GolfGTIforum.co.uk

Model specific boards => Golf mk3 => Topic started by: drc12369 on 23 November 2012, 20:00

Title: Shouldnt i notice a difference?
Post by: drc12369 on 23 November 2012, 20:00
So ive had my cambelt done, a full oil change and a gearbox mount fitted as the old was rusted away and to be honest the car feels no different? Ideas on what i can do to actually feel my moneys worth? KnN air filter,spark plugs n back box?(as it sounds tinny & rattly anyway) Im not looking for out and out performance, its just an 8v, but i want the car to feel solid, reliable with a little go but im just not feeling it  :undecided:
Title: Re: Shouldnt i notice a difference?
Post by: MereKat on 23 November 2012, 20:17
TBF anything that helps the car breathe easier will make improvements. Mod the stock airbox and stick a panel filter in it and a free-er flowing exhaust to compliment it. Sparks plugs and leads may do something, but as you say it's only an 8v, it's not designed as a performance car. With the money spent getting more power, and the extra insurance costs after declaring the mods, you may aswell get a 16v...
Title: Re: Shouldnt i notice a difference?
Post by: drc12369 on 23 November 2012, 20:36
Im not after mad power, i would of just gone for a different car if that was the case. I just want everything to feel solid and reliable. Ive had the car 3 weeks but it came with no history. You can see by me getting cam belt n oil done first im not after power. I just wanna make it feel solid and perform as it should without worrying ill damage something over 4000 revs
Title: Re: Shouldnt i notice a difference?
Post by: dom on 23 November 2012, 21:57
Your doing the right thing by getting it mechanically sound before thinking about mods. What exactly doesn't feel 'right' about the car? We talking engine? handing?
Title: Re: Shouldnt i notice a difference?
Post by: drc12369 on 23 November 2012, 22:11
Well the handling feels tight which im guessing is just the power steering belt, it is ropey and is down to do next with the alternator belt and spark plugs. The fluid was almost empty when i got it. Ive topped up break fluid power steering and antifreeze. Ive rear pads to sort the handbrake adjustment out. Maily the engine gives a rattly sound if you give it anything except the lightest of touches?  hoping its just the back box. What i really need is someone who knows their sh!t to go over it with a fine tooth combe then give me a plan of attack, highest priority first.
Title: Re: Shouldnt i notice a difference?
Post by: thai-wronghorse on 23 November 2012, 22:54
If its rattles youve got it might be worth checking out the downpipe and heat shields.
Title: Re: Shouldnt i notice a difference?
Post by: dom on 23 November 2012, 23:43
If its rattles youve got it might be worth checking out the downpipe and heat shields.

This, my 8v rattled like crazy and it was the front heat shield. A big jubilee clip around it to clamp it tight against the exhaust solved it :wink:
Title: Re: Shouldnt i notice a difference?
Post by: drc12369 on 24 November 2012, 09:14
How do i access it? Can i just reach in the engine bay? i dont have access to a ramp. i have zero mechanical skills so any help is appreciated, could you post a pic? Cheers
Title: Re: Shouldnt i notice a difference?
Post by: dom on 24 November 2012, 12:17
How do i access it? Can i just reach in the engine bay? i dont have access to a ramp. i have zero mechanical skills so any help is appreciated, could you post a pic? Cheers

I did it with the car on axle stands.

Jack the car up, lower it onto axle stands, crawl underneath & it will be obvious if the heat shield is touching the exhaust.
Title: Re: Shouldnt i notice a difference?
Post by: thai-wronghorse on 24 November 2012, 12:35
As above.
Title: Re: Shouldnt i notice a difference?
Post by: Len on 26 November 2012, 12:41
Not really worth doing much to an 8v performance wise.
Title: Re: Shouldnt i notice a difference?
Post by: drc12369 on 26 November 2012, 13:06
I know, i just want it to be solid and reliable. Gonna do spark plugs n rear brake pads on weekend. And look at the bloody annoying rattle