GolfGTIforum.co.uk
Model specific boards => Golf mk3 => Topic started by: Josho on 06 March 2009, 19:56
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I'm starting to clean up the interior on my car now. Unsure if I'm respraying it now, as my dad thinks it's not worth it. I'm not really sure as it's quite rust free and I thought I could just upgrade the engine ect. But then he pointed out I can't work 'til after my GCSE's so I won't really have the money, and when I get the money, the time to respray before starting to drive.
So, I'm starting to do a little bodywork ect.
Anyway, what are some of the best things to upgrade to get a nice ride out of the car? I'm already upgrading the wiring and the lights on the car, steering wheel and pedals ect. but what are some of the best things to do?
I'm thinking of adjustable collies so I can drop it 40mm (insurance) and then trying to fabricate some kind of skid plate. Obviously all the looks ect but I'm thinking of comfort.
Like, is there anyway of simply upgrading the brakes slightly, not alot just why not make them better?
Alternator, is there an easy way of upgrading that? There's a 60AMP in there I think at the moment, would a Sharan 120AMP VR6 one fit?
Just little things, and also, cosmetic I know, but one of the things I like about the MK4 and 5 is all the covers, that make the bonnet seem cleaner and fresher, is there any I could put on it?
Thanks.
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suspension, air filter and exhaust are your best mods...
the better handling from a good suspension will improve the car for you massively
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Yeah. No easy way of upgrading to ABS is there? Am I right in thinking that no MK2's had it?
Cause some of the brakes off the MK2 are a straight swap aren't they?
Already thinking of air filter, hate the stock box, it's massive. I need a new exhaust anyway, so that's a must.
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Regards with the alternator - Had a look on Vag-cat. The VALEO alternators look the same as the Sharans.....???
what about the Golf VR6 alternator, they are 120amp?
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They're 120AMP too? Might look out for one of those then. Pulleys are the same size right?
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Why do you want 120amp?? I run 1 x 800w and 1 x 60w amps on a 90amp as without a big enough battery to use the amp's it would fry my current one!! and for brakes why not buy some 256mm from a 1.8 (I'm 99.5% sure yours will be 239mm?) and if you still want higher power you can fit mk2 vented discs using the 1.8 calipers
oh and any mod's including lowering springs, filters & exhausts all need declaring to insurance!! check prices on confused.com etc std and modifications and make sure you can get cover!!
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Yeah, I've got to be careful. Coilovers are in range, so is a new exhast and alloys.
Alternator, I was just thinking of picking up the biggest I could, just so I won't have to worry, and if I ever get a new car, I can take it out.
Hang on, I'll carry on in a min, dads just hit something.
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buy a max 90a alty and at least an 065 battery then you'll have enough charge and power to start whatever you need!
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Argh. He hit the Golf. Don't blame him though, got his mates van ATM, it is SO different to the Transporter it's untrue! It's a Transit, but seems SO much wider.
Plus the fact that I had moved the Golf, so it was sticking out, left a small dent in the door, white paint over it, but that just comes off, so a T-Cut, although what's the going price for a door?
Anyway I might look into upgrading the brakes, they are probably fine, just I want to make it as safe as possible you know? I'll be driving my younger brothers plus a couple of friends around, so I just wat it safe. I'm not going to be haring it around at 60MPH everywhere or anything like that. Anything to reduce pedal travel for sharper brakes would be awesome. I suppose as it has no ABS decent tyres would be a good idea?
Cheers guys.
I'll look for a 90AMP then. I was thinking of sticking a second battery in as there is a great space for it.
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dont fit a second battery as that brings other issues!! just get a diesel battery (like an 075) as thats twice as powerfull as what you'll have now.
brake wise if it has 239mm discs just get the 256mm later 1.8 brake set up (even though there solid discs you'll notice a good improvement and fit new flexi hoses all round) If you really want vented you want the 1.8 256mm set up and mk2 256mm vented discs and caliper carriers and slim pads (I believe 90 spec gti pads?)
tryes are the most important part of handling/braking as thats what contacts the road.... get some Yokohama, Fulda or toyo's, everyone has there own preferences but I'm very very happy with the fulda's I have fitted.
and regarding mod's..keep it simple (I've spent very very little ££ on mine over the last 3 years and if you compare to how it was!!)
