GolfGTIforum.co.uk
Model specific boards => Golf mk5 => Topic started by: davoaj on 05 August 2012, 19:37
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Afternoon everyone!
Been a while since I've been on here after having lost my 56 plate GTi back in 2010, but surprise surprise the VAG itch is back.
Currently driving an E90 330i, which is a very capable car but I just don't have the same connection with it that I had with the GTi. In between car was a MKII GTi 16 valve, which obviously had a fair bit of character as well
Anyway, whilst I crave the GTi daily drive again, I'm understandably not so keen on the attention a GTi attracts. So, I'm thinking of getting a five door GTi and doing a GT conversion. Crazy I know, and far from what the forum would usually experience but I'm looking to go a little more understated!
In my mind, I'd do the following to start with:
1. Replace grills with GT grills - is this a straight swap? Cost doesn't seem prohibitive.
2. Alloys off, replace with either some charlstons or maybe some 17" CH's.
3. De badge obviously
4. Calipers painted anthracite
Anything else worth thinking of?
Would keep all parts so I could put it back if I wanted to. But I don't think this would cost much really, wheels aside.
What do you reckon guys? (braces himself for ridicule :laugh: )
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Just remap a GT and you'll have the performance and the looks you want?
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For the cash and the novelty I'd prefer the GTI. Having had one, I wouldn't be happy moving to a GT.
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I would't go to all that bother just to keep a few d*ck heads off your back. If you're buying a GTi - keep it like a GTI - otherwise it's a but pointless is getting one.
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What about a few idiots in your living room with a sledge hammer and balaclavas?
I get your point mate, shouldn't have to consider this kind of thing.
All I'm saying though is that even after 2 1/2 years without my GTi, I still miss it and am just interested to discuss the practicalities of getting another and making it look even more subtle.
Bear in mind, this is as a family hatch and not a bachelor's pride and joy. I'm not after the wow factor, just something that gives me a smile every time I get behind the wheel.
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A GTI in standard form is hardly shouting "come on, race me"
If d1ckheads want to try it on, surely you're big enough to ignor them. Or could the truth be that it's you that wants to sneak up on Saxos and show them what your Golf can do?
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Didn't mention anywhere about wanting to avoid racing.
The last GTi I had was stolen by an armed gang, this is the attention I am looking to avoid.
Looks like the grill swap can be done, as can everything else rather inexpensively aside from the wheels. So it's an option.
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We got burgled a couple of months ago, but I won't let the basstards stop me from having the things I want for fear of them getting nicked again.
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Sorry to hear that mate.
I was the same, we got burgled whilst on holiday a few years ago. They came for the car but I had the keys with me, sure enough they came back a month later and made sure I was in that time.
I'm happily driving around in the 330i now, but still hanker after another MkV. It's just the psycholgocial element of it, another GTi..
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It's all changeable ... Best price up at the dealers but it won't be cheap knowing what they want for Grills etc
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Makes sense now, I am sure you would be able to find a willing GT Sport owner to take the bits off you no bother and swap some other bits, remember to drop the side skirts too.
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Good point on the side skirts.
How are they fixed on?
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Selling my 17" gt sport alloys with tyres if ur interested
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Cheers mate, not bought the car yet though.
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Just keep your eyes peeled on flee bay, things that your after probably come up often, start by pricing things and see if it's do-able...
Obviously your have to account for the expense of the GTI...
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Started to do it already, given the parts I'm after are not in huge demand it seems there may be some bargains.
Wheels will have to wait for a while though, not as easy to store!
Happy to stretch the budget on the GTi side though :grin:
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arent the side skirts simply stuck on, so in theory can just be warmed up and peeled off. What you'll find underneathe though is a different matter.
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MK5s arent worth what they used to be. Thieves will target MK6 Rs and GTIs over the MK5 GTI these days.
If you really must a simple change of wheels, a new grille and a debadge and you are there (I really would bother with the side skirts, thieves aren't that clever). Id also get the grille from the dealer to ensure its a OEM part. Might not be cheap but will be worth it.
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Agree with that AlanD, think I'd leave the side skirts on. Would probably go for new grills as well, not too costly in the grand scheme of things.
Pretty certain on doing this now, even got the Mrs onboard. Think I'll have to wait until the new year before starting to properly search for the right car though.
Very hard to resist the draw of the Golf, and there seem to be some very well priced cars about at the moment. Will definitely be holding out for xenons this time and have broadened the colour options from only graphite blue, to shadow blue and reflex silver. Only other option that I consider a must have is the arm rest.
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Bare in mind that the blue and silver where all discontinued after a few years (Im not sad enough to remember the specific years) on the MK5 so will be harder to find than others. Shouldn't really make much difference as there are plenty out there but just something to rememberer.
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Didn't realise they were discontinued, adds to the rareity a little though which is good.
I know graphite blue is very hard to find, was after one of them in a 3 door back when I got my first MkV in 2008. Went with steel grey in the end.
For me the graphite blue is the MkV equivalent of oak green in the MkII.