What can I do with a 2000 VW Passat?

[tawclaw]

Hey guys. I'm not very knowledgeable about cars and modifications and consider myself just an amateur/beginner when it comes to anything regarding performance. I need some help to find out what I can do to pump up my 2000 VW Passat. I finally got the no-go to sell it and buy a newer/better car (it belongs to my sister but she lives far away now) so I'm going to do with it what I can.

It has the 2.8L V6 engine (GLX) and is in pretty good shape. I've also been told it has the "nice" suspension available in the 2000 models, if that means anything. I've had repair work done a few times, but it's pretty old now so that's expected. The only (sorta) aftermarket thing it has right now is an installed metal plate under the oil pan because it kept leaking due to hitting a speed bump or something.

First and foremost, I want to up the power. From what I know and have read, there aren't turbos available for the V6 engine. Would my best bet, then, be a super? I'm trying to stay within a cheap budget, and couldn't justify anything more than like $1,000 (which is pretty low). Any suggestions on this front?

What else can I feasibly do to upgrade this year of Passat? I know a cold air intake and nice exhaust would help to some extent, but how much $$$ am I looking at for a decent setup there?

I'm also going to install some nice speakers, as well as maybe new seats since they're kinda beat up. Depending on budget I might do a paint job too, but that's far off and a good job will probably run me two grand or more.

Thanks for any tips or help.

[vgames33]

Your best bet is to find a forum dedicated to your car. They will know more than we do about what works and what doesn't for that particular engine. I believe that engine came in the S4/S6 as well.

Forced induction won't happen for under a grand. Even if you found a turbo or supercharger that works for cheap, you still need to factor in the turbo manifold/supercharger brackets, injectors, fuel pump, intercooler, transmission/clutch upgrades, and a tuning solution for your ECM. Labor is another factor if you can't do it yourself. It adds up very fast.

You're probably stuck with minor bolt-on stuff like a CAI and mandrel bent exhaust for now. Perhaps check Ebay or Craigslist and look for a used setup to save some coin. Spend some time reading about what works and what doesn't before spending alot of money.


A quick skim on google brought me to this page:

http://www.passatworld.com/forums/42...q-mods-v6.html

Its old information, but better than nothing. It appears that a few companies made supercharger kits for that car. Maybe you can find something affordable.