Help me build my car up!

[eliteboi]

So here is the deal guys! I Plan on paying my car off this summer. I can't handle having someone dangle my title over my head. I'm cutting my expenses WAY back in order to do this, and have left quite a bit of room for what I plan on doing to my car and I want everyone's input.

So far I have a Unitronic Chip
KN drop-in filter
upgraded N75 valve and all my other maintenance is up to date. I have a upgraded DV as well (from an TT that I did with my TB/WP)
All new Bilstein Sport struts, Plugs and coil packs.

Here is what i'm going for, I want my car to still be reliable and comfortable enough to drive everday-ish
Herbie is really becoming my summer only car after this year.

Here is the parts I had in mind and i'd like lots of comments good or bad, I was just thinking of all the possible upgrades that would really make this thing into an everyday screamer

Suspension:
Rear Antisway bar- Neuspeed
Front Antisway bar- Neuspeed
SofSport Springs- Neuspeed (not sure if these will work with my current struts) I DO NOT WANT A BOUNCY RIDE

Exhaust:
I was considering Neuspeed, Magnaflo, and Borla. I can't find a Borla that fits my car on their site however. Whats everyone experience with exhaust systems? I plan on upgrading the turbo to something a little bigger

Injectors:

NOR suggested that I might need to upgrade my injectors if I went with a Garret Gt28 (I think thats the name of it) or even a KO4. Where would I find bigger injectors, what do they cost to install I know nothing here....

Engine:

Upgraded SMIC- I would like to avoid having a FMIC put in, I want it to be as clean looking as possible. Any reccomendations on SMICS and where to find them and experience with what they work best with is appriciated

Air intake? I was thinking of going with a Pflo

Turbo:
Everyone mentions KO4, I hear go with something else? Suggestions? I have a K03 and was thinking of even moving up to a k03s but that damn APH engine i'm not sure if its a direct fit and whats required if I want to change it to just a k03s.
I was even thinking about a Garret (again don't quote me on the model) GT28? Comments?

Tranny:
Diesel Geek Short throw
and a Stage 1 kit from ECS with a 14lb flywheel?

Money isn't the issue here, so throw your suggestions around at me. I spent alot of time writing this because I want sound advice and experience. I don't want my car being temper-mental

I plan on buying a 4wd so Herbie can sit in the heated garage when the roads aren't good enough for him

[Blitz Kafer]

I have a clubsport kit (springs and struts) and I'm happy with it. As for the turbo, The K04-001 is the one you want to bolt right in but for the price and the small gain it may not be worth it. You don't need to upgrade injectors for a K04, just get a tune. With apr I had to put in a 4bar fpr and that took care of it. It all boils down to what you want. If you want a reliable daily driver with a little extra pep then go for it but if you want to run srt4s and such at the strip then I'd spend the money and go with a bigger turbo. I have a T3/T4 that I was going to install but after realizing that I would have to change everything around I decided to wait until I had alittle more money saved up. I wouldn't mess with the K03s, I have it and I didn't notice a difference. I have a K03s with apr 91 program and all the bolt ons. You can see my sig for all my upgrades. If you just want something fun to drive, my car is spiking at 22psi and holding at 18-19psi. I'm happy with the set up I have. The milage is still decent. 30mpg city/35mpg hwy unless my foot is in it(which it usually is) I'm sure others will chime in.

[FastAndFurious]

Ive been on the same boat for years, itching for power but nothing out there for the aph, and always mad at myself for not jumping on the apr stage 3 kit when they were making the software and was available.

from what i have gathered recently is that the best way to get the aph to maximum potential, you need to first do a wideband ecu conversion. the aph is a narrowband ecu. Not sure how this conversion is done but you need 2002+ ecu and corresponding engine harness and whatever else is involved, different 02 sensors i think.

once you get the car running correctly with a wideband ecu, you can take it to the next step and go big turbo just like you would in a jetta or gti

there are plenty of places that sell parts
atpturbo.com
stpturbo.com
pagparts.com

for big turbo software, unitronic seems to be the company that they use the most. $900 chip

i too have been contemplating myself of just droping in a k04 but for the price im not sure its worth it in the end.
you dont need bigger injectors for k04, but i believe you need a different TIP, to extract maximum power from a k04 you need corresponding software and that can quickly add up


SMIC---tyrolsport.com makes it for the beetle, heard good things about it, never had it in my car

If you trully want to go big turbo with the aph, you need to go the extra mile it seems and thats probably in the 5-10k range once its said and done.

Im interested to see where you go with this as i'm thinking to tackle the engine next

my engine mods have been on hold for a while because i dont know which way to go.
giac 93 chip, 4bar fpr, forge dv, dss level 1 axles, ecs stage 1 clutch. neuspeed p-flo, jetex 2.5 catback exhaust (stock downpipe )

[eliteboi]

Originally Posted by FastAndFurious

Ive been on the same boat for years, itching for power but nothing out there for the aph, and always mad at myself for not jumping on the apr stage 3 kit when they were making the software and was available.

from what i have gathered recently is that the best way to get the aph to maximum potential, you need to first do a wideband ecu conversion. the aph is a narrowband ecu. Not sure how this conversion is done but you need 2002+ ecu and corresponding engine harness and whatever else is involved, different 02 sensors i think.

once you get the car running correctly with a wideband ecu, you can take it to the next step and go big turbo just like you would in a jetta or gti

there are plenty of places that sell parts
atpturbo.com
stpturbo.com
pagparts.com

for big turbo software, unitronic seems to be the company that they use the most. $900 chip

i too have been contemplating myself of just droping in a k04 but for the price im not sure its worth it in the end.
you dont need bigger injectors for k04, but i believe you need a different TIP, to extract maximum power from a k04 you need corresponding software and that can quickly add up


SMIC---tyrolsport.com makes it for the beetle, heard good things about it, never had it in my car

If you trully want to go big turbo with the aph, you need to go the extra mile it seems and thats probably in the 5-10k range once its said and done.

Im interested to see where you go with this as i'm thinking to tackle the engine next

my engine mods have been on hold for a while because i dont know which way to go.
giac 93 chip, 4bar fpr, forge dv, dss level 1 axles, ecs stage 1 clutch. neuspeed p-flo, jetex 2.5 catback exhaust (stock downpipe )

Well I was going to email my mechanic, he had a good friend die though, we where talking on Facebook.

I don't think a bigger turbo setup is going to cost 5-10k by it self though.

[Beltaine]

You want a loud exhaust or quiet?

Techtonics Tuning makes exhausts for Beetles with Borla mufflers that are nice and not very loud.

[eliteboi]

I want more then just an exhaust I want another oooohhhhh 100 HPish

[The Cheat]

here's where i chime in!

ok, here goes:

first things first:

c2=gold. get the MOST AGGRESSIVE file they have.

you'll need bigger injectors for sure, as the aph has smaller injectors (270cc-ish as opposed to 318cc in MOST other models). also, don't forget the 4bar regulator as well!

a k04 is a bolt-in affair, you can re-use your stock (garbage) inlet pipe, but why? get a samco boost hose kit. by the time you do the k04 swap, you could have done a decent t3/t4 setup, so there is a price to pay for 100% compatibility.

for exhaust, 3" is a must. wait on the downpipe until you know what turbo you'll be running. k04 can use oem, others can't. skip borla as it sounds like horsescheisse and get the ghl 3" for a gti. yes, i said gti. yes, it will fit.

aph is narrowband, but not impossible to tune. c2 can make a file for it that'll blow the doors off. not worth the time to convert to wideband, you need that $$ to ditch the injectors and other crap they used to neuter the aph.

the aph has a smaller intercooler also, good call on the tyrol. i personally like front-mounts though, especially with a nitrous fogger on them.

if someone's interested, i have an aph stg3 turbo kit, brandy new in box with a 99 ecu.

