lacesoutvic
Passed Driver's Ed
:sm3:
starting this thread off to bounce around ideas and document what's been done, for better or worse. bold for clarity, red for bad shit that happens to my poor car
ultimate goal is to just have a really nice car that i enjoy inside and out every day, or on a track day. and trying to squeeze as much power within ~6200rpm as possible, while remaining reliable. i really do love this car and plan on keeping it indefinitely, so i tend to stick to a lazy 5-7.5k oil change schedule.
bought the car in august 2013 with under 300 miles (still "new"). i suspect it may have been a rebadged 2012, but who knows with model year numbers. 2013 2.5 golf with convenience package -- leather wheel (not GTI style), leather handbrake, bluetooth, maybe some other jazz.
i don't use my feet to drive anymore and bought the car having never driven it (my dad was the test driver, and he didn't hoon it like i wanted him to), never bought hand controls. i liked the way it looked inside and out. i didn't even know the interior controls were backlit red until after i bought it, which was a pleasant surprise as it's my favorite color. after buying the car, before i even left the lot, my dad was upset it wasn't a honda accord (he's owned subaru, suzuki, honda, toyota), but he did haggle my interest rate down a quarter percent so i can't be too bummed.
the car sat in my backyard for a few weeks where i would stare at it longingly. i was licensed, but still without hand controls -- i was thinking that the state rehab agency would help me with them but that was insanely textbook bureaucratic nightmare. i eventually found out that i could get portable hand controls for $300. but before that, the first time i drove the car was at night to meet up with my girlfriend at the time -- with a swiffer handle (floor-broom portion taken off) and one of the cupholder rubber bottoms packing-taped to the end of it (for grip). with cruise control, my makeshift driving stick didn't need too much action -- but it was surprisingly fine in the city too. i practiced alternating between the throttle and brake thoroughly before even starting the car. thankfully, traffic was non-existent and the drive was uneventful, but still a bit scary.
my first time using a car wash, they ended up soaking the interior driver side because the window wasn't shut all the way. they had pretty awful management too, but i got some freebies out of them. a few years later, they ended up botching one of my oil changes (filter seal not on properly) and i ended losing most of my oil. reasoned my way to almost a full day's pay out of them. the car ultimately wasn't in bad shape thankfully, but was not happy that oil was all over my car and 3 states.
not too long after, and with the hand controls, i hooned it with 3 other people and a car full of crap to northern florida (never again) for a skate trip. in an undisclosed location (georgia) with an undisclosed driver (definitely not me), we learned that the car at FULL front/rear/hatch capacity can still reach 110mph. there were definitely a good amount of interior scuffs after the trip, including a skateboard griptape scratching one of the defogger lines on the hatch :thumbdown:
some things i bought and haven't installed:
- uberstealth sub box years ago. i even chipped in for perks on nik's gofundme which i didn't redeem until.... a couple months ago. he almost didn't believe it.
-IE intake manifold as motivation to follow through with a turbo build using JDL's kit. it was going to be sick. kids can dream. thygreyt and trillypop's build threads were huge inspirations. i also bought the rest of the intake bits, minus the tune, as i had the impression that UM was the best tune for the application, although it would be rational to assume IE would have the best possible tune for their own hardware. i didn't want to listen to everyone saying that stage 2 with the intake mani wasn't worth it for auto since all the gain is on the top end. i stared at dyno charts and rationalized it since the HP gain would still be greater ultimately, and reving as high as possible is not something that does not get old in this car. after overlaying the dyno charts over each other, i finally allowed myself to believe what IE had been saying the entire time: not worth it for autos. still hoping a TCM hack might make its way around, but not holding my breath. on the upside, i'm pretty sure the stage 1 UM tune has launch control -- can someone confirm this?
- euro cupholder - waiting to detail the car first before i do the nice interior bits.
- full black GTI upper interior bits from a guy, all brand new stuff minus the headliner -- still not installed, waiting on a good time to spend $400-800 on a headliner + labor, and also gotta detail first
- decent condition audi fat fives 17x8 and never installed them. gotta clean, polish, clearcoat -- or send them off. i will keep them as flashy nice wheels.
