MK3.5 cabriolet questions,possible upgrades etc.

[gasketface]

Hi all.

Not so long ago i got a 2 litre cabriolet on an X plate.

I'm really not sure what to do with it but it's kinda growing on me.

If i just sell it on i will only clean it up a bit and let it go at that but i'm thinking about keeping it for a while.

Problem is i have a really nice set of 16 inch split rims to go on it but they are VW 5 stud,5 x 100.They fit a GTI perfectly.

Is there a straighforward way to fit these at all,can i use GTI mk3 hubs,rear discs etc,calipers as well if possible.

Also,i would want to lower it a bit on coilies but i'm not sure if the 3.5 uses mk4 or mk3 shocks.

I also have a full stainless exhaust for a 2 litre 8 v gti,would that fit straight on ?.

I can't get it out of the garage at the mo to check this all out as i have another car stuck outside which won't be moveable for a while.

Any advice on upgrading this particular model would be much appreciated.I'm not looking to go nuts with it,only to make it look a bit cooler than it does as standard,the exhaust changing option is only because i have it spare.

Thanks in advance 

[itavaltalainen]

The mk4 convertibles are mk3.5... looks like a mk4 but technically it is a mk3.

You can fit 5 stud hubs from mk3, same for suspension, though you need to get some mk3.5 convertible specific coils (weight is the key factor). Exhaust from mk3 GTI will fit but you may need to fiddle with mounts, not entirely sure how it will mount on convertible compared to normal hatch, only ever done exhausts on my 2 mk3 estates.

If you end up swapping complete axles off a GTI and it has different brakes you probably have to swap master brake cylinder too (different piston sizes). The other thing to watch out for is ABS and rear axle brake regulation.
In X reg car you should not have the brake force reg on rear beam anymore, but have a look.

[hardmonkeys]

I've just done a 8v auto to 16v manual engine conversion on a mk3.5 Cabrio from a mk3 Gti 16v and had to change all running gear aswell,

Hubs on the 3.5 have a different ball joint on the Wishbones so both need to be swapped, although this might if been 16v related...maybe someone can help further here

The exhaust on the 8v has a smaller diameter bore from downpipe back than the 16v so yes you can use the s/s you have

You'd need to change only the discs (and bearings) to 5/100 ones on the back as the calipers and pads are the same, if you need a reg number for ordering, use P804GNT, that car has been scrapped now, I have cert of destruction, but it's still on ECP and GSF databases as a gti 16v

[gasketface]

Thanks all.

As said above i thought i might be able to just change the rear discs to gti one's so i get the 5 studs i'm after.

I'm now wondering if i can just change the front hubs from 4 stud to 5.Pressing them in and out can be a pain but it would be the most straightforward way to do it.

http://www.eurocarparts.com/ecp/c/Volkswagen_Golf+Cabriolet_2.0_2001/p/car-parts/car-transmission/transmission-parts/wheel-bearing-and-wheel-hub/?629440041&1&497e9ebf01eb135d66497c52fbced08c1992d927&000602

ABS ring looks like it's interchangeable between both hubs

http://www.eurocarparts.com/ecp/c/Volkswagen_Golf_2.0_1998/p/car-parts/car-transmission/transmission-parts/wheel-bearing-and-wheel-hub/?629440361&1&78d9c43c5bf7009d0560318193bbfb647b95eca0&000602

I know the driveshafts have the same spline but i'm not sure if the caliper brackets and calipers will fit the cabby carriers and align with the discs.

I do'nt really want to get into changing all the wishbones etc,easier just to buy more wheels.

I should be able to get the car out of the garage within a few days so i will have a closer look at everything then.

Thanks for your help 

[hardmonkeys]

I couldn't as mine was auto and the shafts were different but I can't see why you couldn't if your cabriolet is manual. Ask madmanmart on here. The man is full of knowledge, I don't think i could of done my engine change without him.

I didn't really want to change the wishbones either but it was a must for me as everthing was different lol. Was easier to change the lot, plus I went 16v so wanted the bigger brakes,