'88 Golf GTI 8v Build - here we go again!

Discussion in 'Mk2' started by Spacecowboy, Mar 10, 2018.

  1. Spacecowboy Paid Member Paid Member

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    So a bit of an update:

    I bought a stainless steel exhaust which, for the most part, looked well made. The reality was far from it...

    This is the old hurrendous backbox. The system was stockup to that point:

    View attachment 7136

    View attachment 7138

    Off comes the old system:

    View attachment 7140

    The underside looks pretty good:

    View attachment 7139

    On went the new one. Now unfortunately I didn't think to take photos of it going on as the garage had so much trouble making it fit, it just went out of my mind to be replaced with disappointment and frustration.

    Starting at the downpipe, the kit came with the wrong reducer - it was the same bore to the silencer and too big for the down pipe. So they had to make an adaptor for that. The second box didn't line up to the mounting brackets and when you stretched it across, it shifted the first silencer over almost making it knock on the exhaust tunnel. Not good.

    Finally the back box is just way out. A bracket had to be fashioned in order to drag it across to somewhere central to the cut out in the valance but in truth it wants to live almost by the rear wheel!

    View attachment 7141

    View attachment 7142

    View attachment 7143

    It's impossible to get it to sit straight:

    View attachment 7144

    But the problems didn't stop there! One of the tail pipes hadn't been welded properly and rattled like crazy!

    I contacted the supplier and sent pictures and video. They have agreed to pick it up next week and refund me. I'm still 70 in fitting costs out of pocket so properly annoyed.

    I've just bought a complete stock system which will arrive on Friday. Just hope this is better. Anyone heard of Polmostrow?
     
    Last edited: Mar 23, 2018
  2. DN5

    DN5 Paid Member Paid Member

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    Ahh man! That would really grind me too so can understand your frustration!

    I actually have a system that was on my 8v gti that I no longer require!

    Everything but the downpipe is there and it's a Jetex (I think) full stainless with twin oval pipes at the rear. Fit mine a treat if you find you want something later on.

    Going for the 2.5" stainless straight through for the Tdi
     
  3. Spacecowboy Paid Member Paid Member

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  4. Savagesam

    Savagesam Moderator Staff Member Moderator

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    I've got a Jetex exhaust on mine, fits lovely and looks great but you need to make sure you have the correct hanger, it comes with the exhaust otherwise, it doesn't fit well at all. The back box is all over the place otherwise. I need to buy a bigger system 2.5/3", which i'm gutted about :(
     
  5. DN5

    DN5 Paid Member Paid Member

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    Well this one fit great on mine too and I can remove the hangers too that's not a problem. I only removed as it was a straight through that I want so no point keeping it.
    Got the pm :thumbup:
     
  6. Savagesam

    Savagesam Moderator Staff Member Moderator

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    It's only the last one, with the back box. It sits a bit higher up near the fuel tank that's all :)
     
  7. DN5

    DN5 Paid Member Paid Member

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    Oh ok, I'll have a look then cheers.
    Not to hijack this thread but whilst you're on, any idea how I repay my membership for another year? Can't for the life of me remember how lol
     
  8. Savagesam

    Savagesam Moderator Staff Member Moderator

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  9. Spacecowboy Paid Member Paid Member

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    Last edited: Mar 20, 2018
  10. DN5

    DN5 Paid Member Paid Member

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    Ace thanks.
     
  11. DN5

    DN5 Paid Member Paid Member

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    I'll deffo look at that then. I can get new hangers to suit the new system so no biggie. I do like the fire idea though - I say go for it [:D]
     
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  12. Finite

    Finite Paid Member Paid Member

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    I have a soft spot for Heilos small bumper 8v ;) I need to get cracking on mine.
     
  13. Spacecowboy Paid Member Paid Member

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    What do you have buddy?
     
  14. Finite

    Finite Paid Member Paid Member

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    There used to be some pictures on here, but I haven't got round to fixing them yet. It's also a small bumper Helios Blue 8v, but an '89 5 door. What's the dash like in yours? The clear glass and little shade has really taken a toll on the interior of mine.
     
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  15. Spacecowboy Paid Member Paid Member

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    My dash is cracked. I've seen worse but I've also seen much better!

    My main priority is getting her running right then hopefully find a genuine bonnet in the right colour I can just bolt on. But I think I'll have more luck trying to find a new dash first!
     
    Last edited: Mar 22, 2018
  16. Spacecowboy Paid Member Paid Member

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    Oh I don't suppose you know if the grill badge is supposed to be black or silver on this year/colour car? My previous Golf had a chrome badge but this one came with a black badge which I've since changed but I don't know if that was the anatomically right thing to do?

    Similar with door handles. Should they have black inserts or chrome?
     
  17. rubjonny

    rubjonny Administrator Staff Member Admin

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    black for a GTI assuming you mean the VW badge :)
     
  18. DN5

    DN5 Paid Member Paid Member

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    VW logo I think is chrome :thumbup:
     
  19. Spacecowboy Paid Member Paid Member

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    Yes I meant the round 'VW' badge on the grill. My first Gti was silver/chrome but this one came with a black one. I changed it to chrome badge but looks like that was the wrong thing to do?
     
  20. rubjonny

    rubjonny Administrator Staff Member Admin

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    just use whichever you prefer :thumbup:
     

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