Re: Stage I Mods and Battery Problems

[TRedGLX@aol.com]

In a message dated 10/2/00 9:43:52 AM Central Daylight Time, Sniffner@aol.com 
writes:

<< As far as the upgrades I'm think of perhaps a new K&N filter (seems like 
 there are too many problems in removing the box it it's entirety), OBD chip 
 and cat back exhaust.  I hear great reviews about the Garrett chip.  Is this 
 a superior chip?  Where do I purchase from?  How much is it?  Is it easy to 
 install?  Will it affect any of the existing electrical components?  As far 
 as the cat back exhaust I'm thinking of the Techtonics TT Exhaust - 
stainless 
 but am stuck on the exhaust.  I'm looking for a beautiful looking tailpiece 
 with a sophisticated growl (Remus perhaps???) and not a whining, resonating, 
 super loud, obnoxious sound.  Any other quick, inexpensive mods. I should be 
 looking at at this time?  I will work on suspension next.  All is 
appreciated. >>

Can't help with the suspected alternator problem, sorry.

 1. Garrett chip is the way to go. Order from www.awe-tuning.com, about $125 
(when I got mine, anyway). Know your ECU code letter (K, N, etc.) and read 
the instructions that come with the chip. Install is easy.

2. There has been much debate regarding modifying the airbox and adding a K&N 
vs the open-element filter mod. I (and many) went the mod airbox/K&N route 
because it's less prone to heat-soak, less likely to cause problems (falling 
off, for example) and a better "stealth" mod if you have to deal with the 
dealer service department while still in warranty, obviously not a concern 
for you (I was at the time).

3. Almost as many opinions regarding the cat-back as there are the 
open-element/K&N issue. I'll be going with a SuperSprint cat-back; I've 
driven a GTI VR6  with this system, and found it to be both throaty, and at 
the same time, quiet enough that you can still carry a conversation at 
highway speed. You can get the tips in a variety of shapes, my personal 
choice is dual round stainless. I had a TT cat-back on my 88 Jetta, and it 
was a bit too loud for my liking, even at speed. Of course, nothing beats the 
factory exhaust for quiet, but it does nothing to help open up the engine 
breathing.

I've got a set of SPAX lowering (60 mm) that I'll let go cheap, if you want 
them. Putting on H&R race springs with Koni adjustables.

David Steele
1998 JettaGLX TRed
1988 Jetta Coupe Atlas Gray
1987 Jetta Marine Blue