Adam M

I know this is basically the same engine as the TT, leon cupra R etc, but what I want to know is what are the performance options when starting from the base 150bhp model?

I presume the audi etc have different hardware in terms of intercooling etc?

any info greatly appreciated.

Cupramax

The world is your oyster!!! Basic everything from a simple remap which would give 190-220hp depending on what year/turbo the car has, to a 350hp IHI turbo conversion from Jabbasport. The only question is how much do you have to spend

Adam M

its a march 99 car. I have no idea what size turbo that means.

Am not looking for mega power, and would like to still use the I presume small standard turbo, plus I don't want it to start making funny noises. A round 200bhp with similar torque would do me. and maybe some decent springs!

mike16v

I had a 99 'S' and got an APR chip on it. You'll get around 190-195bhp from that, with 220lb/ft. Add an exhaust (Miltek are quite subtle and not loud) and get a custom map somewhere to take into account the exhaust and you may creep over the 200bhp mark. Exhaust (cat back) will set you back around £300 and the remap will be around £500. The map alone will be a good improvement.

Some H&R springs or Eibach will sort the height, but may be better looking into a full kit as handling is a bit wobbly (was on the one I had) - GMAX at about £250 if on a budget, Koni adjustabled for around £400 or coilovers from about £500 or so

mike16v

ok, and you have a K03 turbo

one thing you can do is look out for a pranged Leon Cupra or a 2001 onwards Golf and buy the turbo (KO3-S - maybe £200?) as it pretty much bolts on, so with that and a custom map you can be looking at about 220bhp+

Adam M

great, excellent help.

will be the wife's runaround so don't want to be adding obvious boy up features, just subtle things, like a chip.

Though the turbo sounds inconspicuous.

do they have intercooling?

mike16v

they have a single small intercooler. an S3 has 2 single small intercoolers. But you can buy a large FMIC

have a gander on http://www.awesome-gti.co.uk/vw%20golfmk4/engine.html

Adam M

wow!

so much performance for so little extra?

how the hell do they get it to 240lbft? having said that, I don't know what the standard is.

Do you happen to know if they all have the recaro design seats as standard? I know some list it as a feature, and some have blue inserts, but I get the feeling all have that extra lateral support.

Jay m A

iTrader: (2)

Recaro seats were OE up to a point, then for the later cars it was an option. My fiancee's 2000 X reg had them as std.

mike16v

the Recaro seats are more bolstered than the VW sports seats

agdodds

I have had a 1.8t 150bhp w registration chipped it was awesome 215 bhp with an exhaust,
also had the gti anniversary 180bhp 02 plate remapped with exhaust got over 240bhp what a car
the only problem I had with both cars was keeping the little ******* on the road they lost grip on the front unbelievably you really had to take your time in the wet, saying that I wouldnt hesitate to get one done again, I can give you the name and number of the guy that does them for me he will travel (sort of locally )from cumbriaand prices are good.

nick s

hey, my mate has a 1.8T 150bhp model, hes had it REVO'd to 208bhp with 240lbs/ft of torque and hes quite dissapointed with it, my 106 GTi that runs a 14.6 1/4 mile can still wipe the floor with him. if i was you i'd get the bigger turbo from the 225 models put on then get that REVO'd you can get around 280bhp with that setup i think.