AJP's Build - back in love with the GTI

[Craig Stanley]

Inspiring read as I am feeling exactly the same about mine. Really struggling with how I feel about the car at the mo.  Nothing really wrong now but the problems I've had in the past and recent are making me question whether to sell or not

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[AJP]

Inspiring read as I am feeling exactly the same about mine. Really struggling with how I feel about the car at the mo.  Nothing really wrong now but the problems I've had in the past and recent are making me question whether to sell or not

Sent from my ZTE B2017G using Tapatalk

As unlikely as it sounds, you might be one mod away from getting your enjoyment back from it.

For me, as my earlier posts mention, fitting the intake has given the car the spark it was missing. Yeah, it's just a cone on a stick, but the change in sound and how it drives has made it that little bit more enjoyable.

Obviously it's easy to say that now my misfires are cured and it's all running as intended (touch wood). I can forgive the odd rattle when ultimately it's quick, cheap to run, and reliable.

Sometimes it's a case of writing up a list of the niggles, then just going at them. It's much nicer having a reliable base to mod, even though it's painful when your modding budget gets eaten up by boring repairs!

I've sold cars in the past that I wish I hadn't. I'm starting to get the vibes that this is becoming something I'd really regret losing.

[Craig Stanley]

Inspiring read as I am feeling exactly the same about mine. Really struggling with how I feel about the car at the mo.  Nothing really wrong now but the problems I've had in the past and recent are making me question whether to sell or not

Sent from my ZTE B2017G using Tapatalk

As unlikely as it sounds, you might be one mod away from getting your enjoyment back from it.

For me, as my earlier posts mention, fitting the intake has given the car the spark it was missing. Yeah, it's just a cone on a stick, but the change in sound and how it drives has made it that little bit more enjoyable.

Obviously it's easy to say that now my misfires are cured and it's all running as intended (touch wood). I can forgive the odd rattle when ultimately it's quick, cheap to run, and reliable.

Sometimes it's a case of writing up a list of the niggles, then just going at them. It's much nicer having a reliable base to mod, even though it's painful when your modding budget gets eaten up by boring repairs!

I've sold cars in the past that I wish I hadn't. I'm starting to get the vibes that this is becoming something I'd really regret losing.

Yeah I get it. I'm on the group buy for a Powervalve tbe and from what I've read it should put a grin back on. I looked at an ed30 yesterday 2009 87000m and although it drove really well it just didn't seem that much better than what I already have to warrant the extra money. My car now runs well but I have this constant love hate relationship with it. I've stressed less over relationships with women. Lol. Maybe I need my head looking at.

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[AJP]

Inspiring read as I am feeling exactly the same about mine. Really struggling with how I feel about the car at the mo.  Nothing really wrong now but the problems I've had in the past and recent are making me question whether to sell or not

Sent from my ZTE B2017G using Tapatalk

As unlikely as it sounds, you might be one mod away from getting your enjoyment back from it.

For me, as my earlier posts mention, fitting the intake has given the car the spark it was missing. Yeah, it's just a cone on a stick, but the change in sound and how it drives has made it that little bit more enjoyable.

Obviously it's easy to say that now my misfires are cured and it's all running as intended (touch wood). I can forgive the odd rattle when ultimately it's quick, cheap to run, and reliable.

Sometimes it's a case of writing up a list of the niggles, then just going at them. It's much nicer having a reliable base to mod, even though it's painful when your modding budget gets eaten up by boring repairs!

I've sold cars in the past that I wish I hadn't. I'm starting to get the vibes that this is becoming something I'd really regret losing.

Yeah I get it. I'm on the group buy for a Powervalve tbe and from what I've read it should put a grin back on. I looked at an ed30 yesterday 2009 87000m and although it drove really well it just didn't seem that much better than what I already have to warrant the extra money. My car now runs well but I have this constant love hate relationship with it. I've stressed less over relationships with women. Lol. Maybe I need my head looking at.

Sent from my ZTE B2017G using Tapatalk

Haha, I almost used the 'woman analogy' myself, but thought nahh. So it's not just me then - cars really are like women. And using the same analogy, I'd rather drive an occasionally irritating 270bhp GTI than a bland and predictable eco box!

