Ornithology's daily driven GTI. Form over function.

[ornithology]

Sold as of January 18, 2013 to a good new owner. Good bye GTI and thanks for the good times!
My journal of the life and evolution of my MK5 GTI.

Form over function. Aaron.

Always thought the GTI were well spec'd vehicles which struck a balance between power and economy. I was wanting to move on from my MK4 (http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthrea...-over-function.) as I was really wanting the new options available on the newer cars. Navigation, MFD2, Canbus, DSG were amongst some of the basic things I really wanted to experience. My wife cannot drive a manual, so DSG was the only automatic option I will consider. On top of that my MK4 was hitting 180,000km anyways. I found this GTI on one of my local forums. It had all services maintained at the dealership and all service records available. Moreover it came with aftermarket parts that I was going to need anyways. I went for it.

The goal of this thread is the same as all my other "build threads"- it is to document the progress of my car for MY own purposes. I'm not here to entertain and show-off, but I hope it is informational for those of you following. My intention for my MK5 is simple- OEM+, good mpg, daily driver with power when needed.

Current specs on the car when purchased include:
- 2008 BMP GTI 4dr
- Interlagos cloth interior
- 18" Huffs
- DSG
- Full APR stage 1 flash
- Carbonio air intake
- KW V3's
- New VMR VB3's
- 6 month's factory warranty with option to extend

Obviously I am very happy with my purchase and the seller was really accommodating providing all receipts necessary. The plans begin as I jot them all down on my spreadsheet- this may add up quickly.

I am short on pictures at the moment but I will post the two that I have currently. Will update as I go.

First thing I did the day of purchase was install R32 spec tinted taillights. The LED on the passenger side is not working, so it looks as if I may have a project from the get-go.

Next a local dealership had a blowout on some parts and I purchased myself a killer deal on a Flyaudio 7500 navigation unit. I will post up a review on this as I am EXTREMELY satisfied. It was plug and play, easy to use, and EXTREMELY worth every penny spent.

I purchased many other bits but will allow the thread to explain as I install them in the near future.

As with all GTI owners, the R32 rear bumper skin is one of the most coveted piece of OEM production. As much as I loved it, I wanted to do something different. I also didn't want people to think I own an R32 when I have the dual center exit exhaust. I opted to go with the Oettinger rear lower valence. I scored an awesome deal on it however I'm currently dealing with exhaust fitment issues (more on this later).

Bumper has been installed and painted.



The exhaust that I went with to fill the Quad bumper cutout was- *drum roll* the MK6 GTI suitcase muffler! I'm sure I'm not the first, but I'm past the loud exhaust stage in life. I prefer to enjoy hearing my GPS navigation and awesome sound quality in the GTI speakers. I went with an OEM solution that required CUSTOM fabrication. To date- I've been rejected by five muffler shops as they find it too challenging or too time consuming to try welding my four tips onto the suitcase muffler. Here's the problem [insert picture here]. The MK6 suitcase muffler is too WIDE and in order to allign the tips with the bumper cutout will require custom routing. I am yet to find a solution at this point but am confident I will source something soon.

These are Magnaflow 35125 3.5" outlet, 2.25" inlet, 4.5"length, angle cut, dual wall single tips. Gorgeous. (Although I would have also liked a rolled edge)



Will take more pics...

Going to do some interior detailing tomorrow on the wife's beetle and GTI.

More to come...

Pics compiled from thread.

[ornithology]

Reserved

[bryangb]

[RoxanneIsMyFAST]

idug.

[JCS-2.0T]

Looks like a good buy! Can I ask you what year, how many kms and price paid? I'm about to pull the trigger on one myself right now.

[orange1218]

sub'd for more exhaust updates/pics. This is my kind of project...not your typical "slam it" thread. Real creative work here.

Any details on the FlyAudio in the US?

[2pt5_20v_pwr]

i went with the same tip for my exhaust . It cost more than my chambered muffler did haha but it has held up extremely well

[ornithology]

Looks like a good buy! Can I ask you what year, how many kms and price paid? I'm about to pull the trigger on one myself right now.

