DIY: List of mods for new owners

[RobbS]

Instead of 13 thread popping up every day about people who have gotten new cars and want ideas what to do in the mod department; I spent a good chunk of my time at work getting this post together. Those that have anything to contribute please do so and I will update the OP. Also, forgive my knowledge of the 2.5l platform.

*note* I will continue to add as time permits, I really didn't think I would be sitting here since lunch doing this lol. I just want to get this post up before I leave work today.

Last updated: 02/27/13

Interior
- Dash Cubby
- Wink Mirror

Exterior
- Aftermarket OEM Projector Bulbs
- Blacked Out Front Emblem
- Front Lip / Valance
- LED City Lights
- LED License Plate Bulbs
- Open Fog Grilles
- Painted / Wrapped Smiley
- Projector fog lights
- Yellow Fog Light Bulbs
- Yellow FTP (flash to pass) Bulbs

Motor
- Aluminum Oil Filter Housing
- Beetle engine cover for 2.5l
- BSH PCV Revamp
- Catch Cans
- Exhaust
- Intake
- Engine Mounts (Poly)
- Lightweight Crankshaft Pulley
- Noise Pipe Delete
- Short Shifter (European)
- Parts Needed to Convert Banjo HPFP fitting to Bamboo Style
- Solid Shifter Bushings
- Torque Mount Insert

Suspension

[RobbS]

Where to buy: Pep Boys
Cost: $20 (+ tax)
FAQ:
- I can’t find one?
Yeah, they can be difficult to get a hold of in store. Order in from another one, or order or Amazon or something.
- What material are they?
Plastic.
- Can I retain my stock visors?
Yes. The trick is (and I don’t think anyone else has done this) to flip the mounting bracket and slightly bore out the mounting hole (on the bracket) to fit the screw.

[RobbS]

Ed30:

Votex:

Cost: $100, shipped (rep)
Where to buy: eBay
FAQ:
- What is the difference between the Votex and Ed30?
The Votex is slightly more recessed on the bottom, has the small slats
- Who do I buy from on eBay?
BaysonR
- Why BasonR?
They are one of the only reps to include the bottom plastic tray that mounts to the OEM skid plate/splash guards

[RobbS]

Where to buy: eBay (cheapest)
Cost: Under $30 (eBay)
Quality: OE fitment
DIY: http://www.golfmkv.com/forums/showthread.php?t=140868

[RobbS]

Cost: Paint (if done correctly), under $20; Vinyl, under $10 (and removable!)

[RobbS]

Where to buy: http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/ES7361/ES7361/
Cost: Under $200 (after shipping)
DIY: http://www.golfmkv.com/forums/showthread.php?t=140868

[RobbS]

Bulb type: 9006
Where to buy: http://www.amazon.com/Nokya-9006-Yel.../dp/B000U3TF4Y
Cost: Under $25
DIY: http://www.golfmkv.com/forums/showthread.php?t=140868
Alternatively, you can use yellow Lamin-X: http://www.lamin-x.com/VW-Golf-GTI-V...rs-p/vw118.htm

[RobbS]

Bulb type: H7
Where to buy: http://www.amazon.com/Nokya-Hyper-Ye.../dp/B000GVOD1U
Cost: Under $20
DIY: http://www.golfmkv.com/forums/showpo...03&postcount=9
FAQ:
- How do these work?
When the sunlight (or artificial light) hits the reflector housing, the light hits the yellow coated bulb and gives off the yellow look
- Difference between Projectors and OEM Halogen headlamps?
No
- Will these make my highbeams yellow?
No. FTP stands for "Flash to Pass". They flash only when you pull the stalk back while your headlamps are not on.
- Can I make these come on with my highbeams?
Yes. Hop on VAGCOM, Select Control Module > 17 - Instruments > Coding 07 > change the pattern from xxxx2xx to xxxx4xx

[RobbS]

Aluminum Oil Filter Housing
Application: FSI, early 2.5l
Cost: $75
Where to buy: http://www.ecstuning.com/Volkswagen-...ing/ES2210310/
Benefits: The stock filter housing sucks noodles, it often cracks. This? Not so much.

