New Here and need some advice

[robw09]

Hi guys and girls, completely new to world of the Mk 2 GTI, but cannot wait to get started.  Apologies for length of the post.....I just want to get things right!!

I am just in the process of buying myself a nice Mk2 1990 8v GTI, but need some advice off those in the know.  It appears in great condition, but there is one piece of work I definitely want to do and one other I am debating.

Definite job is the headlights.  I want to upgrade both the dipped and the spots/main beams and bulbs.  I can follow instructions with no problems and I am prepared to DIY my own loom/relay.  I am getting a little confused over what I need and what is the best way to approach.  It seems I need 3 relays.  1 for each dipped beam and 1 for the spots as a pair.  Is this right to prevent the lose of both dipped beams if a fuse on one went kaput?  If so, does anyone have a link or list of items from a website I need to buy and then build myself or know of anywhere I can buy the complete kit myself and simply install?  Ebay ones all seem to be two relays.  Lastly on this subject am I right with the bulb fitments being H4 Dipped, H3 Spot/Main and H3 fogs and presumably once I have improved the voltage I can fit something along the lines of Osram Nightbreakers?

Phew....

Next, and this is only a debate at this time.  What is the general opinion on changing the ECU to gain a few more bhp?  Is it worth it or should I not bother?

Any advice would be great
Rob

[X4MGS]

Definite job is the headlights.  I want to upgrade both the dipped and the spots/main beams and bulbs.  I can follow instructions with no problems and I am prepared to DIY my own loom/relay.  I am getting a little confused over what I need and what is the best way to approach.  It seems I need 3 relays.  1 for each dipped beam and 1 for the spots as a pair.  Is this right to prevent the lose of both dipped beams if a fuse on one went kaput? 

Yes that correct - BUT I've never seen a Triple Relay version for sale... But there has been a link posted on here before about how to make you're own....

But by the time you price everything up might as well buy a 2 relay version from Ebay.... I have one ready for mine when the voltage drops....

For me 1st thing to do is check the voltage at the bulb socket before buying one... if you re getting more that 10.5V there's not much point doing the loom upgrade... look at Nightbreakers and maybe new headlight units....

 Lastly on this subject am I right with the bulb fitments being H4 Dipped, H3 Spot/Main and H3 fogs and presumably once I have improved the voltage I can fit something along the lines of Osram Nightbreakers?

Yes H4 & H3's...

Next, and this is only a debate at this time.  What is the general opinion on changing the ECU to gain a few more bhp?  Is it worth it or should I not bother?

Can't comment on this as never done one....

Welcome to the forum & Mk2 Ownership - BTW.

 

[Mr Blue]

10v at the lights is very low. With an uprated headlamp loom I get 12v which is a huge improvement.

http://matey-matey.com/uprated_headlight_wiring.shtml

I just used the grey '53' relays.


ECU chip - Don't bother


 

[robw09]

Thanks for replies so far...

Triple Relay version for sale... But there has been a link posted on here before about how to make you're own....

So, I guess what parts do I need to make one up is the question and where to source?

Alternatively
If I cannot DIY a 3 relay can I not purchase two twin relays and have a separate relay for each light?

ECU chip - Don't bother

That is what I sort of thought 

[Steve_B]

Test the voltage at the lights with the engine running. iirc it will show 12v with the ignition off.

[rob.043]

I bought this loom on ebay:

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/vw-golf-mk2-headlight-wiring-loom-upgrade-kit-/270976812717?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item3f177a06ad

Its great, big improvement in brightness on standard bulbs, the two relays operate everything as normal (main lamps and spots). Just get one of these unless you are happy to faff about making one to potentially save a fiver!

As said above, Ive not heard sufficiently good things about chips to bother. Unless you can get a custom chip to optimise other engine changes I would leave it be.

Do check out the digifant tining guide in the maintinance section and run through that with the car to ensure its running as well as it can.

[robw09]

Hi Rob, that is the sort of thing I was looking at.  However, it has 1 fuse for both dipped beams.  So, if the fuse goes I lose both lights, however rare that is I would rather be safe.  Which is why i wondered about getting two of these kits and then for 1 of each set there would be a redundant 3 pin headlight plug and 2 pin spot plug.  Just not sure whether this works or to try to build one myself or basterdise a kit one.

[X4MGS]

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/VW-GOLF-CORRADO-UPRATED-HEADLIGHT-WIRING-LOOM-SAFE-/140772005655?pt=UK_CarsParts_Vehicles_CarParts_SM&hash=item20c6aa5717#ht_2698wt_1377

[tony_ack]

You could just go for a two-relay/fuse loom and carry a spare fuse.

[Loynes]

Are you scared of the dark?