others
> +Headers/Full Exhaust ($400)

Unless you're buying used or newish from private party, $400 is not enough. 
Also, this is variable depending on which type of engine you're running 
(8v/16v/ABA). I'll assume an 8v of some type.

> +Engine Mounts (have em)
> +Little fix type stuff
>   -Clutch cable bushing
>   -Timing Belt, V-belt, Timing Belt Cover
>   -Total $35ish
>   -May need wheel bearing(s) and/or CV(s)
>   -I should probably replace all the hoses because some of them are
> hacked together.  Anyone know where I could find a complete, new set?

Rebuilding your cooling system is a smart choice - espcially if you have 
concerns about it.

> +Suspension
>   -Koni Sport shocks ($580)
>   -GC Coilovers / Springs ($400)
>   -"Total Poly" Bushing kit ($100)
>   -Camber Plates with spacers ($300)  

IMHO, the Camber Plates and spacers are completely unnecessary unless you're 
going to track the car. 

>   -Sway Bars?  Stress Bars?  Recommendations?

Again, unless you're going to track it, here's the recommendation (assume 
polys):

Budget - mk1 Scirocco Neuspeed upper front tie-bar (must, but hard to find), 
lower 16v K-bar, Neuspeed 22F/25R bars.

Better than average (I will not claim what's "best") -  mk1 Neuspeed upper 
front tie-bar, autotech subframe, Neuspeed 25F/28R, Neuspeed rear tie-bar 

> 
> +Transmission swap
>   -I have a 5 speed (Don't know code off hand) in my 79 that I want to
> put in it because it has a stock 4 speed now.  It will likely need somewhat
> of a rebuild, and I have NO IDEA where to start with that.  Any thoughts on
> what I will need to do to it?  It works very well on the current car so I
> don't want to do anything too major (read: $$) to it.

Again, you'll piss away $$ rebulding a tranny. Unless you have a reason to 
suspect it, and you're married to what might be a rare gearset, don't bother. 
Even then, used trannies are relatively easy to come by.

> +Camshaft (G-Grind?  Recommendations?) ($150-250)

Depending on your goals (power vs. smoggability) and your engine 
configuration. Assuming no smog and 8v solid head - get a schrick 272 (good 
luck  :p  )

> +Cam Gear (lightweight adjustable) ($125)

Again, unnecessary unless you're going to track it and even then this is the 
LAST thing you should worry about.

> +Lightened Flywheel ($150)
> 
> +Probably a moderate stereo ($400ish) 

Good luck - JT