One Year In....

[Johnny5]

Having sold my 2005 Porsche 987S, (to help fund moving house) I needed something cheap that I could fit the kids into and have a bit of fun with. Having had Mk1 & Mk2 GTIs in the past, I'd always wanted a Mk5 and I have definitely made the right choice! Not a fan of newer cars, prefer analogue & stating the obvious, but it does everything and more. Loves the motorway, A Roads, B Roads and the occasional track day. Plan was to keep it standard, not spend much and gradually restore, but that of course didn't last....
So far, now on 110k, full suspension rebuild, new brakes and pads along with braided hoses, poly bushes, remap (to 250bhp) some standard preventative mechanical stuff inc. cam follower and diverter valve and have just bought a stainless cat back 3" exhaust with no middle box/resonator. Will of course find out once it's fitted, but is this going to be embarrassingly loud? Currently on a standard downpipe/cat but also thinking about 3" with sports cat if the gains are worthwhile?
Should I be having the oil pick up, injectors, walnut blasting, chain/guides looked at as a preventative or wait for symptoms and are the R8 style coil packs a worthwhile upgrade with iridium plugs?
All advice appreciated!

[mjmallia]

I would do the oil pickup if there is no history on it.

The inlet carbon clean too......you would be amazed at the crap in there over time.  I have done mine twice with a 7 year gap (and the injectors on the more recent clean) and it runs a lot smoother.  I also did the cam chain, tensioner and the often overlooked phaser.

[Ben]

Good looking GTi, you could copy and paste your mk5 story for mine, as I took the plunge 12 months ago and have been on the same restoration/modifying route as you.
As far as exhaust noise goes - I fitted a Malian 3” non res cat back and was impressed not only with the noise - just the right amount of burble without being obnoxious, but also the build quality. Especially given the price (cheap!) I’ve also just seen they do a downpipe and 200 cell sportcat, so very tempted with that. Would love to get it mapped to the 250bhp level like yours.
This mk5 GTi ownership and slight midlife crisis is an addictive business!!