I’m not sure if there’s a perfect country or place for a car enthusiast to live, but I do know that Ireland is definitely not one of them. I would actually go as far to say that our government actually go out of their way to make the lives of all car enthusiasts as difficult as possible. We have a motor tax system, which is specifically designed to push people into boring, diesel, economy boxes. We have expensive fuel and even more expensive insurance rates. We have a Road Safety Authority that is supposed to be helping save lives on our roads, but really they’re just raising revenue for the government from mobile speed cameras, that do little if nothing at all for road safety. That’s not to mention our generally poor road network, non-existent motorway services or roads built with public money being auctioned off to the highest bidder, who then sticks a toll on them.
In spite of this, Ireland’s car culture thrives. Maybe it’s our stubbornness to go against what we’re told that we should do, but the adversity we face as car enthusiasts only makes our love and passion for cars (and bikes) even stronger. For me, it’s why I’ve always wanted to go completely against society’s norms to create something that I’m proud to call my own. Something that labels me as a car enthusiast.
I don’t have the most illustrious car history. It’s quite brief too. My first ‘car’ was actually a Volkswagen Caddy van, which I purchased back in 2010 when I started my photography business. They say you never forget your first, and this rings especially true for the Caddy which earned the nickname ‘Sudsy’. It started out as a standard Caddy 2K dressed in the livery of a local launderette – named Duds ‘N’ Suds, thus the nickname – and by the time I sold it in late 2011 it was lowered on coil-overs, wore 18×9-inch BBS LMs and had Golf GT seats. It was especially clean and I’d buy it back tomorrow, only it now lives in the UK and looks entirely different.
My first car was a 2006 BMW 320d Sport. I come from a car family which has a preference towards saloons and I always preferred the E90’s shape over the E92. So when this came up for sale in 2011, I jumped on it as quickly as I could. It was a mechanically sound, but the exterior was rough around the edges. It was what my old man would describe as an honest car.
Over the course of the next four years, it would see five different sets of wheels, two different suspension setups, and two different exterior looks before I finally screwed my head on right and turned it into what I always wanted it to be. I sunk a lot of money into the E90 – most of it wasted on trying to do things the cheap way only to eventually end up doing them the right way at further expense. I learned a lot from the experience, mostly that in future it’s best to things once and do it right.
By the time I finished, it was on 19×9-inch and 19×10-inch Style 95 wheels sourced from an E63 7 Series, and KW Variant 1 coil-overs. The exterior had been painted in parts and machine-polished everywhere else to achieve pretty much perfect paintwork. The black Sapphire Metallic contrasted with the carbon fibre touches.
The boot-lid was complete carbon fibre, shaped in the style of the E46 M3 CSL item, as was the ACS roof spoiler. These parts tied in with the carbon BMW Performance diffuser and the rare carbon Hartge Japan front splitter, which took the guts of three years to source.
That’s not to mentioned the all-LED tailights, the custom-built Lightwerkz headlights or the BMW Performance brakes and Forge Motorsport stainless brake lines.
The interior was re-trimmed in genuine carbon too, and instead of iDrive I retrofitted a Kenwood DNX7230 unit with pretty much every media input and output you could ever want along with a built-in Garmin sat-nav. The 6-speed manual was operated with a BMW Performance shifter before being replaced with a Macht Schnell MS97 tall lever. By the time it was finished, it was every bit the car I had ever wanted. It was quick – at least by Irish standards – with 200hp and 300lb/ft. The torque made it ideal for daily driving and suited the nature of the car to the ground. I even set a couple of lap times around the Nürburgring Nordschleife with it on a European adventure a few years ago.
But, and it’s a big one, there was one issue I could never get past: the diesel motor. As reliable and frugal as it was, it just wore thin cold starting it every morning to hear – and feel – that tractor-esque idle. It eventually broke me and I made a decision to sell it and pursue a car I never thought I would. A Golf GTI.
Welcome To The Family, Kid
I’m trying to think back to the moment when I knew that a Mk6 GTI just had to be my next car, but I don’t think there was one. You see, I don’t believe the GTI to be a car that you fall in love with at first sight. It doesn’t create a certain amount of immediate lust inside you like other cars do. Instead, it slowly grows on you until you get to the point where you realise there is no better car to do all things.
During my Speedhunters hiatus last year, I spent some time working with the awesome people at Volkswagen Ireland, whom I’m still very fond of. They know who they are. Late in the year they politely loaned me a new MkVII GTI with the Performance Pack for a week to see if I could live with a GTI on a day-to-day basis. Whilst a whole other level of performance up from a MkVI – that LSD makes a huge difference – I was amazed by the versatility of the MkVII. Unfortunately, the seven was and remains out of my budget but the MkVI was just getting to the point where if I made a lot of sacrifices, I could just about buy one.
Eight months of searching later and I was honestly ready to give up and keep the E90 indefinitely. You see, the MkVI GTI had a relatively short production run which just happened to coincide with Ireland’s crippling recession. With the aforementioned government policy of forcing people towards boring diesel cars, no one was really buying GTIs at this time. In fact, there was usually only two or three MkVI GTIs for sale in the whole country at any one time, compared to a seemingly endless pool of MkVs.
It was on a grey Monday morning, when I felt all hope of finding one was all but gone, that I made a quick trip across the River Liffey to a Volkswagen main dealer near the airport. I don’t know how it is in other countries, but usually when a young guy walks onto a forecourt to look at any sort of performance car, the salesman can’t get you far enough away from the premises quickly enough. The opposite of this occurred at McAllister Volkswagen. I immediately met the salesman, Rob, who I had spoke to over the phone, as he walked over while I parked my E90. He told me he liked the BMW and was quick to talk about his own 1.8T Corrado project car he was building for the Irish Touring Car Championship.
There was never a salesman type of talk at any stage – he already knew what I wanted and amongst his first questions was what I had planned for it down the road. He understood exactly why I wanted this car and what I was going to use it for. Before I knew it, I had a deposit down, my E90 sold and I was driving this low mileage MkVI GTI with full history back home.
