Advice on Golf GTi 1.8T mk4, 1999

[CarlGallagher]

Hi Guys,

Im about to buy my first Golf, its a 1999, 5 door, MK4 GTi 1.8T  , has a few little mods which are Bailey dump valve and K&N induction Kit and covered about 85k on the clock.

Please can you help with common issues or things to look for before i hand over cash and perhaps a heads up on the MODS fitted are they good or should i remove and replace with better/more reliable mods.

Thanks in advance

[benmanc]

Everybody would suggest removing the dump valve and fit a recirculating valve as this 1.8T engine isn't designed for an atmospheric dump.  Common issues include usual stuff, there is a link somewhere what somebody had put together/a checklist but not got it to hand i am sure somebody has

[benmanc]

Also check for usual if it has a FSH and cam belt/waterpump done.

Check all electrics too including door locks etc. and lights/lights on doors as it could be small lock module issues

[daz veedub]

like what was said above

check in here aswell
http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?board=58.0

if its been looked after history wise etc should be ok 

[CarlGallagher]

Thanks Ben for speedy reply.

I was told about dump valve i have a feeling the guy has fitted a recirculating one but still calls it a dump valve.

Im viewing the car at 7pm tonight so its going to be dark which is a pain i know, but i need it before the weekend and work all day.

Is removing a dump valve easyish or will i need some help? This is my first turbo car (petrol that is) and my first moded car. So any advice is very helpfull.

[CarlGallagher]

Thanks Daz,

I found this page to be helpfull if any one else looks at this thread with same question.
http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=38557.0

Thanks again for the quick response, im viewing the car tonight so needed it.

[benmanc]

Yeah easy to remove and replace the valve.  The forge 007p will be around £80/90 ish.  You may need some silicone tubing too as mine was very brittle and snapped.  Also a couple of jubilee clips if you break the ones that are currently on.  Easy job though

[daz veedub]

Thanks Daz,

I found this page to be helpfull if any one else looks at this thread with same question.
http://www.golfgtiforum.co.uk/index.php?topic=38557.0

Thanks again for the quick response, im viewing the car tonight so needed it.

take a torch then and have a good serious look round id hold out tho and wait for daylight 

[benmanc]

Yeah as above the best idea is wait until daylight.  If its a no go then make do with what you can and get it parked up in a well lit area or test drive to a lit car park etc.

[CarlGallagher]

again good advice and yes that would would be much prefered in light but i need it this week multiple reasons wont go into it.

Having done some more research my new concern is the dump valve, Bailey look like they both types but im not sure how i would tell which one it is. When i asked the owner he just said its a bailey dump valve. Once i have purchased the car i have around £450 to £550 to spend on improving/maintence. I have always looked after my cars so making sure they have the best chance at living a fuller life.

Ive already thought about putting £200 into a remap as its at standard 150 bhp at present any other sugestions on what i can do with another £250?

ps owner is happy for me to test drive