Griffin - my baby GT-R! (GTI Mk5) [SOLD!]

[samx300]

At Alex's @ AKS this morning Getting a bunch of stuff done to get her in order. Couldn't find the H&R Springs so that'll have to be done with the BCS Power Valve Exhaust install sometime in May. But hey, getting the DSG Oil Change instead (more important than lowering your ride I reckon).

[samx300]

This is a recap of my recent trip to Alex's @ AKS (10 March 2015). Pics included 

• Engine Oil and Filter Change (Millers CFS 5W40 NT)
• New Discs and Brake Pads all around
• Replaced CV Boot Kit
• NGK BK7 Spark Plugs
• DSG Oil and Filter Change
• SuperPro Subframe Bush
• Superpro ALK
• New Undertray
• New Pollen Filter
• Audi R8 Oil Cap + Black Washer Fluid and Brake Fluid Reservoir Caps (yet to click pics for these  )

On the way, stuck behind a GT-86


Wheels off!


Old stuff


New stuff


In hindsight, I should've cleaned the calipers :(


Yumm SuperPro




DSG drain


New Under Tray (was previously missing)


This was my day basically: GTA V on PS3, packed food, magazines and portable battery charger to keep my Nexus juiced up!



Nice and clean after a bath


So at this stage, my Improvements/Mods pipeline sits here. Next major update will include the BCS Powervalve TBE and H&R Springs in early May.

​Ride/Handling
- 4 x ​Goodyear Eagle F1 ASY 2 XL​ [FITTED]
- SuperPro Subframe Bushes and Anti-Lift Kit [FITTED]
- New Discs all around, Performance Brake Pads and Brake Fluid Change [FITTED]
- H&R Sport Springs (lower ride by 30mm) [installation in early May]

Interior
- 850W RMS+ Sound System, specs in previous post [FITTED]
- Full White LED interior lighting [FITTED]
- GTI Metal Trim for Passenger Seat Recline Handle [FITTED]
- Rebuilt Rear Air Vent [FITTED]
- Remove OEM 6 CD Changer and install rubber sleeve for storage [installation on 14 March]
- Carbon Fibre Flappy Pedal Shifter [FITTED]
- GTI Trim Floor Mats [FITTED]
- GTI Metal Dead Pedal [FITTED]
- Fix Aircon High Pressure Switch [will be fixed in early May]

Exterior
- Front Grille Black VW Badge [FITTED]
- Black VW Boot Badge with Carbon Fibre insert. Not the tidiest job in history  [FITTED]
- LED Licence Plate Lights [FITTED]
- Rain-X Water Repellent Coating on all Glass [DONE]
- Dubmeister Pressed Legal GB Plates [FITTED]
- Carbon Fibre Licence Plate Holder [FITTED]
- Carbon Fibre Vinyl Wrap for Boot Protection [FITTED]
- Volkswagen Motorsports Wheel Valve Dust Caps​ [FITTED]​
- Full Showroom Condition Valet with Engine Bay Clean [DONE]
- Black Washer Fluid and Brake Fluid Reservoir Caps [DONE]
- R8 Oil Cap [FITTED]
- Shark Fin Antenna [PENDING]

Performance/Tuning
- K&N Typhoon CAI [FITTED]
- ​​​R-Tech ECU​ & DSG Stage 1 Remap​, specs on previous post [DONE]​
- Engine Oil & Filter Change (replace with Millers CFS 5W40 NT) Minor Service [DONE]
- DSG Oil & Filter Change [DONE]
​- ​NGK 7 Spark Plugs [FITTED]
- R8 Coilpacks [installation in early May]
- ​​​Pre-Cat Delete and Full Sport Cat BCS ​Powervalve ​Exhaust System with Downpipe (Resonated)​ [installation in early May]
- Big Brembo (or similar) Brake Kit - unlikely in 2015.
- Peron FMC - unlikely in 2015
- K04 Upgrade Kit - unlikely in 2015

Miscellaneous
- New Bosch Wiper Blades back and front
- Car Plan Washer Fluid Top Up
- VW Bottle Opener for Cup Holder

Thought/comments welcome!