- "golf" branded doorsills and seat inserts from ebay. also waiting on detail.
- OEM battery box sides/top
- jom badgeless grille -- not sure if i like the "ribbed" look, but i'll probably install it anyway. if it bothers me, i will take two oem grilles and combine them like @lowasfuck on insta
- OEM mudflaps, never got around to it, and i kept forgetting when going in for service to have them throw them on in between rotating tires. oops. these will be installed within the next couple months.
things i actually installed:
first mods were shorter hatch struts for the disabled fam. also my first scratch on the c-pillar since my friend helped with the install))
deleted rear seat headrests for visibility.
then 35% tints all around with 20% rear. this is a good level, but i would never go more than 20-25 on the rear for visibility. don't know how the limo guys are doing it.
double apex USB charger. this is a glorified USB port which is an OEM part. that said, i bought it instead of doing my own wiring and soldering. the downside to this is that the included cable, for both the USB hub (there's a hub with multiple connectors, in case you want to use more USBs) AND the actual visible port is insanely too long. there are wiretaps to connect to the 12v cigarette lighter port that the USB charging hub connects to. i forget how long it was, but where i put it on the right side in the center console, the sleeved cable was poking through. the plastic trim into the passenger footwell. i put it on the right side instead of the recommended left side because i thought i was going to be installing permanent hand controls, which never happened. i don't regret the purchase and it looks nice in its intended location -- on the right side of all the blank buttons.
GTI/srirocco steering wheel (no controls) -- had the dealer install, since i was having a super frustrating time trying to undo the airbag clips. i wanted to use the plain gray side plastic bits, but those are integrated and non-removable on the original wheel. at the very least, i will ultimately vinyl wrap the chrome bits to a matching gray. if i go all-out, i will fill in the black mesh within the chrome bits on the side to make it flat/smooth, and then make it matching gray.
fast forward to more recent times, a few months ago i got the USP catted midpipe. i loved the slight growl that it brought out at mid rpms, and it still sounded completely stock at lower rpms. buttdyno confirmed mild improvement, but the sound was the best part. i started using 93 octane since someone said it helps mpg? hp? who cares. i'm not sure if it was the midpipe, the gasoline, or a combination but i got a CEL just a few tanks after the install. i still use 93 and i'll get a stage 1 UM tune soon.
midpipe install was $170 with an oil change, including the $40 OEM exhaust clamp. if you are getting a catback, don't get this clamp!! opt for stainless, the original was all rusted after a few years and ~40k miles.
a week later, i got the eurojet catback and didn't need the clamp anymore. this exhaust is low-sounding, very buttery smooth, and definitely loud when you stomp on it but not bad with normal driving. you hear little gurgly backfires when you let off the throttle occasionally, but it's all very subdued. there is drone at about 2100-2400rpm but it isn't awful - it really starts right at around 70mph, so when i highway cruise i put control on at 69. over time the exhaust seems to have broken in a bit and it isn't so awful, but still worst at those RPMs. not very raspy from what i can tell.
the tips are really really nice and polished, but i'm not a fan of the EJ star logo on top -- this looks to be a printed etching that should polish off easily. the tips do stick out a few inches from the bumper so it's definitely not subtle but i kind of like that. they are a very pleasing shape, look easy to clean, just the right size, great fitment other than the poke.
i'm definitely happy with the exhaust, especially for the price. my mechanic noted that it was a high-quality kit and he was stoked on the one v-band. HOWEVER the rearmost clamp is loose by a few mm and he suggested a 65-66mm clamp to replace it. i don't hear it rattle and i don't think there's a leak so the original clamp is staying. my guy also only charged me $20 (and he even bought me five guys... what a champ!).
all that said, i'm interested in swapping out the muffler for a borla eventually for more growl/rasp. i should have listened to more youtube clips with headphones in. look up the techtonics/single borla videos <3
few weeks ago, swapped out the reverse lights for deautokey LEDS. these suckers are bright and arguably a necessary mod, must have with tints. the only downside to these LEDs is that they are much larger than the stock incandescent bulbs so they don't fit securely in the housing -- it's really the plastic door on the inside of the hatch that holds everything in, but it's plenty secure and not a huge deal. and they are very very mildly blueish, but it is mostly white light.