So, let me give you a quick rundown of the basic specification. It’s a 2010 car with a factory sunroof and painted Tornado Red. It has the cloth tartan interior (which was an absolute must for me) and McAllister Volkswagen was kind enough to retrofit Bluetooth with A2DP into the car for me. Make no mistake, it’s a basic car but it’s exactly what I wanted.
Whilst the standard radio leaves a lot to be desired, the retrofitted Bluetooth compensates for a lot of its shortcomings. I can stream music (well, all audio from the phone) and my TomTom navigation app wirelessly, so it’s more than enough in the meantime. The ProClip phone holder fits perfectly and matches the interior trim too. What’s all that information on the phone?
One of the things I brought over from my E90 was this WiFi OBD-II reader which broadcasts the car’s vital information via its own network. With the appropriate application, you can decipher, log and track pretty much all the data read-outs from the car. You can live monitor boost, intake temperatures, coolant temperatures, engine speed, catalyst temperatures, MAF readings, timing and about a thousand other things which I’m still not quite sure of. You can also record hot-laps at your local track and time 0-60mph sprints. It can also read and clear common trouble codes. It’s a nifty piece of gear that works very well and quite reliably too.
The MkVI is also a DSG car, which will likely offend everyone who has never driven a DSG car, but has an opinion anyways. I wasn’t really fussed if I got a DSG or manual, but now that I have the DSG, I don’t think I could ever go back to a manual for a daily driver. It’s so effortless when you just need to commute, and once you slide the selector across into manual mode the car is absolutely ballistic through the gears. There’s no way in hell you’ll change up or down a gear manually as quick as the DSG can, not to mention that you can never miss a gear or fluff a shift. I’ll admit to enjoying a perfectly timed rev-matched manual downshift as much as the next guy, but I’ll take the trade-off for a DSG every day of the week.
If I was to pick my one favourite part of the car, it would probably be the steering wheel. I think it’s absolutely perfect. It’s size, shape and thickness along with the MFSW controls are just right. I have since fitted DSG paddle extensions which add a slightly more tactile experience to manual shifting, but I can’t see anything else I would change on it.
Another area where I’ve made an upgrade is the rear lights. I’ve swapped the dated-looking originals for OE LED tails which completely transform the rear of the car. No wonder Volkswagen made them standard not long after introducing the GTI.
Preventative Maintenance On The Flipside
There are two things that are certain in life besides taxes and death. That is, no car is perfect from factory and us Speedhunters never have any spare time. There are many people who have helped me out with my cars in the past, and I’ll talk about them all at some stage in the coming months, but I’m going to start with someone I’ve known for years and who has recently opened his own workshop in the south east of Ireland.
Philip ‘Flip’ Morrissey is not just a business guy, he’s a proper car guy and someone I’m proud to call a friend.
His self-built RX-8 might be his current pride and joy, but he has a strong history of impressive Japanese cars. His old EK9 Civic Type R made it as a Speedhunters spotlight way back when, and there’s always interesting projects heading into the workshop or about to be rolled out.
This Navan-kitted S14 is a lesson in smooth and cleanliness. I think a spotlight might be in order once the owner puts the finishing touches to it.
Or what about this AE86 with an awesome history – one of five ‘T50′ team cars from Japan which previously featured on an Option video. The car is in the midst of being restored to its former glory and is one I’ll be keeping an eye on in the coming months.
And then there’s the greatest shop dog ever, who goes by the name of Kouki. She likes chasing rabbits and stealing sandwiches. Tuna, no crust, of course.
Anyways, back to the Golf…
Two of the main areas I wanted to apply the preventative touch to were the factory PCV system and diverter valve setup. The former recycles blow-by from the crankcase back into the intake manifold to be re-burnt. The issue lies with the fact that the CCZA engine has direct injection, and as such, no fuel is ever sprayed past the valves. With the blow-by being misted before the valves, this leads to carbon build up on the valves themselves and an eventual loss of performance.
With the coil harness disconnected and two coil packs removed, the standard PCV system easily bolts off the top of the head.
Here you can see the new Forge Motorsport PCV bypass system on the left and the original system on the right.
The biggest difference with the Forge System is the addition of a catch can which takes the aerated fuel, oil and water vapour out of the loop before they can cause carbon build up. I’ve had the system installed for about two months now, and the amount of sh*t that it has removed from the engine has been impressive/horrific in equal measure. There’s not a lot of it, but it’s nuts to see the sort of stuff that’s been blown back into the engine. It does add an extra maintenance step to the car, but it’s easy to monitor as there’s a sight glass on the side of the catch can and it’s straightforward to empty with a drain on the bottom.
Another issue is the stock diverter valve. Being a 2010 car, my GTI was fitted with a diaphragm-style valve which are prone to leaking and failing prematurely. Again, I went with another Forge Motorsport part in their piston-type recirculating diverter valve. It works much like the factory valve, but is more reliable and responsive. As it’s recirculating in design, it dumps excess air back into the intake manifold rather than the atmosphere.
I hadn’t really realised how much of a negative impact the OE diverter valve was having on the performance of the car. With the new item in place, the car is a lot more responsive and holds its boost much better up in the revs. Previously, you could feel the car dying off slightly as the revs increased – but not any more.
When my next paycheck arrives, I’m going to address what I feel is a huge restriction on the engine in the shape of the standard air intake. I’m currently leaning towards an APR Carbonio Stage I intake, which replaces the front section of the intake with a direct system, but leaves the MAF and OE pipe which feeds into the turbocharger in place. My plan is to heat-wrap this second section of pipe to see if reduced inlet temperatures will help performance in any way. An upgraded air intake is mandatory – along with a downpipe – for my stage two engine performance goal, which should see around 280hp. I’ve no real plans for aiming for silly horsepower numbers as I think it’ll ruin the driving experience unless I can source a limited slip differential for the DSG gearbox.
My ultimate plan for the GTI is quite sedate. The reason I bought the car is because there’s nothing else out there that can do everything, and do it well, quite like a GTI can. It’s this versatility that I want to enhance but never compromise. I will of course, in time, add my own styling touches like I did with the E90. I would like to inject a little bit of Japan into the car, but I want to do it the right way.
