MK5 Golf GTI

All Things Mk5 => Mk5 General Area => Topic started by: berg on October 12, 2011, 03:18:05 pm

Title: Worst Modifications to your MK 5 thread...
Post by: berg on October 12, 2011, 03:18:05 pm
We have all seen the various threads about the best modifications to your Mk5 - remap, hpfp, rear arb, bigger brakes etc.

But what are the worst mods you have done to your car? Are there any you have done you have really regretted? Or is it just the case that maybe you are not sure how much benefit they have been?

For me, am not convinced how much use the TT lower arms have been or the WALK kit but maybe that is cause have not been on track yet - front end certainly seems lighter running a bit of negative camber. Also, because the B12 made such a difference I think the other suspension mods I have made can't compare.
Title: Re: Worst Modifications to your MK 5 thread...
Post by: sub39h on October 12, 2011, 03:31:55 pm
someone thoughtfully provided this mod for my car a few months ago

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2Fsub39h%2F2006_Phantom_A3%2FIMG_0556.jpg&hash=96cc898a6d7f426de3079ebdb487b4f6f44619ed)
Title: Re: Worst Modifications to your MK 5 thread...
Post by: big al on October 12, 2011, 04:02:36 pm
FK coilovers and a Milltek backbox,
Ride was awful, and the backbox was so low that it collected snow last winter, and I would often make sparks fly as it was that low that when drove over coke cans they would get wedged! :signLOL:

Good mods on their own though I suppose.
Title: Re: Worst Modifications to your MK 5 thread...
Post by: berg on October 12, 2011, 04:34:31 pm
FK coilovers and a Milltek backbox,
Ride was awful, and the backbox was so low that it collected snow last winter, and I would often make sparks fly as it was that low that when drove over coke cans they would get wedged! :signLOL:

Good mods on their own though I suppose.


ha ha, getting coke cans wedged cannot have been fun :signLOL:
Title: Re: Worst Modifications to your MK 5 thread...
Post by: 81lly on October 12, 2011, 04:37:50 pm
GT door sills...they look horrible  now and I don't want to take em off as I might mess it up  :chicken:
Title: Re: Worst Modifications to your MK 5 thread...
Post by: danishmkvgti on October 12, 2011, 04:58:45 pm
Forge K04 actuator as i should have done SW on it's own, and then the actuator  :sad1:
Title: Re: Worst Modifications to your MK 5 thread...
Post by: GTIjames on October 12, 2011, 05:14:25 pm
Forge K04 actuator as i should have done SW on it's own, and then the actuator  :sad1:

agree with that, fecked my turbo right up!

others for me would be:

dbilas CAI
dsg remap from regal and anything else they try to do or fit to your car
most bsh products (catch can and arb drop links)
superchips stage 3 remap
cheapo wheel spacers






Title: Re: Worst Modifications to your MK 5 thread...
Post by: keano on October 12, 2011, 05:22:43 pm
powder coating my pescaras black! what was I thinking?  :confused:
Title: Re: Worst Modifications to your MK 5 thread...
Post by: Tfsi_Mike on October 12, 2011, 05:25:59 pm
Carbonio - looked lovely but I wanted performance.

APR software - would have benefitted more from revos adjustability as I have added more hardware.

Miltek has been brilliant but wish I had engine mounts 1st as the movement in the engine has cracked the DP bracket
Title: Re: Worst Modifications to your MK 5 thread...
Post by: Tfsi_Mike on October 12, 2011, 05:27:52 pm
powder coating my pescaras black! what was I thinking?  :confused:

Looked great IMO.  :happy2:
Title: Re: Worst Modifications to your MK 5 thread...
Post by: keano on October 12, 2011, 05:37:14 pm
powder coating my pescaras black! what was I thinking?  :confused:

Looked great IMO.  :happy2:

You little charmer  :ashamed: :ashamed:
Title: Re: Worst Modifications to your MK 5 thread...
Post by: cmdrfire on October 12, 2011, 05:49:55 pm
dbilas intake was the worst thing I ever fitted to my car.

The other worst modification was modifying it in the first place  :laugh:
Title: Re: Worst Modifications to your MK 5 thread...
Post by: Tfsi_Mike on October 12, 2011, 06:02:45 pm

Dbilas was the 2nd worst mod on mine
Title: Re: Worst Modifications to your MK 5 thread...
Post by: tony_danza on October 12, 2011, 06:08:46 pm
All my mods were greatly enjoyed, but when I put it completely back to standard it was such a nice car it made me wonder why I'd done it in the first place?