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Yup. All trying to get low mileage second hand parts.
OK, I'll get a big battery then. I'm going to fabriacte a holder with my dad, as there isn't one on mine, and I'm thinking of getting a plastic one off another car and making that fit.
I was thinking of fitting new hoses, as I don't think they've been changed and so will be 17 years old this year. Decent tyres are a must, I'm not going cheap on those. If I have to save up I will. I've seen a nice set of BBS wheels resprayed and the inners are the same colour as my car. Not everyones taste, but for £50 (bidding but seemingly no interest) I might go for them.
Do you think the brake upgrade is worth it? In my mind yes, but you're more experienced LOL!
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If your talking tyres, i have goodyear eagle f1's on mine (front anyway) and they are really good, in wet and dry
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If your talking tyres, i have goodyear eagle f1's on mine (front anyway) and they are really good, in wet and dry
+1 all round
don't skimp on rubber
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Nope. IMO you can have all the braking you want but if you've got crap tyres, then it's useless. Well on non-ABS anyway.
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upgraded brakes can be very worthwhile but it all depends on what the old set up is like...and what you want/need!! the best set up for you I recon is mk3 1.8 front calipers and carriers, 256mm ate power discs (solid) with ate o.e spec pads, new hoses front and rear, dot 4 fluid and new rear cylinders (if needed) with std spec shoes
I have all new brakes on mine but went for quality lockheed discs and pads, new hoses and dot 4 fluid and there near perfect (I drive fast but don't race so drilled discs and green pads etc are not really worthwhile for me!!)
oh and even on abs cars tryes really matter!! mine used to lock up and skid on the rubbish it had when i bought it!!
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upgraded brakes can be very worthwhile but it all depends on what the old set up is like...and what you want/need!! the best set up for you I recon is mk3 1.8 front calipers and carriers, 256mm ate power discs (solid) with ate o.e spec pads, new hoses front and rear, dot 4 fluid and new rear cylinders (if needed) with std spec shoes
I have all new brakes on mine but went for quality lockheed discs and pads, new hoses and dot 4 fluid and there near perfect (I drive fast but don't race so drilled discs and green pads etc are not really worthwhile for me!!)
oh and even on abs cars tryes really matter!! mine used to lock up and skid on the rubbish it had when i bought it!!
OK. I have been looking, our 1.8 brakes are bigger, and so are the drums. You don't think uprated pads will be better?
I'll change the fluid anyway.
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to be honest i personaly wouldnt bother with breaks. i get along nicely with my standard setup, and lets face it the 1.4 lump isnt going to be going fast enough to require bigger setups! a nice to have maybe if you have the time and money.
i also wouldnt personaly bother with engine mods, as you are not going to gain anything from the 1.4. money better spent elsewhere i'd say. I would however recommend coilovers, just had mine fitted, and its like a completly different car! greatly improved the handling!
new interior? gti seats, electric windows etc. Also, why do you want extra power (electrical wise) i have a good 800w sub 4x50ws speakers running perfectly fine, unless your going for something a lot larger i dont see why you would ever need a bigger battery? :huh:
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Quality pads like lockheed,ate etc should be fine!!
I was guessing the 1.4 had smaller discs (I've never actually seen the 239m discs!!) with the rears just give them an overhaul (new cylinders and shoes if needed plus a good grease and clean up as the rears do so little work!)
I agree with with adamrob69 with spending money for so little gain! It all depends on what you want! I upgraded my driver with many extra mods and most were pointless but I learnt lot's about the mk3 from doing so..
