VW Classics of 1983-1997 Live On with K&N Replacement Engine Air Filters
- Sep 6, 2016
Volkswagen's sport compact cars, the Corrado, Jetta, and Golf, plus the all-rounders, Santana and Passat, are all world cars in their own right, manufactured in several countries, driven on miles of international highways, country roads, and urban streets. They have done respectable duty as family cars, sport tourers, club racers, and fleet vehicles, engendering loyalty and winning high-mileage awards along the way. When introduced, the Corrado was marketed by Volkswagen as a sport compact car with a difference, replacing the Scirocco and complementing the Golf II, Golf GTI, and Jetta II while sharing their A2 platform. This car, built between 1983 and 1997, shares similar engine configurations with the Golfs and Jettas, primary among them a 1.8-liter, fuel-injected inline 4-cylinder, and for 1992-1997, the Corrado got the VR6 engine, a 2.8-liter, 179-bhp V6 for the U.S. and Canadian markets, and a 2.9-liter, 187-bhp version for Europe. It was a wedge-shaped hatchback that was fun to drive. Limited edition variants were the Storm (UK only) and Campaign specials with trim modifications and special wheels. With its performance a popular selling point, it enjoyed warmhearted reviews, and now has status on a few "gone but not forgotten" lists. If you still have a Corrado, you have a special classic that you've worked hard to maintain. Early second-generation 2- and 4-door sedan Jettas, and 3- and 5-door hatchback Golf IIs can also be collectibles in their own right because of their longevity. The Jetta, VW's best-seller of the time, outsold Golf two to one, but the Golf maintained an enthusiast niche, and the GTI model was named VW Vortex's "Best Golf of All Time" and in the U.S., Motor Trend magazine's Car of the Year for 1985. The Jettas of 1983 to 1991 showcased VW's 1.6-liter, 4-cylinder turbo diesel that grew from 54hp to 79hp in that time frame. The Jetta II also was powered by this diesel plus a 1.8-Liter, four-cylinder fuel-injected gasoline engine. They proved reliable and high-mileage cars were on the road for decades. Interestingly, a 1986 Jetta turbodiesel won a 2007 contest by Volkswagen of America in the U.S. with 562,000 miles (904,000 kilometers) on the original engine.
The 1981-1995 Santana (so-named in Brazil, Spain, and alternatively "Santana Vista" in China) shares the Passat B2 platform and the 1.8-liter, 4-cylinder fuel-injected gasoline engine. Others in the Passat range have the 1.9-liter 4-cylinder diesel, and the 2.8-Liter and 2.9-liter V6 fuel-injected gasoline engines. The Santana's greatest achievements were in China, where 10,000 were constructed by fall of 1986 and the vehicle was popular among law enforcement and taxi fleets. In Europe, the nameplate was discontinued in 1985 everywhere except Spain. Among the Corrado, Jetta, Golf, Santana and Passat there are at least 123 (see list below) Volkswagen models that have for some time been served and preserved by caring owners and the same K&N 33-2029 replacement engine air filter. Chances are that if you own one of these VWs, you will know about the advantages of a washable, reusable air filter. If not, may this be an introduction to the last engine air filter your classic will ever need. Designed and engineered to increase horsepower and acceleration while providing excellent filtration, the K&N 33-2029 is a panel style, rectangular cotton gauze filter that brings a greater surface area to trap dirt and other particles, and increase the air flow to the engine. More air equates to more horsepower and torque for a crisper throttle response in whichever engine version your VW Corrado, Jetta, Golf, Santana, or Passat may have. Because you've been maintaining your VW classic on a regular schedule, you'll know that inspecting and replacing the engine air filter is part of that routine. You may also know that with a K&N filter, your engine is protected for up to 50,000 miles (80,467 kilometers), depending on driving conditions, between servicing. So instead of replacing a stock paper filter, you can wash and reuse the K&N at 50,000mi/80,000km, depending on driving conditions and keep on driving, perhaps to surpass that Jetta turbodiesel's record of 562k-mi/904k-km. The bottom line is, you may inspect and clean your engine air filter as often as you wish, and the process is simple, and requires no special tools. A set of printed instructions accompany each filter, and depending on your model, there are videos available online to walk you through a filter service. And, the bottom line also includes K&N's 10-year/Million Mile Warranty, so you won't ever need to buy a new engine air filter again. K&N makes more than 1,200 different replacement air filters for the majority of vehicles on the road. To source the 33-2029, visit K&N's online search by vehicle tool. To purchase, find an authorized K&N dealer, just about anywhere worldwide, using the K&N dealer search. The K&N 33-2029 replaces the following part numbers:
AC Delco A1226C The K&N 33-2029 will fit the following Volkswagen models:
1997 VOLKSWAGEN PASSAT 2.9L V6 |
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