Which GTI and taking the a GTI on track

[V8EVG]

Hi all

My first post as a new member!!

Really like the look of the site and looking forward to joining in the FTI chat.

Like I guess many of you I am a comfirmed Petrolhead and it is now time to get a GTI. We have had three Golfs ( a Mk2 GTI 8V, MK2 GTI 16V and a MK3 VR6) all of which have been brilliant. We currently have a DMS tuned (520HP) RS6 avant and I have just sold my M3 CSL hence the need for a Golf.

I have been looking around the market and have compared ordering an ED30 GTI DSG from Simpledeal (they seemed very good and offered £2K discount) or buying one of the Motorpoint Dubai specials. Having decided how I would want an ED30 to be it would cost circa £25k inc. discount versus a mega specified Motorpoint car at £19000. A £6K saving and with all the right toys with only a few horse power less and no 1/2 leather. A lack of warranty on a new car does not really worry me and a quick trip to the tuning company will soon give 250 BHP for circa £500. So there's my logic! I can live with the fact they have been sitting for some time and will get all the fluids changed immediately.

And now to track chat.

I live in Edinburgh and have just returned from Oulton Park last week when I foolishly tried to use the RS6 for the day. Piloting nearly two tonnes of estate car around a circuit was not particularly exhilirating and smoking brakes and visible signs of rubber peeling off the tyres did not help!

I would therefore like to use the GTI as a daily car and also combine it with an occasional track day. My gut feel is that like most cars it will quickly show its preference to road driving when on track with soft suspension and brakes that will quickly fade.

I would be really interested to know of any experience that any of you have re tracking your Mark V GTI.

My initial thoughts are to buy new suspension, upgrade the brakes, stiffer anti roll bars and sticky tyres. Unfortunately for family reasons it needs to be a 5dr car, not as rigid I guess but no option for a 3 door.

I am fairly familiar with what can be done to a CSL ( I put Pagid RS29 pads with braided hoses and DOT 4 fluid) which worked pretty well and now just need your help please to assist me buying the right track gear.

It looks like I will go for Tornado Red with the standard GTI trim. It was a toss up between that and Black Magic, but the black car is now sold!

Regards

Jonathan

[V8EVG]

Decision taken! Went to Motorpoint today with a view to buy their 5 Dr DSG in Red. Just before I commited I noticed a black one and asked for it to be put beside the red car. It was a flat black and while I guess it will require some TLC it looked awesome and had a a certain depth in the paint that perhaps a metallic finish does not have.

Tried to negotiate a discount, but not a penny off. Asked for the oil to be changed as while the car was new it has been sitting aroung for 18 months +, but again no!

There seems to be a certain mentality in their trading manner which was rather disappointing, but having said that it was a very competitively priced car.

Hope to get it next week end and then give it some serious detailing!

Now just need to find out what it needs to excel on the track!

Regards

Jonathan

[TagnuT]

Glad to hear that your sorted. Big power difference though.....

[V8EVG]

Sitting here deliberating!

The black car I bought has a mass of dust under the bonnet which is all over the engine bay and looks almost like corrosion on parts like the starter motor. Having wiped a bit with my finger I think that it is probably a combination of dust and moisture and should hopefully wash off.

I have seen a post on another site that the owner rejected his car and posted some pictures of the engine bay which look very similar to the car I have put a deposit on except that I could not see any signs of rust on metal  parts in the engine bay

My choice is to take a Tornado red car that they have which has an immaculate engine bay, but I did rather like the flat black.

Will speak to them tomorrow and see what can be done.

Any other experiences of Motorpoint would be welcome

Thanks

Jonathan

[Phil mcavity]

 Does anyone know the best way to clean the engine?? Powerlanse at the jet wash!!!!, me thinks NO WAY to that one. anyone know the best stuff to use, or method to washing it without risk of flooding electrics?

[V8EVG]

Hi

I love the colour of yours. I saw one at Motorpoint but sadly someone had beaten me to it. Was you car from Motorpoint, do you have the same dust/corrosion look issue as myself?

Thanks

[Phil mcavity]

No mine was bought from Peter Cooper Volkswagen southampton dealers. Have to say great sales and aftersales so far have been 1st class.

[Rhyso]

Does anyone know the best way to clean the engine?? Powerlanse at the jet wash!!!!, me thinks NO WAY to that one. anyone know the best stuff to use, or method to washing it without risk of flooding electrics?

cover up sensitive parts with plastics bags then get some Autoglym Engine & Machine cleaner and spray all over the engine bay; agitate with an old paintbrush and then rinse off with a light pressure of water being careful not to direct too much water near the sensitive stuff.  Then spray on Autoglym Vinyl & Bumper care and then sit back and admire your handywork

Make sure this is done on a COLD engine.  Then fire up the car and take it for a quick drive after you're done.  Petrol cars are more susecptible to water than diesels so take care 

PS - I'm not respsonsible if your motor goes belly up!!

[Teutonic_Tamer]

The black car I bought has a mass of dust under the bonnet which is all over the engine bay and looks almost like corrosion on parts like the starter motor. Having wiped a bit with my finger I think that it is probably a combination of dust and moisture and should hopefully wash off.

I have seen a post on another site that the owner rejected his car and posted some pictures of the engine bay which look very similar to the car I have put a deposit on except that I could not see any signs of rust on metal  parts in the engine bay

You can tell the actual build age of the car by looking at the 10th digit of the VIN.  This applies to cars from all manufacturers with the European (and Aussie) format VIN.  Canada and USA VINs are slightly different! 

[Teutonic_Tamer]

upgrade the brakes,

Golf V R32 brakes might be a thought, particularly if you want to maintain the OEM look.

What about Mintex 1144 pads?  Ever used them? 

And braided hoses would be high on my list for a regular "track tool".

Oh, and welcome to the forum!