[samx300]

So here's an interesting find:

Called VW Lookers (in Morden) to get a quote on a new exhaust system. My current system is cracked and rusting..basically in shambles.
£200 for the back bit, £300 odd for the middle and £700 for the front. Overall quote was £1,513 all in (VAT and Labour).

So this re-affirms my choice of going for a BCS Powervalve Full TBE system which is at least £400 cheaper when compared via GB prices to OEM.. VW are a joke really.. Why would anyone go for a stock system through the dealership?

[JackL15]

Hiya just been reading through your build. I've recently replaced my exhaust with a milltek cat back. I have the genuine exhaust in my garage if your still after one? It came off my car at 28k ish. It's in excellent condition.

[samx300]

Hiya just been reading through your build. I've recently replaced my exhaust with a milltek cat back. I have the genuine exhaust in my garage if your still after one? It came off my car at 28k ish. It's in excellent condition.

Thanks for the offer mate, but I've put my name down in the BCS Powervalve GB. Really want their system as they perform well and sound great when you add boost. I've seen a few in action and they are delish 

[JackL15]

No worries. How are you finding the car on a day to day basis now it's mapped? I'm getting mine done early April and can't wait.

[samx300]

Good question. I have to keep a VERY gentle foot on the throttle. I don't rev above 2.5-3K until engine comes to temp but once it's there, it's just AMAZING fun (with ample confidence) knowing you've got the oomph to take 95% of the cars on the road  Slightest touch on the throttle and she flies. Flick it to sport mode to hold the boost levels and the exhiliration is unparalleled. You'll be burning rubber even in 3rd gear if you're not careful. It pulls strong and power delivery is linear..at least all the way to 140MPH. Was too scared to go beyond on my old worn tires  Get it mapped by Niki, you won't regret it. I'm looking forward to some more juice and will be back at R-Tech once I get the full BCS system in May.

[samx300]

Running busy at work but a major update coming through.. spent the last two days at AKS Tuning and R-Tech 

[Bignod00]

Running busy at work but a major update coming through.. spent the last two days at AKS Tuning and R-Tech 

Haha, sounds familiar. Looking forward to seeing the update mate!

[samx300]

Running busy at work but a major update coming through.. spent the last two days at AKS Tuning and R-Tech 

Haha, sounds familiar. Looking forward to seeing the update mate!

Thanks mate :) I remember seeing a beastly K1 at Alex's. Was that yours? 

[Bignod00]

Ha, it could have been mate. Mine left AKS Tuesday last week.

There is another K1 that's been at AKS for ages tho so it could've been that one!

[samx300]

​​Here is the latest update dear folks. I was at AKS Tuning on 11 Ma​y and R-Tech on 12 May. Below is what I had done
​​​​

• ​​BCS Powervalve TBE System with 200 Cell Motorsport Cat
• ​​H&R Lowering Sport Springs all around (30mm)
• ​​Super Pro Front Control Arm Inner Bush Kit
• ​Super Pro Rear Lower Control Arm Bushings
• ​New Revision 'R' PCV​
• ​R8 Coilpacks
• Aircon High Pressure Switch/Seal fix + Regas​
• ​Fixed Rear Left Doorseal​
• ​Fixed wobbly wing mirrors​
• ​Fixed Bright LED in the Wing Mirror Puddle Lights​
• ​Wheel Alignment

​​​After taking advantage of the BCS GB in March, my unit turned up on time for my visit @ AKS Tuning. Alex had ordered all the other parts (Springs, Seals etc) in advance. I'd like to add a note here for BCS - for the amazing service, advice and quality of product supplied. Hats off to Nige and the team for the superb job.

After a long and hard day (well, for Alex at least ) everything was installed and fitted. Alex went for a quick test drive at the end and gave her the beans, I could hear the loud grumbly exhaust note from a distance..and I can safely conclude that this BCS Powervale is truly 'SoundPorn'!
It was late and I had to drive further north to Nuneaton for my night stay. That 60 odd mile spirited drive from Bedford to the hotel was absolutely thrilling to say the least. I couldn't believe what a difference the exhaust made without having touched the ECU map. In Sport mode the roar above 4K revs is exhilarating and a proper rush. Not to mention the improved handling with the lowered suspension. One of my most memorable drives in a long time. Yes it was night, yes the roads were empty, yes I touched 120 but the exhaust note and silent atmosphere made all the difference. I cannot recall a bigger/silly grin on my face in a long time. FYI, I didn't take the Motorway as they are boring.