2008/ 71,000km/ below KBB

sub'd for more exhaust updates/pics. This is my kind of project...not your typical "slam it" thread. Real creative work here.

Any details on the FlyAudio in the US?

I think there is a FlyAudio dealer in the US. I actually bought this unit DIRECTLY from my VW Dealer. They installed these as an option to the RNS-510 (even had that written on the box) for a few hundred dollars cheaper. Surprisingly they also have a Flyaudio showroom here in Vancouver, BC. Great product- I will post a review soon.

http://www.flyaudio.ca/

i went with the same tip for my exhaust . It cost more than my chambered muffler did haha but it has held up extremely well

Thanks! I know it may cost as much or more than an aftermarket setup, but the fact it will be exactly what I want is worth it.

[VMRWheels]

In for more pics. Looks like a nice build so far and you have nice photography skills.

[macleanshaun]

You're back!
Call CTS turbo, they should be able to fab you something for those tips.

[ornithology]

In for more pics. Looks like a nice build so far and you have nice photography skills.

Thank you! I'll be sure to make the VB3's look as best as I can The previous owner actually bought BMW offset ones with deeper concave redrilled to fit the GTI. We'll have to see how low these V3's can go .

You're back!
Call CTS turbo, they should be able to fab you something for those tips.

Shaun thanks for dropping by! Yeah sold the Wolfsburg now this is my new project. I've called up Custom Metalcraft already (I think they are partnered with Stahlberg Autowerks), but I may give CTS a call too. Thanks for the suggestion! Are you going to any of the upcoming meets?

[Matt_Mkv]

good stuff

[polishsmile]

Looking forward.

[macleanshaun]

Shaun thanks for dropping by! Yeah sold the Wolfsburg now this is my new project. I've called up Custom Metalcraft already (I think they are partnered with Stahlberg Autowerks), but I may give CTS a call too. Thanks for the suggestion! Are you going to any of the upcoming meets?

I'm sure this car will look as great as the wolfsburg did!
I'll be at spring unsprung, and then down in WA for the port townsend cruise as well at the end of this month.
Hope to see you there!

[v408w]

Form over function.
Should always be that way since we do not drive fast cars

Sent from my Sensation using Tapatalk

[mhjett]

Car looks great, as do the mods. Any more photos?

Form over function.
Should always be that way since we do not drive fast cars

Sent from my Sensation using Tapatalk

I think you and the OP mean form following function...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Form_follows_function

[ornithology]

I'm sure this car will look as great as the wolfsburg did!
I'll be at spring unsprung, and then down in WA for the port townsend cruise as well at the end of this month.
Hope to see you there!

Thanks for the kind words. Your ride is also dime on. I always loved your selection of wheels. Hope to see you at both meets. I'll make sure to say hi.

Form over function.
Should always be that way since we do not drive fast cars

Sent from my Sensation using Tapatalk

Car looks great, as do the mods. Any more photos?

Yup, all show no go in the most non-ricer way.

I think you and the OP mean form following function...

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Form_follows_function

That was a good read. However, I do mean what I wrote. Form > Function.

[mhjett]

That was a good read. However, I do mean what I wrote. Form > Function.

Form over function is usually not seen a good thing (i.e. mods that offer nothing but looks), but I won't argue.

[ornithology]

So today decided to go fix my windshield. I went over to KIRMAC COLLISION Burnaby metro town on Royal Oak after buying a groupon. I fixed two chips for the cost of $20!! I was so impressed by the manager their I felt compelled to post. SUPER FRIENDLY STAFF, donates TONS of money to charities AND they will buff out scratches for free. Two huge thumbs out.

[ornithology]

New tips chosen...

The wait begins...

Thank you Custom Metalcraft.

...pics to come

[PSU]

[ornithology]

reserved

[ornithology]

Update March 28, 2012

Tips are finally installed! HUGE THANKS TO RYAN AT CUSTOM METALCRAFT IN PORT COQUITLAM! They did an awesome job and have excellent above and beyond customer service. Wish they had a location in Vancouver, they would be my dedicated shop.

