1.8 turbo performance

[New Duncan]

Hi Folks

I signed up yesterday- there is another Duncan here, so I'm a newbie

I've just bought a 2001 mk4 Golf 1784cc turbo in silver.

Nice car, that my Misses liked, has pretty alloys too  . But completely naff exhaust system.  :embarassed: Does the engine breathe properly thru that skinny pipe ?

Trouble is folks, it doesn't have that much go. 150 horses ? skinny horses I'd say.

I collect the car tomorrow. Ok you experts.. ....tell me what to do and exactly where to go to fix this situation;

Points to note:

1) The Oil is black because the car was owned before by a young fashion geek.
2) Plugs not changed for 25000 miles, checked service records
3) Spare tyre was bald like a F1 slick, but the servicing dealer said nothing on the last invoice - hmmmn
4) Filter for the turbo induction ?? where to look. Not a bit like the 2 x hard garratt turbos on a Saab turbo I had nearly 20 years ago.

These engines are strong, cos it seems they can take the zero attention from trendy geeks. Engine still sounds very sweet at 48k miles, which is why I said yes. Also the inside is really clean.

Once I've done the basics: What do I do next: Which are the best Plugs ?http://

Looking forward to hearing from you guys.  BTW, does the traction control actually work on this model.

Thanks 

New Duncan
BMW 325I Coupe sport - Lux pack - cosmo
VW Golf 1.8 turbo - silver

[Ivor Mk4 Turbo]

Depending on your type of engine (The engine code should be on the sticker in your spare wheel well), you should easily be able to get between 195 & 230 bhp if you have your car 're-mapped' by Revo or Jabbasport etc.  This will depend on:-

- Uprated exhaust or not.  (Milltek exhausts come highly recommended on here - Am tempted to try the blueflame option myself, though. (Cheap on ebay & direct from factory)).

- Induction Kit.  (Make sure the filter is NON oil based, or your MAF sensor will clog up).

The following re-map figures for the various 1.8 T 20v's are approximate & depend on exhaust, filter & who's rolling road it is etc., but they should give you a good idea of what's obtainable! 

AGU = 150 bhp - Throttle cable, KO3 turbo, 5 speed :- Re-map to 195-210 bhp.

ARZ = 150 bhp - Drive-By-Wire, KO3 turbo, 5 speed.  :- Re-map to 195-210 bhp.

AUM = 150 bhp - DBW, VVT, KO3s turbo, 5 speed  :- Re-map to 220-230 bhp.

AUQ = 180 bhp - DBW, VVT, KO3s turbo, 6 speed  :- Re-map to 220-230 bhp.

How long ago was the last service?  Was it 25k ago when the plugs were done?

I'd get the oil, plugs & filters done first, if it were my motor.....  Sounds like it needs a good service.

[New Duncan]

Thank you Ivor wk4 turbo,

Yes with 190 under the hood my Misses will not dissapear out of sight from my rear view mirror   ...ha ha

No seriously, we bought the car with more congested roads in mind, being 1781cc she should be light maintenace fuel wise for the Summer town traffic and spritely when finally opening out on the open A roads.

I have a very careful foot in heavy traffic.  Those Jerks who muck about at the lights give me the pip.

Don't worry we have camera locations on sat nav.

Being  sensible, we shall do all the usual stuff.  We have the same car as you without the manifold and ECU mods, - therefore please advise
What Plugs please ?
Which oil please ?
Which induction filter please ?

When she is performing as normal, we shall go further. Frankly, with a four pot, I'd be very happy with a proper 180 horses at say 4500 rpm. I don't want to burn petrol for the sake of it.  I can do this in complete luxury in the BM

I'm looking forward to this baby. Some cars have an emotional pull of their own, whilst others are bread vans with windows....

Look forward to hearing from you again, re above

Thank you

Duncan

[New Duncan]

Thank you Ivor wk4 turbo,

I have the more recent AUM engine, I've done some homework, and I have started on the right foot. I checked it was a detuned TT engine before agreeing to buy it.

You have properly confirmed the technical info. Thank you. I next need a decent WS manual.

I will check the physical engine plate to make sure it agrees with the V5  registration document tomorrow, and when I take delivery.

[Ivor Mk4 Turbo]

Use OE 'Quantum? Gold' 10W40 oil (IIRC) from VW, along with genuine plugs. Expensive aftermarket plugs are a waste of money, IMO, as all they do is last longer.  (I prefer to change the cheaper OE ones more regularly).

As far as I.K.'s go, they tend to amplify the sound that the diverter valve makes when you lift off the gas - Which is a bit of a 'chatter' sound.  Not to everyone's taste.  Maybe go for a Green replacement element, if any extra noise is not required.

I went for the BMC CDA I.K., which I have to say, I'm very impressed with.

