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Credit

Ready to race!
April 10th

I figure it's about time for an update.

I received my side mount stealth box by nikbrewer on March 16th. The box arrived very well packaged, plenty of packing peanuts and plastic to protect the box.

Here's a list the components I used:

Alpine SWR-1043D 10" Subwoofer (4Ω + 4Ω)
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003F7N93K/ref=oh_o03_s00_i00_details

Alpine PDX-M6 Mono Power Density Digital Amplifier
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003GF33XM/ref=oh_o04_s00_i00_details

KnuKonceptz KOL-AK4-4 amp installation kit
http://www.knukonceptz.com/productDetail.cfm?prodID=KOL-AK4-4

PAC SNI-35 Adjustable 2-Channel Line Out Converter
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001EAWS3W/ref=oh_o02_s00_i00_details

Install:

I ran my amp power wire directly from the battery after reading that tapping the bus bar can cause issues. I'd prefer to run from the bus bar for a cleaner more elegant install. Thoughts? I found this thread on it but there wasn't a clear conclusion

http://www.golfmk6.com/forums/showthread.php?t=26124

I tapped the rear speaker wires from directly behind the head unit. I used this link as a guide:

http://www.my-gti.com/1313/volkswagen-rcd-510-pin-assignments

1 – Rear right loudspeaker, positive
4 – Rear left loudspeaker, positive
5 – Rear right loudspeaker, negative
8 – Rear left loudspeaker, negative

I originally used splicers to tap the speaker wires but had mixed results. Ultimately I just stripped the speaker wires, wrapped the LOC input wires around the bare metal and taped them back up. I *may* go back in with shrink tubing.

My RCA cable from KnuKonceptz also had a remote wire connected to it, so I tapped the front cigarette lighter. This post has really good info on how to get to the cigarette lighter.

http://www.golfmk6.com/forums/showpost.php?p=610923&postcount=14

With the power and LOC hooked up, I ran the wires underneath the driver side door trim. Another link with a diagram of the trim piece. It required quite a bit of leverage but came out without issue.

http://www.my-gti.com/1473/volkswagen-golf-sill-panel-trims-–-removal-and-installation

With all the wires in the rear hatch, I sanded down a random hole for the ground. The amp ended up fitting really well in the front left corner of the styrofoam surround. I cut out a bit of styrofoam in the process, but I'm not worried about the amp going anywhere.

The trickiest part of the install was mounting the box. I suggest shoeing the box in by placing the upper lip under the plastic ledge where the parcel tray rests on. With the upper lip in place, I sat with my back on the passenger side and pushed the box in with my feet.

I planned on taking pictures throughout the install, but unsurprisingly, I was really anxious to get the install done.

Thoughts:

The sub sounds amazing! I have a feeling that a shallow mount sub would produce plenty of bass for my taste, but I don't regret going with a standard 10in sub. With the size and hatch design of the GTI, the one 10 really puts out a lot of sound, couldn't be happier. Nik's box was super clean. My friend stopped by that night and didn't notice the sub until I pointed it out to him.

The only draw back I have on this box is that the CarGo floor mat doesn't quite fit underneath the box. An extra quarter inch of space would have been enough for the floor mat to slide neatly into place. All things considered, it's not a big deal.

Here's the only shot I have the whole deal:

 

Credit

Ready to race!
April 10th continued.

Miscellaneous things:

1. I curbed my rear passenger Detroit really badly on Saturday, I'd say I'm upset, but I'm glad that I don't have to replace the wheel and tire. When it happened I was certain I was walking out to deflating tire.

2. I removed the "GTI" emblem on the hatch. I think it looks a lot cleaner.



3. Random pictures after a wash last week





4. I read Grambles' review of the APR Front and Rear Sways + DG Springs combo.

http://vager.org/2012/04/10/review-driver-gear-springs-apr-fr-swaybars/#more-932

I'm still researching which brand of sway bars I want to invest in, but this only fuels the fire.

-Credit
 

Credit

Ready to race!
S3 Short Shifter

Bought my first car mod ever, the S3 Short Shifter.

I think the S3 short shifter was a great place to start. It's reasonably priced, a simple install, and can be appreciated on a daily basis no matter how aggressive I'm driving.

Install was straightforward and pretty painless. I lost the tiny white plastic retaining clip, but I have one on order right now. Should be at my dealership tomorrow.

Shifts have been reduced by the claimed 15-20%. Precision feels about the same. The only negative I've noticed is the shifting into reverse is a bit "notchy." Overall I'm really pleased with the S3 SS.

Next on the list is the H&R 26/24mm sway kit.
 

ns01gti

Go Kart Champion
I like the planning you have here.

My 2 cents on exhaust... Do it right the first time and go TBE if you want some nice exhaust note.
 

Credit

Ready to race!
I like the planning you have here.

My 2 cents on exhaust... Do it right the first time and go TBE if you want some nice exhaust note.

I keep going back and forth on this. Currently I'm thinking about getting the APR DP only and seeing how I like that.

I'm starting to think that I'd rather have too little exhaust note than too much. If I go full TBE, I'm thinking APR DP + Neuspeed CBE.

Also the reason for the change of heart on the DP is I'm heavily considering the APR K04 and I want its matching DP.
 

MBorVW

Go Kart Champion
I'd just do dp and keep stock cbe. Quiet until wot than sounds great.
 

ns01gti

Go Kart Champion
A lot of guys on this forum running the K04 are running a high flow DP into the OEM CB, and most of them absolutely love it. Given the cost of most CBs, I think focusing on the K04 first makes sense. You can always had a CB later if you're looking for more bark.
 

Credit

Ready to race!
^My thoughts exactly.
 

Credit

Ready to race!
Updates!

So it's been awhile since I updated my journal.

A few things to report:
Got a set of DWS's in October. I'm really satisfied with them, but I'm excited about a set of summer wheels and tires.

Got into a car accident on 12/22. Emma is going into the shop tomorrow 1/6.


Since I have to get a new front bumper, I ordered a tow hook license plate mount from gominigo.com.

Big things coming soon! Intake, springs, wheels, tires, new speakers...
 

Credit

Ready to race!
Just purchased the Neuspeed CBE. It was kind of an impulsive buy, but regardless it's a quality system.

Just need to decide which downpipe to buy. SPM or APR?
 

Dom1

Ready to race!
You cant go wrong with either downpipe, but if your set on APR's you should get the Billy boat since its the exact same as APR's. I love my billy boat, sounds great on the stock catback and it was a really high quality piece.
 

Credit

Ready to race!
you should get the Billy boat since its the exact same as APR's.

What do you mean? Are they the same design? Manufactured by the same company? I've never heard this before.
 

Dom1

Ready to race!
What do you mean? Are they the same design? Manufactured by the same company? I've never heard this before.
Billy Boat actually made APR's downpipe until recently, they are the exact same but the BB is quite a bit cheaper. :D
 
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