GL to GLX conversion (Was Re: List Member Stickers)

[Khan Klatt <kmk@pacificrim.net>]

At 3:32 AM -0700 4/19/99, TJ wrote:
>a sticker would be great.  how could i get one?  i don't drive a GLX
>though, but i am performing some ugrades to my GL to basically "convert"
>it to a glx, including performance exhaust, a vr6 engine swap, among other
>things.  if i could still get a sticker, that would rock.  let me know how
>i could get one.

TJ, I think it's cool that you're doing a "GLX conversion", but I would
generally advise against this. At least, let me put it this way. If someone
wanted to "build a performance VR6 automobile", I would suggest that they
simply start with a GLX instead of with a GL and shoehorn in the VR6. These
are my reasons:

1. The GLX comes with a five lug chassis, which is important to distribute
the extra weight that comes with the VR6 engine. Therefore the kind of car
to start with should be something with a five lug chassis, for example a
Jetta /// (GLX) or a Jetta IV GL, GLS (with or without the VR6), or GLX.

2. What with the engine conversion, you're going to end up spending as much
cash as you would on a GLX anyway. It would generally be a wash (unless
you've got some special circumstance where you get the parts at a severe
discount, for example) financially whether you buy a GL and convert it to a
GLX, or whether you just buy the GLX.

3. Typically, a GLX interior is much nicer than the GL interior. You start
with better seats, (typically) leather, and (typically) nicer stereo
system. You get better ABS (AFAIK, the GL has smaller disc brakes). You
also get better wheels, in that they are 15" rather than the 14" that come
with the GL or GT.

4. When you put in the GLX, you're going to have to invest in a different
suspension for the GL to support the extra weight. Since you would have to
replace the suspension regardless of what car you started with, you might
as well just get the GLX and replace *that* suspension. Again, it comes
with a better chassis anyway.

5. When you're done, you'll have spent equivalent amounts of money
(roughly) and still have a GL that is probably (I'm guessing) three years
old, compared to a newer 98 or 99 GLX, which means that if you increase
your standing in life (typical of most listers here, where we are in our
early to mid twenties, and stand to improve our financial standing
significantly over the next five years) you'll have a more valuable car
when you go to sell the car.

So, I think you're better off selling the GL, and paying the extra
$40/month or whatever to get the GLX. Then, any extra cash you come by, you
can use to upgrade the VR6 even further with a chip, replace your tires--
if you really want to splurge, get 16" or 17" wheels, and invest in a sport
suspension. In other words, after you spend in the ballpark of $18 (used 95
GLX) to $22K (brand new VR6 GLS), you'll have saved money, headache, and
start much further ahead of the game than starting with a GL and working
from there.

In other words, by the time you pay off your GLX (and by the time you
modify it so it's a pretty cool car) you might be able to sell it for
$15,000 or so and put that money down on a payment for a BMW M5 or an Audi
S6 [assuming it ever comes to the US] or whatever floats your boat
(figuring we all are somewhat enamoured by four door performance sedans).

For me, the GLX will be 'tolerated' for a couple more years when I have
more equity in the car, and then I'll trade it in for an Audi TT Roadster.
Those cars are wicked cool-- even cooler looking than a boxster. :)

To recap, a) you start with a better 'ground floor' with the GLX, b) the
out of pocket costs are roughly the same all things considered, c) the GLX
has features that you simply can't shoehorn into a GL, d) you're going to
have to replace much of the same components anyway, might as well spend the
money in the more advantageous situation, and e) A GLX will have better
value at resale time than a GL with a VR6 conversion. In fact, a GLX
conversion might devalue your car because it might be perceived as
"strange", "unusual" or "tinkered with-- buyer beware" type of concerns.

Anyhow, these comments are my personal opinion based on my personal biases,
and if they don't fit your situation, no offense intended. I'm entitled to
my opinion, just as you're entitled to do a GL -> GLX conversion. :)

-Khan