vw golf gti mk5 upgrades
Discussion
cuprabob said:
Where do ypu find.the car lacking? Performance, aesthetics or handling?
It's a very personal and subjective thing so it's difficult for other peiple to answer.
However, you could follow the pack and fit a Milltek exhaust, a remap and possibly some coilovers
Agree; if you've got the itch to play with it the single most entertaining 'first step' upgrade for a MK5 GTI is a remap. You'll wonder why you didn't do it sooner.It's a very personal and subjective thing so it's difficult for other peiple to answer.
However, you could follow the pack and fit a Milltek exhaust, a remap and possibly some coilovers
Ensure you've got quality tyres and alignment is spot on. The only other upgrade you may need to accompany is a diverter valve as the originals are not durable (they last something like 60-70k). The new design from VW is about 50 quid.
As above, really.
Swap the DV and PCV with the latest revisions. Then a decent Stage 1 remap if you want more out-and-out power. Should be ~240-250bhp with gains all through the rev range. Beyond that it becomes a case of diminishing returns. Though if you're remapping, make sure you inspect the HPFP cam and follower for wear as remapped cars have been known to exhibit increase wear.
Rather than coilovers, I'd go Koni Yellows with Eibach Pro or H&R springs. You won't see a huge drop in ride height, but they'll perform better than coilovers of the same price.
Brakes on them seem pretty decent without any real upgrade. I'm running Pagid pads (can't remember which) on my Leon and they're very good.
Swap the DV and PCV with the latest revisions. Then a decent Stage 1 remap if you want more out-and-out power. Should be ~240-250bhp with gains all through the rev range. Beyond that it becomes a case of diminishing returns. Though if you're remapping, make sure you inspect the HPFP cam and follower for wear as remapped cars have been known to exhibit increase wear.
Rather than coilovers, I'd go Koni Yellows with Eibach Pro or H&R springs. You won't see a huge drop in ride height, but they'll perform better than coilovers of the same price.
Brakes on them seem pretty decent without any real upgrade. I'm running Pagid pads (can't remember which) on my Leon and they're very good.
Edited by ManOpener on Monday 12th January 14:10
Wow thanks for the help everyone. I think im gonna start with a few cosmetics first. Been looking at a replacement head unit as mines the bog standard ( no screen) . Anyone recommend a good touch screen head unit. Also has anybody heard of being able to have freeview tv on them????? as this idea excites me
There's no lack of choice for GTI audio upgrades. If you want the OEM approach, look for an RNS510 and get the latest versions. RNS510 version 'T' onwards for example, has an SSD disk instead of a HDD. Think of the revisions as smartphone updates. Each one gets a better processor, improved software, blah blah. Avoid versions A and B, they are slow and buggy.
All RNS510s are touch screen (as they have satnav built in), but the latest ones support reversing cameras, decent movie playback, album art etc etc.
If you're not worried about OEM'ness, there are tonnes of cheap RNS510 'clones' on ebay for about £250-£300. A genuine VW RNS510 version Q will cost you £500 (inc GPS antenna) and a version S / T will set you back about £650.
TV reception is possible with the right antenna of course, but avoid shark fin roof aerials as they attract thieves (they know you will have a satnav radio). Radios are incredibly easy to steal from MK5 Golfs.
All RNS510s are touch screen (as they have satnav built in), but the latest ones support reversing cameras, decent movie playback, album art etc etc.
If you're not worried about OEM'ness, there are tonnes of cheap RNS510 'clones' on ebay for about £250-£300. A genuine VW RNS510 version Q will cost you £500 (inc GPS antenna) and a version S / T will set you back about £650.
TV reception is possible with the right antenna of course, but avoid shark fin roof aerials as they attract thieves (they know you will have a satnav radio). Radios are incredibly easy to steal from MK5 Golfs.
Ok thanks a lot. Very very helpful. Im gonna go with the VW 510 model as I wasnt impressed with some of the cheaper chinese versions looking at videos on Youtube. Also ive discovered that its important that the screens are capacative as it really does make a difference. Thanks again. Im off to shop.
Enjoy. I bought a Q version from 'satnavdeals' on ebay. He's based in Lithuania, but he has great English and very fast shipping. If you've ever seen some of the East European / Russian car crash videos on YouTube, you'll know why there are so many of these radios available over there 
If you buy from him, ask him to put the battery drain software on for you, and the latest nav maps.
If you buy from him, ask him to put the battery drain software on for you, and the latest nav maps.
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