Questions about MKV R32 Golf

[JimmyRickard]

Hey guys I'm currently having a look at R32 Golfs as a more convenient replacement for my 550 HP R32 GTR. I've settled on the Golf as it seems to have excellent power delivery, decent handling and AWD, and the DSG box sounds like an excellent bit of kit too, and i want an auto that is actually an upgrade from the manual, not a downgrade.
Anyway, I'm looking specifically at earlier MKV R32's, in the sub $40k bracket, and I have a few questions about reliability, modifications etc.

1)How reliable is the DSG box? I'm assuming that the car i'll be buying will be out of warranty or close to it, and blowing a DSG gearbox would be a costly affair I imagine. anything in particular to look out for?
2)what are the more popular ecu reflashes (or ecu replacements) on the market, and what sort of power gains do they achieve out of the box?
3)also regarding dsg, how does it cope with extra power gains? are there many kits available to strengthen it? when is it necessary?
4)any reputable VW specialists in Sydney who can give the car a decent inspection?

Basically, I'm in love with the car, but my biggest concern is having to replace the gearbox. I've heard reliability can be an issue, but the car sounds like it is a bit too complex to take to just any mechanic to get a good idea if everything is operating smoothly. Any information would be greatly appreciated.

Cheers!

[balkanac]

hi mate, those boxes are really fun to use and its amasing how quick it changes gears. Im not sure how much torque it can deal with, i GTI DSGs can take 350nm. R32 has 320nm stock. I have heard of people getting different clutch packs to strenghten them but i dont think that anyone has done it in aus. My advice is a proper manual with a proper clutch pedal.
You can get an ECU reflash from APR, REVO, superchips etc but the gains are minimal since its the engine is NA. Id still get one because the power delivery is totally different, revs nicely through thr rev range and its much nicer to drive.
Handling is obviously totally different than a rwd skyline. The car understeers and understeers a lot. Its no wonder too, there is a V6 and a 6 speed AWD gearbox in the front. People put thicker sway bars in the back and haldex contollers to try to minimise it.
All in all, R32s are excellent cars, very fun to drive and the engine is almost bulletproff. THey are expensive to maintain and aftermarket parts are hard to find.
So good luck!!

[JimmyRickard]

Thanks for the reply mate, I'm starting to consider getting a manual now as well as the DSG sounds like a bit of a gamble when its outside of warranty. I'm also trying to find some VW specialists but there doesn't seem to be many in Sydney, but i'll keep looking. If I was going to go for a manual I would probably go with the MKIV however, is there much of a performance difference between the two models?

[gareth_oau]

I prefer the look of the Mk4 but thats personal tastes.

i understand the Mk4 feels a bit more hardcore than the Mk5 which weas purposely softened a bit.

the mk4 also came with those sensational Konig seats!!

As I can see youre into a bit of performance, there are two special mk4s on carsales right now, ones turbocharged and ones supercharged... might be worth some consideration as these would save you a lot of your own development costs?

http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/private/details.aspx?R=8143305&__sid=12327F34213A&__Qpb=true&Cr=0&__Ns=pCar_RankSort_Int32%7c1%7c%7cpCar_PriceSort_Decimal%7c1%7c%7cpCar_Make_String%7c0%7c%7cpCar_Model_String%7c0&keywords=&__N=1216%201247%201282%201252%201246%204294962746%204294962677%204294774536&seot=1&__Nne=15&trecs=14&silo=1011

http://www.carsales.com.au/all-cars/private/details.aspx?R=7889927&__sid=12327F34213A&__Qpb=true&Cr=4&__Ns=pCar_RankSort_Int32%7c1%7c%7cpCar_PriceSort_Decimal%7c1%7c%7cpCar_Make_String%7c0%7c%7cpCar_Model_String%7c0&keywords=&__N=1216%201247%201282%201252%201246%204294962746%204294962677%204294774536&seot=1&__Nne=15&trecs=14&silo=1011

[nuganen]

manual is the way to go unless u drive in heavy traffic i too had a r32 gtr 250kw atw but now have a golf gti mk6 its an everyday car that you can live with not like the gtr it might not handle like the gtr but comes pretty close to it on the road anyway...

and balkanac gtr are AWD not rwd

[tomtom_r32]

I also came from a 250kw R32 GTR.

Both from different ends of the world and both are awesome machines.

I loved the timeless look of the r32 GTR, but honestly it was a money pit.

So decided to part with it and jump to a Mk4 R32, haven't looked back. Still miss the GTR and stance it had, but the .:R32 esp in the MK4 body is rare as.

Anyways, bought mine with 39km, now floating around the 120km without any major issues other from the wears and tears.

Got it chipped and dropped on coilovers.

Obviously go for one with a full service history, as what was mentioned above, these engines are bulletproof, seats are awesome (referring to the konigs) havent sat in a mk5 recaro set up yet, they look it though.

MK5 with DSG boxes are amazing, prob costly if it shat itself. But I like the manual feel.

Great daily and weekend cars for what ever reason you use it for.

GL with your choice, there quite a lot of IV & V on carsales.



Cheers,
Tommy