Next day I paid a visit to a local Aircon company in Hinckley (Climate Change Car Air Conditioning) and Darren did a superb job at checking the Aircon for leaks and then regassing the unit. Final cooling result was great as temps touched 3.5C at the blower. I would highly recommend Darren for any Aircon related work (Compressor/Condensor/Regas etc). He clearly knows his stuff, but more importantly, will offer a much better price than any dealer. He just charged me £25 for the job!

Finally I arrived at R-Tech and Niki worked his magic. After about 2hrs of rolling road, the end result transformed my car once again. Griffin is now up from 251HP/308LB-FT TO 274HP/353LB-FT! That is a 23HP/45LB-FT gain with the BCS TBE!!    I am over the moon with the tweaked map and she just pulls and pulls, very usable torque on Motorways especially. Test drive with Niki was fun too! 
I believe Nige's (BCS) claim of adding up to 20HP on your car is definitely legitimate.
Niki even installed 5 switchable maps which is a cool feature to have in case you ever decide to lend you car to an novice  I am keep the map on 5 though!

Some pics below:

​​The Money Shot!


​Top Quality BCS Powervalve TBE System
​

​



​Yumm H&R - it's the filter which makes the surrounding stuff look rusted
​

​It's not every day you come across a 680BHP Supra! Looked stunning and a great owner who paid #Respect to the late Paul Walker.








​Sits MUCH lower and looks good :)




​Aircon nice and cool


​At R-Tech - love their signs
​

​Nothing ruins a good picture​ like that bin :(
​​​

​Final Result!
​

​My drive back to London


​Managed to squeez in up to 32MPG while on Cruise Control!
​

​​
So at this stage, my Improvements/Mods pipeline ​sort of ends here. ​Since I spent £2300+ in this last visit, I don't think I'd be doing any more performance mods, especially on a K03. Next in my list is a paint correction and thorough detail job that should happen sometime in June. Watch this space...

​Ride/Handling
- 4 x ​Goodyear Eagle F1 ASY 2 XL​ [FITTED]
- SuperPro Subframe Bush and Anti-Lift Kit [FITTED]
​- SuperPro Front Control Arm Inner Bush Kit [FITTED]​
​- ​​Super Pro Rear Lower Control Arm Bushings [FITTED]
​- ​​H&R Lowering Sport Springs all around (30mm) [FITTED]
- New Discs all around, ​Pagid/Textar Pads​, Fluid Change​ + System Bleed​ [FITTED]

Interior
- 850W RMS+ ​Rockford Fosgate/Focal Sound System, specs in previous post [FITTED]
- Full White LED interior lighting​ inlcuding wing mirrors​ [FITTED]
- GTI Metal Trim for Passenger Seat Recline Handle [FITTED]
- Rebuilt Rear​ Passenger​ Air Vent [​DONE]
- Remove OEM 6 CD Changer and install rubber sleeve for storage [​DONE​]
- Carbon Fibre Flappy Pedal Shifter [FITTED]
- GTI Trim Floor Mats [FITTED]
- GTI Metal Dead Pedal [FITTED]
​- Chrome Headlight Switch [FITTED]
- Driver Side Chrome Power Windows Switches with new door pull handle [FITTED]​
- Aircon High Pressure Switch ​Fixed, fully leak tested and regassed [DONE]

