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$3,000... Mod My 2002 GLX Passat... A little help please!

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3.7K views 37 replies 22 participants last post by  familyguy88  
#1 ·
Hey Everyone,

I recently just purchased a 2002 GLX Passat with almost everything imaginable... Ovbiously its a V6, so they're less enginge mods available.

I am about to order the following for my car:
-Exhaust Tips - 2001 1/2 and newer
-Carpeted Floor Mats - 1998-and newer Grey
-Glaze II - 1 Gallon Glaze II
-Car Cleaning Products - Alloy Wheel Cleaner
-Leather Cleaner and Conditioner - Cleaner
-Leather Cleaner and Conditioner - Conditioner
-(2) Fluffy Wash Mitt - Wash Mitt
-Synthetic Shammy - Shammy
-Tru-Grit - 32 oz. (Repairs scratches)
-Rapid Cut - 32 oz. (Repairs scratches)

Now, i know most of that is cleaning stuff... But i need that too. All of that is from Drewparts.com.. So that i get the 20% off discount thing.

What Should I do?
-I am focusing mainly on Looks right now FYI... I am thinking new suspension, New Rims, Tint... What else? What recomendations on the suspension, rims and tint?
PLEASE PROVIDE LINKS/PICTURES/COSTS!

Thanks,

TJ
 
#2 ·
I'm not a big fan of tinting etc and have put a premium on modding function over looks, but ... I'd suggest new suspension. It will help reduce the wheel gap which is more a looks thing, so maybe that qualifies.

You might also want to consider a new badgeless grill. You'd have to hunt around and look at what styles/types you like ... the membership area is good for this.

One "style" mod I did early on was get a stubby antenna to replace that long whip-like OEM thing. I have an S2000 antenna (I think -- it was more than three years ago).
 
#8 ·
Suspension would make a world of difference -- ride- and handling-wise and appearance-wise. Then add a set of simple looking 17" wheels.

Tinting is also suggested, especially for those really hot and sunny summer days. I suggest a non-metallic deep black tint; it makes the windows blend in with the black window and door pillars, cleaning up the look.

K&N Filter and Colorado Air Box Mod -- the K&N will a little more HP and it last for the life of your car. The Colorado Air Box mod is a relatively cheap and simple way of getting more air to your engine. Since it's hard to squeeze more power out of the V6's, these mods are nice to have.

Short antenna -- yeah it's only $20 at the most, but it will get rid of that huge RC car antenna. Only for looks.
 
#10 ·
1.8T2003B5 said:
hes got a 02 the airbox mod wont work, and i think you should save all that money of yours and use it for something more useful like a supercharger then lower it or something in that sort IMO
The hell are you talking about? I have an 02 and the COAM works AWESOME on my car. Even if he doesn't have a turbo, cold air ALWAYS helps out.
 
#12 ·
Tinting the front windows is illegal in illinois. You can and will be pulled over for them. If you tint just the back windows, the car will look weird...I say leave it alone.

Why buy a Passat and then right away a supercharger? You should have started out with a faster/quicker car in the first place with the 3-4k you will spend buying the supercharger.
 
#14 ·
Unless you go custom, theres only one supercharger kit out there for the Passat, the one from PES. You might be able to find a used one on audiworld for around 3-4k...otherwise, a new kit from dubwerks will run you 5k without installation, email katie at dubtuning@dubwerks.com for a quote on install. You have to doublecheck to see if theres software for your year/tranny.

They are local, located in Libertyville. Rich and Katie there do great work...not cheap, but they have a great reputation.
 
#16 ·
Take the $3000 and go to a multi-day driving or racing school. Such as Skip Barber, et al. It will be the biggest improvement you can make to your car. AND... that's one mod that carries over to any other car you drive!

Seriously, you're young. This is your first car. You JUST got this car. Learn to drive it well before attempting anything like a supercharger or even other performance mods. Cosmetic mods? Sure... do those. Heck, I'm all for individuality. But lay off the performance mods for now.

Tint looks good (IMHO) and helps keep the car cool, keep the air conditioner from working as hard, and protects the interior from UV. However, you have to watch out for the local regulations. If you get tint, make sure you go to a reputable installer who uses a high-quality tint. In many cases, you DO get what you pay for. You'll be better off paying $200-250 for a good job instead of $125 for a shitty job.

A vast majority of wheel upgrades are for cosmetic purposes. However, any wheel upgrade will not look as good without lowering the SUV-like ride height of a stock Passat. With hundreds of wheels available in sizes from 15" to 21"... there's no way any one of us could tell you what to get. Way to subjective. However, a common style on German cars is the BBS-style mesh wheels.