Thankfully I pretty much broke even selling everything, but when I see people pouring thousands into a car they're not going to get back, it makes me wince.
Title: Re: Worst Modifications to your MK 5 thread...
Post by: Andy on October 12, 2011, 06:29:57 pm
The hammerite paint on my calipers :signLOL:
Title: Re: Worst Modifications to your MK 5 thread...
Post by: Saint Steve on October 12, 2011, 09:37:35 pm
Carbon wraps on my door mirrors...

Also getting my Pescara's powder coated Blue boron. :stupid:



Title: Re: Worst Modifications to your MK 5 thread...
Post by: Rob GTI on October 12, 2011, 09:56:24 pm
Milltek cat back resonated, was quieter than standard.  :surprised:

Still looked nice tho  :happy2:
Title: Re: Worst Modifications to your MK 5 thread...
Post by: TonyZed on October 13, 2011, 01:58:52 pm
Forge K04 actuator as i should have done SW on it's own, and then the actuator  :sad1:

agree with that, fecked my turbo right up!

others for me would be:

dbilas CAI
dsg remap from regal and anything else they try to do or fit to your car
most bsh products (catch can and arb drop links)
superchips stage 3 remap
cheapo wheel spacers


What problems have you had with Regal then. They have a good reputation normally. :surprised:

There do seem to be a lot of people who wish they hadn't modded their cars in this thread.  :confused:

TonyZ
Title: Re: Worst Modifications to your MK 5 thread...
Post by: berg on October 13, 2011, 02:42:28 pm
its not so much that people regret modding their cars, more that if you are not careful you can go too far, which i think is what tony danza was saying and also the more you do the more chance there is that you might not rate a mod.

eg have fitted ths lower engine mount on sat. do i like it? yes re traction, no re NVH = jury still out
Title: Re: Worst Modifications to your MK 5 thread...
Post by: rich83 on October 13, 2011, 02:52:31 pm
I've only done a few select mods and I'm 100% happy with everything that's fitted but...

Carbonio - waste of money
BSH drop links - very very noisy

... They have all been removed.

Rich
Title: Re: Worst Modifications to your MK 5 thread...
Post by: heady2010 on October 13, 2011, 03:05:07 pm
Just out of interest, why are there a few people with negative comments on the Dbilas intake?
Title: Re: Worst Modifications to your MK 5 thread...
Post by: Tfsi_Mike on October 13, 2011, 03:42:52 pm
Just out of interest, why are there a few people with negative comments on the Dbilas intake?

Heavy construction, minimal performance gain
Title: Re: Worst Modifications to your MK 5 thread...
Post by: alackofspeed on October 13, 2011, 03:52:23 pm
In terms of unintentional mods......A friend swung the bucket of his JCB into the side of his.  :congrats:

Whilst recovering from an op' on my left arm, I had lots of spare time so decided to use a machine polisher on my car. So whilst using it one handed I ironically dropped the sodding thing on the bonnet, denting it in the process. :rolleye:

In terms of "proper" mods, the ECS insert was landfill.
Title: Re: Worst Modifications to your MK 5 thread...
Post by: h4rdy on October 13, 2011, 03:55:14 pm
Yep I have gone too far.

I am spending the next 9 months taking the bits off to go Revo 1, which when I bought it is what it came with and was perfect.

I don't actually think its that much quicker, especially on the M25 :signLOL:

Best thing, sorry Berg, has been the ALK and polybushing which stays on.
Title: Re: Worst Modifications to your MK 5 thread...
Post by: rex on October 13, 2011, 04:18:49 pm
powder coating my pescaras black! what was I thinking?  :confused:

That one your ONLY bad mod IMO. Hope you will change them with some grey ones once more.
Title: Re: Worst Modifications to your MK 5 thread...
Post by: cmdrfire on October 13, 2011, 04:50:55 pm
Just out of interest, why are there a few people with negative comments on the Dbilas intake?

Because it's crap.
Title: Re: Worst Modifications to your MK 5 thread...
Post by: berg on October 13, 2011, 04:57:54 pm
Yep I have gone too far.

I am spending the next 9 months taking the bits off to go Revo 1, which when I bought it is what it came with and was perfect.

I don't actually think its that much quicker, especially on the M25 :signLOL:

Best thing, sorry Berg, has been the ALK and polybushing which stays on.


Am not saying the WALK is no good J - am just saying that I could not FEEL that much benefit when I fitted it compared to say the B12 kit, or having a remap or the Dave B NQSBBK.