[eliteboi]

I'm not going anywhere near c2's software. I had an nightmare of a time with a garage here in Colorado who tried to flash my computer with the wrong engine code software which well, caused me to have to go with uni. The guy screwed something up when doing my ecu and the next day I blew all 4 coil packs and ruined my plugs

That might sound kind of goofy I know, but the owner of the shop after scanning my ECU said that C2 didn't have any files for my APH engine and it would take 2-3 weeks to have it written. The guy actually screwed my car up pretty bad and he's the only c2 dealer in Colorado. Uni has a Ko4 setup for my car and I only have to pay $50 to reflash it! Anyone recommend any good stabilizer bars?

[eliteboi]

Just an update on what's being planned.

I spoke with Hardey, and he's going to do my valve cover gasket. When we did my plugs and coil pack we noticed there was some oil on two of the plugs. So he basically told me don't worry about it just yet, we will do it later. He said it wasn't something I needed to do JUST yet.

Does anyone know if the rear brake pads have the same sensor like the front ones do to let you know when they need to be replaced? I've noticed a slight shimmy when I come to a stop lately. I'm planning on flushing all my fluids. I guess there isn't much of a point in flushing the transmission fluid if i'm replacing the clutch right?

So we are going to sit down and discuss what i'm expecting to get out of my car and then some numbers.

My car's getting repainted this summer, and I told him if he gives me a good break on labor that i'd have his company emblem airbrushed on my car. He's a good guy, he does great work and I always recommend him to anyone I talk to with a vw!

Is it unreasonable to think I might get 250hp out of my car with these upgrades? Will it still be reliable ?

Anyone have more feedback regarding sway bars and exhaust setups? I want something throaty not tooooooooo loud, but nice sounding.

[Too Cold NB1.8T]

This all sounds fine, it is more of a personal requirement as far as ride/handling.

Any turbo larger than a K04 will require larger injectors, a larger MAF sensor and other changes.

If like spirited driving and you plan on upgrading to a turbo larger that a normal K04 setup with any reasonable boost (don't over boost), you will need to use a good FMIC or you will experience heat soak resulting in loss of power etc.

The P-flo air intake system works well, just don't over oil the filter and the Neuspeed anti-sway bars are very nice..

If you are going to upgrade the turbo, I would recommend at least going to a K04 or larger. The main problem with going larger than a K04 is finding a competant tuner that can create correctly operating software for an APH...Goodluck on that one.

I like Autotechs 10LB Steel Billet flywheel, overall it really depends on how far you want to go into the transmission.

Much depends on what you want to accomplish when all is said and done and if you live in a smog state then this will be a large consideration, this web can get very sticky and tangled the deeper you delve.

[SMG]

Custom fonts and colors are annoying.

[eliteboi]

Originally Posted by Too Cold NB1.8T

This all sounds fine, it is more of a personal requirement as far as ride/handling.

Any turbo larger than a K04 will require larger injectors, a larger MAF sensor and other changes.

If like spirited driving and you plan on upgrading to a turbo larger that a normal K04 setup with any reasonable boost (don't over boost), you will need to use a good FMIC or you will experience heat soak resulting in loss of power etc.

The P-flo air intake system works well, just don't over oil the filter and the Neuspeed anti-sway bars are very nice..

If you are going to upgrade the turbo, I would recommend at least going to a K04 or larger. The main problem with going larger than a K04 is finding a competant tuner that can create correctly operating software for an APH...Goodluck on that one.

I like Autotechs 10LB Steel Billet flywheel, overall it really depends on how far you want to go into the transmission.

Much depends on what you want to accomplish when all is said and done and if you live in a smog state then this will be a large consideration, this web can get very sticky and tangled the deeper you delve.

We are getting together on the 15th to put together a building sheet.

Hardey actually recommended Autotech, I don't want my clutch to be heavy in traffic. So I don't know if that will be an issue.