[RobbS]

BSH PCV Revamp
Application: FSI
Cost: $100
Where to buy: http://www.bshspeedshop.com/bshstore...CV-Revamp.html
Benefit: PCV systems are known to be an issue. The FSI, being direct injection, dumps fuel directly into the cylinders. In a fuel injected platform, the fuel travels through the fuel rail, into the intake manifold, mixes with air, and into the combustion chamber to ignite. Believe it or not, fuel is cooling your motor. With direct injection, the only thing mixing with air into your motor is the oil from the PCV system. When the oil cakes onto the valves and cooks from the heat (remember: no fuel to cool), it becomes problematic (misfiring from improper valve seating) and expensive/time consuming to rectify.

To clarify, this will not prevent buildup, but may help to reduce it. Exhaust dump > VTA Catch can > Reroute Catch can > PCV delete.

Example of carbon buildup caused by oil:

[RobbS]

Catch Cans
Application: FSI/TSI
Cost: Under $300 shipped
FSI: http://www.bshspeedshop.com/bshstore...atch-Can-.html
TSI: http://www.bshspeedshop.com/bshstore...atch-Can-.html
Benefit: Same as Revamp, plus the benefit of having a baffled (keyword!) catch can integrated into your system.

[RobbS]

Downpipes
Application: FSI/TSI
Cost: $150(eBay)-$600
Benefits: Removes restrictive first catalytic converter directly after the turbo, or both if there is no cat included.
FAQ:
- What size DP is recommended?
3 inch. People will often complain that exhaust needs backpressure, etc, but, the turbo hotside’s turbine wheel will keep the needed backpressure to ensure proper functionality. Remember, the goal is to have exhaust gasses moving more freely.
- Can I run a catless DP?
Yes, but be aware that catless downpipes will not pass emission inspection and additionally may throw a rich conditions CEL.
- How do I get rid of the CEL my DP caused?
Proper use of a catless DP requires a spacer (sometimes works, sometimes causes a lean CEL). A tune can also receive programming to work with “test pipes” (ie: no cat).

Catbacks
Application: FSI/TSI/2.5l
Cost: $300-$600
Benefits: More free flowing, the identifying sound, etc..
FAQ:
- What size piping is recommended?
FSI/TSI: 2.5-3 inch; 2.5l: 2.5”

Header
Application: 2.5l
Cost: $225-$600
Benefits: More free flowing, more power, better sound

[RobbS]

Intake
Application: FSI/TSI
Cost: $150-$400
FAQ:
- Will there be an extensive performance increase?
No.
- Which one is the best?
Do your research. Popular and most recommended would be Forge Twintake, Carbonio, and BSH.
- If I have an FSI with a Carbonio intake, will it sound the same as on a TSI?
No. Common misconception.

[RobbS]

Engine Mounts (Poly)
Cost: $180-$600 (full kit)
Where to buy: BSH, VF Engineering
Benefits: Poly mounts budge less than OE mounts, and, let’s face it, look a bunch nicer. Less engine movements means easier shifting and more power to the ground (see: reduced wheel hop). Again, Poly = harsher ride

[RobbS]

Noise Pipe Delete
Application: FSI/TSI
Cost: $100-$120
Where to buy: http://www.ecstuning.com/Volkswagen-...isePipeDelete/
Benefits: Quicker spooling, quieter cabin, cleaner engine bay.
FAQ:
- Where are these pipes from
Passat, A3, Tiguan. Almost any other FSI application other than the Golf/Jetta

[RobbS]

Short Shifter (European)
Application: FSI/TSI
Cost: $50
Where to buy: http://www.ecstuning.com/Volkswagen-...ter/ES2219718/
FAQ:
- Which shift linkage does this come with?
Despite what ECS tells you, included is the updated rectangular linkage
- Does this reduce side-to-side movement?
No. Only Fore-Aft (Forward-Backward) movement is affected

[RobbS]

Solid Shifter Bushings
Application: FSI/TSI/2.5l
Cost: $35-$45
Where to buy: http://www.42draftdesigns.com/catego...rbushings.html
Benefits: Smooth, crisp shifts
FAQ:
- Are shifter bushings all the same?
No. Early 2006 had two square end links. After that, one end link was square, and the other was rectangular.