You can purchase various suspensions for various reasons. With variable drops from less than an inch to having the car slammed on the ground (and undrivable!) There are so many options, and so many opinions as well. Do a search, and you'll find plenty of threads.

I'd agree with what others are saying on the tips. Also, for some of your cleaners, check out a local auto supply shop. Lexol makes great leather cleaner and conditioner, and may be less than the stuff from a dealer.

That said, focus on a topic or a mod and search the boards. You'll find tons of information here that has accumulated since the B5 was released in 98. You can't expect to say I have $XXX... tell me what to buy. Heck, send me that $3000 and I'll buy some really nice mods for you. I'll test them on my car for a couple years first. :cool:
 
#17 ·
Honestly, don't all that cleaning crap cause you won't need it.
What you should buy however, anyone else should get this too, is a can of Armor-All protective wipes, and a can of Armor-All leather wipes. That stuff works great. It'll make your dash super clean and give the leather a whole new meaning.

As for cosmetic these are a MUST for the passat(at least in my mind)
1)Definently get rid of the antenna. I just took mine off the first week i had the car.
2)Get a badgeless grille. Whether it be Chromed or mesh you'll find what you like.
3) debadge the Passat and V6 off the back(trust me it looks hella fresh)
4)Worry about the engine mods in a little bit. For now just go with a K&N Filter.
5)Listen to all these guys about the exhaust. You don't wanna be like every Honda on the road with a fuckin fart can on the tip.

As for whatever else your on your own. I just thought i'd give my two cents. :thumbup:
 
#18 ·
1st car, 3k to spend....here's what I'd do....
Grill
Antenna
Tint
Stereo (just a head unit/sub/amp, and it's easy to do yourself and sound is much better)
Suspension (shocks/springs)
Sure, get some detailing products

Put rest of cash in bank, Exhaust later on, maybe wheels/rubber. But i'd save the rest, maybe tak your girl out for a romantic night on the town in your new pimp detailed ride ;)

:beer:
 
#19 ·
Here is what I would do:

Wheels and Tires (you know which :wink: )
Suspension (springs and shocks)
Grill
Tint
Antenna

That would probably put you around $2000-2500. That covers the basics as far as looks go. From there I would wait to spend the rest untill you have researched stuff, looked around more and find what you REALLY want. The little stuff adds up quickly, $50 here, $25 there, $100 there and before you know it youve spend another $1000.

Hit me up on AIM whenever and we will talk :thumbup:

-Jordan
 
#22 ·
I run H&R OE springs and Bilstein shocks. That combo gives me a decent ride and I've never had any major problems with either speed bumps or snow. (Others who have gone with the H&R sports get a lower drop but also report more problems from the lower drop with bumps and snow ... plus the ride gets firmer. The H&R OE springs tighten up the car fine without making it too harsh or uncomfortable. I'd highly recommend them.)

The Bilsteins aren't adjustable, however, so you may want to check around on those.

BTW I would recommend you do both springs and shocks ... some do only springs but they often find that accelerates the replacement interval for the standard shocks.

You might also want to search the forum and see what others have experienced. Suspension mods are a frequent topic and there's a fair amount of help available.
 
#23 ·
Tree said:
Honestly, don't all that cleaning crap cause you won't need it.
What you should buy however, anyone else should get this too, is a can of Armor-All protective wipes, and a can of Armor-All leather wipes. That stuff works great. It'll make your dash super clean and give the leather a whole new meaning.
armor-all wips suck man. they may give that "shine" but many will testify how they can do more damage in the long run to your interior.
 
#25 · (Edited)
Dont Try To Run 11 said:
-Glaze II - 1 Gallon Glaze II
-Car Cleaning Products - Alloy Wheel Cleaner
-Leather Cleaner and Conditioner - Cleaner
-Leather Cleaner and Conditioner - Conditioner
-(2) Fluffy Wash Mitt - Wash Mitt
-Synthetic Shammy - Shammy
-Tru-Grit - 32 oz. (Repairs scratches)
-Rapid Cut - 32 oz. (Repairs scratches)

PLEASE PROVIDE LINKS/PICTURES/COSTS!

Thanks,

TJ

Unless your familiar with the use of some of these products your wasing your money .. especially the last 4 ..

Get Sheepskin mitts
Get Waffle Weave towels .. not a chamouis

The last 2 you need a buffer and training.