installed aspherical blue-tinted side mirrors. another necessary mod, got on sale (most things here were purchased on sale). these are AWESOME because the blind spots in the car have definitely gotten me into some near-misses. i ALWAYS check them too. the only downside of these mirrors are that things especially are closer than they appear compared to stock. i also cracked the passenger side mirror taking it out, and mildly scratched the black plastic trim on the driver side inside the mirror housing -- but no one sees that but me. the blue tint really does help cut glare.
black fluid caps, because blue is not my color. if i had a golf R and a ton of money, i'd do a 2.5 swap... and a cluster swap, because red.
planned? mods/wishlist:
- this year i should pay off the car above all else....
- those new MK7 refresh style osram headlights? bought. probably won't install until i get my fender fixed.:iono:
- headers, maybe ceramic coated. i just found out victor @ evolution tuning hasn't disappeared tonight, after contacting JDL. oops. contacted
- tune. contacted fred @ UM.
- tyrolsport master bracket
- vacuum pump delete. bought spulen/IE parts. waiting for a nice weekend/my vacation to get this done. or if i bring it to my mech, think he'll get cajun fries this time?
- DIY intake, another DIY here. bought parts arriving in a couple days, $60-70 in parts beats $300 intake kits. and if i can't beat the TCM rev limiter and take advantage of intake manis, this will have to do.
- summer wheels/tires, looking at tirerack FF10s with pilot sports. i'm okay with keeping the steelies as winters for another year or two, they're very light also.
- adding a momentary rocker switch to my hand controls and solder to tiptronic +/-
- subframe work: h&r sways, tyrolsport deadset, walk, 034 dogbone mount rubber bushings and engine mounts/BFI
- chassis bracing: tyrolsport hatch brace, rear seat delete, unibrace ub, etc.
- suspension: bilstein b6s when the struts go, MAYBE DG springs (the way i drive, clearance is nice)
- maybe battery relocate
- reclining racing seats like corbeau cr1s since i still slide around on the stock seats
- stoptech st-40
- RNS/RCD510 (or aftermarket) with RVC
- shaved/euro R bumper with functional splitter
- (boy racer dream) big dumb hatch spoiler
must-do list:
- ATF fluid change. manual on prior models indicated 40k, my manual says 50k. blackstone (on someone else's thread) says every 25-30k. i will get this service done before i travel a decent bit in a month and probably do every ~25-35k after.
- vacuum pump delete. these seem to be a gradual timebomb sooner rather than later. @45k miles, i don't want to risk going too much further without resolving this.
- tune. with that CEL, i'll need to get inspected eventually...
other dumb things that happened:
- a guy cutting me off from the right lane and denting my front-right fender
- right sideskirt area has a dent from a large rock from when i was pulling out of my driveway angrily at my dad
- left driver door area has paint scratches, dents, interior scuffs from transferring into the car
- asked my mom to put up my windshield wipers in the middle of a snowstorm after i had gotten inside, instructed her how, she took this as a challenge to fight the wiper arms and pull them up manually. the right side no longer tucks neatly so you can't see it 100%. if it bothers me enough i may just replace both motors at some point.
- interior has a concerning amount of carbon fiber dust from my wheelchair hard seat pan which needs to be sealed (hence the NEED for a detail)
- rear bumper has random scuffs, none of which were from me
- windshield was replaced due to a major crack. replacement windshield has another MAJOR (several foot) hairline crack. will replace if it becomes an actual problem, like leaking. on the upside, the replacement had a sweet tinted glass top which blends in with the 35% sides.
as a fun last note, prior to exhaust mods and doing mixed, relatively normal driving, i would always get 28-34 measured mpg. highway hooning never seemed to count, since I would consistently get 32mpg+ despite cruising ~80. after exhaust mods, i get 14-25. such a good sound.... excited to hear how the DIY intake will change that.
if you've read this far, introduce yourself! tell me what you've done with your cars. thanks for reading.