Cars for me are not just about going fast or showing off. They’re the beginning of a conversation, they’re how we meet like-minded people and how we create friends for life. Cars are about the people and are how we would like the world to see us.
It’s going to be a long and slow road with Project GTI and I’m genuinely really looking forward to talking with you about my experiences and to hearing your input and opinions along the way. I didn’t realise how scary a proposition it was to write this post for you until I sat down and fired up my laptop. Our cars are a part of who we are, so please be gentle.
Thanks for reading.
Paddy McGrath
Instagram: pmcgphotos
Twitter: pmcgphotos
paddy@speedhunters.com
OFFICIAL SPEEDHUNTERS SUPPLIERS
I've never liked Volkswagen's and I still don't, but I feel that yours may sway me a little bit Paddy ;). Fuel here in the UK is only about £1.13 a litre from a Shell garage and diesel is only £1.11!
The fuel prices in the Isle of Man are just as horrendous...but having completely de-restricted roads and no yearly MOT makes up for it. Thank-you for having the confidence to write this article, it is nice to see a car which is being steadily improved, rather than modified beyond all recognition. That is the aim with my Passat W8, a car that is unique yet also achievable.
tuna no crust.... jesus christmas..
LukeEVOVIII how can you not like vw's....????
Paddy - an excellent choice. Tartan seats FTW especially. I have the most boring question in the world - that ProClip looks pretty slick, I've seen they do them for 2K Caddies so where did you source it? Via VW? Their website is, shall we say, clunky.
Irish roads - Ribbed for your displeasure
Irish roads - Ribbed for your displeasure
As someone who just got a 09 Jetta GLi (Sportline in Europe I believe), you are absolutely right about the feelings you get when first see a sporty VW. Even though I knew immediately what the car was when it was sitting on the lot, I really didn't think of it as an option until after I tested a 06 Mini Cooper S and drove the Jetta. So far the only thing I've found mildly annoying is that I can't quickly recline the seats, only because I take a nap before work.
As I do have a question as to where to start modifying the car. I don't have a deep knowledge of VW's and have been kinda suppressing the desire to modify the car in some ways. I would like to address the air filter as well as potentially the exhaust and maybe try to source wheels from a MKVII.
As someone who just got a 09 Jetta GLi (Sportline in Europe I believe), you are absolutely right about the feelings you get when first see a sporty VW. Even though I knew immediately what the car was when it was sitting on the lot, I really didn't think of it as an option until after I tested a 06 Mini Cooper S and drove the Jetta. So far the only thing I've found mildly annoying is that I can't quickly recline the seats, only because I take a nap before work.
As I do have a question as to where to start modifying the car. I don't have a deep knowledge of VW's and have been kinda suppressing the desire to modify the car in some ways. I would like to address the air filter as well as potentially the exhaust and maybe try to source wheels from a MKVII.
As a fellow MKVI GTI owner I'm excited to watch this project progress. Good stuff man!
As a fellow MKVI GTI owner I'm excited to watch this project progress. Good stuff man!
My God! Great MKVI GTI you got there! Can't wait so see more of what you have in store for it!
P.S. I really love that RX8 though... Will it be featured?
My God! Great MKVI GTI you got there! Can't wait so see more of what you have in store for it!
P.S. I really love that RX8 though... Will it be featured?
LukeEVOVIII At the moment, I pay around €1.42 per litre of regular unleaded which is about $6.05 USD per US gallon. Think that works out at about £1 per litre at today's exchange rates?
I hope not to let you down
Where can i get the same air freshener as in that Golf GTI? I need it.
johnbezt LukeEVOVIII I get that TBH, VWs as stock are a little bland, despite being very good at what they do. I don't think the appeal really comes into them until they've been fettled a little.
Lord_Cheeseman Yeah, I would happily take a little bit extra on my fuel for de-restricted roads and no MOT equivalent!
mrwicksy I figured out what I needed from their website and sourced the same from Amazon UK to save on shipping. I've had a ProClip in the E90 and now the GTI, can't fault them.
mrwicksy I figured out what I needed from their website and sourced the same from Amazon UK to save on shipping. I've had a ProClip in the E90 and now the GTI, can't fault them.
@Kenny There's a meme in that somewhere.
@Kenny There's a meme in that somewhere.
johnbezt I guess you're one of those who doesn't like the tuna here...
rag_nb There's a huge amount of information out there, I've lost count of the hours I've spent on GolfMK6.com & VW Vortex. If you want a little bit more power, just go with a stage one tune. It'll give the car a whole new lease of life for not much money. You can then start identifying areas which you feel need improvement. Good luck with it!
Tinj Thank you!
SeBaBunea Only if Flip mans up and puts a turbo on it :p
@Brian https://www.google.ie/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=1&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CCAQFjAAahUKEwiq1OvrhKTHAhXlqtsKHbo1Dvs&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.zillalife.com%2F&ei=I37LVeq2JeXV7ga667jYDw&usg=AFQjCNFoZxdcJZhjreOzpXQ6flJlYKvJAQ&bvm=bv.99804247,d.ZGU in the UK
Paddy McGrath SeBaBunea Either way, I would still like to read more and see more photos of it!
Have you thought about the wheels already for your GTI?
SeBaBunea Paddy McGrath I'll see if we can arrange a spotlight on it
I'm leaning towards something Japanese. I originally wanted to do something along the lines of the '90s Group A WRC cars, something like the OZ Monte Carlos but it's too difficult to source a wheel like those at the minute. Maybe in the future...
Nice Choice, a perfect daily- B**ch, driving myself a mk6 gti 35 edition, if you want to add some litlle things, eibach proline kit
(just springs) , Audis S3 contorl arms (full- Alu and 1.5kg lighter each) and maybe some brake upgrade ( the standard ones are a bit week out of town).
