Mk1a - Mk1b, differences??

[splintermcinnes]

whats the difference between the Mk1a and Mk1b?

im looking at getting this car, but which is it?

[aaronjb]

G reg, skirts etc I'd say make that a Mk1b, based on my limited knowledge..

[jimi]

Its a 1b, anything after 87 is a b, up to 86 an a and 87 was a kind of mixture. Having said that most of the parts are interchangeable so most of the trim parts can be changed. G reg is well into MK1b territory
Jimi

[splintermcinnes]

thanks guys, where there any mechanical differences?

[HT]

thanks guys, where there any mechanical differences?

Basically stronger engine and also g'box. Mk1b's T-VIS opens up later (after 4600rpm, unlike the mk1a's 4200, makes a bit of difference on motorways as at around 80 in a mk1a its just on the cusp of opening, a great sound but can be a touch annoying) oh and I think an extra 1 bhp (wow ) over the mk1a. HTH

*edit* - also forgot minor differences in suspension, mk1a's oversteer easier, and finally bigger brakes on the 'b'.

[alfiembra]

The brake discs are slightly larger diameter in the 1b also the gearbox was beefed up a bit. Can't think of anything else straight off.

Alfiembra

[splintermcinnes]

all good info guys thanks. been a member for a while but ive only reasearched into the mk2 - coz thats what i owned!!

and an extra 1BHP - wohoo looks like i found the right one then!!!!

[HT]

all good info guys thanks. been a member for a while but ive only reasearched into the mk2 - coz thats what i owned!!

and an extra 1BHP - wohoo looks like i found the right one then!!!!

ha ha - don't get too carried away, reckon a mk1b is slightly heavier!!!

[splintermcinnes]

well im sure that extra Gee Gee will do me proud!!!!!

[kevin..in]

do a search this tpic has been covered over and over
age wise 1a goes up to early D reg and 1b comes in late D reg so up to Cdeffo a 1a after D deffo 1b D reg could be either. D and early E reg 1b's will have early Blue top engines as 1a late E and after have red top
Thats cleared up a bit of confusion

[waynestoyotamr2]

MODS - Can we have a "is my car a Mk1 a or b" thread as a sticky as it seems to get asking about twice a week!!

[splintermcinnes]

MODS - Can we have a "is my car a Mk1 a or b" thread as a sticky as it seems to get asking about twice a week!!

sorry!! didn't do a search!! will do in future

[waynestoyotamr2]

MODS - Can we have a "is my car a Mk1 a or b" thread as a sticky as it seems to get asking about twice a week!!

sorry!! didn't do a search!! will do in future

wasnt getting at you personally, was just putting an idea forward too the mods.........

[Lauren]

MODS - Can we have a "is my car a Mk1 a or b" thread as a sticky as it seems to get asking about twice a week!!

sorry!! didn't do a search!! will do in future

wasnt getting at you personally, was just putting an idea forward too the mods.........

Write a comprehensive article and we'll sticky it.

[kevin..in]

MODS - Can we have a "is my car a Mk1 a or b" thread as a sticky as it seems to get asking about twice a week!!

sorry!! didn't do a search!! will do in future

wasnt getting at you personally, was just putting an idea forward too the mods.........

Maybe a proper MK1 anorak could do a definitive differences article and have it posted as a sticky. Ahem Wayne do you fit this description

[kevin..in]

Lauren you type too quick for me!!
I still love blue BTW

[crazylegs]

hmm mk1a anorak . what you have missed that is more important is the mk1a is lighter,it also has lighter engine components so revs a little more freely. it has more mapping points in the ecu which also help. the mk1a is a bit more nippy. overall power is the same.
as far as i know the gearbox is identicle in both models. the strengthening of the box came later on the higher powered high compression engine.

[HT]

the mk1a is lighter,it also has lighter engine components so revs a little more freely. it has more mapping points in the ecu which also help. the mk1a is a bit more nippy.

Knew it was lighter didn't know the internals were as well, although it seems a backwards step to lessen the mapping points in a ecu.

Learn some thing new everyday! [/list]

[kevin..in]

Lighter fly wheel so revs a bit freer, lighter so weaker crank, so can suffer from bigend probs
you win some you loose some
I prefer the later small port, stronger crank more torque (so can cope with heavier and better internals)

[waynestoyotamr2]

Maybe we could all get together and cover absolutely every difference between the Mk1a and Mk1b ?

*tries to pass buck*