starting this thread off to bounce around ideas and document what's been done, for better or worse. bold for clarity, red for bad shit that happens to my poor car
ultimate goal is to just have a really nice car that i enjoy inside and out every day, or on a track day. and trying to squeeze as much power within ~6200rpm as possible, while remaining reliable. i really do love this car and plan on keeping it indefinitely, so i tend to stick to a lazy 5-7.5k oil change schedule.
bought the car in august 2013 with under 300 miles (still "new"). i suspect it may have been a rebadged 2012, but who knows with model year numbers. 2013 2.5 golf with convenience package -- leather wheel (not GTI style), leather handbrake, bluetooth, maybe some other jazz.
i don't use my feet to drive anymore and bought the car having never driven it (my dad was the test driver, and he didn't hoon it like i wanted him to), never bought hand controls. i liked the way it looked inside and out. i didn't even know the interior controls were backlit red until after i bought it, which was a pleasant surprise as it's my favorite color. after buying the car, before i even left the lot, my dad was upset it wasn't a honda accord (he's owned subaru, suzuki, honda, toyota), but he did haggle my interest rate down a quarter percent so i can't be too bummed.
the car sat in my backyard for a few weeks where i would stare at it longingly. i was licensed, but still without hand controls -- i was thinking that the state rehab agency would help me with them but that was insanely textbook bureaucratic nightmare. i eventually found out that i could get portable hand controls for $300. but before that, the first time i drove the car was at night to meet up with my girlfriend at the time -- with a swiffer handle (floor-broom portion taken off) and one of the cupholder rubber bottoms packing-taped to the end of it (for grip). with cruise control, my makeshift driving stick didn't need too much action -- but it was surprisingly fine in the city too. i practiced alternating between the throttle and brake thoroughly before even starting the car. thankfully, traffic was non-existent and the drive was uneventful, but still a bit scary.
my first time using a car wash, they ended up soaking the interior driver side because the window wasn't shut all the way. they had pretty awful management too, but i got some freebies out of them. a few years later, they ended up botching one of my oil changes (filter seal not on properly) and i ended losing most of my oil. reasoned my way to almost a full day's pay out of them. the car ultimately wasn't in bad shape thankfully, but was not happy that oil was all over my car and 3 states.
not too long after, and with the hand controls, i hooned it with 3 other people and a car full of crap to northern florida (never again) for a skate trip. in an undisclosed location (georgia) with an undisclosed driver (definitely not me), we learned that the car at FULL front/rear/hatch capacity can still reach 110mph. there were definitely a good amount of interior scuffs after the trip, including a skateboard griptape scratching one of the defogger lines on the hatch :thumbdown:
some things i bought and haven't installed:
- uberstealth sub box years ago. i even chipped in for perks on nik's gofundme which i didn't redeem until.... a couple months ago. he almost didn't believe it.
-IE intake manifold as motivation to follow through with a turbo build using JDL's kit. it was going to be sick. kids can dream. thygreyt and trillypop's build threads were huge inspirations. i also bought the rest of the intake bits, minus the tune, as i had the impression that UM was the best tune for the application, although it would be rational to assume IE would have the best possible tune for their own hardware. i didn't want to listen to everyone saying that stage 2 with the intake mani wasn't worth it for auto since all the gain is on the top end. i stared at dyno charts and rationalized it since the HP gain would still be greater ultimately, and reving as high as possible is not something that does not get old in this car. after overlaying the dyno charts over each other, i finally allowed myself to believe what IE had been saying the entire time: not worth it for autos. still hoping a TCM hack might make its way around, but not holding my breath. on the upside, i'm pretty sure the stage 1 UM tune has launch control -- can someone confirm this?
- euro cupholder - waiting to detail the car first before i do the nice interior bits.
- full black GTI upper interior bits from a guy, all brand new stuff minus the headliner -- still not installed, waiting on a good time to spend $400-800 on a headliner + labor, and also gotta detail first
- decent condition audi fat fives 17x8 and never installed them. gotta clean, polish, clearcoat -- or send them off. i will keep them as flashy nice wheels.