I was already planning on going with Tyrol (sp?) SMIC, I really don't want to loose my fogs, but then again i'm taking suggestions from what I gather, and going with that.

I know the APH can be a PITA. Unitronic gives you two options when you "flash" your car. Which I have already done. One is high octane tune, or $50 flash to KO4. If not i'll just have him get a program for my car custom done? I'm sure it'll require the bigger injectors (probably tt size) we shall see. I don't wanna get too far into the tranny just yet but a new clutch and short throw are going in with the new turbo.

Does anyone know if those NEUSPEED SofSport Spring Kit will work with bilstein sport struts? I wasn't sure on that one. But i'm definitely getting sway bars.

This might take a minute but should be done by the end of summer/early fall if all goes well.

My shift linkage is screwing up 2nd and doesn't want to let me go in there... Oh well...

Any ideas on rims? I was thinking of maybe getting some huffs, or some 911 turbo wheels. I know adapters may be required

[alexvilla]

Originally Posted by smg

custom fonts and colors are annoying.

x2

[pm22071985]

Originally Posted by SMG

Custom fonts and colors are annoying.

Originally Posted by alexvilla

x2

X3

Yeah, that is painful on my eyes.

[eliteboi]

Originally Posted by pm22071985

X3

Yeah, that is painful on my eyes.

My bad!

[pm22071985]

Originally Posted by eliteboi

My bad!

No worrys, maybe I'm just getting old.
But the overlap is the hardest to digest.

[eliteboi]

Well here is a brief update. Hardey of Hardeys MoToRwErKs is getting all of our stuff and build sheet ready.

On the July 13th, we are doing the following:

Changing all fluids (pws, brake fluid, tranny (or clutch) fluid, G12 flush, and a valve cover gasket and oil change.

The come the mods. Exhaust, turbo FMIC and injectors, and i'm trying to find some new rims. Anyone seen any take 5's floating around. I also need the sport seats

[FastAndFurious]

Originally Posted by The Cheat

here's where i chime in!

ok, here goes:

first things first:

c2=gold. get the MOST AGGRESSIVE file they have.

you'll need bigger injectors for sure, as the aph has smaller injectors (270cc-ish as opposed to 318cc in MOST other models). also, don't forget the 4bar regulator as well!

a k04 is a bolt-in affair, you can re-use your stock (garbage) inlet pipe, but why? get a samco boost hose kit. by the time you do the k04 swap, you could have done a decent t3/t4 setup, so there is a price to pay for 100% compatibility.

for exhaust, 3" is a must. wait on the downpipe until you know what turbo you'll be running. k04 can use oem, others can't. skip borla as it sounds like horsescheisse and get the ghl 3" for a gti. yes, i said gti. yes, it will fit.

aph is narrowband, but not impossible to tune. c2 can make a file for it that'll blow the doors off. not worth the time to convert to wideband, you need that $$ to ditch the injectors and other crap they used to neuter the aph.

the aph has a smaller intercooler also, good call on the tyrol. i personally like front-mounts though, especially with a nitrous fogger on them.

if someone's interested, i have an aph stg3 turbo kit, brandy new in box with a 99 ecu.

You said you have a stg3 kit and a 99 ecu? Which stage 3 kit and whos software is on the ecu? is Ecu part number
06A906032E?


good to know that c2 can make a file for it, i will be contacting them next

[FastAndFurious]

any updates on this?

[eliteboi]

Honestly I haven't even got started on any of this yet.

I've had multiple set backs. Including not getting paid by my work ( I got paid for one week vs 2 )

My car is going in Tuesday for:

Powersteering fluid change, brake fluid change tranny fluid change, g12 change, and the valve cover gasket.

I have to be extremely careful what I bill to my bank account as i'm in the process of filing BK because of my ex who well lets just say 1) abused my car while I was at work 2) emptied out my savings and checking etc...

I'm really up in the air as to whether or not I want to pay the car off first or start my mods. I owe about 5k on it still.

Either way i'm HOPING to have the car done by the end of September at the latest