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Whiteghost08

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Discussion starter · #1 ·
Hey everyone my name's Alex and last year I switched from a Buick Park Avenue to a 2001 Passat B5 1.8T Tiptronic (sad I know...). I'm a really big tuner freak, and I can't stand my car stock, but I don't even know where to START with my car! So far, all I have is a 12" Kicker comp CVR, MTX Thunder amp, and a JVC head unit. But of course, I want POWER!! I'm 17 and I barely work until summer (I'm in Ohio, so It's not even close to that...), but I have 200 dollars to spare now. I was just wondering what other people started off with, and what I should do!

Thanks,

Alex

-Oh right, one more thing, I car slid off the road one day, and the front bumper needs to be replaced (only plastic part damaged, but it's hanging up on clothing wire currently), I was just wondering if it would be good to purchase a body kit...
 
#6 ·
:lol: :lol: this might sound stupid but i dont care. whats the pvc system:lol: :lol:

well Whiteghost08 first I wouldn't do anything. Spent $100 on the Bentley manual and get to know your car and next upgrade the vaccum lines
 
#8 ·
It isn't the PVC system (likely a typo). He was referring to the PCV system. (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) When it clogs, it causes oil leaks.

In any case, take your $200 and put it in your bank account. You will almost certainly need it later for general unexpected maintenance.

For your NEXT $200, I'd start with a copy of the "Bentley" (named after the publisher of the factory maintenance manual for the B5), and then start saving up for a chip, and probably a boost gauge. There are other things you could do that cost less, but none will be nearly as effective as a chip, and nothing is a better warning sign of boost or vaccuum leaks than a boost gauge. And there is no substitute for the Bentley. The Haynes for the B5 isn't bad, but it also isn't super-complete.

Also, at some point in the life of your B5, you will almost certainly need a VAG-COM also, but no need to get that until after you see a CEL where an ordinary OBDII scan at Autozone doesn't tell you what is wrong.

SirWired
 
#9 ·
sirwired said:
In any case, take your $200 and put it in your bank account. You will almost certainly need it later for general unexpected maintenance.

For your NEXT $200, I'd start with a copy of the "Bentley" (named after the publisher of the factory maintenance manual for the B5), and then start saving up for a chip, and probably a boost gauge. There are other things you could do that cost less, but none will be nearly as effective as a chip, and nothing is a better warning sign of boost or vaccuum leaks than a boost gauge. And there is no substitute for the Bentley. The Haynes for the B5 isn't bad, but it also isn't super-complete.
SirWired
Click to expand...
I agree, keep some of the cash in the bank for repairs.
X-2 on the Bentley Manual. There is a good deal on one here:
http://www.passatworld.com/forums/showthread.php?t=232563
Good Luck.
 
Discussion starter · #12 ·
WOW!! Didn't realize so many people were gonna check this!! Hmm lets see here, it's a HIGH millage car, bout 98,000 and counting. I've had the vehicle since it was in the low 90,000's. Ummm lets see here, I am being forced to spend the money on buying a new front bumper (old one's smashed cuz I slid off road, god I HATE snow!)... And just to say I do in fact have a job, but I still am in high school, so yea...
Umm, oh next question, I have a big hole in the exhaust, and I'm not sure if I should weld it, or replace the piping. I LOOOOVVVVVVEEEE the sound, but parents and neighbor's don't... I forget what pipe it is, but it's the one after the header (god I go to Auto Mechanics, I should really know what that stupid thing is!). I heard that this is a common problem w/ B5's so yea..., and again thank you ALL for your help, I'm probably gonna get that Bently Manual JEB23, for like, 50 bucks, THANKS A LOT!!!:lol: :lol: :lol:
 
Discussion starter · #13 ·
Oh yea, don't spend too much time on this, but there's a punk at Auto who's got a 5-speed '97 Civic EX w/ AEM Cold Air, Tein 2" lowering springs (and I think shocks too), a JL Audio setup (similar to mine, cpt' w/ cheap ass Pioneer HU, and one JL 12"), new tires w/ some no-name rims on e'm. He's just really pissin me off and keeps calling my car a "chick" car, and he doesn't shut up! I doubt it, but should I challenge him to a race now, or wait for some modifications, but it might be too late then... once again, please reply more to the post above this one! I was just curious about this...
 
#15 ·
98,000 miles ...i really hope your timing belt was done.. otherwise your skating on thin ice

personally id spend all your money now on repairing your car. Sounds like you got a couple problems you should fix before modding it. Once your done doing repairs tho i also think chip + boost gauge. You will love the performance increase.
 