Title: Re: Worst Modifications to your MK 5 thread...
Post by: E30Dom on October 13, 2011, 04:59:01 pm
In terms of "proper" mods, the ECS insert was landfill.

Suprised by this, had one in my Mk5 R32 and was gonna get another for my Ed30... can you expand a little for me :)
Title: Re: Worst Modifications to your MK 5 thread...
Post by: GTIjames on October 13, 2011, 05:06:44 pm

What problems have you had with Regal then. They have a good reputation normally. :surprised:

There do seem to be a lot of people who wish they hadn't modded their cars in this thread.  :confused:

TonyZ

i once spent 9hrs there one day while they were supposed to fit a forge twintercooler, dsg remap and a defi boost gauge..

they buggered up the pipes on the twintercooler so they would no longer fit and I had to order new ones from forge and then pay JKM to fit it again.
defi boost gauge they scratched the unit when fitting and did not install properly as it constantly flashed when you turned the lights on
problems installing dsg map as the server would not connect or something - it was c7pm when they finally got that done

i would not trust them with any car of mine ever again

 
Title: Re: Worst Modifications to your MK 5 thread...
Post by: heady2010 on October 13, 2011, 05:55:51 pm
Just out of interest, why are there a few people with negative comments on the Dbilas intake?

Heavy construction, minimal performance gain

Heavy yes, as to performance, if you remove the restricted filter element supplied and replace it with a open cone filter, its been said to have made the best gains possible, i love mine, it sounds nice, not chavvy, and gives good gains. 290 bhp on k03 with stage 2 plus on a dyno which generally gets moned at because its well callibrated and gives true reading unlike alot of "happy" dynos around.
Title: Re: Worst Modifications to your MK 5 thread...
Post by: Tfsi_Mike on October 13, 2011, 06:00:55 pm
Just out of interest, why are there a few people with negative comments on the Dbilas intake?

Heavy construction, minimal performance gain

Heavy yes, as to performance, if you remove the restricted filter element supplied and replace it with a open cone filter, its been said to have made the best gains possible, i love mine, it sounds nice, not chavvy, and gives good gains. 290 bhp on k03 with stage 2 plus on a dyno which generally gets moned at because its well callibrated and gives true reading unlike alot of "happy" dynos around.

Have seen the hybrid dbilas and would have given it a go if there was a heat shield to protect the filter from the bays hot air.

Title: Re: Worst Modifications to your MK 5 thread...
Post by: Saint Steve on October 13, 2011, 06:23:04 pm
Just out of interest, why are there a few people with negative comments on the Dbilas intake?

Heavy construction, minimal performance gain

Heavy yes, as to performance, if you remove the restricted filter element supplied and replace it with a open cone filter, its been said to have made the best gains possible, i love mine, it sounds nice, not chavvy, and gives good gains. 290 bhp on k03 with stage 2 plus on a dyno which generally gets moned at because its well callibrated and gives true reading unlike alot of "happy" dynos around.
290 bhp on a ko3!!!  :popcornsoda:

And you say thats a well calibrated dyno   :signLOL:

That's high shall we say ;-)

Title: Re: Worst Modifications to your MK 5 thread...
Post by: heady2010 on October 13, 2011, 06:23:24 pm
You might get a slight improvement in performance with a heat shield but no a massive amount, a closed stationary engine bay will get a filter hot with a heat shield or not, but when your driving its massivly reduced due to air flow, and obviously that temperature in the engine bay is not is being supplied to the inlet manifold.
Title: Re: Worst Modifications to your MK 5 thread...
Post by: heady2010 on October 13, 2011, 06:29:26 pm
Just out of interest, why are there a few people with negative comments on the Dbilas intake?

Heavy construction, minimal performance gain

Heavy yes, as to performance, if you remove the restricted filter element supplied and replace it with a open cone filter, its been said to have made the best gains possible, i love mine, it sounds nice, not chavvy, and gives good gains. 290 bhp on k03 with stage 2 plus on a dyno which generally gets moned at because its well callibrated and gives true reading unlike alot of "happy" dynos around.
290 bhp on a ko3!!!  :popcornsoda:

And you say thats a well calibrated dyno  :signLOL:

Is that a happy one aswell?

Well from everything ive read it is and they have a good reputation, im not gonna say the name of the company because you'll just start trying to give them bad press. If you look round there are a few ko3s making 290 on stage 2 plus.  :smiley:
Title: Re: Worst Modifications to your MK 5 thread...
Post by: Saint Steve on October 13, 2011, 06:37:04 pm
Your right, as long as it isn't Superchips rollers, as they get plenty of them from there!