And let your check if you have the version of the cain tensioner installed, some of the models blow the engine because of it
Nice Choice, a perfect daily- B**ch, driving myself a mk6 gti 35 edition, if you want to add some litlle things, eibach proline kit
(just springs) , Audis S3 contorl arms (full- Alu and 1.5kg lighter each) and maybe some brake upgrade ( the standard ones are a bit week out of town).
And let your check if you have the version of the cain tensioner installed, some of the models blow the engine because of it
Riddlah Yeah, the chain tensioner is something I'm hoping to address before the warranty expires. Good call on the S3 suspension arms and brakes are definitely on the list.
Riddlah Yeah, the chain tensioner is something I'm hoping to address before the warranty expires. Good call on the S3 suspension arms and brakes are definitely on the list.
Ireland's carpolitics sounds a lot like Norways.. Everything is just beyond expensive. And everything that involves modifying your car is either illegal or has to be inspected and decleared roadworthy under the car and road directorate, which is a very tough, costly and exhausting procedure. It really kills my and many others dream or chance of living our car dreams out even to a little extent.
It is especially sad to see that my buddys old rusty, leaky 93 corolla wagon get decleared roadworthy with no problems but my old s13 which was clean as hell get screwed over big time. Why can't they actually have atleast some carguys&gals in the directorate and not just people wanting to defy all that is holy to us? :p
Ireland's carpolitics sounds a lot like Norways.. Everything is just beyond expensive. And everything that involves modifying your car is either illegal or has to be inspected and decleared roadworthy under the car and road directorate, which is a very tough, costly and exhausting procedure. It really kills my and many others dream or chance of living our car dreams out even to a little extent.
It is especially sad to see that my buddys old rusty, leaky 93 corolla wagon get decleared roadworthy with no problems but my old s13 which was clean as hell get screwed over big time. Why can't they actually have atleast some carguys&gals in the directorate and not just people wanting to defy all that is holy to us? :p
Merijo Yeah, if I was to pick one country I'd prefer even less to Ireland as a car country, it would be Norway. You haven't even mentioned the low speed limits and insane punishments if you're caught!
Merijo Yeah, if I was to pick one country I'd prefer even less to Ireland as a car country, it would be Norway. You haven't even mentioned the low speed limits and insane punishments if you're caught!
Paddy McGrath Riddlah
also the engine cover (underbody) of the blue-/4motion versions fits, its a bit bigger ..for harsh winters
Paddy McGrath Riddlah
also the engine cover (underbody) of the blue-/4motion versions fits, its a bit bigger ..for harsh winters
Merijo normal people just dont get car people, sadly!
Merijo normal people just dont get car people, sadly!
Paddy mate, I'm keen on seeing where this goes. I'm at that point of looking for a hot hatch and there's really only a few cars that take my eye.
MKVI GTI of course
Fiesta ST
Clio cup/sport/RS
Mps 3
Skoda fabia RS (I know its a polo)
And maybe Polo GTI
Like any sort of car shopping, my good point/bad point list is always changing.......who am I kidding, I change my mind like my underware.
All I can say Paddy is a nice set of springs and a few little tweeks to power and this thing will be the best daily. Just watch out for the DSG, I've heard that they can't take too much before they nuke themselves, but I agree in the DSG is a much better daily box, being that I have had a steer in both manual and DSG Golfs.
Like I said, really looking forward to seeing how this pans out, it just might make up my mind on the next chariot.
The DSGs - at least the one found in the MKVI - are pretty much bulletproof, provided they're serviced on schedule. The manuals tend to need an upgraded clutch when going over stage one power levels, but it's something I don't have to worry about with the DSG.
You've a lot of choice, something I didn't really have much of. I did find the refinement in the MKVI very much appealing though, something that didn't make me consider many other options.
Chris 'Haffy' Hafner Some of these are a nice choice, let me try to give an advise.
I recommend any Clio RS, either 172/182, 197, as those are N/A 2 liters and Clios are super fast, there are many options of performance parts that can make it even faster, BUT, what any Renault Sport seems to be about - the suspension. Renault Sport tought me that power is not everything. With Clio RS looks innocent but when it comes to flooring it, it beats cars with a lot more horsepower.
I have the first gen Clio 1.8 16V bought for 400 GBP and its super fun, almost as fast as Clio II 172, but too old I guess.
If you have the opportunity you should visit the Renault World Series at the Silverstone Circuit on September 5th and 6th
Mazda 3 MPS is even faster then Clios, as it has about 190 kw I guess, but has a turbo - more mechanic stuff, more troubles, more weight, slower when cornering, you know. But still, in my opinion, it's a hot hatch that absolutely worth the money.
I do not recommend Fabia RS at all, as it comes with stock suspension I guess, Skoda is not good at sporty suspension. And has 1.4 TSI with the DSG as well. No sporty feeling at all.
Chris 'Haffy' Hafner Some of these are a nice choice, let me try to give an advise.
I recommend any Clio RS, either 172/182, 197, as those are N/A 2 liters and Clios are super fast, there are many options of performance parts that can make it even faster, BUT, what any Renault Sport seems to be about - the suspension. Renault Sport tought me that power is not everything. With Clio RS looks innocent but when it comes to flooring it, it beats cars with a lot more horsepower.
I have the first gen Clio 1.8 16V bought for 400 GBP and its super fun, almost as fast as Clio II 172, but too old I guess.
If you have the opportunity you should visit the Renault World Series at the Silverstone Circuit on September 5th and 6th
Mazda 3 MPS is even faster then Clios, as it has about 190 kw I guess, but has a turbo - more mechanic stuff, more troubles, more weight, slower when cornering, you know. But still, in my opinion, it's a hot hatch that absolutely worth the money.
I do not recommend Fabia RS at all, as it comes with stock suspension I guess, Skoda is not good at sporty suspension. And has 1.4 TSI with the DSG as well. No sporty feeling at all.
Sorry to butt in, just wanted to say - DSG/Inteligent shift systems (oem especially) have come a long way in the last eight+ years, I hated having to use them but the current crop make them a joy to live with, I've got a daily 2014 4x CRV and the Honda system has many faults but fully auto all the time is not something I'm a fan of, but in a car park? Hell yes. even that end of the market is getting better at them...
