All Things Mk5 > Members Rides

Graphite Blue GTI Build Thread

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mk1_dave:
Fitted a new exhaust as the old original one had a few holes and was past its best, after looking for a while I decided to get a cat back system from TrackSlag as their reviews were really good.

Fitting was simple just had to take a small amount off the end of the downpipe, and replace the old exhaust clamp.













There is lots of adjustability with this exhaust which is great as you can position the tips to your own preference, which is also handy if you end up getting a different bumper which I did after fitting the exhaust.

Its quiet on idle but can be quite loud when accelerating and I still have the original cat installed. Very good build quality and comes with an extra mount that ties into the rear subframe. No rattles, leaks or odd noises after a few thousand miles of driving.

mk1_dave:
Been a while since my last update, have still been chipping away at the GTI.

Recently installed a fresh set of R32 rear calipers and carriers along side some new pagid discs and EBC yellowstuff pads. Caliper and carrier install was straight forward enough and they bled up great. Thought it was the ideal time to replace the hand brake cables as noticed that one was stretched. Getting the old cables out the aluminum pipes was abit of a pain but managed to pull the cables and cut them which meant I could drill out the plastic part of the cable that was stuck in the pipe. Have done around 1500 miles on the new calipers and can't complain..

Next on the list for the brakes is a set of braided lines and some fresh front calipers as they have seen better days too.

mk1_dave:
Got rid of the towbar and fitted an aftermarket edition 30 lower diffuser as I couldn't find any genuine bumpers close to me. Fitment isn't the best as expected but will do until I find a genuine bumper. Some pictures from the odd sunny days in Scotland :grin:

mk1_dave:
Picked up a set of genuine xenon headlights that were in good condition. Lenses had a few small scratches on them so decided to sand them back to a smooth surface then clear coat them, turned out really good after a few hours spent on them.

Decided it was time to get rid of the old suspension as it was looking past its best and one of the rear springs had snapped. Went for a set of BC Racing coilovers as I have them on my other cars and have been great fun.

Few pictures of the BC's after installing them and the only picture I could find of the headlights fitted to the car!

mk1_dave:
Over the last few months I had been gathering parts to give the front of the car a major overhaul which included all new bushes, bearings, brakes and suspension components. I also had a rattle coming from the front of the car that sounded like it was coming from the steering rack, due to this it was the perfect time to install a refurbished rack while everything was off the car. I also stripped both front wheel arches and the underside of the floor back to bare metal to make sure there was no rust and also keep it nice and fresh as I daily the car in the salty Scottish winters. I used buzzweld zinc primer, buzzweld stripe coat and finally tintable Upol Raptor.

List of new parts installed:
Powerflex anti lift kit
S3 lower wishbones with superpro bushes
S3 Alloy hubs with new FAG bearings
S3 Lower ball joints
New track rod ends
CVP Subframe deadset kit
Refurbished Gen 2 steering rack
Powerflex steering rack bushes
Whiteline adjustable anti roll bar
Vibra Technics subframe bush
New dogbone mount
MK7 GTi Performance Pack brake calipers
Pagid discs
Ferodo ds2500 pads
HEL braided brake lines
Motul RBF660 fluid
BC Racing drop links
OEM brake disc guards
All new bolts and screws including c clips, arch grommets

Also managed to pick up a set of genuine BBS CH028's in good condition. Was going to get them refurbished as I don't really think the gloss black goes with the graphite blue but this will be a job for nearer the summer.

After installing all of the above the car handles so much better and the stopping power is incredible. The noise/vibration is definitely noticeable after installing the vibra technic bush but isn't horrendous.

Have been driving the car for the last few weeks and is filthy again, will get some pictures of the progress once I get a chance to wash it.

Enjoy some pictures of the rebuild process  :laugh:

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