- "golf" branded doorsills and seat inserts from ebay. also waiting on detail.
- OEM battery box sides/top
- jom badgeless grille -- not sure if i like the "ribbed" look, but i'll probably install it anyway. if it bothers me, i will take two oem grilles and combine them like @lowasfuck on insta
- OEM mudflaps, never got around to it, and i kept forgetting when going in for service to have them throw them on in between rotating tires. oops. these will be installed within the next couple months.
things i actually installed:
first mods were shorter hatch struts for the disabled fam. also my first scratch on the c-pillar since my friend helped with the install
))deleted rear seat headrests for visibility.
then 35% tints all around with 20% rear. this is a good level, but i would never go more than 20-25 on the rear for visibility. don't know how the limo guys are doing it.
double apex USB charger. this is a glorified USB port which is an OEM part. that said, i bought it instead of doing my own wiring and soldering. the downside to this is that the included cable, for both the USB hub (there's a hub with multiple connectors, in case you want to use more USBs) AND the actual visible port is insanely too long. there are wiretaps to connect to the 12v cigarette lighter port that the USB charging hub connects to. i forget how long it was, but where i put it on the right side in the center console, the sleeved cable was poking through. the plastic trim into the passenger footwell. i put it on the right side instead of the recommended left side because i thought i was going to be installing permanent hand controls, which never happened. i don't regret the purchase and it looks nice in its intended location -- on the right side of all the blank buttons.
GTI/srirocco steering wheel (no controls) -- had the dealer install, since i was having a super frustrating time trying to undo the airbag clips. i wanted to use the plain gray side plastic bits, but those are integrated and non-removable on the original wheel. at the very least, i will ultimately vinyl wrap the chrome bits to a matching gray. if i go all-out, i will fill in the black mesh within the chrome bits on the side to make it flat/smooth, and then make it matching gray.
fast forward to more recent times, a few months ago i got the USP catted midpipe. i loved the slight growl that it brought out at mid rpms, and it still sounded completely stock at lower rpms. buttdyno confirmed mild improvement, but the sound was the best part. i started using 93 octane since someone said it helps mpg? hp? who cares. i'm not sure if it was the midpipe, the gasoline, or a combination but i got a CEL just a few tanks after the install. i still use 93 and i'll get a stage 1 UM tune soon.
midpipe install was $170 with an oil change, including the $40 OEM exhaust clamp. if you are getting a catback, don't get this clamp!! opt for stainless, the original was all rusted after a few years and ~40k miles.
a week later, i got the eurojet catback and didn't need the clamp anymore. this exhaust is low-sounding, very buttery smooth, and definitely loud when you stomp on it but not bad with normal driving. you hear little gurgly backfires when you let off the throttle occasionally, but it's all very subdued. there is drone at about 2100-2400rpm but it isn't awful - it really starts right at around 70mph, so when i highway cruise i put control on at 69. over time the exhaust seems to have broken in a bit and it isn't so awful, but still worst at those RPMs. not very raspy from what i can tell.
the tips are really really nice and polished, but i'm not a fan of the EJ star logo on top -- this looks to be a printed etching that should polish off easily. the tips do stick out a few inches from the bumper so it's definitely not subtle but i kind of like that. they are a very pleasing shape, look easy to clean, just the right size, great fitment other than the poke.
i'm definitely happy with the exhaust, especially for the price. my mechanic noted that it was a high-quality kit and he was stoked on the one v-band. HOWEVER the rearmost clamp is loose by a few mm and he suggested a 65-66mm clamp to replace it. i don't hear it rattle and i don't think there's a leak so the original clamp is staying. my guy also only charged me $20 (and he even bought me five guys... what a champ!).
all that said, i'm interested in swapping out the muffler for a borla eventually for more growl/rasp. i should have listened to more youtube clips with headphones in. look up the techtonics/single borla videos <3
few weeks ago, swapped out the reverse lights for deautokey LEDS. these suckers are bright and arguably a necessary mod, must have with tints. the only downside to these LEDs is that they are much larger than the stock incandescent bulbs so they don't fit securely in the housing -- it's really the plastic door on the inside of the hatch that holds everything in, but it's plenty secure and not a huge deal. and they are very very mildly blueish, but it is mostly white light.
