Upgrades, what are some of the best?

[Josho]

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.

[Guy]

suspension, air filter and exhaust are your best mods...

the better handling from a good suspension will improve the car for you massively

[Josho]

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.

[Adam]

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?

[Josho]

They're 120AMP too? Might look out for one of those then. Pulleys are the same size right?

[boneybradley]

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!!

[Josho]

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.

[boneybradley]

buy a max 90a alty and at least an 065 battery then you'll have enough charge and power to start whatever you need!

[Josho]

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.

[boneybradley]

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!!)