Normally a well tuned ko3 will top at 280 best, and that's from a well known dyno dynamics setup down south..

Sorry mate, I've seen too many ko3's make barely 270bhp at 2+
Title: Re: Worst Modifications to your MK 5 thread...
Post by: heady2010 on October 13, 2011, 06:44:42 pm
hmmmm, well i hope your wrong  for my sake lol. To be fair it was pretty dam cold at time of testing which generally has a big old impact. Got a possible rr day coming up, so will have to see what the verdict is then.
Title: Re: Worst Modifications to your MK 5 thread...
Post by: Saint Steve on October 13, 2011, 06:47:54 pm
I'm at one on Saturday with lots of mk5 GTI's running in the events meets section, from this very forum.

Keep an eye on the thread for results chap over the weekend  :happy2:
Title: Re: Worst Modifications to your MK 5 thread...
Post by: Hedge9001 on October 13, 2011, 06:59:22 pm
caliper clips
Title: Re: Worst Modifications to your MK 5 thread...
Post by: johnboy07 on October 13, 2011, 07:02:20 pm
i wish i was coming to that well known rolling road to see if mine reaches that figure again. I was told last time by those lads that mine was running well and from what ive seen on those rollers mine was also one of the highest powered ko3 at 280bhp  :happy2:
Title: Re: Worst Modifications to your MK 5 thread...
Post by: johnboy07 on October 13, 2011, 07:03:46 pm
for me the worst mod was bsh drop links and thats about it. Every other mod apart from the money has been well worth it.
Title: Re: Worst Modifications to your MK 5 thread...
Post by: cmdrfire on October 13, 2011, 07:08:13 pm

Heavy yes, as to performance, if you remove the restricted filter element supplied and replace it with a open cone filter, its been said to have made the best gains possible, i love mine, it sounds nice, not chavvy, and gives good gains. 290 bhp on k03 with stage 2 plus on a dyno which generally gets moned at because its well callibrated and gives true reading unlike alot of "happy" dynos around.


So it is basically a pipe with another filter on it?  :confused:

You tell me how that is in any way better than buying an alternative product, many of which are already pipes with cone filters on there :stupid: (not gonna name any alternatives, but I did have the dbilas and it hooted and whistled and was heavy and got hot and was just generally crap).
Title: Re: Worst Modifications to your MK 5 thread...
Post by: heady2010 on October 13, 2011, 07:40:22 pm
PDT tuning did a big write up on it a while ago mate, compared lots of different intakes on the same car on a dyno. But what do they know, im sure you have a rolling road in your front room  :signLOL:
Title: Re: Worst Modifications to your MK 5 thread...
Post by: cmdrfire on October 13, 2011, 07:45:24 pm
PDT tuning did a big write up on it a while ago mate, compared lots of different intakes on the same car on a dyno. But what do they know, im sure you have a rolling road in your front room  :signLOL:

Not quite, got access to the one at work. Besides, I know the difference between what my car produced with dbilas vs ITG (218 vs 235) at SRR so...

/shrugs.
Title: Re: Worst Modifications to your MK 5 thread...
Post by: heady2010 on October 13, 2011, 07:47:46 pm
well im just going on what pdt said, who apparently are all  :stupid:  :stupid:  :stupid: ??? harsh..... lol
Title: Re: Worst Modifications to your MK 5 thread...
Post by: rich83 on October 13, 2011, 07:51:06 pm
Just out of interest, why are there a few people with negative comments on the Dbilas intake?

Heavy construction, minimal performance gain

Heavy yes, as to performance, if you remove the restricted filter element supplied and replace it with a open cone filter, its been said to have made the best gains possible, i love mine, it sounds nice, not chavvy, and gives good gains. 290 bhp on k03 with stage 2 plus on a dyno which generally gets moned at because its well callibrated and gives true reading unlike alot of "happy" dynos around.
290 bhp on a ko3!!!  :popcornsoda:

And you say thats a well calibrated dyno  :signLOL:

Is that a happy one aswell?

