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Model specific boards => Golf mk5 => Topic started by: neg on 17 May 2008, 18:09

Title: SWG Vent Pod & Boost Gauge Installed
Post by: neg on 17 May 2008, 18:09
I had a boost gauge in my previous car which was very useful time to time as its a nice and easy way to make sure boost is ok so I though it was about time to get one in the GTI.  Now first problem is you cant have an A pillar pod due to the air bags so it was down to what else was available...

(http://homepage.ntlworld.com/neil.gibbs3/images/gti/boost/Boost3.JPG)

OSIR Vent Pod - not keen on the honeycombe effect
OSIR Centre Console Pod - dont need 2 guages, looks like to much trouble
SWG Vent Pod (http://www.swgmotorsport.com/asps/Search.asp?types=yes&type=Mk5+GOLF) - OEM look, not angled
AWE Vent pod - similar to SWG pod but angled - the problem being its angled for Left hookers so no good for us

So there is was, there was really only one choice. I called up Steve @ SWG and had a chat about the pod, unfortunatley its not angled which I would have preferred but I didnt let this put me off.  He makes the pod himself and supplies the complete unit not just the vent grills like the AWE unit.  The gauge on the web is not the one they use currently, they use the Newsouth gauge which I have seen on the Awesome website so I knew this one would be ok as it matched the OEM colours still.  I took the plunge and ordered the guage and pod and also a fitting kit (£6) just in case I needed it, I asked if it could be posted out that day (Friday) so hopefully I would receive on Saturday as I had some time free.

Saturday morning, special delivery turns up as expected  :smiley:

After doing a little research on here about getting access from the engine bay to the cabin I removed the undertray from the drivers side (unclip the light and OBD port), up in the top right is a rubber grommit - with a cut metal coathanger I pushed it through into the engine bay - took a little finding the other side as I was working on my own and I didnt know where to look for it, I finally found it coming out to the left of the brake fluid container.  Taped the thin boost pipe to it and pulled it back into the cabin.

Next was plumbing up to a vacuum which was pretty easy for me as I had the Forge DV.  I removed one of the blocked outlets and screwed in the Forge supplied nipple (which you get with the DV) connected up the boost pipe (using a larger pipe for the nipple which then connected to the thinner longer pipe) and tie wrapped into place.

(http://homepage.ntlworld.com/neil.gibbs3/images/gti/boost/Boost2.jpg)

Back in the cabin now with the fuse box cover off and plain vent removed (just pushes out) I checked the fitting of the gauge in the pod which was pretty tight so I sanded down the pod slightly until the gauge fit snug, connected up the boost pipe to the back of the gauge and fed that and the wires out of the hole Steve had already put in.  Unplugged the light switch plug, removed the black cover from the wires and scotch locked the red to the grey (no.10) and the black to the brown - connected back up and checked it worked, so far so good (see AWE instructions below)

Next was to connect the boost guage up, again from the rear of the gauge I had the thicker tube which I connected up the the thinner tube which ran into the engine bay. 

Once all this was done, I double checked over everything to make sure I hadn't missed anything and then I put it all back together to test with the engine running which I am glad to say all worked fine, took her for a spin and again everything looked to be fine.

(http://homepage.ntlworld.com/neil.gibbs3/images/gti/boost/Boost4.jpg)

Note:  I ran the pipe from the drivers footwell which I reckon is the best way.  The length of the thinner pipe wouldn't actually fit this way on its own but as I had to connect this to the slightly thicker pipe is worked out ok.  I would be concerned if running it from the passenger footwell as I would think the pipe supplied wont be long enough and to be honest why bother when the route I took looks to be easier.

Although not angled I dont think it will bother me, looks OEM and lights up the same as the dash - what more could you want.

(http://homepage.ntlworld.com/neil.gibbs3/images/gti/boost/Boost1.jpg)

http://www.swgmotorsport.com
http://awe-tuning.com/media/pdf/MK5_VW_Vent_Gauge.pdf (useful instructions  :wink: )

Title: Re: SWG Vent Pod & Boost Gauge Installed
Post by: Hurdy on 17 May 2008, 20:52
Nice mod :cool:

You can come and do mine :wink:
Title: Re: SWG Vent Pod & Boost Gauge Installed
Post by: T88OMM on 17 May 2008, 21:28
Top mod that Neg, looks spot on  :smiley:
Title: Re: SWG Vent Pod & Boost Gauge Installed
Post by: RedRobin on 17 May 2008, 23:08
....Looks very good and not particularly aftermarket. Much better location than down low by the floor shift.
Title: Re: SWG Vent Pod & Boost Gauge Installed
Post by: neg on 18 May 2008, 00:39
Cheers guys. Tested tonight in the dark, it actuall dims with the interior lights too which is nice and it a very good match.

Get one for the RR day!  Took me about 1.5hrs to do but I was taking my time.
Title: Re: SWG Vent Pod & Boost Gauge Installed
Post by: joesgti on 18 May 2008, 11:16
lookin gooood neg, so what psi u running??? im gettin 18psi from a std gti with remap and a few other bits, ive been told it runs at 9psi standard, is yours an ed30?? : )
Title: Re: SWG Vent Pod & Boost Gauge Installed
Post by: neg on 18 May 2008, 12:56
Mine's a 'original' GTI, only been out once but it seems to peak about 18 then drops back to 15-16 from what I saw yesterday.  I will keep an eye on it over the next few days.  Obviously as it changes gear the boost builds back up.

My old LCR ran about 12psi standard and 18 odd remapped.
Title: Re: SWG Vent Pod & Boost Gauge Installed
Post by: joesgti on 18 May 2008, 13:12
yea good stuff, what remap have you got?? also what bhp did you run last RR day?? id look but i dont have a good connection : )
Title: Re: SWG Vent Pod & Boost Gauge Installed
Post by: gazbutmk5gti on 18 May 2008, 13:21
Looks mint that neg, u wanna fit 1 for me :smiley:
Title: Re: SWG Vent Pod & Boost Gauge Installed
Post by: neg on 18 May 2008, 13:51
256 on the last run, Revo S2

SWG supplied the pod in the Awesome Demo GTI too if anyone saw that one.

Gaz, you and Hurdy can have a fitting race on the 7th  :grin:
Title: Re: SWG Vent Pod & Boost Gauge Installed
Post by: Hurdy on 18 May 2008, 14:56
256 on the last run, Revo S2

SWG supplied the pod in the Awesome Demo GTI too if anyone saw that one.

Gaz, you and Hurdy can have a fitting race on the 7th  :grin:

Bagsy you in my corner then  :wink: