Hey All

The misses has a MKIII Golf GTI 16v which we have decided to keep untill it dies.

Are there any cheap upgrades I can do the car to make it drive better or to simply improve it aesthetically, comfort, handling and performance wise.

As it is not worth that much I do not want to spend a the GDP of a small country.

Cheers
Ian

Hey All

The misses has a MKIII Golf GTI 16v which we have decided to keep untill it dies.

Are there any cheap upgrades I can do the car to make it drive better or to simply improve it aesthetically (paper bag or dark glasses), comfort (cusion), handling (straight roads) and performance wise (stick to 40mph limits).

As it is not worth that much I do not want to spend a the GDP of a small country.

Cheers
Ian
:lol1: :norty: :D

Seriously though, its the same as it is for any motor. Bolt on's (exhaust & induction) will help maybe a chip depending on model. Springs/shock etc for handling. As for looks, well its personal. But alloys, paint and bodykits are the usual.

However all of these are not cheap so you takes your pick and you pays your money. :thumb:

whilst the 8v gti was a slow as a slow thing the 16v had a healthy 150bhp.

A full exhaust system will cost you a bit, why not concentrate on the handling, i.e. stiffer and uprated springs, drop links etc. maybe uprate the front discs and pads. as the MK3 was a bit wobbly as a GTI.

sorry i cant be much more help it just doesnt seem sensible to be spending loads on performance on a car worth 1500 quid.

If it were me i'd just spend a bit improving the handling.:thumb:

Suspension kit would be the first thing. If it's never been changed it'll be wallowy and vague(just like when new:rolleyes:) If your keeping it for a while get a decent kit like Bilsteins and you'll notice a world of difference.

Don't go near Gmax or the like, a mate of mine put Gmax on a MK3 and it would make you vomit with the sheer unbridled sh!tness of the suspension.

Other than that try and make sure all the bushes etc are in good nick and it's properly serviced and healthy. a good local specialist would be a bonus for this.

Get a full set of koni adjustable shocks and lowering springs in....you wont look back!!

Not worth spending much on it. Have a look on ebay and maybe buy a donor car that's now knackered but has parts you can steal.

There's a knackered 16v Mk3 on there going for nothing with a full stainless exhaust fitted.

Polybushes (investment for MOT time too) and a decent set of dampers Bilstien or Koni for lower money Boge Turbo Gas are good too. GSF do kits for around £200. Don't forget decent tyres.

Check out Golfgti.co.uk or clubgti both are good sources and some excellent project stuff.

For braking Pigid pads seem to be recommened and there are lots of good value grooved disk combos.

I wish the stuff for Imprezas was as good value as that for VWs:(

I had the 8v which was sloow (115 bhp) but a nice car though

I think with Golfs the advert 'best left alone' was a good one

hi

aaronnco here,

i also have a 16v MK3 Golf gti. Recently bought it and now am thinking of selling it. I dont know whether i should keep it or get rid of it but, performance wise it is dissapointing to me. I used to own a mazda familia 1991 and compared to it accellration-wise, my golf gti is about 30% slower gaining speed.

my specs are 16v DOHC 2litre. Not sure if this helps alot but can anything be done to increase boost, faster accelleraton. Engine appears to be very solid and tidy. nothing has been done to the exhaust. nothing has been done to suspenson/ the car is pretty much standard.. except for alloy wheels

here is pics below. If anyone can hellpp.. pllllz

http://images.trademe.co.nz/photoserver/93/67459793_full.jpg
http://images.trademe.co.nz/photoserver/68/67459768_full.jpg
http://images.trademe.co.nz/photoserver/49/67459749_full.jpg