The Geartronics system is a joy to use in every situation.... If you can get it passed VOSA that is.....
Sorry to butt in, just wanted to say - DSG/Inteligent shift systems (oem especially) have come a long way in the last eight+ years, I hated having to use them but the current crop make them a joy to live with, I've got a daily 2014 4x CRV and the Honda system has many faults but fully auto all the time is not something I'm a fan of, but in a car park? Hell yes. even that end of the market is getting better at them...
The Geartronics system is a joy to use in every situation.... If you can get it passed VOSA that is.....
Sorry to butt in, just wanted to say - DSG/Inteligent shift systems (oem especially) have come a long way in the last eight+ years, I hated having to use them but the current crop make them a joy to live with, I've got a daily 2014 4x CRV and the Honda system has many faults but fully auto all the time is not something I'm a fan of, but in a car park? Hell yes. even that end of the market is getting better at them...
The Geartronics system is a joy to use in every situation.... If you can get it passed VOSA that is.....
Yeah the GTI is equal 1st with the Clio at the moment. The refinement and mostly reliable gear is good, as for the clio yes and yes on the engine and suspension. I drove a 197 and it was an absolute hoot.
I have to say that I'll be getting a manual over DSG, as where I live is mostly good back roads and not much traffic.
Cheers for the insight everybody!
i really like golfs, and even tho i prefer Mk1 and Mk2 this one looks mad, if i had to get one, i'd definetely go with this gen (but manual, i know DSG is faster and more comfortable when dealing with traffic but maan, i love the feel of downshifting when doung mountain passes... BUT, i respect your project because it is yours, and you should not let it be influenced by the internet people (yes, like me :P) so do what you want to do with your car. you wanna paint it pink with white rims? Go for it!
The only real important thing here is that YOU, the owner of the car love it, it doesn't matter if it's stock or lowered, fast or slow, the only one thing that really matters is that you love it and have fun with it when you're behind the wheel. And there are no HP measures for that.
of course everyone will tell you "i'd change those rims, i'd lower it, i'd get a bugatti veyron engine in it... but those are not the important opinions....
And with that this was it, i really hope you have some fun throwing this around, modifing it and staring and shooting it!
Had a Mk6 Gti for a couple of years. One of the most boring cars I've ever owned, even a k04 and a tune didn't help. Downgraded to a 1998 Evo V with a bunch of mods and it's so much more raw and involving.
Ireland's carpolitics sounds a lot like Brazil too. Cars are expensive because of taxes. We have a motor tax that is based on the size of the engine. Very low speed limits in some big cities (like São Paulo)....
It's difficult to be an enthusiast in a country that people prefer football (or soccer) but we try.
Nice car. Makes me Jealous!
Chris 'Haffy' Hafner Out of that list, personally the Golf would be the obvious choice for me!
Yeah the refinement is a massive point of sale, though I do love the thought of a N/A revver with a sweet chassis.
I have done some investigation into MKVI prices and unfortunately in Aus they are a little expensive.
I might just need to drive a couple back to back to get the final idea.
I read somewhere that if the automobile predated John Locke, driving might today be considered a civil right.
So when we get the FTL spaceships built and start colonizing other planets, and a bunch of guys decide to found another Last-Best-Hope-for-Mankind-type country, let's hope that they're wise enough to have their Constitution protect the right to own and operate motor vehicles.
I read somewhere that if the automobile predated John Locke, driving might today be considered a civil right.
So when we get the FTL spaceships built and start colonizing other planets, and a bunch of guys decide to found another Last-Best-Hope-for-Mankind-type country, let's hope that they're wise enough to have their Constitution protect the right to own and operate motor vehicles.
I read somewhere that if the automobile predated John Locke, driving might today be considered a civil right.
So when we get the FTL spaceships built and start colonizing other planets, and a bunch of guys decide to found another Last-Best-Hope-for-Mankind-type country, let's hope that they're wise enough to have their Constitution protect the right to own and operate motor vehicles.
loslogo I guess experience is down to personal preference and how you use it, right? A 'raw' daily driver would be an absolutely no go for me as I need to do around 2,000KM each month and I honestly couldn't deal with the headaches that would involve. As I said below, the big appeal to me was the MKVI's refinement. When you want quiet and comfort, it can do that no problem. If you want to assault your favourite backroad, it can do that too.
I've been more sideways in the GTI than I ever was in the E90, so can't say that it's a boring car.
loslogo I guess experience is down to personal preference and how you use it, right? A 'raw' daily driver would be an absolutely no go for me as I need to do around 2,000KM each month and I honestly couldn't deal with the headaches that would involve. As I said below, the big appeal to me was the MKVI's refinement. When you want quiet and comfort, it can do that no problem. If you want to assault your favourite backroad, it can do that too.
I've been more sideways in the GTI than I ever was in the E90, so can't say that it's a boring car.
FBFerran Hahaha, thanks man. It definitely won't be getting painted pink but white wheels aren't a bad shout
FBFerran Hahaha, thanks man. It definitely won't be getting painted pink but white wheels aren't a bad shout
Been eyeing one for the family, big fan of the Mk3 and 4 though.
Been eyeing one for the family, big fan of the Mk3 and 4 though.
Chris 'Haffy' Hafner A MKV ED30 would be a good shout too, if you can find one.
Chris 'Haffy' Hafner A MKV ED30 would be a good shout too, if you can find one.
Paddy McGrath Agreed.
Paddy McGrath Agreed.
VitorAugustoPancaBR Our annual tax system is split into pre-2008 and post-2008. Pre-2008 is based on an engine's cubic capacity, with the highest tax band attracting a premium of around €1,900 per annum for anything over 3.0 litres. Post-2008 is based on CO2 emissions, with the top band charged at €2,350 for anything over 225g/km.
My GTI is somewhere in the middle at €750 per year, but it would have been €570 per year if it was a manual...
