VW MK.4 GTI... what to do?

Hi all, I'm new to the forum, but I've been a reader for 10+ years.

I originally picked up my 03 1.8T GTI as a daily driver, which in Canada means it sees snow and salt. It's got some rust, an exhaust leak, check engine light, airbag light, and about 212k kms (132k miles). Otherwise, it's been fun and reliable.

I don't need it as a daily anymore, so I'm trying to figure out what to do... Chump? Challenge? Use it as a donor for something ridiculous? Fix it and sell it for something RWD?

I'd post a picture, but haven't quite figured out how yet.

Whatever takes your fancy?

Personally, I am one of the few that kinda likes the Mk IV platform (I own a '03 TDI wagon) and I've occasionally pondered one of these as a track-rat/auto-x/rally-x car. The suspension geometry is such that they don't really want to be lowered to handle well, and would thus be suited for a such use.

A 1.8T can be built for good amount of power.

Rallycross?

Ebay downpipe and iirc theres some free basicbitch tuning software out there, cant remember the name though. I had a stock 1.8t jetta years ago that was a good daily then i rode in a friends new to him 1.8t golf thats had random unknown work done to it, all we know is downpipe and maybe a tune and that thing RIPS! Like a seat of the pants 100hp over what mine was stock. Makes me really want another but i swore off VAG years ago. Who knows, but keep us updated sounds like it could be a cool build

I'm very limited in budget right now, so whatever I do will have to be cheap, or a long-term project

Like I said, it depends a bit on what you want to do. A "good" suspension for these isn't cheap, but it isn't as bad cost-wise as some other cars. Other than maybe drag-racing, the stock engine puts out more than enough power to get you into trouble in actual competition settings, so the first areas to focus on would be suspension, brakes and tires.

If there is one weak area, mechanically, it's front wheel bearings. You'll put them under a lot of stress, so learn how to replace them since you'll probably be doing the job often.

Fixing broken E36 M3 isn't an issue, I was a (mostly Ford) dealer mechanic for 11 years.

And I agree, suspension/brakes/tires are always my first thought, you don't need a lot of power if you've got a good setup and a good driver.

My big debate is I've always been partial to rwd, particularly the BMW variety, so if I fix a few little things and sell this, I could probably get an E36/E46 3-series, or an E39 5-series that could be just as interesting of a project.

I had an 01 GTi which I really liked once I undid all the hackery from the PO. It seemed like there was unlimited aftermarket for them (well, relative to Saab, pretty much everything has unlimited aftermarket ) . I was able to get some stuff used off VWVortex, including a Milltek exhaust.

Regarding the wheel bearings, pick up one of the HF bearing press tool sets with their 25% off coupon, or see if there's a local GRMer who already has one if/when needed. Makes it easy.

XLR99 wrote: Regarding the wheel bearings, pick up one of the HF bearing press tool sets with their 25% off coupon, or see if there's a local GRMer who already has one if/when needed. Makes it easy.

No HF in Canada, but I get what you're saying... That's one of the few tools that I never bought, every place I worked at had it as a shop tool.

I don't remember typing E36 M3... I guess that's censorship of s**t... cool feature lol.

BMWGeoff wrote:

XLR99 wrote: Regarding the wheel bearings, pick up one of the HF bearing press tool sets with their 25% off coupon, or see if there's a local GRMer who already has one if/when needed. Makes it easy.

No HF in Canada, but I get what you're saying... That's one of the few tools that I never bought, every place I worked at had it as a shop tool. I don't remember typing E36 M3... I guess that's censorship of s**t... cool feature lol.

Try Princess Auto - same E36 M3 different name!

NGTD wrote:

Try Princess Auto - same E36 M3 different name!

Exactly what I was thinking

Dont mkivs like to be lifted? Do that.

Well I tried to sell the car for $2600 and had exactly 0 replies, so I guess it'll be a track rat. Searching Ebay, kijiji (craigslist is almost unused in Canada) and forums for cheap suspension upgrades.

Also considering megasquirt, more for the fun of being able to play with the tuning myself.

Had Koni Sports, camber/caster plates and GC Coilover sleeves on mine. Makes a huge different in those chassis. The stock ECU are pretty advanced for their time too. Hard to justify a standalone.

doctorscholls wrote: Had Koni Sports, camber/caster plates and GC Coilover sleeves on mine. Makes a huge different in those chassis. The stock ECU are pretty advanced for their time too. Hard to justify a standalone.

Seems like sound advice. I guess if I want a bit more power, a flash would probably be sufficient.

Need some pics in the build thread!

I think you post over on MCO too? I'm on there too but I use a different screen name.

I'm former MCO, recently moved to the GTA, been an on and off autoXer for 10+ years

Well that figures... renew the license plate, order the parts for the exhaust, and some kid shows up with cash, and gives me my asking price. Oh well, on to the next one.

If you're broke and asking these questions, this doesn't sound like the car for you. There are other things that need less attention that are... enthusiastic.

I've driven a heavily modified MKIV GTi on many occasions and LOVED it, but it was very much the wrong car for the friend who owned it. That's why it's gone, and he has something Japanese as a DD now.

Powar wrote: If you're broke and asking these questions, this doesn't sound like the car for you. There are other things that need less attention that are... enthusiastic. I've driven a heavily modified MKIV GTi on many occasions and LOVED it, but it was very much the wrong car for the friend who owned it. That's why it's gone, and he has something Japanese as a DD now.

Might want to read my previous post... car is gone, someone else's problem now.