OK, I'll chip into this one too!
Firstly, referring only to RedRobin's GTI, I had a look at it at Inters, on the Sunday (when it was dry). I personally don't think any of the major mods were at all chavy, and Robin would be the last person on the planet who you would descrive as a "chav" !!! I agree with other comments on the stickers - not really my taste. The carbon bits, I thought were lush - but it is not something I would personally consider, because I like my cars to have the "Q" car look.
Regarding the "mechanicals" on RRs car; the suspension, whilst I personaly feel no need to upgrade the springs and dampers, I fully support RRs stance that his kit is more "quality", and better engineered, compared to the "compromise" which all production cars are. However, I emphatically agree with better anti-roll bars. These are a component which can dramatically improve handling, without affecting the quality of the ride - so these are a big yesssssss.
The brakes - even on my standard GTI, I personally find them a little "weak", and lacking in feel. I agree that improvements to the brakes on a "tuned" car are a very wise option. Robin has taken quite an extreme choice, with AP racing discs, calipers, and braided hoses. Other less extreme alternatives to consider would be simply replacing the pads for a "fast road" type, (keeping the existing discs, calipers, etc) which provide greater resistance to fade. Or you could change all the flexy rubber brake hoses for braided steel items, which would give a noticeable improvement in "pedal feel" (but don't improve the overall efficiency). Another alternative would be to fit the slightly larger R32 brakes, keeping the OEM look. One thing I would categorically avoid, though, is any kind of "grooved" discs, as these provide no improvement in braking efficiency (dispite what the Max muppets magazines will try to tell you). If I were to change the OEM discs, but keeping the same size, then cross drilled discs would be the only consideration.
The quad exhaust, again personally not my thing, but they do look quality. However, the "aftermarket" exhausts can have a "bad name", and all seem to get tarnished with the same brush. However, Milltek are very, very different. Milltek exhausts are undoubtedly regarded as the leader in exhausts. Their build quality is truely superb, and the fit, finish and function are unparalled. Oh, the sound quality - Milltek produce a very "mature" and unoffensive sound. Yes, they are louder than standard zorsts, but they are NOT "in your face", or obtrusive. To the vast majority of other road users, they probably wouldn't notice any change from standard.
Remaps, again, I fully agree with RR. I'm sure everyone on this forum knows my postition on using only dedicated VAG chip tuners.
Right, that is my comments on RRs car - now for my own take, on my own cars.
I would only personally modify a car if it gave a quantifiable improvement over the standard set-up. I personally would not consider any mods to the bodywork (splitters, spoilers, carbon bits, etc), because I'm at that age where I prefer the "Q" car look.
The warranty issue is another area of concern to me, so I would avoid anything which could jeopardise the warranty. However, there does seem to be certain mods you can carry out, which have no effect on warranty, and the obvious is a cat-back Milltek exhaust. Milltek have been around for such a long time, they really are very well known throughout the Volkswagen Audi Group, and can be trusted not to jeopardise the warranty. I certainly wouldn't be as confident with a warranty claim if I had a Janspeed, or Pico, or other such chav-scum pipe. I also wouldn't be confident with any Superchips remap, and certainly not any of the "custom code" type remaps. It is proven, however, that Revo are a company which (some) stealers will still allow the warranty, and indeed, some stealers are actual Revo installers!
If we now look at my current and recent VAG fleet, my RS4 will probably get a Milltek - that's enough! Bollox - I lie - I will ditch the fcuking lethal Pirelli P-Zero Rossos, and get some boots which actually grip - you don't need to ask what!
My previous S4, I was desparately after improvements to the brakes, but sadly, most of the "info" came from the other side of the pond. There was no definative proof of any quantifiable improvements in braking efficiency. I was going to get the Milltek, but ordered my new RS4, so that was pointless. I changed the standard H7 main beams for some Philips Vision Plus (it had Xenons, but they were the old skool dip-only). I also got some silver OEM Hella rear light clusters, because they looked much better than the "red" clusters on my silver car. I wasn't after more power, so a remap, or any kind of induction kit or revised air filter was not even considered.
Now to the Golf (SWMBOs). I will put a Milltek on it, but it will be the traditional twin outlet, rather than the quad outlet. A "quality" remap will be on the cards too, but after the warranty has expired. I would be very interested in uprated anti-roll bars, and would strongly consider the R32 brakes, with braided hoses.
My two wheeled transport is rather different though. I have done quite a few mods to both my mountain bike, and my CBR600 !!!