VitorAugustoPancaBR Our annual tax system is split into pre-2008 and post-2008. Pre-2008 is based on an engine's cubic capacity, with the highest tax band attracting a premium of around €1,900 per annum for anything over 3.0 litres. Post-2008 is based on CO2 emissions, with the top band charged at €2,350 for anything over 225g/km.
My GTI is somewhere in the middle at €750 per year, but it would have been €570 per year if it was a manual...
Chris 'Haffy' Hafner I've owned my 197 for nearly 6years. In that time it's progressed from fun car, track car and back to daily driver again. They're a fantastic little motor. Ignore the bad press they get for 'french reliability'. Mines been spot on for 6 years and 70k+ of mileage. If you do look for one, check for 2nd/3rd gear crunch (broken gearbox) and knocking from the front suspension (lower ball joints - not a big job if you just buy the ball joint - don't let Renault talk you in to buying the whole hub!)
The chassis is where it's at for the Clios. And if you're looking for a back road stormer and occasional track car, there's almost nothing beating it (unless you step up to the Megane RS). Don't expect big performance gains from the engine (unless you swap in a turbo motor), but the brakes are fantastic - not that you need them in a car that corners like the Clio haha.
My only exposure with the Golfs has been the V6 models (VR6, both R32's), and they're a brilliant daily car, but are too heavy and dull when you get past 7/10ths IMO. Build quality is higher, and the straight line performance is, and will always be better than the Clio. If you throw money at them, that gap will get bigger.
Depending on what you want the best Hot Hatch options IMO are:
Clio197/200 - B road/track daily, <= 12k miles PA
Golf GTI - Motorway/dual carriageway cruiser >15k miles PA
OR depending on budget you could go for a Megane 250/265 and get pretty much the best of both worlds. Personally, I'd avoid the Fiesta (unless it's the new gen) - they're just too slow, likewise the Fabia. The 3MPS is basically a Focus in Japanese clothing, personally I'd get the Megane or Golf over one of them.
Paddy McGrath cheers! I'll have a dig and see what I come up with.
what sus did you go for? I'm 5 years and 90k-or-so-miles in on my KW V1s and I still can't fault them. Yours has set the BBS LM Lust Alarm off in my head again, though. Never seen a set of 18s look so good on a Caddy, and I might just have to get some for mine... One day...
PS, Caddy looked sweet, pretty sure I've seen it before but didn't know it was yours - also pleased you didn't go Full Retard with all the chrome extras like a lot of the Irish boys on Caddy2K used to!
Paddy McGrath cheers! I'll have a dig and see what I come up with.
what sus did you go for? I'm 5 years and 90k-or-so-miles in on my KW V1s and I still can't fault them. Yours has set the BBS LM Lust Alarm off in my head again, though. Never seen a set of 18s look so good on a Caddy, and I might just have to get some for mine... One day...
PS, Caddy looked sweet, pretty sure I've seen it before but didn't know it was yours - also pleased you didn't go Full Retard with all the chrome extras like a lot of the Irish boys on Caddy2K used to!
Paddy McGrath johnbezt LukeEVOVIII This x2, for sure. They're competent standard, sure, but its only when fiddled with just a little that they appeal, to me at least. But at the end of the day, most people won't regret buying one, unless they get a heap-of-sh*t "friday afternoon lemon". They're generally reliable, and lovely places to be - so much so that personally I can't even see the point buying an Audi over a VW, if we're talking A3/Golf-sized or smaller at least.
Nice one! I come from Italy and the story is pretty similar. I drive a mk6 gtd day and I love it, had it remapped last year and now it's around 200hp and really torquy. I'd love to put some rota grids one day, I also love that Japanese touch.
Great story! I've had a MK6 myself, but drive a MK7 GTI now - Getting tired of FWD though, so I will go for a Golf R next time!
Looking forward to seeing more from you
Great story! I've had a MK6 myself, but drive a MK7 GTI now - Getting tired of FWD though, so I will go for a Golf R next time!
Looking forward to seeing more from you
As a fellow MK6 GTI owner my advice is not to waste your money on an intake, all it will do is make it sound ricey. I ended up changing back to standard and didn't lose a single kw (I have before and after dyno charts to prove it). If you are worried about intake temps buy a 2nd hand Audi S3 intercooler, the early one with metal end tanks. Add a Milltek exhaust and a tune and you have one seriously fun car. Oh and DGS rock...the "farts" on upshift can't be beat!
Looking forward to following your progress
Paddy McGrath Haha! Also true, you can also add the horrible road quality we have. My old s13 would probably be called a "rallycar" on this site but I still scraped all over the place..
Nice car you've gotten yourself tho! Good combo of fun and comfort in our "harsh" nations
I've always heard that the MKVI is problematic and the MKVII is the one too buy, but it seems like you've done your research and made the changes to keep it reliable. I REALLY liked your 320d and I'm considering going for the same car but the face-lift version... especially for that fuel consumption figures lol
As far as best places to be an enthusiast, any state in America with no emissions would certainly be up there. You could probably drive a nascar on the street here in Michigan if you threw a plate on it
Robo_No1 Yes. + Clios are pretty good gas savers, neither are Meganes. Nor 225 and 250/265. Using it as a daily becomes a bit more expensive. Though, I would go for the Cup version. Theres probably not better hothatch than Megane RS Cup
Robo_No1 Yes. + Clios are pretty good gas savers, neither are Meganes. Nor 225 and 250/265. Using it as a daily becomes a bit more expensive. Though, I would go for the Cup version. Theres probably not better hothatch than Megane RS Cup
Funny you mention the wheel. When I test drove a GTI one of my favourite things was said wheel. My wallet disagreed with the rest though.
I find it sad that here in the U.S. we have MKVI GTI's seemingly coming out our ears. I worked at a VW dealer for 9 months this year and when the MKVII dropped, we were sitting on a half dozen MKVI cars at any given time. Nice, solid-feeling, fun-to-drive cars. VW's reliability still seems a bit dodgy, though; I can't bring myself to trust them.
