RE: Introductions - Steve Belt - 1998 Jetta GLX

["Chadwick, John/COR/INV" <jchadwic@CH2M.com>]

Welcome to the family Steve!

Chadwick
95 Jetta GLX

-----Original Message-----
From: Belt, Stephen D [mailto:stephen.d.belt@intel.com]
Sent: Tuesday, October 19, 1999 12:15 PM
To: 'Jetta GLX'
Subject: Introductions - Steve Belt - 1998 Jetta GLX


I joined the list this week, and thought I should take a chance to 
introduce myself, and more importantly, my Jetta.

In February, I purchased a slightly used 1998 Jetta GLX.  The car had 
approximately 7000 miles, seemed to be gently used, and was available for 
a reasonable discount from new, considering its use.  The car also had 
one decent upgrade, a cat-back exhaust had been installed. I believe it 
is from H+K, but I have not taken the time to verify that.  The exhaust is 
certainly louder than stock, but its a very reasonable increase.  Similar 
to what I'd expect from a Borla exhaust system.

Since February, I have done three upgrades:  K&N, Stereo and alarm.  Under 
seperate cover, I'll explain the stereo upgrade in detail, as there were
several incarnations, but here's the quick and dirty on the final result:  

	o Eclipse 5342R Head Unit (in dash CD)
	o Boston Acoustics ProSeries Components (front speakers)
	o Boston Acoustics RM6 (rear speakers)
	o Sony Xplod 4x40+1x100 EQX Amp (weak link)
	o MTX Thunder 5000 10" enclosed sub

The alarm is from Prestige and is nothing special.  The K&N is just a 
drop-in.

I purchased this car for three reasons:  I live 30+ miles from work, and 
wanted something a bit more economical than my other vehicle (1995 Dodge
Ram 2500HD V10 4x4); I wanted a vehicle that I could super- or turbo-
charge, and still be economical; I wanted a 4-door car that I could easily
get my 2 girls in and out of.  My decision came down to a Jetta GLX or
Integra GS-R.  I have owned an Integra in the past, and honestly leaned 
toward the Jetta to get something different (this goaround I didn't retest
an Integra).  My initial test drive astonished me.  I was pleasantly 
surprised by the low end torque, right from the get go.  Mid- to Top-end 
power is what I had expected/hoped it would be.  You all know what I mean.

Now that I've owned the car for 6 months, my list of improvements is ever
growing.  Along with the super/turbo charger (I can't decide right now
which I'd prefer), I want to upgrade the clutch, tires, wheels, seats, 
body stiffness, lower the car an inch or so, and improve the shocks 
(spring rate feels pretty good...maybe a bit stiffer).  I need to get the 
car on the dyno and confirm my belief that engine power seems to stop 
coming on (levels out or declines) above 5500 RPM.  If that's the case, 
then something probably needs to be done to improve breathability (intake, 
TBI, or headers).

Anyway, that's plenty for now.  I'll save actual questions about the above
potential upgrades until after I've fully reviewed the archives.

Regards,

Steve Belt
1998 Jetta GLX