I can't decide - Power or looks?

[TomGTI]

I can't decide - Power or looks? I want to either lower my Pirelli or get her remapped but I can't decide what to do first, I can't afford to spend loads at this time but I have a 5door now and looks a little to sensible and like a family hatch back, I keep seeing lowered GTI's on here and they look gorgeous on H&R Super Sport springs or Eibach Sport lines.

If I remap then the chances are I'm going to need a new clutch which will probs be a grand fitted. So not sure what to go for, what are other people's opinions on this who have been in this situation them selves?

Thanks all - please comment

[sub39h]

I've owned my A3 for four years now and STILL haven't remapped it! It is next on my list of things to do tho. My viewpoint was that it already had an entertaining amount of power (and 30bhp less than a Pirelli as standard) but the handling and brakes could use some improvement. So that's where I spent my money on.

Considering how hard it is to drive fast nowadays, I think you'd see the benefit of lowering it and improving the handling rather than upping the power. To be the better looks are a side effect of lowering rather than the intention, but they do look miles better when lowered a touch on some decent coils of springs.

[Tortaruga]

I'll take the opposite viewpoint. You'll love the extra power more than you might think. You won't care about it looking like a 'family hatchback' then.

[TomGTI]

Haha I can see both points and they'll cost the same too which doesn't help with the decision. I'll have a think. 

[Dan_FR]

With the number of speed bumps and potholes around i've given up on lowering cars.

Power every time!  

[MC71]

Hmm, I say do both! 

[Scottymon]

Definitely map over springs, it completely changes the car.

Have it scanned and cam follower checked before doing IMO.
Then you need brakes too...

[TomGTI]

Hmm, I say do both! 

Okay money bags - all in good time! She's a keeper so will be slow and steady mods being fitted  :signLOL:s

With the number of speed bumps and potholes around i've given up on lowering cars.

Power every time!  

I'm a bit concerned about running springs with standard shocks too can't afford shocks and springs at this time, I don't want to ruin the ride even though I'm only on 45k, would love someone to let me know how a car handles on standards shocks and lowering springs.

I leaning everso slightly towards an R-tech map now 

Definitely map over springs, it completely changes the car.

Have it scanned and cam follower checked before doing IMO.
Then you need brakes too...

I had it scanned and all was clear because I was concerned about my TC light flashing when it's off but apparently it's normal on later mk5's.

I want some r32 front stopper at some point down the line
Checked my DV which is fine so that'll leave the cam follower

[tfsi_syncro]

I would say go with handling performance mods first and then get the engine mapped to suit, I always have the 'Performance is nothing without control' attitude to modifying.

At the end of the day its your choice, to do what you want to your car.

On the Lowering springs/standard shocks point... They should ride ok but what you need to remember is that the shocks will not have been designed to have a different 'natural position' which means over an extended period of use it shocks will not last as long as with the OE springs. I would recommend saving and doing them as a pair as it means less hassle having to take the suspension off twice.

[Pikey Motorsports]

in the words of jeremy clarkson

POWEEERRRR

[Spankiee]

i've gone for looks so far apart from the ITG intake then when i get bored of the power i will increase it.

[TomGTI]

i've gone for looks so far apart from the ITG intake then when i get bored of the power i will increase it.

Compared to my old GTI when it was standard, my pirelli feels abit sluggish and lazy. Perhaps its the fact that the turbo kicks in later. DV is fine and no faults although it does have more top end but I don't drive with the revs above 4k all the time!

[rich83]

Power..... 

[TomGTI]

Oh well..........POWER IT IS!!!

[th3_f15t]

I think this is something that's very location based, in terms of priority. When I lived out in a country town accessed by twisty B-roads, I was all about performance gains, I didn't care for what stereo I had or the interior much at all. I had power gains as a top priority.

But since living on the inside of the M25, I've become more focused about creature comforts and how the car feels to drive everyday. I've since fitted coil over suspension based on what was more comfortable for everyday use, having all the suspension bushes replaced to give it that new car feel, fitted R32 bucket seat... You get the idea.

You need to decide whether you want to get to the corners quicker, or get round the corners quicker.

Or do both. t's much more fun.