You'll love the Powervalve mate. Best mod I've done.

[Craig Stanley]

Inspiring read as I am feeling exactly the same about mine. Really struggling with how I feel about the car at the mo.  Nothing really wrong now but the problems I've had in the past and recent are making me question whether to sell or not

Sent from my ZTE B2017G using Tapatalk

As unlikely as it sounds, you might be one mod away from getting your enjoyment back from it.

For me, as my earlier posts mention, fitting the intake has given the car the spark it was missing. Yeah, it's just a cone on a stick, but the change in sound and how it drives has made it that little bit more enjoyable.

Obviously it's easy to say that now my misfires are cured and it's all running as intended (touch wood). I can forgive the odd rattle when ultimately it's quick, cheap to run, and reliable.

Sometimes it's a case of writing up a list of the niggles, then just going at them. It's much nicer having a reliable base to mod, even though it's painful when your modding budget gets eaten up by boring repairs!

I've sold cars in the past that I wish I hadn't. I'm starting to get the vibes that this is becoming something I'd really regret losing.

Yeah I get it. I'm on the group buy for a Powervalve tbe and from what I've read it should put a grin back on. I looked at an ed30 yesterday 2009 87000m and although it drove really well it just didn't seem that much better than what I already have to warrant the extra money. My car now runs well but I have this constant love hate relationship with it. I've stressed less over relationships with women. Lol. Maybe I need my head looking at.

Sent from my ZTE B2017G using Tapatalk

Haha, I almost used the 'woman analogy' myself, but thought nahh. So it's not just me then - cars really are like women. And using the same analogy, I'd rather drive an occasionally irritating 270bhp GTI than a bland and predictable eco box!

You'll love the Powervalve mate. Best mod I've done.

I think I'm having a midlife crisis but if this is as bad as it gets then I'm sure the missus will be ok with it. Lol. I read your posts and I aspire to get my car to the level your at and to where your going with it. Bbt hybrid here I come.

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[Craig Stanley]

Inspiring read as I am feeling exactly the same about mine. Really struggling with how I feel about the car at the mo.  Nothing really wrong now but the problems I've had in the past and recent are making me question whether to sell or not

Sent from my ZTE B2017G using Tapatalk

As unlikely as it sounds, you might be one mod away from getting your enjoyment back from it.

For me, as my earlier posts mention, fitting the intake has given the car the spark it was missing. Yeah, it's just a cone on a stick, but the change in sound and how it drives has made it that little bit more enjoyable.

Obviously it's easy to say that now my misfires are cured and it's all running as intended (touch wood). I can forgive the odd rattle when ultimately it's quick, cheap to run, and reliable.

Sometimes it's a case of writing up a list of the niggles, then just going at them. It's much nicer having a reliable base to mod, even though it's painful when your modding budget gets eaten up by boring repairs!

I've sold cars in the past that I wish I hadn't. I'm starting to get the vibes that this is becoming something I'd really regret losing.

Yeah I get it. I'm on the group buy for a Powervalve tbe and from what I've read it should put a grin back on. I looked at an ed30 yesterday 2009 87000m and although it drove really well it just didn't seem that much better than what I already have to warrant the extra money. My car now runs well but I have this constant love hate relationship with it. I've stressed less over relationships with women. Lol. Maybe I need my head looking at.

Sent from my ZTE B2017G using Tapatalk

Haha, I almost used the 'woman analogy' myself, but thought nahh. So it's not just me then - cars really are like women. And using the same analogy, I'd rather drive an occasionally irritating 270bhp GTI than a bland and predictable eco box!

You'll love the Powervalve mate. Best mod I've done.

I think I'm having a midlife crisis but if this is as bad as it gets then I'm sure the missus will be ok with it. Lol. I read your posts and I aspire to get my car to the level your at and to where your going with it. Bbt hybrid here I come.

Sent from my ZTE B2017G using Tapatalk

Dear Mr Bank Manager.

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[AJP]

Thanks mate. It's always good to get positive comments about the car. Kind of assuring that I'm doing things right!

