MK5 Golf GTI

All Things Mk5 => Modifications & Technical Area => Performance Modifications => Topic started by: jimk04 on November 08, 2011, 07:13:33 pm

Title: to modify or not to modify??!!
Post by: jimk04 on November 08, 2011, 07:13:33 pm: Hey guys

First proper post on this forum.

Been a mk2 man for last 20 years now I have sold that (280horse TT engined) and bought myself a 260hp mk5.

I absolutely love it and am very impressed with the chassis and brakes 'out of the box' - although it does have Mintex 1144 all round.

I am a car modder at heart - but as this car is so right I do not want to ruin it.

I would love to slam it on 18s or 19s but I dont want to spoil its lovely handling. Then I thought about putting on some Cayenne 6 pots with 330/350mm Merc discs but now worry about the added unsprung weight.

And I am tempted with the K04 kit for sale, but with 260 it really feels nice tho not blisteringly quick - though many would argue it is all you need!

I just want some ideas on sensible mods I could do to a 84k 2005 GTI that is already AMD stage1, Forge fmic, full milltek and 260hp, but otherwise standard?

Like I said I like the look of a lower, bigger wheeled mk5, but what is to be gained/lost in the handling/ride/fun stakes? It moves about quite nicely so gives some entertainment at sensible speeds - I dont want it to grip like hell and loose all its fun.

Power wise it seems to cope with 260 easily enough although it does trouble the traction control a wee bit in a straight line in the wet into 4th but not enough to hamper progress. I would love 300hp+ but are they usueable?

Any sage advice greatly appreciated.

Thanks
Title: Re: to modify or not to modify??!!
Post by: the bruce on November 08, 2011, 07:24:47 pm: IMO 'sensible' mods to a 260 hp GTI are suspension and brakes:

- best tyres you can get (PSS, KU36, AD08, R1-R)
- Tarox discs + adequate pads (Ferodo, Pagid)
- Bilstein B12
- LSD
- set of ARBs if you like

+ a Sachs clutch if the stock one fails. I'd leave the rest as it is. :wink:
Title: Re: to modify or not to modify??!!
Post by: jimk04 on November 08, 2011, 07:39:30 pm: I ought to have mentioned that I dont have mega bucks to spend on suspension. Especially as I feel its pretty good anyway.

Is a decent (Eibach/H+R) springs worth it?
Title: Re: to modify or not to modify??!!
Post by: Andy on November 08, 2011, 07:42:41 pm: Think mk5 looks a lot better lowered,can't go wrong with bigger brakes
Title: Re: to modify or not to modify??!!
Post by: the bruce on November 08, 2011, 08:25:59 pm: Just springs? It will look better, but ride and handle worse.
I'd save the money for a complete suspension kit.
Title: Re: to modify or not to modify??!!
Post by: Little_Dave on November 09, 2011, 10:42:31 pm: ^^^ Agree with Bruce it'd be better to save up and get a set of coilovers, beside's at that kind of mileage and with plans to get more power it'd help tighten things up a bit and help you get it down too :happy2:

Dave
Title: Re: to modify or not to modify??!!
Post by: vRS_Pagey on November 10, 2011, 05:51:54 pm: +2 on the suspension, I added just lowered springs to my vRS (not a Golf but the same platform) and it bounces around like a sack of spuds, our Golf GT out handles it by a long way on the standard set up.
Title: Re: to modify or not to modify??!!
Post by: jimk04 on November 13, 2011, 06:22:36 pm: Well guys a week into my mk5 ownership and I have sorted me a set of TTS ally arms and balljoints.

I analysed what I thought the car needed - and the only area lacking seemed to be front end bite and traction.

That was behind my decision to do the TT wishbone swap.

With the small amount of cash I have left I am looking at maybe a Whiteline ALK, poss Eibach Sportline springs (I know sorry - contrary to advice above!).

I also fancy a P-flo at some point for some added aural drama.

Oh and it needs rear wheel bearings! :sad1:
Title: Re: to modify or not to modify??!!
Post by: Tfsi_Mike on November 13, 2011, 08:39:47 pm: TTs arms are the worst thing you could do :P
Title: Re: to modify or not to modify??!!
Post by: jimk04 on November 13, 2011, 08:50:17 pm: :P :happy2:
Title: Re: to modify or not to modify??!!
Post by: the bruce on November 13, 2011, 09:56:47 pm: :sick: :grin: :wink:

Seriously: do not put the Eibach Sportline with stock dampers !!
Wait til you have the money for a complete kit or go at least for the Eibach Pro.
Title: Re: to modify or not to modify??!!
Post by: GNJ_Motorsport on November 15, 2011, 07:24:46 pm: Suspension upgrades needn't cost the Earth. A good rear anti roll bar upgrade along with either a full suspension kit or coilovers would be much better than standard and look so much better. Coilover kits like the AP's and V Maxx can be had for around the £400 mark.
Title: Re: to modify or not to modify??!!
Post by: jimk04 on November 15, 2011, 07:54:09 pm: Have heard the 'cheap' coilies can be harsh - such as FK and AP?

I am on a mega budget so I think I may try some springs for starters and if its worse I will take em off - I just want an affordable 'drop' that wont ruin the handling.

I appreciate the advice given above - but as always there are always conflicting opinions - Awesome told me that mk5s are over sprung and that some aftermarket springs are actually softer than standard...??!!

Either way - I have my TT wishbones and ball joints here! May stick them on with a WALK.

Thanks
Title: Re: to modify or not to modify??!!
Post by: GNJ_Motorsport on November 18, 2011, 01:23:03 am: Fair enough mate, I know a lot of people just go for a spring kit and are happy with them. Take a look at our site in my sig, if you find any parts cheaper then drop me a message and I'll try and beat it for you :happy2: