Re: Opinions on purchase? (K&N,Mintex,Neuspeed,Foglight,Garrett)

[David Kim <glxvr6@ibm.net>]

Khan,

Definitely purchase the Mintex 'Redbox' brake pads, brake dust
accumulation will only be about 1/10 of the factory pads.  The
difference in part #'s and price for the European headlight switch is
that the more expensive one is for the 'PASSAT'.  I believe that New
Dimensions has the European headlight switches for 
A 3's which have a slight blem for a reduced cost of $54.95, check it
out in the newest European Car.  I recommend that you also purchase a
set of front and rear sway bars.  I went for the Neuspeed 25mm front and
28mm rear from Timmons VW @ $359.95 delivered.  The rear foglights,
there is one on each side in the rear, have the harnesses (bulb sockets)
installed from the factory.  You will need to stick in a single filament
brake light bulb into each socket then run a single wire from the rear
foglights to position # 12 on the European headlight switch.  Call Mike
Potter proprietor of PARTS4VWS at (714) 663-2434, it will be worth you
while.  Mike can get you some 'VR6' door sills, they now come standard
on the GTi VR6's.  Garrett Lim's chips are $125.00 and $20.00 for each
upgrade if there are any. (just released '.10')  Simple 10 minute
install, but have a chip puller handy.  

Hope this helps,

David Kim
1997 Vento GLX




> Hi, all...
> 
> I'm looking for your input on some of these items, as I'm going to go on a
> shopping spree tomorrow. I recently bought some Bilstein HD struts, and am
> ready to buy springs.
> 
> As long as I'm buying springs, I figure I might as well go out and buy the
> K&N replacement filter, Mintex reduced brakedust pads, the european light
> switch, and whatever it takes to get the rear fogs to operate.
> 
> I tried getting hold of the guy at parts4vw's but he doesn't answer e-mail
> very well, so I went over to New Dimensions' website. They're closed today
> so I'm going to order tomorrow, so let me know what you think before then.
> 
> These are ND's descriptions and prices. Are there any hidden costs for
> parts that I don't anticipate? Do you recommend something else for my
> stated goals?
> 
> Goals: Being moderately price conscious, improve handling and performance
> without significantly affecting ride, and without voiding large portions of
> manufacturer's warranty. (Dealer will do installation)
> 
> As a result, I got the Bilstein HD's for a great price from Jeff Newton
> (reader on this list), which will work well with the Neuspeed SofSport
> springs. (I also like what I hear about their acceptable commuter ride)
> 
> The brake pads are for keeping the wheels looking clean while slightly
> improving braking.
> 
> The foglight switch (what's the difference between the two part numbers--
> anyone know?) is NOT to disable DRL's, but to allow fogs and highs on at
> the same time.
> 
> Since I'm getting the foglight switch, I also want the rear fog bulb. (Is
> this all I need? If I understand correctly, my 97 GLX is already wired and
> has the harness-- all I need is the bulb?)
> 
> Once I do these installs, Garrett Chip is next, and POSSIBLY (depending on
> how I like the handling with the springs and struts) an upper strut tie
> bar, which keeps my total budget under $1000.
> 
> Here's what I'm planning on buying:
> 
> DESCRIPTION                             ND PART #       PRICE
> ------------------------------------------------------------------
> Neuspeed SofSport all A3 VR6            123.41.157      $199.95
> 
> K&N Lifetime Replacement Air Filter
> w/ Service Kit                          E310            $ 85.00
> 
> Front brake kit - 11" 5-lug VR6 ATE
> Powerdisc with Mintex redbox pads       166.46.110      $169.95
> 
> Factory european foglight and
> headlight switch                        713.96.310      $ 72.95
>         OR
> Factory european foglight and
> headlight switch                        715.96.311      $119.95
> 
> Jetta GLX Rear Foglight Bulb            ???             ???
> 
> Garrett Chip                            N/A             ???
> 
> (ALREADY BOUGHT) Bilstein HD's          N/A             $200.00
> 
> Into the future, I might buy different exhaust tips (according to VW Power,
> the stock exhaust is pretty good as it is) to make them look nicer, and
> make them easier to clean (perhaps stainless steel? what options do I
> have?).
> 
> Any comments?
> 
> Thanks,
> 
> -Khan
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------
> 
> Khan Klatt <kklatt@nw.verio.net>                               Verio Northwest
> Network Engineer                                      Bellingham Branch Office
> Tel 800.591.2757 x 13                                      725 N. State Street
> Fax 360.738.8315                                          Bellingham, WA 98225
> 
> ------------------------------------------------------------------------------