My Mk4 buildup thread...

**DubSteve** · 27-04-2008, 10:51 AM

Take a look at my mk3 now there a classic example of how to spend money on a car over 10 years old and still spending money on it......ahhhhh the glory

**No457 Snowy** · 27-04-2008, 11:57 AM

I d save the $$$ and go for mk5 gti for further performance.

take in consideration kms, age as well whilst doing these mods. how long you'll keep it, is it really worth while. i mean they are fantastic cars but you haver to be realistic about these things and make sure its really worth your while at the end of it.

Neil, I totally agree with the two quotes above, they are important points to consider I reckon. Of course these posts are all personal opinions, which is the other important point.

I just think that "performance wise", once you have done the usual chipping/Intake/exhaust/boost hoses for the engine, and the suspension/sway bars/braces/wheels etc. for the handling, then you have realistically already spent a fair bit of $$$ and probably arrived at a point where the Mk5 GTI begins.

At this point the car will be going pretty damn hard and handling pretty good, but to go beyond this you will need another heap of $$$ and then deal with the other related issues like brakes/driveline/reliability, etc.

As for looks I think an R-Line or 20th OEM body kit will do wonders to enhance the lines of your car, especially with the wheels you have now it will look great and you will have a good balance of looks/performance. An OEM kit is expensive but you get instant gratification in that you can see immediately where the money has gone, and so can a potential buyer if/when you decide to sell. On the road, a nicely kitted car stands out from the crowd immediately.

In the end you need to do what you feel is going to give you the greatest enjoyment from your car because that's what it's all about, and for me that comes from having a balance of looks/performance and $$$ I feel comfortable spending.

Snowy

**DUB 20V** · 27-04-2008, 12:05 PM

why is every one so scared of big turbos here in australia, the guys in the usa all have big turbo, they dont seem to have that many probs, if you get it done right you will be able to enjoy the car for many many kms.

depends who you know when it comes to spending money on cars.

**99gti** · 27-04-2008, 12:36 PM

Where has all the dubbin lurve gone...

I agree that they are very valid points to consider, dependant on your circumstances and what you want to achieve as a final result. I only got the car 10 months ago and the reason I got this one was that it was something fairly unique here in Aus and I wanted to do something different. Almost all of the moddified Mk4 GTI's in Aus are members of this forum, and we are few and far between.

It was well within my budget to have been able to go and buy a newer car, a faster car or a flashier car at the time, but I got this one because it would then allow me the extra funds to transform it into something that I realy liked. My end result of what I'd like to achieve with this car is something that has a balance (again this is a matter of opinion) between power, looks, handling but most of all unique. I see quick cars like WRX's, 200sx's, Civics and Lancers and the like but in my opinion they are rather generic and the ratio of those compared to our little beasties is far out weighed. The little Jazz blue Golf instantly one my heart when I saw it and filled my head with all of these wonderfull dreams and aspirations.

I want to now turn dreams into a reality. I'm fortunate enough to be in a position where I have the freedom to be able to do it and I also have the means to make it happen. My attitude is do it whilst you can, and have the most fun on the way!

Lol, I feel like I'm in the bad books with my folks and am trying to explain my way out of it. As per someone's signature here "the man who dies with the most toys wins!".

**glidn** · 27-04-2008, 12:41 PM

Well as for performance side of things, i guy down here in kiwiland, has a GT28RS turbo kit installed on his AEB Passat engine, did the rods and pistons, and then put the motor back together. He has the MAP to run Factory ECU but it's been re chipped. Currently while the engine is merely running in he set the Wastegate to only 10psi, so has disconnected all ECU added help. It currently makes 170KW@ the wheels, and he will run the car daily with 18psi once the ECU control's the boost again, so that should be a great insentive.

And he is not running aftermarket ECU either merely factory ECU which has been RR Tuned (rr= rolling road dyno)

**No457 Snowy** · 27-04-2008, 01:22 PM

It was well within my budget to have been able to go and buy a newer car, a faster car or a flashier car at the time, but I got this one because it would then allow me the extra funds to transform it into something that I realy liked.

Mate, I'm right with you and I'm in no way qualified to deliver a sermon to you about spending $$$ on your VW, looking at the cash I've sunk into mine. I know what it's like, when I posted pics and details of my car it was suggested to me by another forum member that for the money I could have just bought an S3 instead and the job would be done.

Like in your point above, an S3 was within my budget then, and I could buy one next week if I decided to, but I wanted a Mk4 GTI and I like the one I've now got!

I understand what you're saying and I say go for it, you've got the dream, you've got the funds, don't let other decide for you. But be prepared for a wide range of opinions.

Snowy

**VWEAPN** · 27-04-2008, 02:00 PM

if i were you id definately concentrate on the cosmetics of the car, these days with these new street racing laws and tight police patrols i really dont think there is any point of having such a powerful car on our roads. even giving it a hit every now and then the cops will be up your ass. the power will be there its just hard to use it.

i guess my opnion has got to do with my previous 'street racing incident'

your car looks hot!

**99gti** · 27-04-2008, 02:23 PM

Good point. I'd like to have a better garage situation happen before I realy go to town on the outside of the car.

The power option will be for off the streets fun. I intend on having a normal tune for street use, but i'd like to also get involved in some more motorsport stuff too.

**rayray086** · 27-04-2008, 11:43 PM

Project's looking good Neil. I'm sure you'll find something you'd like improved on for your car, but don't mod things for the sake of "not leaving everything untouched". I'm sure some of the money you'd end up spending would be better off stashed away for a Mk1 some day

By the way, found this while trawling around forums:

You might want to do some editing