I'm excited to see how your project comes together! I recently purchased an MKVI 2.5 Golf 5spd. I absolutely love the way the car feels to drive, and it continues to grow on me. I wasn't able to afford a GTI given my current budget, but I am happy with the care nonetheless. Although I don't have any extreme plans for the car yet, I am already looking at suspension upgrades and look forward to making it my own.
The 2.5 is five cylinder, right? Get yourself a good stainless exhaust system and go bask in that Group B-esque howl!
The dream. Do you think these states will remain untouched or will they move with the modern environmental era?
The dream. Do you think these states will remain untouched or will they move with the modern environmental era?
Hey can be retrofitted into a MKV, but air bags scare the bejesus out of me.
I'd avoid the the LCI E90 in 320 & 318 diesel layouts. The six cylinders are fine, but the four cylinders have a tendency to snap timing chains.
I'd avoid the the LCI E90 in 320 & 318 diesel layouts. The six cylinders are fine, but the four cylinders have a tendency to snap timing chains.
Golf R or S3 is hopefully the next step...
Appreciate that feedback! I love those DSG pops, they bring out my inner child.
I'd keep the BBS over the Rotas, look mean in black too.
Big, big difference between the MKIV & VI. MKV would be a fantastic compromise if you're on a budget.
Yeah, it seems that way browsing the forums. Pretty sure mine is the only MKVI GTI on my local forums!
There's surprisingly not that much difference between the Clio and the newer Meganes. Driven gently my Clio returns about 35mpg, spritzed driving is about 25mpg and track is more like 10haha. On a cruise the megane will return the same as the Clio but once you press on it'll soon start to suck some juice. The Megane Cup is a solid choice, less of a difference between that and the "full fat". The Clio Cup is pretty ropey inside though. So I'd go for an FF model - you'll be surprised at home much kit you can get as standard.
Yes sir, you can hear the growl trying to escape already, so a stainless system is definitely on the list beside suspension! Currently sorting out best option as there are quite a few to choose from, trying to be mindful it's my daily so i don't want it to be too aggressive for the highway commutes.
Yes sir, you can hear the growl trying to escape already, so a stainless system is definitely on the list beside suspension! Currently sorting out best option as there are quite a few to choose from, trying to be mindful it's my daily so i don't want it to be too aggressive for the highway commutes.
Hard to say. Most probably will move but i dont think think it will be as strict as in other countries. Michigan probably wont because of all the manufacturers being here. It would be dumb for someone to try and pass a law that goes "against" cars so to speak. And depending if the state is Democratic or Republican could determine how soon they switch. Hopefully not soon! Its great to have the option to straight pipe!
Paddy McGrath No so much transferable into a speed3.
And yeah, air bags are serious. We set off a few in highschool and I really would rather one not pop off in my face.
Paddy McGrath No so much transferable into a speed3.
And yeah, air bags are serious. We set off a few in highschool and I really would rather one not pop off in my face.
Cheers everyone, I maybe turning french
Details on my SA Built S3
I pretty much think I've done all I could do on my S3 so want to move on to the next project ... maybe a B7 RS4.
2008 Audi S3 8P
99 XXX on the clock
Stealth stage 3 software
Fully forged engine built & balanced by J-Tech in Dec 2014
Hybrid K04 turbo with billet intake wheel & 2mm bigger exhaust wheel built by Oom Kallie
Forge actuator
Forge DV
Brand new S3 injectors x4
Wossner forged pistons
IE forged rods
Calico bearings
ARP head studs
ARP rod bolts
Ported and flowed head
Single mass 6Kg aluminium flywheel (No transmission noise)
Uprated clutch & pressure plate
New Clutch master & slave cylinder
New oil pump & pickup
New cam chain & tensioner
New cambelt & tensioners
Neuspeed underdrive alumium crank pulley
Turbo muffler delete
Stealth throttle pipe
New OEM intercooler
Stealth 100mm cold air induction
Autotech HPFP internal upgrade with new cam follower
RS4 fuel return valve
New Lambda/Oxygen sensors
Iridium BKR8EIX spark plugs
R8 coil packs
CTS turbo heat shield
Dogbone mount insert
New OEM engine mountings
FK coilovers
18" Caractere original wheels (8J)
225/40/18 Bridgestone Potenza RE002 tyres
Gearbox input shaft and bearings replaced
CV shafts serviced
New prop couplings & centre bearing
Sunroof
Xenon lights
76mm downpipe recently built by Profit
Full custom 76mm exhaust with mandrel bends and 1 silencer
Details on my SA Built S3
I pretty much think I've done all I could do on my S3 so want to move on to the next project ... maybe a B7 RS4.
2008 Audi S3 8P
99 XXX on the clock
Stealth stage 3 software
Fully forged engine built & balanced by J-Tech in Dec 2014
Hybrid K04 turbo with billet intake wheel & 2mm bigger exhaust wheel built by Oom Kallie
Forge actuator
Forge DV
Brand new S3 injectors x4
Wossner forged pistons
IE forged rods
Calico bearings
ARP head studs
ARP rod bolts
Ported and flowed head
Single mass 6Kg aluminium flywheel (No transmission noise)
Uprated clutch & pressure plate
New Clutch master & slave cylinder
New oil pump & pickup
New cam chain & tensioner
New cambelt & tensioners
Neuspeed underdrive alumium crank pulley
Turbo muffler delete
Stealth throttle pipe
New OEM intercooler
Stealth 100mm cold air induction
Autotech HPFP internal upgrade with new cam follower
RS4 fuel return valve
New Lambda/Oxygen sensors
Iridium BKR8EIX spark plugs
R8 coil packs
CTS turbo heat shield
Dogbone mount insert
New OEM engine mountings
FK coilovers
18" Caractere original wheels (8J)
225/40/18 Bridgestone Potenza RE002 tyres
Gearbox input shaft and bearings replaced
CV shafts serviced
New prop couplings & centre bearing
Sunroof
Xenon lights
76mm downpipe recently built by Profit
Full custom 76mm exhaust with mandrel bends and 1 silencer
Paddy McGrath loslogo Yeah all that's understandable and also one of the reason's I brought a GTi to begin with. But annoying features like the absence of an lsd and the electronic brake solution just make it so much less involving and also alienate people who are into hardcore driving. Ging sideways on the stock suspension id like sliding a mattress. If i was to get another late model FWD I'd probably go for a 255/65/75 megane or even a rs focus. I just found it a really uninspired car, and the more I owned it the more I hated it. The plaid interior was cool to begin with but the more I was in it the more it felt like I was driving around in some old mans jacket.
loslogo Paddy McGrath Honestly, I haven't had a chance to go for a dedicated spirited drive in it yet, just little bouts here and there. I've some free time coming up and it's top of my agenda, as I want to see for myself what I do and don't like about the car and can then set about changing it.
