Golf 1.8 T GTI - idling problems & bhp upgrade questions

[b16ful]

Hi

Just bought a 2000 mk4 1.8 T GTI 150bhp, only had it about a month and its always had a slight idling problem.  Recently it has got really bad and some times it revs really low about 600rpm, then bounces up and down, sometimes send vibrations down the car & other times the revs just drop off and it stalls.  Has anyone had this problem before and if so whats the problem, how easy/much to fix etc....

Also whats the best option to upgrade the 150bhp to around the 180-200 mark, costs, performance etc...

Cheers

Jonny

[Phil_M]

The first thing you should try is cleaning your throttle body, they do get fairly dirty and will have this affect.

[b16ful]

Yeah someone else mentioned that too me, is this something I can easily do myself??

[Phil_M]

Yes its very easy.

1. Undo jubilee clip and remove boost hose.
2. Remove small hose on top of throttle body.
3. Unclip throttle cable.
4. Remove 4 x allen bolts.
5. Once removed just spray some carb cleaner or brake cleaner in throttle body and clean out using cloth and some cotton buds to get to the awkward bits.

Just check the gasket is ok before refitting and make sure you don't get anything in the intake manifold.

Hope this helps.