Driving the 16v!

[Godzilla]

Well i have now owned my GTI 16v for just over 2 weeks now. Very impressed with the build quality of the car. So far seems easy for diy jobs to be done and happy with the economy. I must admit im finding the performance tricky to get used to as there is not much pull until it passes 4000rpm. I have heard the 8v pulls strongly from low revs but not driven one so cant comment. The handling is great. Previous owner had Bilstien shocks and had it lowered 40mm all round. Got a few more things to do....must get rid of the Pipercross filter for one, im sure its causing my car to judder! It judders when the engine is warm so i think the filter is drawing in too much hot air? Overall a good car and very happy  .

[Haribo!]

good to hear, im gettin one today!!

[carpetmonster]

you have made the right choice 16v all the way.I had a eight valve and it is true what they say it does seem to pull a lot better at low revs.But 16v have the power at top end or is it bottom end .

[monzablue16v]

Well i have now owned my GTI 16v for just over 2 weeks now. Very impressed with the build quality of the car. So far seems easy for diy jobs to be done and happy with the economy. I must admit im finding the performance tricky to get used to as there is not much pull until it passes 4000rpm. I have heard the 8v pulls strongly from low revs but not driven one so cant comment. The handling is great. Previous owner had Bilstien shocks and had it lowered 40mm all round. Got a few more things to do....must get rid of the Pipercross filter for one, im sure its causing my car to judder! It judders when the engine is warm so i think the filter is drawing in too much hot air? Overall a good car and very happy  .

The performance of the Valver is after 4000rpm mainly this can be improved by fitting a 2.0 litre bottom end from a later golf or Audi. Other than that improving the breathing (without the pipercross!) makes quite a difference refit the original airbox with an uprated panel filter and remove the plastic bungs on the airbox and wing. Add a manifold back full stainless exhaust. A rolling road will help make it a smoother power delivery and you should get more driveability from it.
They are a real nice driving car just got to engage heavy right foot which isn't a problem for me

[rowlers]

me neither!

I like the way the 16v drives, very docile around town etc... but floor it and it flys!

they do lack a bit of torque though.

[Neaty]

stop it you are making me miss my 16v more and more 

they are great though arent they! I didnt find the lack of grunt below 4000rpm to be a problem nor a flaw. I actually quite liked it as if i was having a bit of a do against someone it was mint when they used to think they are beating you then al of a sudden you hit 4000rpm and you are gone! superb!

[Agreeable Slick]

Mine feels like it comes on cam twice, once at about 2.5k, and again at 4k, i love my car, despite all it's hissy fits it has and breaking things all the time, i still love it. Will be even better when i have tinkered with it some more 

[Godzilla]

Excuse me if i sound a bit thick now! (m not very mechanicaly minded!) but why does a 16v GTI pick up after 4000rpm? Also regarding an exhaust system, do they really make a differance in performance or is it purley for show and noise?

[Neaty]

I dnt really know why 16valves pick up later on in the revs but I am sure someone can explain, but with regards to exhausts, if you get a full stainless steel system including a 4 into 1 manifold then it does increase ur power aswell as making it sound different.

[kkh120]

I've read reports that using a 42mm inlet manifold inside of the 50mm one trades some of the high end power for lower end torque. Depends what you're after.