Also, buy an uprated Forge alloy diverter valve, as the rubber diaphragm in the OE Bosch one, has a habit of splitting.

[New Duncan]

Thank you Ivor

You are  quick to respond, I appreciate that

I collected the " Pocket Rocket - to be" today. Quickly put extra oil in just to water down the dirty stuff when driving home. The level was below the weave pattern on the stick (for crying out loud).

Still, that 1781cc block is strong for sure, still very sweet even after abuse.

I'll get the plugs from VW, but I'll probably go for Castrol 10w - 40w fully synthetic. I use Castrol 10w - 60w Formular RS in the BM, this way, I may top up with left overs when it suits me.

Re - the filters, like you said, I'm not into noise, just gets attention, doesn't improve performance !  you said "The BMC CDA I.K., which I have to say, I'm very impressed with." You get this from Continental Car Specialist or Euro Car Parts or Brown Bros, I'll check.

What is the Green replacement element ? as opposed to original OE element, where do you acquire this one ?

Sorry Ivor, too many questions, I'll be up to speed eventually.

Also, 180 bhp at 5500 rpm would be just fine for me, who does the remapping for this 30 bhp uprating ? I won't need anymore. I do low mileage so plan to keep this unit for quite a while.

I spent 3 hours getting all that tar and general road crap, wheel arches soil and line paint etcetera of the Mk4 Turbo, I have to say, it is a sweet looking baby for sure now. The VW standard turbo alloys for this model year, suit the car very well. BTW, the tyres on the car are rubbish, and in very poor condition, Those crummy P6000 crack all around the sidewall at the edge of the tread - very poor indeed.  What make do you recommend ? I will stick with the high profile though,  205/55/16, because they fill the wheel arches quite well.

Many thanks for your advice 


cheers Duncan

[Stu-1.8T]

Hi Duncan

I've got Bridgestone Turanza tyres on mine. They have lasted pretty well but you dont get much feedback / grip in the wet.

The 1.8t does seem to be a very strong engine. Mine has just passed the 80k mark, but it drives perfectly having been serviced at VW every 10k without fail. You're car will have years of life with that mileage.

Have you got Montreal 2 wheels like mine?.... They do look quite nice when they are clean, but look after them as they seem to corrode a bit (i've noticed a few bubbles starting to appear on mine)

Would like to see a few pics of your car aswell

Stu

[New Duncan]

Hello Stu,

Yep, I now have exactly the same model as you. I won't bother with a photo, because yours is so good 

The alloys, yes Montreal 2 as you say. VW needed to put more epoxy (2 pack) clear glaze on them in manufacturing process. Once the silver lacquer has been chipped, water gets behind and corrodes the alloy metal beneath.

The best manufactured wheels I've ever had on any car, were BMW 7 series wheels made in 2000. They are NOT the prettiest,  but will look pucker for years.

Car body paint on the Mk4 turbo though is excellent, however where the rear wheel arches joint the bottom sill, the welding is poor and a bit crude.

Also, the black plastic trim below the front screen and extending under the bonnet is all loose and floppy.....what is that all about ? On my car the plastic trim at the bottom corners of the screen where the front wings marry in shape to the front screen pillar are missing both sides. I suspect professional vandalism from an Insurance windscreen change by total monkeys. Looking at other cars, it is a wing and a prayer that these bits of plastic don't curl-up and drop off after being cooked in the sun.

Nice car all in all, but some build issues in the panel alignment. Question ?
Is your bonnet totally true to the curve of wings both sides all of the way screen to headlamp ? I will need to adjust mine quite significantly. There is no sign of post manufacturing Bodyshop mucking about / poor workmanship. I will get under my car later to check this completely.

One allways misses some things when buying a used car.
Front discs are nearly buggered at 48k, need to do loads of routine maintenance, still I hope to be rewarded for my effort 

She is a nice drive, steering almost "go cart like", and loads of fun.

Not sure about the blue and red lighting on an otherwise Germanic instrument binnacle.....what is that all about ?  As for drink cup holders just above one's music system, that is mental. A small accident there, and the whole area gets covered in sticky drink, that then pours into the cigar lighter aperture 

When I've got the car right, I shall pursue the 180 bhp option, I don't want more. Rear discs are a tad small as well.

All in all, the best value hot hatch back in this sector in 2001/2002, and still very good today. Expensive to acquire nice MK4 turbos though........but you generally get what you pay for.

Oddly enough, I don't like the new Mk5 rear styling, those bubble lights look Japanese ! and even more jelly mold in overall appearance.......but that is me.

I Think I may go with Continental Contisport 2 tyres, still not sure. Conti's are good in high profile as they have an upright side wall that does not 'cave in' when cornering hard....we shall see.