JettaTDlie
Well-known member
Haven't been a member here for too long, but am already on my second TDI. Originally picked up a 1999.5 Jetta (330km) back in February, after doing some body work, and basic maintenance, I drove it for about 2 weeks until it suddenly stopped about 2 hours from home. Got it home, realized it was seized internally and a rebuild or swap was in my future. Weighed my options, and since I was only out $2K I wasn't prepared to invest another $1500 (can't do the swap myself) to do it right. Cut my losses, pulled the newer turbo, fuel pump, intercooler, oil pan, and other misc sensors - and the cat ($96!) - before scrapping the car for $200.
Here we are on the side of the highway, dog didn't seem to mind.
I then picked up this 2002 Golf with 253km. Car was in a lot better shape than the Jetta, and many modifications I had planned were already done. Timing belt kit done at 220km. Summers and winters on 16" alloys included. Set me back $4500. I am the third owner, picked it up in Toronto off a private seller who had all the modifications done to the car. He worked for VW and now works for Mini and was given a company car. Before him, it was owned by a female and unmolested since new.
Modifications when I bought it:
- Malone Stage 1.5 Tune
- DLC 1019s
- Southbend Stage 2 Daily Clutch
- Koni 1150 Series Coilovers
- Leather Interior
- Pioneer Double Din & Front Speakers
- GTI Taillights
- GTI Rear Valence
Things I have done since purchasing:
- Intake Cleaning & EGR Delete
- 3" KermaTDI Exhaust
- Retrofit Projector Headlights
- Replaced Driver's CV Shaft
- New Rear Hatch Actuator
- Air/Cabin/Fuel Filters
- T6 Oil Change
- Synchromesh Transmission Fluid
- BOSCH Icon Wipers
Things on my immediate list:
- Front Wheel Bearings - DONE
- Ball Joints - DONE
- Serpentine Belt Kit - DONE
- Raise the car up at least 1/2" (waiting on new rear spring perches, as these are missing the locking nuts) - DONE
- Add a sway bar (OEM or Whiteline depending on final ride height)
- Install 10 & 15mm spacers with bolts - DONE
- Install 24" Light bar in center grill - DONE
- Alignment
- Finish boost gauge install in driver's vent EDIT went with a $10 A Pillar mount. Painted to match...cheap and effective DONE
- Clear sidemarkers - DONE
Things to be done before Winter:
- Fix rust spot on roof near windshield and under rear wiper - 50% DONE
- Krown Oil Guard - DONE
- Install metal skid plate and plastic side skirts - will be all plastic shields for now
- Stage 3 Malone tune - DONE
- Color match valences in Spring 2017
Here you can see the roof rack and 32" light bar installed, decided against that. Sold the light bar, kept the roof rack and bought J hooks for my kayak but only going to install when needed. Didn't like the drop in fuel economy - hence the (tinted) 24" bar in the bottom grill instead.
Driver's side CV shaft blew up on me. Was luckily about 500 meters from my driveway at the time. Was taking a hard right turn. Also part of the reason I'm raising the car to a more tolerable height (not to mention the quality of our roads...)
EGR and intake seem like they've probably never been cleaned. Noticed better boost onset once cleaned, and less soot from the exhaust.
Anyway, certainly enjoying the car for now. Just trying to stay on top of maintenance and some possible upgrades! Picked up a new-in-box tow hitch off a local guy today, was a decent price.
Here we are on the side of the highway, dog didn't seem to mind.
I then picked up this 2002 Golf with 253km. Car was in a lot better shape than the Jetta, and many modifications I had planned were already done. Timing belt kit done at 220km. Summers and winters on 16" alloys included. Set me back $4500. I am the third owner, picked it up in Toronto off a private seller who had all the modifications done to the car. He worked for VW and now works for Mini and was given a company car. Before him, it was owned by a female and unmolested since new.
Modifications when I bought it:
- Malone Stage 1.5 Tune
- DLC 1019s
- Southbend Stage 2 Daily Clutch
- Koni 1150 Series Coilovers
- Leather Interior
- Pioneer Double Din & Front Speakers
- GTI Taillights
- GTI Rear Valence
Things I have done since purchasing:
- Intake Cleaning & EGR Delete
- 3" KermaTDI Exhaust
- Retrofit Projector Headlights
- Replaced Driver's CV Shaft
- New Rear Hatch Actuator
- Air/Cabin/Fuel Filters
- T6 Oil Change
- Synchromesh Transmission Fluid
- BOSCH Icon Wipers
Things on my immediate list:
- Front Wheel Bearings - DONE
- Ball Joints - DONE
- Serpentine Belt Kit - DONE
- Raise the car up at least 1/2" (waiting on new rear spring perches, as these are missing the locking nuts) - DONE
- Add a sway bar (OEM or Whiteline depending on final ride height)
- Install 10 & 15mm spacers with bolts - DONE
- Install 24" Light bar in center grill - DONE
- Alignment
- Finish boost gauge install in driver's vent EDIT went with a $10 A Pillar mount. Painted to match...cheap and effective DONE
- Clear sidemarkers - DONE
Things to be done before Winter:
- Fix rust spot on roof near windshield and under rear wiper - 50% DONE
- Krown Oil Guard - DONE
- Install metal skid plate and plastic side skirts - will be all plastic shields for now
- Stage 3 Malone tune - DONE
- Color match valences in Spring 2017
Here you can see the roof rack and 32" light bar installed, decided against that. Sold the light bar, kept the roof rack and bought J hooks for my kayak but only going to install when needed. Didn't like the drop in fuel economy - hence the (tinted) 24" bar in the bottom grill instead.
Driver's side CV shaft blew up on me. Was luckily about 500 meters from my driveway at the time. Was taking a hard right turn. Also part of the reason I'm raising the car to a more tolerable height (not to mention the quality of our roads...)
EGR and intake seem like they've probably never been cleaned. Noticed better boost onset once cleaned, and less soot from the exhaust.
Anyway, certainly enjoying the car for now. Just trying to stay on top of maintenance and some possible upgrades! Picked up a new-in-box tow hitch off a local guy today, was a decent price.
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