#17 ·
Whiteghost08 said:
Oh yea, don't spend too much time on this, but there's a punk at Auto who's got a 5-speed '97 Civic EX w/ AEM Cold Air, Tein 2" lowering springs (and I think shocks too), a JL Audio setup (similar to mine, cpt' w/ cheap ass Pioneer HU, and one JL 12"), new tires w/ some no-name rims on e'm. He's just really pissin me off and keeps calling my car a "chick" car, and he doesn't shut up! I doubt it, but should I challenge him to a race now, or wait for some modifications, but it might be too late then... once again, please reply more to the post above this one! I was just curious about this...
Click to expand...

I'd skip the race challenge or you might be spending that $200 you have on a potental ticket which may even cost you more in the long run (ie. insurance surcharge). Not to mention the potential for someone getting hurt. Pass on the race and just get to fixing the car.
To me I say "Who Cares" what the punk says. Anyone who knows cars certainly knows that your 99 Passat is a much nicer car than his 97 Civic. As for the "chick car" comment...Ummm, maybe he's confused or just stupid. It's not like you are driving a Cabriolet :whistle:
Just let the kid chirp. If you play your cards right and get the car fixed up right your car will be looking better than the civic in no time.
Good Luck!
 
#18 ·
sirwired said:
It isn't the PVC system (likely a typo). He was referring to the PCV system. (Positive Crankcase Ventilation) When it clogs, it causes oil leaks.

In any case, take your $200 and put it in your bank account. You will almost certainly need it later for general unexpected maintenance.

For your NEXT $200, I'd start with a copy of the "Bentley" (named after the publisher of the factory maintenance manual for the B5), and then start saving up for a chip, and probably a boost gauge. There are other things you could do that cost less, but none will be nearly as effective as a chip, and nothing is a better warning sign of boost or vaccuum leaks than a boost gauge. And there is no substitute for the Bentley. The Haynes for the B5 isn't bad, but it also isn't super-complete.

Also, at some point in the life of your B5, you will almost certainly need a VAG-COM also, but no need to get that until after you see a CEL where an ordinary OBDII scan at Autozone doesn't tell you what is wrong.

SirWired
Click to expand...
JEB23 said:
I'd skip the race challenge or you might be spending that $200 you have on a potental ticket which may even cost you more in the long run (ie. insurance surcharge). Not to mention the potential for someone getting hurt. Pass on the race and just get to fixing the car.
To me I say "Who Cares" what the punk says. Anyone who knows cars certainly knows that your 99 Passat is a much nicer car than his 97 Civic. As for the "chick car" comment...Ummm, maybe he's confused or just stupid. It's not like you are driving a Cabriolet :whistle:
Just let the kid chirp. If you play your cards right and get the car fixed up right your car will be looking better than the civic in no time.
Good Luck!
Click to expand...
Whiteghost, all of these fellows are giving you good advice, especially these two guys. Slow down, get yourself some kind of job, Get that Bentley manual, get to know your Passat. Make sure ALL the normal maintenance is/has been done.

These things aren't as glamorous as "mods" are, but will serve you better in the long run. All the mods in the world won't do you any good if your car ain't right to begin with.

As far as street racing goes, there's two kinds of people who street race: fools, and damn fools.
 
#19 ·
Whiteghost08 said:
Oh yea, don't spend too much time on this, but there's a punk at Auto who's got a 5-speed '97 Civic EX w/ AEM Cold Air, Tein 2" lowering springs (and I think shocks too), a JL Audio setup (similar to mine, cpt' w/ cheap ass Pioneer HU, and one JL 12"), new tires w/ some no-name rims on e'm. He's just really pissin me off and keeps calling my car a "chick" car, and he doesn't shut up! I doubt it, but should I challenge him to a race now, or wait for some modifications, but it might be too late then... once again, please reply more to the post above this one! I was just curious about this...
Click to expand...
I hate to break this to you, but you did not buy a race car. You are now the proud owner of a German family car. Think of it as the German version of the Accord, only it is a lot more fun to drive. If you wanted a VW to race with (on a track, of course), you should have gotten a Golf...

Get to know your car, and you will realize that those ricers are just jealous that your car looks (and drives) awesome without sticking plastic bits all over it, and installing all kinds of day-glo parts under the hood.

SirWired
 
#20 ·
sirwired said:
Get to know your car, and you will realize that those ricers are just jealous that your car looks (and drives) awesome without sticking plastic bits all over it, and installing all kinds of day-glo parts under the hood.

SirWired
Click to expand...
Common' we can all clearly see that the Civic is a MUCH more attractive car than the Passat :lol: :poke:

Image


And this look always get's the girls

Image
 
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Whiteghost08
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