New owner with a couple of questions...

[Richie_101]

Hi All,

I bought a 55 plate GTI a couple of weeks ago, and I'm loving it. Having bought the first one I went to see, I've got no comparison/yardstick, so my question is about the standard exhaust & cabin noise.

I'm noticing that between 50-60 mph in 3/4th, and 70-80 in 5/6th there's more noise coming through into the cabin from the exhaust - over these speeds it does quieten off. I'd hesitate to call it drone (I used to have a VR6 with a stainless so I know a bit about that!), but it is definitely noticeable and has been commented on by others that have been in the car.

Is this normal? The exhaust is totally standard, but the car does have 99k on it, should that makes any difference.

Also, this is the first car I've had that uses 98 RON. Filling up yesterday the price was 10p/litre more than 95 RON (£1.35/litre vs £1.45/litre for V-Power). I'm not bothered about the extra few quid, but I just wondered if 10p/litre more is standard for V-Power.

Thanks in advance.

Rich.

[scottm72]

cant comment on the noise issue mate but the petrol sounds about right
just depends on the greediness of that specific garage, have a look when you are driving about etc as the differences will vary.
I find shell fuel expensive where i am esp for the higher ron stuff, i just use the teso higher ron ( cant remember its name ) dont know if it is any lesser quality than shell etc but i only use it as the other one where i live is morrisons and that's it.
I am up in Aberdeenshire.
PS, only time i notice a bad interior drone is if i have the back seats down or the parcel shelf off,
 

[andygo]

Tesco momentum is the stuff. Its generally ok. I use it in my race car, its meant to have a higher octane rating than v power.

[scottm72]

Tesco momentum is the stuff. Its generally ok. I use it in my race car, its meant to have a higher octane rating than v power.

yeah that's the stuff momentum 

[Hedge]

Tesco momentum is the stuff. Its generally ok. I use it in my race car, its meant to have a higher octane rating than v power.

Both 99. 

[doylebros]

The noise would require a physical checking and could be just as simple as repostioning the exhaust or replacing a rubber mounting?

The fuel spec is on your petrol flap - it states the fuel specification but 95RON is perfectly fine. The car is equipped with knock sensors, which act in a fraction of a second to prevent knock. There's just a slight power increase if you use 98RON fuel as ur ECU will not be retarding the engine to compensate for the lower grade fuel. Having said that, I've never filled my car up with anything other than 98RON fuel.

Cheers

[MC71]

The Power of V for me, every time!

[Richie_101]

Thanks for the replies. I'll check out the exhaust situation then and see if I can spot any potential issues.

Cheers,

Rich.

[Sel]

I tend to alternate between 1 lot of Tesco Momentum 99 (it's only 5p more than Tesco standard) and Shell V Power (10p more than Shell standard) But in the past I have always avoided supermarket fuel, but reading posts on here people say its fine, but it still feels alien to put Tesco in.

[GrayMK5GTI]

With 99k miles, it will be well worth checking your cam follower. 

[zooms3]

Agree with above ^^^^^ deffo due one if not had one already! May well save a huge bill!

[Richie_101]

With 99k miles, it will be well worth checking your cam follower. 

Many thanks for the advice, I'll look into that. I've had a look at the DIY guide (http://myfastgti.com/volkswagen/threads/12734-DIY-HPFP-Removal-and-Cam-Follower-Replacement) and it's way beyond my capabilities. Any idea how much a VW dealer might charge to do that, and how often should it be replaced?

As I plan on keeping this car until it falls apart (well I would say that now as I've only had it 2 weeks!), is there anything else I should look into given the mileage?

The car has a FVWSH, the belt and tensioner were changed at 60k, brake fluid changed every second service, brake pads at 82k, air con was re-gassed at 92k, and a new clutch & flywheel were fitted at 98k.

Sorry if these are 'noob' questions, but everyone was a new owner once.


Rich.

[GrayMK5GTI]

I personally wouldn't bother with taking it to a dealer for that. Buy the part from a dealer (around £25) then take it to a local specialist (ideally one mentioned on the forum) who will do it for a much better price - as they change so many 

[andygo]

With 99k miles, it will be well worth checking your cam follower. 

Many thanks for the advice, I'll look into that. I've had a look at the DIY guide (http://myfastgti.com/volkswagen/threads/12734-DIY-HPFP-Removal-and-Cam-Follower-Replacement) and it's way beyond my capabilities. Any idea how much a VW dealer might charge to do that, and how often should it be replaced?

As I plan on keeping this car until it falls apart (well I would say that now as I've only had it 2 weeks!), is there anything else I should look into given the mileage?

The car has a FVWSH, the belt and tensioner were changed at 60k, brake fluid changed every second service, brake pads at 82k, air con was re-gassed at 92k, and a new clutch & flywheel were fitted at 98k.

Sorry if these are 'noob' questions, but everyone was a new owner once.


Unless you are terminally thick, changing the cam follower is easy, honestly. You can't really go wrong and once you have done that and gained a bit of confidence you can try other small jobs and save yourself a fortune.


Rich.