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Yup, this is a learning curve. :smiley:
Wanted to upgrade the brakes for peace of mind, not looking at engine performance, as like said, it's a 1.4 pretty pointless. Would like a decent stainless steel system, lifelong sort of thing, air filter, well I just don't like the box, I might stick a 94 1.4 air box in there or something.
Wanted to upgrade electrical as I am installing a PC in there, and would be nice to run it while the engine is off, I'd like the alternator, as I'm looking at some spotlights (seen a cleaver idea on this, actuators so spot lights pop out underneath so hidden normally) because I'll be using country lanes frequently.
I also think the alternator is on it's way out, it makes noises alot and putting full beam on causes even the stock radio to die a bit. Thought it would be chance to upgrade.
1000'th post!!!
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Get a build thread on that PC build Josho..
(Well done on 1k posts Josho)
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Lol thanks mate.
Will do when I get started. I've got most of the parts, need a bigger 2.5 drive, or I might go removable SSD.
Doing some wiring work on the car first.
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SSD - V.overpriced ..... I have a few 2.5" drives laying somewhere.
how do you plan on turning the system off? I did think about it but decided it would be easer to put a laptop in....just for the power options.
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SSD - V.overpriced ..... I have a few 2.5" drives laying somewhere.
how do you plan on turning the system off? I did think about it but decided it would be easer to put a laptop in....just for the power options.
Well, I was thinking of a few options. Maybe a switch in the dash, or have it come on with the ignition. Another idea was wired to the alarm, so when you unlock the car the laptop turns on under it's own battery power, then an inverter fires up on ignition.
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sounds interestin..
just been having a look at this.. http://www.stromgmbh.de/carpc/ (http://www.stromgmbh.de/carpc/)
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sounds interestin..
just been having a look at this.. http://www.stromgmbh.de/carpc/ (http://www.stromgmbh.de/carpc/)
Thanks for the link. Also been looking on MP3car.net.
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sounds interestin..
just been having a look at this.. http://www.stromgmbh.de/carpc/ (http://www.stromgmbh.de/carpc/)
Thanks for the link. Also been looking on MP3car.net.
funny as I was just about to post this... http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/show-off-your-project/129712-vw-golf-mkiv-custom-laptop-install-dvd-radio-bluetooth-wifi-usb-pics.html (http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/show-off-your-project/129712-vw-golf-mkiv-custom-laptop-install-dvd-radio-bluetooth-wifi-usb-pics.html)
now looking for an excuse to install my mactop into my car
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Yeah, I've gotta save for a touch screen first.
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hmmm.. there must be a way to install a laptop into my mk3... but can't figure out a valid reason why? :huh:
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josho - in search of brake info I came across this http://forum.performancevwmag.com/viewtopic.php?p=198421&sid=e3eedec80c058322431bdebbdc92184b (http://forum.performancevwmag.com/viewtopic.php?p=198421&sid=e3eedec80c058322431bdebbdc92184b)
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Yeah, I've gotta save for a touch screen first.
Do not go for a cheep one on eBay, I know some horror stories about the cheepy ones.
hmmm.. there must be a way to install a laptop into my mk3... but can't figure out a valid reason why? :huh:
Sat Nav, TV, Vag-com, rear/front cams, games, bragging rights
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hmmm.. there must be a way to install a laptop into my mk3... but can't figure out a valid reason why? :huh:
Sat Nav, TV, Vag-com, rear/front cams, games, bragging rights
cameras you say - been thinking about installing in car CCTV for a while... hmmm :evil:
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http://www.mp3car.com/vbulletin/search.php?searchid=5886254
Alot of very good installs, for inspiration. Just bought a new hear unit, sort'ov wished I didn't now......I love my new head unit though... :evil: ALPINE-IDA-X305 :evil:
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Sounds like you got quite a bit you're wanting to do there Josho, all respect to you bud :) hope you can pull it off.
I should probably get a bigger battery as I mine suffers at times, and I usually have my music pretty loud, which drains power.