Well from everything ive read it is and they have a good reputation, im not gonna say the name of the company because you'll just start trying to give them bad press. If you look round there are a few ko3s making 290 on stage 2 plus.  :smiley:

AMD?
Title: Re: Worst Modifications to your MK 5 thread...
Post by: cmdrfire on October 13, 2011, 07:51:37 pm
well im just going on what pdt said, who apparently are all  :stupid:  :stupid:  :stupid: ??? harsh..... lol

YMMV. This thread asked what was the worst modification I've done, I said it, and gave an opinion (and supporting evidence) why. I didn't really comment on what PDT say, and (in this instance) don't care really.
Title: Re: Worst Modifications to your MK 5 thread...
Post by: heady2010 on October 13, 2011, 08:00:11 pm
well you did, but not intentionally. Im sure you would of had a slightly different responce if i originally posted the link they posted. Yeah anyway as much as i love playing keyboard warriors, we'll let the crap mod thread continue.  :pomppomp: xxxxx
Title: Re: Worst Modifications to your MK 5 thread...
Post by: Top Cat on October 13, 2011, 08:05:18 pm
well you did, but not intentionally. Im sure you would of had a slightly different responce if i originally posted the link they posted. Yeah anyway as much as i love playing keyboard warriors, we'll let the crap mod thread continue.  :pomppomp: xxxxx

Chill your boots dude, all he did is post what he thinks was his worst mod. if you like it, then fine. stop taking the dbias bashing as a personal insult.  :laugh:

Title: Re: Worst Modifications to your MK 5 thread...
Post by: cmdrfire on October 13, 2011, 08:08:07 pm
well you did, but not intentionally. Im sure you would of had a slightly different responce if i originally posted the link they posted. Yeah anyway as much as i love playing keyboard warriors, we'll let the crap mod thread continue.  :pomppomp: xxxxx

 :happy2:
Title: Re: Worst Modifications to your MK 5 thread...
Post by: tony_danza on October 13, 2011, 08:20:17 pm
My rule with modding is this:

Never (with the exception of mapping) do anything you can't reverse back to stock and get some of your money back when you're done.

With all I did, I don't think I made my car better - I just made it more suited to what I wanted it to do. The MKV is a fine car out of the box, which is why it won so many awards.
Title: Re: Worst Modifications to your MK 5 thread...
Post by: berg on October 13, 2011, 09:03:40 pm
My rule with modding is this:

Never (with the exception of mapping) do anything you can't reverse back to stock and get some of your money back when you're done.

With all I did, I don't think I made my car better - I just made it more suited to what I wanted it to do. The MKV is a fine car out of the box, which is why it won so many awards.


can you easily reverse the limited slip diff once its in or would it be more hassle than its worth?
Title: Re: Worst Modifications to your MK 5 thread...
Post by: luckyGti on October 13, 2011, 09:32:07 pm
My rule with modding is this:

Never (with the exception of mapping) do anything you can't reverse back to stock and get some of your money back when you're done.

With all I did, I don't think I made my car better - I just made it more suited to what I wanted it to do. The MKV is a fine car out of the box, which is why it won so many awards.


can you easily reverse the limited slip diff once its in or would it be more hassle than its worth?

You can remove the diff but you have to bear in mind the cost of removing the gearbox, a second hand Lsd will still fetch strong money  :happy2:
Title: Re: Worst Modifications to your MK 5 thread...
Post by: sub39h on October 13, 2011, 09:33:21 pm
My rule with modding is this:

Never (with the exception of mapping) do anything you can't reverse back to stock and get some of your money back when you're done.

With all I did, I don't think I made my car better - I just made it more suited to what I wanted it to do. The MKV is a fine car out of the box, which is why it won so many awards.

i generally agree with this. my MY11 mirrrors mod will be a notable exception tho...
Title: Re: Worst Modifications to your MK 5 thread...
Post by: cmdrfire on October 13, 2011, 10:01:44 pm
My rule with modding is this:

Never (with the exception of mapping) do anything you can't reverse back to stock and get some of your money back when you're done.

With all I did, I don't think I made my car better - I just made it more suited to what I wanted it to do. The MKV is a fine car out of the box, which is why it won so many awards.

i generally agree with this. my MY11 mirrrors mod will be a notable exception tho...

Do you have Mk6 mirrors on your Golf? Straightforward swap?
Title: Re: Worst Modifications to your MK 5 thread...
Post by: sub39h on October 13, 2011, 10:06:46 pm
My rule with modding is this:

Never (with the exception of mapping) do anything you can't reverse back to stock and get some of your money back when you're done.

With all I did, I don't think I made my car better - I just made it more suited to what I wanted it to do. The MKV is a fine car out of the box, which is why it won so many awards.

i generally agree with this. my MY11 mirrrors mod will be a notable exception tho...