[RobbS]

Cost: Under $50 shipped
Where to buy: BSH, BFI, etc..
Benefits: Urethane mounts will keep your rubber mounts from moving. Less stress = less engine movement (=slightly harsher ride when multiple Poly bushings are installed, but that’s another story).
FAQ:
- Is one company’s mount better than the other?
I can’t recall of one specific test, but I doubt it.
- Is there a difference between Manual/DSG torque mount inserts?
No. Both the DSG and 6MT use the same mount arm.

[AlexsVR6]

Great job, 5 stars

[DoctorDoctor]

Love my 5-panel Both the GF (Jetta) and I have one and needless to say, it is awesome

[rwm19]

Genius
I'd add:
beetle engine cover for 2.5 owners.
clear/smoked/color matched side markers.
lightweight/underdrive pulley.
interior dash shelf cubby tray thing.
interior LED upgrade.

[Fancyhat]

Aluminum Oil Filter Housing
Application: FSI, early 2.5l
Cost: $75
Where to buy: http://www.ecstuning.com/Volkswagen-...ter/ES2219718/
Benefits: The stock filter housing sucks noodles, it often cracks. This? Not so much.

This links to a short shift kit for me.

I think this is the one you meant to put: http://www.ecstuning.com/Volkswagen-...ing/ES2210310/

[RobbS]

Thank you sirs. As soon as the storm clears up there and the power comes back, I'll fix these.


Tapatalk!

[heimbachae]

i'm sorry is this the vw guide for hipsters? haha i kid i kid, seriously awesome write up man

[NJRe1dGTI]

Great job, awesome write up

I would add the dash shelf kit.

http://www.ecstuning.com/Volkswagen-...hboard/ES6365/

One of my favorite mods.

[rconley]

amazing real good job sticky it!

[RobbS]

Cost: $20-$30
Where to buy: http://www.performanceleds.com/index...th=61_70_71_79
DIY: http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthread.php?3132167

FAQ:
- Why PerformanceLEDs?
You're supporting someone who is not only another VW owner, but who deserves your dollar and will take care of you and your new purchase.
- Why you shouldn't buy Ziza
http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthrea...dn-t-either%29
- Why you shouldn't buy eBay
http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthrea...1#post76991278
- Do I need a euro switch to run these?
Only if you want to have them running without DRL's while moving
- How do I turn off DRL's?
In VAGCOM: Select > 09 Cent. Elect. > Coding > Long Coding Helper > Uncheck Bit 4 > Transfer Coding > Do It!

[DboyDub1]

Nice Work

GLI Side Skirts

[RobbS]

Cost: $30
Where to buy: http://www.performanceleds.com/index...&product_id=54

FAQ:
- Why PerformanceLEDs?
You're supporting someone who is not only another VW owner, but who deserves your dollar and will take care of you and your new purchase.
- Why you shouldn't buy Ziza
http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthrea...dn-t-either%29
- Why you shouldn't buy eBay
http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthrea...1#post76991278

[RobbS]

Cost: $100
Where to buy: http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/Mk5_...aring/ES10856/
DIY:

[RobbS]

Cost: $95
Where to buy: http://www.ecstuning.com/Search/Mk5_Hatch/ES205152/
DIY: http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthread.php?3966144

[RobbS]

Cost: $100-$150
Where to buy: see below

FAQ:
- Does this add horsepower?
No. It frees up a bit to the wheels by decreasing the inertia required to turn the OEM crank pulley
- Are lightweight pulleys the same as the OEM pulley, except lighter?
NO! And this is important. The OEM pulley has a harmonic balancer. This balancer acts as a barrier to the resonance created from the vibration caused by the combustion process. Removing the balancer subjects your motor to unwanted vibrations for a 2-3whp reallocation.
- Is the above true for FSI/TSI/2.5l?
Yes. I would not recommend the usage of a lightweight crankshalf pulley and have purposefully not linked to a purchase page.

[DubLuv11]

for those yellow nokya fog bulbs does it matter that they are higher wattage?
would they fry any electrical components related to the fogs because they are drawing more power than the factory bulbs?

[RobbS]

I'm not sure why they're labeled as 70w... they're 55w. And I've run them for nearly a year with no problems.

[DubLuv11]

I'm not sure why they're labeled as 70w... they're 55w. And I've run them for nearly a year with no problems.

the guy at my auto parts store said he could only get me those ones labelled in the 70w container..
so i went the safe route and got the yellow hella bulbs which are 55, but i like nokya better... i just wanna know if running 70w will harm anything?