Goodbye 1.4, Hello tdi (still not a gti :( )

[FrameSet]

Hi all,
Seeing as im off to uni in September i wanted something a little more economical and something a bit quicker. Picked up this 2004 1.9 tdi SE yesterday. (so if anyone is in the market for a very tidy 1.4 petrol let me know)! This one isnt in the best shape but it's 10 years old and milage is reasonably low, so pretty pleased with it.
I have a few plans for it and if i remember ill stick some pictures on here as they happen.





So, anything you think is a bad idea or any other suggestions? Also, what sort of mpg can you guys get from your 1.9 tdi SE's?

Cheers, Matt

[MikLSP]

Looks a sensible upgrade which should perform better than your 1.4 and will definitely be good on fuel. I average just under 50 mpg from my 2.0 GT TDI 170 and have had up to 58 mpg on steady cruises so I'd expect your 1.9 SE (is it 105 PS) to be able to produce more than that.

[Sjw_Vw]

Should look great when you finish it Nice base to start with. Look forward to seeing what you do with it

[th3_f15t]

I had a 1.9 TDI SE before my GTI, they're good engines. Plenty of torque, and I hit 650 miles per tank when commuting from Cornwall to Essex regularly. Keep the oil fresh and she'll outlast you!

[Wooosh]

Sounds like you've got some good plans for this already, look forward to seeing the build.

[FrameSet]

Thanks for the replies. I noticed one of the number plate bulbs had gone so ordered two new LED bulbs and fitted them today. I also fancy getting pressed plates, i've had some people tell me these are illegal but surely they are fine as long as they are reflective? Can anyone reccomend any websites or shops to get them made?

I also gave it a very quick wash, dry, polish and wax while i had some time!


Cheers

[FrameSet]

Just a little update on the TDI, very impressed on the fuel economy so far! Ended up ordering an ebay special r32 style rear valance, was a pain to fit but got it almost spot on in the end. Got it prepped and painted for £150ish with the lower section done with the textured black paint which i think looks much better than gloss! Next plan is gti skirts (if i can find some?!) and probably window tints.

Here's some pictures once i got the bumper on, it needs a polish!.

Needs some wider wheels!

[FrameSet]

And here it is in 'drift spec'


And lastly, the new badge

[D_Philli_82]

Good start pal. Where did you get the rear balance from..? I want one..the cheapest I've seen is £125..! What problems did you have with the fit..?!

[FrameSet]

Good start pal. Where did you get the rear balance from..? I want one..the cheapest I've seen is £125..! What problems did you have with the fit..?!

I bought it from ebay, theres a few similar ones listed but this one was from birmingham if i remember correctly. I think it cost £160 posted then £150ish for prep and paint.

The valance was generally the right shape but the tabs for the screws didnt line up with anything on the car! It was a two man job to trial fit it, mark and drill holes and then mount it properly again to the car. I ended up using 4 or 5 self tappers and even a nut and bolt to hold it on in once place! I'm probably the only one that notices the slightly off fit because i put it on! But IMO, worth the money