Need advice on finding a mod.

[MeatandPotatoes]

Hey Everyone,

I've recently purchased a 1997 VW Golf 4dr hatch. and love everything about the car. I can't wait to begin to modify it (performance or just appearance) - unfortunately, in buying the car I've pretty much spent all of my money. While I have reviewed lots of forums, I wanted to ask if anyone could recommend a mod that I could do until the next paycheck comes in.

Im 24 and have very limited mechanical experience so I would be hesitant to begin complex electrical work at this stage. I appreciate any advice you guys could give/ or links to some good DIYs.

thanks for the help.

Meat.

[GOLIATHGMC]

You mention appearance - and so much can be gained right there.
Every time I acquire a new ride (I have never owned a new car - they are all used), I like to do as DEEP and THOROUGH a cleaning and polishing as I can. Clean everything you can reach inside and out. Carpets, windows, wheels, bumpers, plastic trim, etc. Then wash, wax and buff. Use lots of ELBOW grease - all it costs is your time.
My latest acquision is a 2000 TDI Golf. The previous owner was good with mechanical care, but cleanliness was not her best quality. I wound up removing all the lower dash trim panels and the entire console in order to wash all the spilled beverage stickyness off the plastic parts. I was also able to vacuum places that I could not normally reach. This kind of cleaning not ONLY helps with removing dirt and ODORS, but it gives me tremendous satisfaction - I feel like I have a much nicer ride.
Since I am in the Northeast, early Spring (now) is a good time to give the chassis a good blast in all the corners where road salt and dirt associated with WINTER likes to hide and promote RUST - ugh.
Just my
George
REBEL Motorsports

[bailliebb]

Hi i think you should have a look on ebay. you will be able to get many things for a cheaper price.
I managed to buy quite a few things for my 93 mk3 golf. ie. clear side repeaters, new chrome door pins, car trim etc.
A cheap mod would either be a new backbox, probably about £60-£80 or change the air induction kit which is about the same. both are easy to put on however the exhaust may need to be cut or welded.
I also agree that by cleaning up your car with wax and t-cut and back to black bumper polish will make your car stand out as new.!!!!

[JunkTitleGolf]

You could always swiss cheese your airbox...meaning drill holes in the bottom of it...it allows more airflow so you get more power. Or take it to a exhaust shop and get full straight pipes put in with a cherry bomb or something in it. I had my exhaust done and it only cost me 74 dollars to have everything installed on it. It also gives it a nice growl to it and adds anywhere from 5-20 horsepower.

[MeatandPotatoes]

Originally Posted by JunkTitleGolf

Or take it to a exhaust shop and get full straight pipes put in with a cherry bomb or something in it.

Excuse my newbieness but what the hell is are 'full straight pipers with a cherry bomb'?

I was thinking about a cold air intake (CAI) but like all the forums say...It could wreck my MAF.

I've taken the first poster up on his advice and essentially cleaned the hell out of it.
Thanks for the advice everyone.

M&P

[crazzyguydj]

by full striaght pipes and a cherry bomb hes talkin about the exhaust and having the catalytic converter and resonator taken out and replaced by straight pipes and the infamous "cherry bomb" as he said is basically any muffler that is straight through. Having done this to my eclipse I will tell you after a short while the loudness gets Very annoying. Some states also have emissions laws that dont allow this. The only way it will add more than a few horsepower is if you have a turbo or have modded your engine to where you need the flow out of the exhaust.

[91CRXTC]

On thoughs notes i have to ask... is it ok to mod a 04 VR6 intake and exhaust or does this mess up the MAF? Or can the MAF be swapped with another say from an R32 which may have a different range.