Ornithology
Passed Driver's Ed
- Location
- Vancouver
My journal of the life and evolution of my MK5 GTI.
Form over function. Aaron.
You can follow me on VwVortex as well: http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthread.php?5616540-Ornithology-s-daily-driven-GTI.-Form-over-function.#post77282561
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/showthre...-s-daily-driven-Wolfsburg.-Form-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...
Form over function. Aaron.
You can follow me on VwVortex as well: http://forums.vwvortex.com/showthread.php?5616540-Ornithology-s-daily-driven-GTI.-Form-over-function.#post77282561
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/showthre...-s-daily-driven-Wolfsburg.-Form-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...
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