Big Sky Euro

I'm going to be getting a 82 GTI. Does anyone know if a VR6 swap is even possible? If not what the next best thing?

Highly possible.
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Too bad my VR6 parts car is already going to Missoula haha.

nice!

What kind of tranny would I be looking at? Yes manual!

do a 1.8t instead. less fabrication

If you really want a VR6, I have a couple MKII GTIs you could put the VR6 in so I could build the 82 into a 16valve.

in all actuality, the VR6 mk1 is a very hefty swap, you have to measure out, and weld in your own motor mounts, and reinforce the front of the car. i dont know if you have any fabrication experience, but its a highly involved swap! search on vortex for pics of what it takes to do.

Highly tough, and worthless. Rabbits don't turn very well with a VR mounted in the front, and wheel spin is a constant. I would go 1.8T all day long. ALthough I did know a guy who had a VR in a rabbit, and then that was too slow, so he turboed it. He out ran porches on the freeway on a daily basis. 100K worth or turbo car getting dusted by a rabbit. Too funny.

Also IIRC, the Mk1 GTI was only here in '83 and '84. not trying to be a nosy know it all, but I don't think there was an '82 GTI.....

Its an 83, aka ex-checkers. for ease of install, you cant beat a 1.8 or 2.0 16v, and or a simple ABA, the ABA torque is a real hoot in a rabbit, and reliable as all get down!

easy break down here,
ABA cheap and easy to find, wont kill 020 trannies. also very cheap installation. can make more power than you ever need in a rabbit with a turbo kit later on
16v cheap and easy to find, wont kill 020 trannies. also very cheap installation. can REALLY make more power than you ever need in a rabbit with a turbo kit later on.

VR6 easy to find high cost to buy as a whole car is usually needed. very difficult to install. obviously a powerhouse in a rabbit, lots of understeer due to weight. gets crazy turboed.

1.8T 20v. not to hard to find Expensive to buy (in relation to the others) expensive aftermarket transmission mount kits available for easy engine mounting, but most require computer work to defeat immobilizers etc etc. also a powerhouse stock, and simple upgrades net awesome increases via Revo, turbo upgrade etc.

in a nutshell, all capable of crazy power for a rabbit chassis. Take it from me, a 1.8 16v stock is no slouch, and a stock 16v with a turbo on a meek 7 psi priceless! go for ease of install, then upgrade to desired power level.

This car need ALOT of work before powertrains should be decided as well. it is a project!