I only really like the original Focus RS, the MKII doesn't do anything for me and the new car, despite not being on sale yet, will be about three times the price of my GTI!
DjLylo This comment is useless without pictures
Great write up Paddy and awesome pics!!
I am also residing in Rep of Ireland and can completely relate to the hatred of the government and the whole setup that car enthusiasts have to put up with here.
I am glad someone has gone and highlighted it,,, got the word out there.
I can also relate to you purchasing your GTI as I have also picked up a brand new Fiesta ST.
It suits me perfect, love it more everyday, and like yourself, have had to make sacrifices in order to get it.
Look forward to your updates
Paddy McGrath VitorAugustoPancaBR We don't have a CO2 based one but have a LOT of other taxes.
Is that intercooler plug 'n play? Would it fit a MkV? Thanks for the advice but not for the shopping list addition!
I have had electrical issues, but otherwise has been bulletproof. Reliability is one reason I am worried about modding mine.
Smart mods. I have been considering upgrading the diverter valve too with an Audi one. My only concern is that the weakest link becomes something else that is harder to fix. I do wonder if engineers choose the point of failure in some designs. I look foward to the updates. Great pics too.t
The Golf R is an awesome car and great fun but not as chuckable as the gti imo. More rewarding and at lower speeds. But since I can't afford the R Im not sure if Im just making subconscious excuses!
Wow, the opposite of my experience. I've had much much faster cars but I get sick of the compromises. Raw and involving is fine at the track, but what about at 8am in Monday traffic? I want quiet and refined then.
Paddy McGrath DjLylo
Hows about that?
Always great write up's Paddy and awesome pics!!!!
Paddy McGrath DjLylo
Paddy McGrath DjLylo
Golf.. Zhe most boring, generic and yawn-inducing car of them all?
Great choice! I'm a bit old fashioned, the only thing I don't like are the "moon crater" rims.
Looking forward to see more of the project, love the car and for now you are going in the right direction. Just a ''little'' thing, the front needs HID headlights, it gives the entire car a more modern look as you said with the rear lights.
DjLylo Paddy McGrath YES.
DjLylo Paddy McGrath YES.
koko san Not a massive fan either, particularly of the finish either.
EvolveWRC I'd love a xenon retrofit, but the rules here are pretty strict now about HIDs. I would need headlights, wiring adapters, probably a new CECM module, bulbs, ballasts, AFS motors, washers and levelling sensors to make it technically legal here. That's a huge chuck of change which could probably be better spend elsewhere.
deleted_82067014_Abezzegh87 No more boring than your comment
I thought that Ireland was more like UK in terms of modifications... Same happens in Spain, things that are supposed to make your car safer like xenon or better brakes are illegal, but you can pass MOT with the tires almost destroyed and nobody cares, just doesn't have sense.
You're right, better spend the money on more important mods in that case.
at first i was like "why man why!" and then i read the whole thing and i was like too much respect for this guy.
EvolveWRC Pretty sure it's an EU-wide thing now, to prevent dipshits putting HID bulbs in reflector headlights and blinding everyone. To be fair, the stock lights in the GTI are pretty decent although I might upgrade the bulbs at some point.
EvolveWRC Pretty sure it's an EU-wide thing now, to prevent dipshits putting HID bulbs in reflector headlights and blinding everyone. To be fair, the stock lights in the GTI are pretty decent although I might upgrade the bulbs at some point.
rook56 I doubt it's an engineered weak point as they updated the diverter valve to a piston type one from 2011 onwards AFAIK. It's a known weak point, and the Forge is complete overkill but I'm a fan of that sort of thing.
@Ian Fitz Cheers, Ian. Love the new ST and debated about getting one instead of the GTI but they were just out of my budget. Best of luck with it!
matthewyaa Just make sure whatever system you get has a decent resonator and you'll be fine on the highway. Lots of info on mk6golf.com for the 2.5
rook56 Mine needed a battery which was replaced under warranty. Don't see it needing anything else in the near future #touchwood
I honestly think that make sacrifices means that you appreciate your hatchback more than the guy who just got his 7th Lambo. That is how i feel anyway.
I would describe the experience with my mk6 gti the exact same way! It's my go-to road trip car and daily, just perfect for anything. Good choice of vehicle, good luck! xx
Paddy McGrath I've considered it though.
I know this is probably the smallest part of the car, but where did you buy your ProClip holder from? Been looking for ages for a phone mount that doesn't look awful or require a sticky pad or something...I've had a look at the ProClip website and including shipping to the UK it comes to about £60 (or €90
).
Anyway, I really like the newer shape Golf GTi's, definite improvement over the past few generations. Gutted I couldn't buy your BMW, but you put it up for sale just after I'd bought my Scirocco! Agreed about DSG, I was sceptical until I drove a car with it and it was so easy to drive 'normally', and I was grinning like an idiot at the speed of the changes.
ChrisBurnham I figured out which two parts I needed and got them bought from Amazon for around €50 delivered if I remember correctly.
@Erin Skelton Thanks, Erin!
A very nicely written text.
Please, go so on !
A very nicely written text an please go so on it was so interesting to read your text.
And for the future, have as much fun as possible with your GTI.
A very nicely written text an please go so on it was so interesting to read your text.
And for the future, have as much fun as possible with your GTI.
stefanschotten Thanks!
oly VW guys know wat it is