Do you have Mk6 mirrors on your Golf? Straightforward swap?

lol don't drive a golf. check the sig :P

i'd imagine that the Mk6 mirrors are a straight swap tho. but you'd probably need the baseplate and the housing so not cheap. i came across the parts fairly inexpensively for my swap, but i've got to swap the door modules and code which is a pain.

tbh i like the Mk6 mirrors but i don't think their pointy-ness would suit the Mk5's rounded shape
Title: Re: Worst Modifications to your MK 5 thread...
Post by: Greeners on October 13, 2011, 10:13:35 pm
Furry dice!

Did nothing for performance and looked silly dangling and bouncing around every bend!!

Sold them on, got nearly all of my money back and bought a Magic Tree instead.......  :pomppomp:
Title: Re: Worst Modifications to your MK 5 thread...
Post by: QD MBE on October 13, 2011, 10:16:55 pm
^^^^^

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi.telegraph.co.uk%2Fmultimedia%2Farchive%2F01492%2Fp_door-knob-DIY_1492152i.jpg&hash=8adb887ab147efe212054baf58ac276d399d3b01)
Title: Re: Worst Modifications to your MK 5 thread...
Post by: Greeners on October 13, 2011, 10:23:04 pm
^^^^^^^

(https://www.mk5golfgti.co.uk/forum/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fdaz.co%2Fmedia%2FMad4itRay%2FFunny_Pics%2FBellend.jpg&hash=be203aa7634fdaec81527841eb6ddfc3b7dc68c5)
Title: Re: Worst Modifications to your MK 5 thread...
Post by: RedRobin on October 13, 2011, 10:33:30 pm
My rule with modding is this:

Never (with the exception of mapping) do anything you can't reverse back to stock and get some of your money back when you're done.

With all I did, I don't think I made my car better - I just made it more suited to what I wanted it to do. The MKV is a fine car out of the box, which is why it won so many awards.


....Making my car more suited to what I want to do is my prime motivation. Although it's far more sensible to take your advice re costs recovery, I simply don't have the heart to put her back to standard and have no plans to sell anyway. Even after 6 years I absolutely love every mile.

Worst mods? - That's a tricky one to answer. Neuspeed discharge and charge pipes probably - I didn't feel any improvement worth their high cost. Two companies I don't trust for delivering effective products are Neuspeed and BSH.
Title: Re: Worst Modifications to your MK 5 thread...
Post by: GNJ_Motorsport on October 13, 2011, 11:05:00 pm
Excellent thread. I think some mods get bad reviews because they don't make that immediately noticeable difference. Sometimes all those small mods add together to make the overall car.

There are some crap mods for the Mk5 Golf though tbf. Cheap nasty coilovers for one and some of the intakes are all show no go. I suppose it depends what you want from them, some people want a fancy engine bay and are happy with stock power. Each to their own  :happy2:

Happy with all the mods on my S3 so far though  :smiley:
Title: Re: Worst Modifications to your MK 5 thread...
Post by: berg on October 14, 2011, 09:39:56 am
Excellent thread. I think some mods get bad reviews because they don't make that immediately noticeable difference. Sometimes all those small mods add together to make the overall car.

There are some crap mods for the Mk5 Golf though tbf. Cheap nasty coilovers for one and some of the intakes are all show no go. I suppose it depends what you want from them, some people want a fancy engine bay and are happy with stock power. Each to their own  :happy2:

Happy with all the mods on my S3 so far though  :smiley:


what have you done to s3 so far graeme?
Title: Re: Worst Modifications to your MK 5 thread...
Post by: tony_danza on October 14, 2011, 04:01:53 pm

can you easily reverse the limited slip diff once its in or would it be more hassle than its worth?

Considering a second hand 'box is so easy to come by, I'd buy one to diff and then swap back once you're bored with the car, rather than split the 'box again to remove it.
Title: Re: Worst Modifications to your MK 5 thread...
Post by: hali on October 14, 2011, 08:10:38 pm
for me it was

ap coilovers
and
mintex pads
Title: Re: Worst Modifications to your MK 5 thread...
Post by: stealthwolf on October 14, 2011, 08:20:04 pm
Inpro smoked indicator lights. Completely underwhelmed by them and it's too much hassle to take them off, so they're still on.
Title: Re: Worst Modifications to your MK 5 thread...
Post by: QD MBE on October 15, 2011, 09:31:17 am
My rule with modding is this:

Never (with the exception of mapping) do anything you can't reverse back to stock and get some of your money back when you're done.

With all I did, I don't think I made my car better - I just made it more suited to what I wanted it to do. The MKV is a fine car out of the box, which is why it won so many awards.



....Making my car more suited to what I want to do is my prime motivation. Although it's far more sensible to take your advice re costs recovery, I simply don't have the heart to put her back to standard and have no plans to sell anyway. Even after 6 years I absolutely love every mile.

Worst mods? - That's a tricky one to answer. Neuspeed discharge and charge pipes probably - I didn't feel any improvement worth their high cost. Two companies I don't trust for delivering effective products are Neuspeed and BSH.

Why not BSH?  part of the reason your catch didn't work properly was the fact that VWR fitted it and left the drain open i recall.

BSH IMO is very similar to Forge, just far more realistically priced.

My worst Mod was ironically BSH engine mounts.  Nothing to do with the BSH manufacture, which IMO was better than the VWR offerings.

Fantastic manufacture, really sturdy.  Just I didn't like the effect on NVH (Noise Vibration and harshness) when fitted.  Some love the effect.
Title: Re: Worst Modifications to your MK 5 thread...
Post by: rdfcpete on October 15, 2011, 10:13:59 am
My rule with modding is this:

Never (with the exception of mapping) do anything you can't reverse back to stock and get some of your money back when you're done.

I agree with this Mike and it's the approach I've taken with an added air of caution sometimes  :happy2:
Title: Re: Worst Modifications to your MK 5 thread...
Post by: big al on October 15, 2011, 09:18:21 pm
Inpro smoked indicator lights. Completely underwhelmed by them and it's too much hassle to take them off, so they're still on.

Haha, I convinced myself there was a difference too. :grin:

My rule with modding is this:

Never (with the exception of mapping) do anything you can't reverse back to stock and get some of your money back when you're done.


I don't agree with that philosophy, it is a sensible one mind... but when you buy your car you don't instantly think about selling it on do you, you think about the miles you will be doing, and that you want to do it in your own comfort. You make the car how you like it.
(well, I did, and think that all I have done is removable)
Title: Re: Worst Modifications to your MK 5 thread...
Post by: stealthwolf on October 15, 2011, 09:37:14 pm
Haha, I convinced myself there was a difference too. :grin:
I think the issue is that I expected them to be smoked or similar. Instead, it appears the back of the indicator is blackened but the glass is still the same, so it just appears darker. I wonder whether this is an issue with illumination and the indicator being seen.
Title: Re: Worst Modifications to your MK 5 thread...
Post by: Little_Dave on October 15, 2011, 09:49:13 pm
My worst mod so far was trying to smooth my arches by using the kind help of a london double becker bus driver :scared:
Title: Re: Worst Modifications to your MK 5 thread...
Post by: djhorace on October 16, 2011, 01:47:53 pm
Dbilas made 354bhp on my MK2 Leon Cupra with "mild" settings on Stage 2 Revo. I still rate the Dbilas although I prefer my Evoms because of the noise. In my opinion its getting an unwarranted hard time here.

Carbonio is a complete waste of cash though and my biggest waste of money. Glad I bought it used and sold it on for a similar price.

Have to say that fitting uprated ARB's and WALK was the biggest let down for me.
Title: Re: Worst Modifications to your MK 5 thread...
Post by: GNJ_Motorsport on October 16, 2011, 02:32:26 pm
Excellent thread. I think some mods get bad reviews because they don't make that immediately noticeable difference. Sometimes all those small mods add together to make the overall car.

There are some crap mods for the Mk5 Golf though tbf. Cheap nasty coilovers for one and some of the intakes are all show no go. I suppose it depends what you want from them, some people want a fancy engine bay and are happy with stock power. Each to their own  :happy2:

Happy with all the mods on my S3 so far though  :smiley:


what have you done to s3 so far graeme?

Full turbo back Milltek with decat, ITG Maxogen, Powerflex lower engine mount insert, white DRL bulbs, Forge diverter valve and REVO stage 2 remap.

I have a set of H&R springs and Forge 11mm spacers sat here waiting to be fitted as well.

Were you happy with the stance of the Sportline B12 kit in the end?
Title: Re: Worst Modifications to your MK 5 thread...
Post by: RedRobin on October 16, 2011, 04:23:36 pm
My rule with modding is this:

Never (with the exception of mapping) do anything you can't reverse back to stock and get some of your money back when you're done.

With all I did, I don't think I made my car better - I just made it more suited to what I wanted it to do. The MKV is a fine car out of the box, which is why it won so many awards.


....Making my car more suited to what I want to do is my prime motivation. Although it's far more sensible to take your advice re costs recovery, I simply don't have the heart to put her back to standard and have no plans to sell anyway. Even after 6 years I absolutely love every mile.

