88 FOX GL questions

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Yes check your CV Joints and your control arm bushings. Of course check everything else too. :-)

I think that the exhaust has a restriction just after the cat. conv. So you might want to at least get a replacement pipe that opens the exhaust up there. Muffler shop can help you out. The 1979 Fox supposedly has the dual outlet exhaust manifold that aids in more exhaust flow out of the engine. You might need to relocate the Oxygen Sensor if yours is on the exhaust manifold. A larger Throttle Body may also aid in making your engine a better air pump too.

I have heard about drilling holes in the bottom of the air cleaner box. Creates more possible air flow to the engine but also makes things noisier, and easier for water and rodents to enter. The K&N filter might also allow more dirt to enter the engine also. Bottom line is YES those mods should allow more air inside of engine.

I've got some Repcos (MetalMasters IIRC) for the VW Fox I can sell you fairly cheap if you are interested. I bought quite a few sets from a warehouse clearing out stock. I run this type on my Audi 4000S. They are decent. I think some like Mintex but you have to watch the compounds since some might only work when they do get hot and then might try to grab.

A Bentley manual will be better. Look on Ebay for one at a good price, or buy one from Amazon.com. Chiltons or Haynes makes fun reading though and will sometimes describe jobs in an easier to understand way. I usually use a multimeter and test the wiring. This will allow you to find power leads (red), grounds (brown/black) and speaker wires. Things will make sense since my colors may be wrong. ;-) Oh and if the wiring plugs are still intact then Crutchfield may sell adapters that allow your new stereo to easily plug in. Also they may have car stereo wiring diagrams on their website.

And of course searching the web may provide you with more information on things you are asking about. ;-)

later, dave Reminder........ Before you criticize someone, you should walk a mile in their shoes. That way, when you criticize them, you are a mile away from them, and you have their shoes. Frieda Norris

IIRC, on my 90 Fox there were two plugs. One had 4 pairs of wires that were twisted together. That was for the 4 speakers. The other had 3 wires: +12v, Gnd, and Illumination, IIRC red, brown, and green. I accidentally hooked the radio ground to the illumination wire (measured 0 ohms to frame) and burned up the dimmer switch when lights and radio were both on at the same time. Felt stupid about that one. Also, the power wire is not ignition key-dependant. It's always hot.

Don't know if it's the same on an 88 Fox, but there it is, FWIW.

...Sean.