Golf GTI performance

[moreboost]

Hi all
my son lives in NZ at present and is looking at buying a 2000 model GTI. He likes the car but didn't think it was overly powerful. How does a MK4 compare performance wise to a MK5? Are the Mk4s OK on fuel when used predominantly for highway use? It has done around 140Ks and has been well maintained. Any issues to look out for?
Grateful for any advice
Thanks

[JustCruisn]

In Australia the MK4 GTI was a 1.8L engine with 110kw - not much really. A software retune alone gets this to just under 150kw - but requires 98 RON premium fuel.
The MK5 GTI is 147kw from the factory and can run on standard fuel. The newer 2.0L engine delivers the power a bit sooner and is generally more nimble.
The mk5 has nicer suspension too and of course more electric dood-dads, also DSG gearbox is an option.

[BI65ND]

They dont really compare performance wise in stock form to a mk5. A flash/chip tune of these changes alot of that, brings out a lot of hidden power. Exhaust and intake upgrades also help.
My gti has the things listed in my sig, plus a couple of extra things I might have forgotten to list, and My most recent tank from Highway driving did 640km's when the fuel light came on, so on highway they use next to nothing, and this wasn't really through babying it either, still hit boost all the time on acceleration and when overtaking etc. Round town driving I usually get 450-500kms when the fuel light comes on.

[moreboost]

Thanks for the info....any idea how long clutches usually last and are they expensive to replace?

[h100vw]

I reckon you are on borrowed time past 100000kms. If you were to have it chipped, it would give up pretty quick usually.

ecstuning.com for a clutch kit. Drop the standard dual mass flywheel at the same time. Buy one from a scrappy and have it refaced locally or get a lightened one from ecstuning with the clutch kit.

Gavin

[McDub]

yeah i changed my clutch at 100,000.
mind you it didn't need to be changed, i just figured i would change it eventually, so i wanted to enjoy a new clutch earlier rather than later (plus i bought the clutch on sale at the time... damn sales!)
but personally i would go for the 20.5lbs flywheel instead of the more common lightweight 14lbs one
OEM / Performance Parts for Audi, BMW, Mercedes Benz, Mini, Porsche & Volkswagen - ECS Tuning
reason being, the 14lbs one can make your gearbox rattle when the air con is on, and it's pretty annoying if your fussy like me.
the 20.5lbs one is supposed to be the same weight as the stock dual mass flywheel, and it apparently gets rid of the rattle...

[moreboost]

So what sort of $$ is the freight from ECS for a clutch kit? Any idea what the labour to install would run to?? Good advice re the flywheel mass too...
thanks again

[McDub]

i gave you the link, it has shipping costs for australia if you add it to cart and click australia. you'll get the clutch and flywheel to your door for $500.
labour probably another 500-600.

[BI65ND]

At the time I did mine (I got mine from ECS), the dollar wasnt the best - around about the 70-80c mark. It cost me 560 for the clutch and flywheel landed, and 400 for install. For a genuine one I was quoted 800 for the kit and 900 for install, so prob try to find a VW/euro specialist like I went to that isnt going to charge you the world for install.

[qsilverza]

Dont Forget the MKV is a monster once it becomes chipped

[BI65ND]

Yeah it is, but also twice the price of a mk4 lol

[PerthCat]

BI65ND, you've got the lightened fly wheel fitted that McDub was saying tends to rattle due to the missing 6.5 pounds. Have you found that the gearbox rattles as a result of the lighter fly wheel?

[BI65ND]

I get the "chatter" yes. Only really notice it when the car is idling and it's at it's worst if you have it in neutral with the clutch out. When you put the clutch in it quietens down. And yeah when the air con's on is when it happens I think. Sort of makes the sound like a noisy fan belt to me. It worried me when I first started hearing it but then when I read up on it that it's a normal side effect of the lightened fly wheel it hasn't bothered me. If you have the radio on and windows up you can't hear it, I only notice it if I'm outside the car or have the windows down.

[McDub]

the link in my signature has a vid of my exhaust (selling it), but you can hear the chatter at one stage in the vid it think.

[moreboost]

My son bought the GTI late last week, it is a tidy car, had a look at it on Sunday, clutch seems fine and just had major service including brakes. A nice car for a very good price.... will have him follow up on the NZ forum too.