Worst mods? - That's a tricky one to answer. Neuspeed discharge and charge pipes probably - I didn't feel any improvement worth their high cost. Two companies I don't trust for delivering effective products are Neuspeed and BSH.


Why not BSH?  part of the reason your catch didn't work properly was the fact that VWR fitted it and left the drain open i recall.

BSH IMO is very similar to Forge, just far more realistically priced.

My worst Mod was ironically BSH engine mounts.  Nothing to do with the BSH manufacture, which IMO was better than the VWR offerings.


....Firstly to correct you: VWR did fit my BSH catchcan but it was me who didn't close the drain properly.

Why not BSH? - Several reasons. Very basic and crude design when compared with Forge, and I'm not just talking about eye-candy. I really dislike the way that BSH constantly trash their competitors and shout about how good they think they are. They're very two-faced in their attitude re markets in America and abroad.

I assume that when you say "realistically priced" you mean you think it's good value for not much money. Unfortunately I bought cheap and ended up paying twice, as one generally does. Each to their own of course and I respect that others (such as yourself) will have different/opposite opinions about various suppliers/manufacturers. But anything BSH for me will be a no-no regardless of cost or how good others on the internet say they are.
Title: Re: Worst Modifications to your MK 5 thread...
Post by: QD MBE on October 16, 2011, 06:28:39 pm
My rule with modding is this:

Never (with the exception of mapping) do anything you can't reverse back to stock and get some of your money back when you're done.

With all I did, I don't think I made my car better - I just made it more suited to what I wanted it to do. The MKV is a fine car out of the box, which is why it won so many awards.


....Making my car more suited to what I want to do is my prime motivation. Although it's far more sensible to take your advice re costs recovery, I simply don't have the heart to put her back to standard and have no plans to sell anyway. Even after 6 years I absolutely love every mile.

Worst mods? - That's a tricky one to answer. Neuspeed discharge and charge pipes probably - I didn't feel any improvement worth their high cost. Two companies I don't trust for delivering effective products are Neuspeed and BSH.


Why not BSH?  part of the reason your catch didn't work properly was the fact that VWR fitted it and left the drain open i recall.

BSH IMO is very similar to Forge, just far more realistically priced.

My worst Mod was ironically BSH engine mounts.  Nothing to do with the BSH manufacture, which IMO was better than the VWR offerings.


....Firstly to correct you: VWR did fit my BSH catchcan but it was me who didn't close the drain properly.

Why not BSH? - Several reasons. Very basic and crude design when compared with Forge, and I'm not just talking about eye-candy. I really dislike the way that BSH constantly trash their competitors and shout about how good they think they are. They're very two-faced in their attitude re markets in America and abroad.

I assume that when you say "realistically priced" you mean you think it's good value for not much money. Unfortunately I bought cheap and ended up paying twice, as one generally does. Each to their own of course and I respect that others (such as yourself) will have different/opposite opinions about various suppliers/manufacturers. But anything BSH for me will be a no-no regardless of cost or how good others on the internet say they are.

Thank you for correcting me.  That is not what I remember, from the car park in Adenau, anyhow not going to get wrapped round the axle over that. 

I agree ETTO. 

I think the BSH catch can that I had (large capacity with dipstick) was fantastic.  the BSH engine mounts were so much better engineered IMO than the VWR variants, and more realistically priced (pity I hated the effect it had on the car's driveability!   :chicken:).

Robin, as you say ETTO.   :happy2:
Title: Re: Worst Modifications to your MK 5 thread...
Post by: berg on October 16, 2011, 09:57:26 pm
Excellent thread. I think some mods get bad reviews because they don't make that immediately noticeable difference. Sometimes all those small mods add together to make the overall car.

There are some crap mods for the Mk5 Golf though tbf. Cheap nasty coilovers for one and some of the intakes are all show no go. I suppose it depends what you want from them, some people want a fancy engine bay and are happy with stock power. Each to their own  :happy2:

Happy with all the mods on my S3 so far though  :smiley:


what have you done to s3 so far graeme?

Full turbo back Milltek with decat, ITG Maxogen, Powerflex lower engine mount insert, white DRL bulbs, Forge diverter valve and REVO stage 2 remap.

I have a set of H&R springs and Forge 11mm spacers sat here waiting to be fitted as well.

Were you happy with the stance of the Sportline B12 kit in the end?


yeah only got it on a couple of weeks ago - is miles better much better suspension mod than walk and arb's but then more expensive and suppose you would expect uprated springs and shocks to make more of a difference