Tuning the VW Golf range of cars

"Theres a wide Golf"

 The Volkswagen Golf has been one of the most successful cars from Volkswagen.  The mk1 golf was very responsive and still has a dedicated following.

The engines pulled well and the small relatively light body make it a fun car.

The early eighties 8 and 16 valve GTI engines were excellent and many remark that 8 valve engine actually improves with age. (A fact the Dyno seems to bear out!)

The mk2 golf, and particularly the GTI a model are still loved by enthusiasts today.  By the time the mk3 and mk4 were released there was something magical missing from the GTI.  The handling was no longer as sharp and responsive as the early models. The engines were ordinary and the weight had increased due to safety features.  It had become a run of the mill family car, more lukewarm hatch than a hot hatch.

The first modification to perform is generally to sort the suspension.  Lowering the car 30-40 millimetres and fitting stiffer springs will sharpen up the ride and your driver enjoyment of the car.  An induction kit and sports exhaust worked well on the, 1.8 and over, engine sizes.  For smaller engines we would recommend a panel air filter made from a high flow material.

A fast road cam would raise the peak power band.  The 2000 VAG 1.8T engine is one of the most tunable engines around and can be fairly easily tweaked to push out in excess of 300 BHP.

Other particularly notable engines in the golf range was the the V6 4motion and the V6 r32 which produced 204 and 240 BHP respectively.  The Golf has a reputation for being a reliable car, and certainly holds its resale value well. Check for a full service history when buying one though as the oil changes must be adhered to. There are many reports of sludge probelems in the 1.8 models if oil changes are not carried out.

The TDI engines have improved considerably over the years, and the mark 4 Golf GtTDI represents one of the best economy to power ratios for an engine in current production.  With a remap, power can reach 200 BHP, and you can still expect 50 plus MPG.

The mk5 Golf actually looks smaller than the previous model, but in actual fact has a slightly larger wheelbase.  Much of the handling criticisms leveled at its predecessor have been redressed and the golf GTI is once again regarded as a driver's car.

Keep wheel rims sizes to 18 inches or less for optimum handling.  The body panels in the Golf are very substantial and solid so if you were going to perform weight reduction you could make a substantial saving with a carbon fibre bonnet and front wings.

The front wheel drive versions will perform better if you fit a limited slip differential, or a semi locking diff as found on the A3 T sport.  Lower gear ratios will also improve acceleration. Join our friendly chat forum to meet our resident VAG enthusisasts, where you will have access to 1000's of car specific articles and will be able to get your tuning questions answered.