I missed out on a used Loba k03 hybrid last year. It was really well priced, and practically new. Gutted, as I'd just commited a chunk to the brake upgrade so couldn't justify more spending.

Keep your eyes out - they do sometimes come up for sale!

[AJP]

Vogtland coilovers fitted today. I'm going to put a few miles on it tomorrow, try and get things to settle, drop the front a little more, tweak the rear, then it's in for alignment on Friday.

No pics for now - it's not sitting how I want it yet. Next week I'll upload a few

First impressions... pretty much what I expected. A little firmer than H&R springs on standard dampers in general. Actually quite plush at low speeds - better than the springs and dampers - which I'd probably attribute to the fact the top mounts and dampers are brand new. At higher speed they firm up; the turn in is solid, heavier and much more precise. Less body roll, blah blah, you know the score.

They feel pretty damn close to the Weitecs I had on the mk4 (again a 'made by KW' kit) which were surprisingly supple. I'll be doing my best to look after the bodies as they're only zinc plated/galvanised/whatever.

It was a bit of a risk, as Vogtland isn't a massive name over here. There aren't a huge amount of forum reviews, even across the pond. But I did my homework, and I'm confident they're a good mid-range choice. Very happy.

[r5gtt]

I'll have to fit the H&R suspension kit and then let you how as you've used oem shocks which obviously won't be as good as you coilovers lol
I don't like coilovers mind  but as long as you're happy that's all that matters and reviewing them would be great for others who might think of changing to Vogtlands 

[AJP]

I know I said pics next week, but I got cracked on with a preliminary adjustment today.

Rears have 10mm left to go down, fronts about 15mm. If anything I'll leave the front and drop the rear a tiny bit, but I'll see if it settles any more and go from there.





I'm really impressed with these. They feel like KWs. I'm pretty sure I was right in assuming my OEM shocks were goosed - it's actually a smoother drive at low speeds. I'm yet to really drive it with any 'enthusiasm' but so far - fingers crossed - there's no rubbing at all.

Result.

[Paradox1]

Your car looks spot on. Im glad your happy with the new coilovers.

If you havent already, its well worth getting front a rear anti rollbars. They truly do handle like its on rails. the turn in is even more direct.

[AJP]

Your car looks spot on. Im glad your happy with the new coilovers.

If you havent already, its well worth getting front a rear anti rollbars. They truly do handle like its on rails. the turn in is even more direct.

Thanks mate

Yeah ARBs are on the long list of things to do. Will probably look at sorting the wishbone bushes too, either an ALK or TT/S3 bush.

Slowly but surely it's coming together.

[pudding]

I forgot you had a "Should I stay or should I go now...." thread.   I'm glad you've bonded with the old girl again 

All your mods are working out great by the sounds of it, which is also cool 

[Paradox1]

Your car looks spot on. Im glad your happy with the new coilovers.

If you havent already, its well worth getting front a rear anti rollbars. They truly do handle like its on rails. the turn in is even more direct.

Thanks mate

Yeah ARBs are on the long list of things to do. Will probably look at sorting the wishbone bushes too, either an ALK or TT/S3 bush.

Slowly but surely it's coming together.

Not sure what condition your current bushes are in but if there not causing a problem or are badly worn I wouldnt bother. imi so pleased with my car with the way it handles im not going to bother with wishbone bushes until they need replacing or start to affect the way the car hands.

Just enjoy the car how it is now.

[AJP]

I forgot you had a "Should I stay or should I go now...." thread.   I'm glad you've bonded with the old girl again 

All your mods are working out great by the sounds of it, which is also cool 

Thanks pal. Yeah I had a wobble, but persevered, and here we are! I decided to make it my build thread

Fingers crossed, yes, it's becoming the car I envisioned when I bought it a couple of years ago. Still a long way to go, but I'm happy with the current progress.

Main jobs next are more maintenance than fun and games - service, thermostat, fuel filter and a general checkover. Might get the oil pickup checked for peace of mind.

If I get all the pipework I need for the DV relocation in time I'll get that done too while it's in.

Then it's those cosmetic bits, and hopefully a trouble-free summer.