VW GTI

VW GTI questions and answers

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Q: Is it ok to put unleaded gas in a VW GTI?
I was seriously considering buying an earlier model (90s) of the VW GTI. However after hearing that they are supposed to take performance grade gas, im having second thoughts. Is this true that they need high performance? Will it damage the engine to use unleaded or will it just run better on high performance gas? Thanks!

A: I own and drive vw's for a living... There is definetly a difference in the type of fuel. You will get better MPG. And you will have better accelerator reponse. As well less emmisions.. And it burns cleaner in the motor and leaves less residue. As well it also has a cleaner that keeps injectors and others clean. If you keep track like i do you will notice a difference. And for the little extra you pay it pays for itself. But not in one tank. As well if you add all the additives like octane booster, fuel injector cleaner and gasline antifreeze.. Its cheaper to put the performance gas in.

Q: What is the cheepest thing I can do to my VW GTI to make is faster.?
I just got a 1992 VW GTI and I want to make it a go fast car. It has the lil 4-cylinder in it, and I cant afford a bigger engine. What can I do to boost the HP?

A: Get a big air filter and a chip. Don't get an air filter that fits in the air box, get one that replaces the air box. The box really restricts air flow in itself. The car will be a bit louder when you punch it but it'll also be faster. Chips are around $100 and filters can run somewhere around that too but usually less. I have the same motor and a chip (from techtonics tuning) added about 5-10 HP. Also, if you get a decent exhaust it'll help. They can be around $400 or so. And try using injector cleaner. It can make a pretty noticeable difference, especially on older cars. There is no reason to use synthetic oil. Sometimes it'll actually screw up the motor because it'll degunk it too much and clog. The motor was meant to run with regular oil, not synthetic.

Q: How do you replace an O2 sensor on a 2004 VW GTI?
My engine light went on and my readout is telling me that there's a problem with my o2 sensor. I have the 4 cylinder engine in my 2004 GTI. Where is the o2 sensor located and how can I replace it?

A: the oxygen sensor is located under the car in the middle next to the catalytic converter. There are two not 1!!!!! You get a wrench and unscrew the sensor. There is also a plug that is located in a black box close to the senor. the wires from the O2 sensor will lead you to the plug. Unscrew two 10mm black plastic knots. It can be done by yourself but you have to lift your car a bit with a jack. If you want the sensors to last long than buy them at the dealership not aftermarket ones.

Q: why does my battery keep dying in my 92 vw gti?
I own a 92 vw gti. The car starts right up when I jump it and after I shut it off it wont start. It stays running as long as I don't shut it off, but as soon as I shut it off it wont start again. I had the alternator tested and it's fine. what could it be?

A: It is probably your battery. Have it's condition checked, a gas station should be able to do this in about 1 minute. If the battery is OK, then you might have a cable or connector corrosion problem..

Q: should i keep my VW GTI or get a mustang?
ok, i have a volkswagen GTI with a 1.8L turbo, and its one heck of a ride, but i've loved the new mustang look since they came out, so im kinda torn between getting one or keepin my V-dub. im not even sure how much i could trade my car in for, its a 2003 with 52k miles on it, but it has every accesory available and its in great shape, no blemishes. if i can get a good amount for my GTI, then i htik i will trad for the mustang. what should i do?

A: They are two different cars, but the vw is simply better. It's engineered better, it's safer and is more reliable than any american car will ever be. Also, if you added accesories to your car, it does not matter how much you spent, it decreases the value of it. You would get higher trade in prices if your car was fully stock.

Q: My 1997 VW GTI has a knocking sound from the transmission when I start out in first gear, with a cold engine.?
The noise goes away as it warms up. Any idea if this is a major or minor repair? Time to sell the heap for scrap?

A: Have someone look at the CV joints. One could be loose.

Q: In a VW GTI 337, what is the exact difference with the stock exhaust?
It's mildly tuned as opposed to a regular stock exhaust. Is it a different muffler or is the entire exhaust system different? If I were to add a high-flow cat, would it sound any different?

A: bearing emmisions legislation where you reside by adding a high flow cat it would sound louder and revving up will be faster. a decent remus or peco backbox would also increase decibels but with deep humming sound. have 1 myself. sounds awesome. lol

Q: What other cars have the same Catalytic converter as the 2000 vw gti vr6?
and or where can i get one,,,,either in the internet or sotre, or whatever?....as long as its cheap...........or is there a way to clean it?

A: 1999 - 2004 Golf and Jetta use the same one. http://shop.oreillyauto.com/productdetail.aspx?MfrCode=MFL&MfrPartNumber=23774&PartType=145&PTSet=A Or, you can weld in a universal one.

Q: How reliable are the vw gti's?
I'm looking to get an '02 or newer vw gti. Was interested in the 1.8 T. How reliable are these and is there a favored engine in them? Thanks.

A: Consumer reports are biased toward Japanese makes. Do not go by what they say. 1.8T engine is an awesome engine to modify. Easy performance parts availability. The newer MK5 GTI's are the best buy though they are lighter weight than the MK4. Also they are now available in 5 door model as well. Perfect for toting around your friends. The MK4's are a little heavy and lean into the turns a little too much for my taste. I have one I know. I bought a car a while back and went with Consumer Guide. After driving a Japanese car for 2 years and then owning a VW, I totally will never go back to the Honda again.

Q: 96 vw gti wont start some type of wire associated with the fuel pump what can it be?
i replaced the fuel pump on the car and it still won't start and it is draining the battery and that also is new

A: If your battery is being drained, check your alternator. If you just replaced the fuel pump and it is getting power, then that is/was not your problem. Does it crank when you turn the key, do the lights come on then fade out, or does it do nothing?

Q: Where can I find a color honeycombe grille for a VW GTI?
I've never customized a car before so I am seriously new to the world of custom car accessories. I've looked all over for a colored honeycomb grille and to no avail - would I be better off purchasing a stock grill and having it custom painted?

A: DT, Try this link. www.c3cars.com/parts.cfm?M=1&PMode=I&VIID=6142 The part comes in black and can be painted to match your GTI's color. Regards, - Indy