installed aspherical blue-tinted side mirrors. another necessary mod, got on sale (most things here were purchased on sale). these are AWESOME because the blind spots in the car have definitely gotten me into some near-misses. i ALWAYS check them too. the only downside of these mirrors are that things especially are closer than they appear compared to stock. i also cracked the passenger side mirror taking it out, and mildly scratched the black plastic trim on the driver side inside the mirror housing -- but no one sees that but me. the blue tint really does help cut glare.
black fluid caps, because blue is not my color. if i had a golf R and a ton of money, i'd do a 2.5 swap... and a cluster swap, because red.
planned? mods/wishlist:
- this year i should pay off the car above all else....
- those new MK7 refresh style osram headlights? bought. probably won't install until i get my fender fixed.:iono:
- headers, maybe ceramic coated. i just found out victor @ evolution tuning hasn't disappeared tonight, after contacting JDL. oops. contacted
- tune. contacted fred @ UM.
- tyrolsport master bracket
- vacuum pump delete. bought spulen/IE parts. waiting for a nice weekend/my vacation to get this done. or if i bring it to my mech, think he'll get cajun fries this time?
- DIY intake, another DIY here. bought parts arriving in a couple days, $60-70 in parts beats $300 intake kits. and if i can't beat the TCM rev limiter and take advantage of intake manis, this will have to do.
- summer wheels/tires, looking at tirerack FF10s with pilot sports. i'm okay with keeping the steelies as winters for another year or two, they're very light also.
- adding a momentary rocker switch to my hand controls and solder to tiptronic +/-
- subframe work: h&r sways, tyrolsport deadset, walk, 034 dogbone mount rubber bushings and engine mounts/BFI
- chassis bracing: tyrolsport hatch brace, rear seat delete, unibrace ub, etc.
- suspension: bilstein b6s when the struts go, MAYBE DG springs (the way i drive, clearance is nice)
- maybe battery relocate
- reclining racing seats like corbeau cr1s since i still slide around on the stock seats
- stoptech st-40
- RNS/RCD510 (or aftermarket) with RVC
- shaved/euro R bumper with functional splitter
- (boy racer dream) big dumb hatch spoiler
must-do list:
- ATF fluid change. manual on prior models indicated 40k, my manual says 50k. blackstone (on someone else's thread) says every 25-30k. i will get this service done before i travel a decent bit in a month and probably do every ~25-35k after.
- vacuum pump delete. these seem to be a gradual timebomb sooner rather than later. @45k miles, i don't want to risk going too much further without resolving this.
- tune. with that CEL, i'll need to get inspected eventually...
other dumb things that happened:
- a guy cutting me off from the right lane and denting my front-right fender
- right sideskirt area has a dent from a large rock from when i was pulling out of my driveway angrily at my dad
- left driver door area has paint scratches, dents, interior scuffs from transferring into the car
- asked my mom to put up my windshield wipers in the middle of a snowstorm after i had gotten inside, instructed her how, she took this as a challenge to fight the wiper arms and pull them up manually. the right side no longer tucks neatly so you can't see it 100%. if it bothers me enough i may just replace both motors at some point.
- interior has a concerning amount of carbon fiber dust from my wheelchair hard seat pan which needs to be sealed (hence the NEED for a detail)
- rear bumper has random scuffs, none of which were from me
- windshield was replaced due to a major crack. replacement windshield has another MAJOR (several foot) hairline crack. will replace if it becomes an actual problem, like leaking. on the upside, the replacement had a sweet tinted glass top which blends in with the 35% sides.
as a fun last note, prior to exhaust mods and doing mixed, relatively normal driving, i would always get 28-34 measured mpg. highway hooning never seemed to count, since I would consistently get 32mpg+ despite cruising ~80. after exhaust mods, i get 14-25. such a good sound.... excited to hear how the DIY intake will change that.
if you've read this far, introduce yourself! tell me what you've done with your cars. thanks for reading.