I originally was going to go with 3.5" dual tips but I felt they looked too big. I did not want the exhaust to take too much attention. I've come from a MK4 20th GTI and MK4 GLI rear where the tips are just hidden and have a silver ring showing, I wanted this to be the same. However, it was a challenge for the Oettinger valence as the design forces the owner to expose the tips more. I didn't want to do this but fortunately Ryan helped me stagger the tips so the contours match and they don't look like pipes sticking out of nowhere.

I was going to go with an R32 rear setup- but it was just too common. I don't know, we'll see, maybe when I want to change things up but so far I'm in love with what I have.

However, I need to go a lot lower to make everything "flow" together. Thus- I've decided to sell my KW V3's and get something that can get me at least 23.5" FTG.

[ornithology]

Update: April 09, 2012

WIN! Found out my DSG is covered an extended 10 years from 2008. Love how VW's are extending warranties. Going in on Thursday to do a fuel pump recall and also have them diagnose some belt squeal as well as a tapping sound in the passenger side. I'm thinking it may be the serpentine belt squealing and maybe a fuel line making the tapping. It's nice not having to do the work yourself sometimes...

Update: April 11, 2012

Well, today I decided I will cut and polish as much as I can. I'd say I had some good progress. Finished the rear and sides up to the fenders. I'm thinking I will repaint the front end (hood, bumper, lip) as there are quite a bit of rock chips from highway driving. We'll see where that takes me but in the meantime I'm really happy with what I have come to with this GTI. Need to find a good color-match touch up pen!!!. I can't stand the little spots where some chips are exposed (ie. door edge, b-pillar). Need moar clean.

Still in the hunt for new coilovers. KW V3's are a disappointment in terms of "low". Anyone interested in trading?

Pics of progress:




Looks like I'll need a trip to the PDR.


Unfortunately I also decided and sold my VMR VB3's. The setup was cool, but I need something more aggressive to bring some accent to the black car. They are in question right now. We'll see. Sorry VMR- guess no pictures for now. Who knows I may just end up getting something from you guys again.

[sikknasty28]

car looks good what wheels next?

[ornithology]

car looks good what wheels next?

In the works.

Looking for coilovers first.

[ornithology]

Update: April 20, 2012

So I'm really close to deciding my wheels. Coilovers have been purchased and looking to sell the KW Variant 3's now.

Anyways, just suffered a mild concussion from ice hockey yesterday so I decided during my rest it's time to photo dump and remind myself the things I've done so far.



When I first got the car the vinyl on the DSG shifter was scratched. Being the anal person I am, this bugged me. So I got to work after a bit of searching on the tex.

1) Removed the housing, be careful and make sure you use non-marring tools. The PRDNS has a connector underneath it.


2) Some people use sandpaper, but I opted to use nail polish remover. Thanks to the wife, the liquid made it MUCH easier and less of a mess. However...



3) Make sure you don't leave it on for too long...


4) Four layers of plasti-dip later and voila, brand new.

[ornithology]

Update April 21, 2012

Wow shipping was fast.

Get low?

[sWeEtL0u]

i know what those are

[mmallender.]

bump for another vancouver local. red 4 dr mkv gti in north van!

[Fuk It MkV]

Sent from my iPhone using this app that I paid 2.99 for

[v408w]

[RoxanneIsMyFAST]

Quality. iLove.

[ornithology]

Update: April 29, 2012

Local VW enthusiast cruise and meet today. Spring Unsprung sponsored by RPI Equipped. Great turnout. My car looked like crap but I was happy someone enjoyed it enough to take a shot.



Going to ICBC (insurance) adjuster today to see if I can get comprehensive coverage from rock chips to the front end of my GTI. I'm going to repaint it regardless. Fresh hood, bumper and fenders.

Oh ya, did I say I rolled the fronts? My wavy nightmare. Looking forward to the body work.

New wheels should be on this week. Me so excite.

[babydubz]

Update March 28, 2012

Tips are finally installed! HUGE THANKS TO RYAN AT CUSTOM METALCRAFT IN PORT COQUITLAM! They did an awesome job and have excellent above and beyond customer service. Wish they had a location in Vancouver, they would be my dedicated shop.

for a local

Awesome to hear good things about Custom Metalcraft. I'm taking my GTI there in a few weeks for them to get my air ride put in!