Help me ward off the car sell...

[Sinjin]

Here is the deal. The wife has a 2003 NBC Turbo S with 77k miles on it. We bought it last year because she was diagnosed with Hogkins Lymphoma and wanted something fun to drive. Things are clear for her now. But now she is debating on selling it because it is not that "sporty" for her now with the way she drives(she is crazy). So the question to you all is what can I do to help the car get fun for her again. I ordered new tires already and better brakes are next. Need to get rotors and pads. The rotors are either warped or something. It is not real safe feeling(shake with braking), but stops really well. Then I was thinking about sway bars, but in searching the forum I did not get a whole lot of information. Chip? Its an automatic so it is kinda dull in that respect anyway and not sure a chip would be worth it.

I love the car and do not want to get rid of it, so throw out some suggestions to livin' up the NBC.

[Toad]

Well, if it's an automatic, it's not a real Turbo S, just a regular turbo, and they never made NBC Turbo S's either.

A chip is definitely the way to go to make the car more sporty. Some harder bushings in certain places, a slight drop and sway bars, etc... will also help.

You need to find out what's not "sporty" to her, is it speed, handing, etc?

[Sinjin]

Originally Posted by Toad

Well, if it's an automatic, it's not a real Turbo S, just a regular turbo, and they never made NBC Turbo S's either.

A chip is definitely the way to go to make the car more sporty. Some harder bushings in certain places, a slight drop and sway bars, etc... will also help.

You need to find out what's not "sporty" to her, is it speed, handing, etc?

Not an S. Sorry wrong info. Is a turbo. I want handling before speed I guess.

[noR]

Get a chip (for sure hands down, right away) and a sachs club sport kit. Or a coilover kit if she wants it THAT sporty.

The chip is alot more power, it'll make a huge difference.

[Toad]

Although this is the new englander in me talking a bit... i've driven 2 cars with the shine real street kits (mk2 golf 8v and mk3 jetta vr) and i must say that those cars felt like go-carts.

i've never driven a mk4/beetle with it, but if i'd be plopping down some dough on a whole kit, i'd call them first.

Shine Racing Service- Volkswagen, Audi High Performance and Racing Specialists (i know, their website sucks)

[scarabY2k]

Welcome to the org

A chip for sure will add more fun/sport for sure. Then you have your choices of lowering springs/struts, turbo back exhausts, even turbo upgrades. ECS Tuning is a good place to check out for what's available too.

Other than engine/tuning mods, I would suggest you all getting involved in the new beetle experience- Get togethers (GTG's)- it's a mod that's just as important as the mechanical mods themselves. You'd be very surprised on how a new beetle event can ramp up the thrill factor of beetle ownership. This past May, over 43 new beetles spent a weekend in bryson City, NC to ride the Tail of the Dragon; this was the 2nd year of an annual event and plans are in full swing for next year.

Click here for the ToD thread.

Click here to view this years photo highlights- it'll kick you beetle passion up a notch.


I know ToD is a ways off, but fret not, I have good news!!! There's a GtG coming up in October, right in your neighborhood- the Dreher Island State Park day long GTG. Click here for the thread

You and the misses will get a ton of insipration on how to beef up your beetle. Plus the experience of hanging with the beetle peeps is indescribable.

Big congrats to your wife for her triumph! Hope to meet you guys down the road soon

[Sinjin]

Thanks to all. Well the new tires are on and the car feels 100% more stable than before -cheap tires. When the guy was changing out the tires, he said we needed new struts. I thought that was strange as they only have 77k miles on them, but it might give me reason to trade out for a new kit -eyeing the kit from Shine(thanks Toad). Though they might be little to tooth rattling. Well I have an appointment with the local independent to check the front suspension tomorrow. They think it just might be the bushings, so we will see.

One other item, with the new tires, the steering is very responsive. It is nice, but seems she lost some of the "tight" feeling. The steering wheel seems like its almost numb -dare i say toyotaish. well it might be all moot if struts are needed.

Scarab, checking out the gtg. Seems very close to us. Will have to check the calendar.

[VW Lady Bug]

I dropped Lady just 1/2" for now (I'm adding air-ride over the winter - budget permitting) and it tightened up the handling - via Eibach sport springs. That way I get the feel without being too low (hills, potholes, etc.) - a nice combo with struts...

[Sinjin]

what struts are you running with the eibach's, lady? stock?