--- title: "Monster MK1 VW Golf Packs Two Turbo VR6s, Two Transmissions" description: "This South African tuner built a Mk1 1979 Volkswagen Golf with two separate VR6 engines and two separate transmissions." date: "2023-01-01" modified: "2023-01-01" authors: - name: "Nico DeMattia" job_title: "Contributing Writer" link: "https://www.thedrive.com/authors/nico-demattia" url: "https://www.thedrive.com/news/monster-mk1-vw-golf-packs-two-turbo-vr6s-two-transmissions" categories: - "News" - "News by Brand" - "Volkswagen News" --- # Monster MK1 VW Golf Packs Two Turbo VR6s, Two Transmissions ![]() When it comes to tuning a car, more is usually better. Adding more fuel, more air, and more turbo boost are the typical methods of getting more power out of a car. But what about adding more engines? Willem Jacobus from South Africa decided that he wanted more power from his 1979 Mk1 [Volkswagen]() Golf but instead of just tuning or turbocharging it like most tuners would, he added a second engine. Up front, his Mk1 [Golf]() packs a Volkswagen VR6 engine, which powers the front wheels through its standard five-speed manual transmission. That engine was swapped in years ago, replacing the original 1.1-liter four-cylinder. And Jacobus was content to live with just the normal VR6 swapped Golf until he saw another tuner's videos of a twin-engine Golf and the idea was born to add another VR6 engine to its rear. So he ordered another engine, the motor mounts, and another gearbox, and custom fit it all into the back of the car. The second 2.8-liter V6 engine powers the rear wheels but both engines are operated via the same gas pedal and with the same transmission. So one clutch pedal operates both of the car's clutches and the same gear linkage operates both transmission's gears. And while it requires two different starters, they're simply operated with two separate buttons once the key is in. So in reality, as complex as it is, it sort of drives like a pretty normal all-wheel drive Golf. Just one that makes a lot more noise and a lot more power. ![]() That wasn't enough for Jacobus, though. After taking it to the track, he decided it needed even more power and fitted both VR6 engines with turbochargers. After putting the car on a dyno and testing the horsepower of each engine separately, and then together, Jacobus says the twin-engine Golf makes 536 horsepower (400 kW) and 590 pound-feet (800 Nm) of torque. However, the power is put down in an odd sort of manner. With its electronic engine management, Jacobus tuned the car to accelerate with its front engine first, letting the rear engine gradually come in shortly after. That prevents the rear from getting overwhelmed with power and sending the car sideways. [Twin-engine ]()cars are fascinate me because it's the way a child would expect to make a car more powerful: want more power, add more engine. But to actually engineer such a thing and make it function like a normal-ish car is unbelievably complicated and impressive. Jacobus deserves some serious praise for not only getting this car to work but to work well enough to drive on the road regularly. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=04EOwsGQfcg *Got tips? Send 'em to tips@thedrive.com* ## Author Nico is a writer and reviewer from New Jersey who probably thinks he’s a lot funnier than he actually is. His love of cars began when he was just a kid playing Gran Turismo 3, grinding out enough race wins with a Mazda Miata to save up for an in-game RUF 911. That passion for small, lightweight sports cars drove his desire to learn more about the industry, get his hands on as many cars as he could, and bring those experiences to life on the page. He cut his teeth writing about BMWs, Volkswagens, and Audis, mostly, and has owned far too many of each. He’s on his fourth 3 Series sedan, but all of his old, cheap German cars have forced him to learn more about car maintenance than his mechanical capability can handle. Too many late nights have been spent scrambling to get a car running by morning so he could get to work. For some reason, he never seems to learn that old Bimmers probably aren’t the best daily drivers. But he loves more than just old German cars. He’ll gladly drive and discuss anything with four (or even three) wheels. Cars aren’t his only passions, though. Nico is also a big nerd and loves movies, video games, comic books, and cares far too much about the New York Giants. So don’t be surprised if you see football references or dumb, obscure movie quotes in any of his car reviews. ### Author social links [Instagram]() [LinkedIn]()