Exterior
- Front Grille Black VW Badge [FITTED]
- Black VW Boot Badge with Carbon Fibre insert. Not the tidiest job in history  [FITTED]
- LED Licence Plate Lights [FITTED]
- Rain-X Water Repellent Coating on all Glass [DONE]
- Dubmeister Pressed Legal GB Plates [FITTED]
- Carbon Fibre Licence Plate Holder​s​ [FITTED]
- Carbon Fibre Vinyl Wrap for Boot Protection [FITTED]
- Volkswagen Motorsports Wheel Valve Dust Caps​ [FITTED]​
- Engine Bay Clean [DONE]
- Black Washer Fluid and Brake Fluid Reservoir Caps [DONE]
- R8 Oil Cap [FITTED]
- Samsung 18 SMD LED Fog Lamps [FITTED]
- New Driver Side Inner Door Handle [FITTED]
- Chrome Tipped Headlight and Power Window Switches on Driver Side [FITTED]
​- Wobbly Wing Mirrors [FIXED]
- Shark Fin Antenna [PENDING]
​- Full Paint Correction/Swirl removal and chip marks touched up [PENDING]​

Performance/Tuning
- K&N Typhoon CAI [FITTED]
- ​​​R-Tech ECU​ & DSG Stage 1​+​ Remap​ [DONE]​
- Engine Oil & Filter Change (replace with Millers CFS 5W40 NT) Minor Service [DONE]
- DSG Oil & Filter Change [DONE]
​- Latest Revision DV [FITTED by R-TECH]
- Revision R PCV [FITTED]
- R8 Coilpacks [FITTED]
​- ​NGK 7 Spark Plugs [FITTED]
- R8 Coilpacks [​FITTED]
- ​​​BCS ​Powervalve ​Exhaust System with​ 200 Cell Motorsport Cat [​FITTED]
​- Inlet Valve Clean and Engine Decoking [PENDING] - anyone willing to help with this? PM me!

Dream Mods funds permitting​
- Big Brembo (or similar) Brake Kit - unlikely
- Peron FM​I​C - unlikely
​- RS4 FPRV - unlikely
- ​Uprated LOBA Fuel Pump - unlikely

Miscellaneous
- New Bosch Wiper Blades back and front
- Car Plan Washer Fluid Top Up
- VW Bottle Opener for Cup Holder

Thought/comments welcome!

[Powervalve Nige]

Thanks for the great reviwe Sam - we really appreciate it 
Cheers
Nige

[samx300]

​In this update, I'd like to review Solo Vehicle Valeting's service, that I recently engaged to carry out a full enhancement detail with machine polish for swirl removal.
There are loads of pics below to show the process and final result.

This is all the work that was carried out:

• Wheels cleaned face and inside
• Snow foam pre rinse
• All shuts cleaned
• Rinsed vehicle
• Clay bar
• Iron fallout applied to vehicle and alloys left to dwell and rinsed
• Car dried
• Masked all unpainted plastics
• Engine Bay detailed
• Hellshine Ghost Rider Rain Repellant Windscreen Treatment
• All stone chips corrected with Chipex
• Final protective with Gyeon Can Coat

Products used for wet work: Gtechniq, Autobrite Direct, Krystal Kleen Detail
Products used for machine polishing: Koch Chemie H8.02 Heavy Cut, Koch Chemie M2 Hochglanz Antihologramm (Blue/Black/green pads depending on paintwork)

I can safely conclude that Dave (Solo Vehicle Valeting) and Cliff (Car Tec Detailing) did an amazing job on Griffin. They teamed up to complete this job in one day and were punctual. They really know their stuff and all my questions (trust me, there were A LOT) were answered patiently and to the best of their knowledge. They're both diligent in their work and carried out all work to perfection and beyond. Many of my small requests were undertaken (such as applying rain repellant on sunroof) and no job was too big or difficult. All the correct equipment, technique and procedures were used and I am absolutely delighted with the end result.

Some pic whoring

Shots from the Valeters

















Shots that I clicked
























Shots the following morning after rain















​​

This enhancement detail was a long time pending. I'm glad I got it done and think its' worth the effort when you consider the labour involved and the end result. Not to mention your peace of mind with full insurance offered by proper valeters.

I will not hesitate to recommend SVV (or Car Tec Detailing) for any kind of job.

Thought/comments welcome!

[lewisako]

Lovely car pal! Are you based in the kent area?

Where did you get that rear boot carbon fibre wrapping done?