Recommendations please

[synthesis]

Hi guys,
I'm looking to make my 2.0 GTI a bit more driveable, I'm thinking k&n panel filter and exhaust, can someone recommend a good exhaust that's fairly quiet under normal driving especially on the motorways. Also the front end feels really loose, the garage had a look and said alls fine, I'm thinking bushes to start with, has anyone had a similar feeling from theirs? and what did you do to sort it out? my old 1.4 16v w plate with the same mileage felt tight like a brand new car so I'd like to try and get this one feeling similar
Cheers guys

[phil miller]

hi mate i cant help about the exhaust but as for the loose front end it is common for the bottom arm rear bushes to be a little soft, id recommend replacing these with powerflex bushes and maybe even a new set of shocks on the front that should help alot

[synthesis]

Hi Phil, thanks for the reply. Was hoping not to have to change the suspension after having to replace it on my A4 estate(nightmare job!) but if im gonna start changing bushes i may as well do the lot. Do the powerflex bushes transmit more vibration into the car?

[phil miller]

the front suspension on your golf is very simple compared to an A4 the shock is bolted to the hub with 2 bolts and then there is 1 nut in the centre of the shock and it can then be removed, as for the bushes yes you can feel it is firmer but not over the top

[synthesis]

thanks for the advice

[e6m6a6]

Exhaust wise id go for Milltek, the one thing is like about these are that they proper exhuast, not like the little boyracer toys you get, you can get a discreat exhaust, so it hides behind your bumper.

i like that because you dont look like a chav and it gives it an understated feel so when you do feel like making abit noise people will not roll their eyes if you get what i mean!

have you ever considered a remap? exhuasts, air filters ect are all very good but not much point unless your kicking out a bit more power

[synthesis]

Cheers for the advice, the last time put a sports exhaust on a car i was 18 and didn't mind the noise, now I'm 30 and use the car daily i want something a bit more refined, i will look into that. With regards to a remap i wasn't sure it would make much difference so didn't really look into it

[e6m6a6]

yeah the milltek would be the way to go personaly, it basicaly replaces your stock exhuast, just with a bit more beef

a remap can transform the car, only if done properly mind you.
And having diesel the results are even better, more torque, mpg and obviously performance.

there are tonnes of tuning companys out there for vag's just depends how much you want to tune it up by

[perky85]

I would recommend Milltek also, the materials used are of high quality. The designs of tailpipes are not 'in your face' or silly looking. The sound is just right, not overly quiet so that you can't hear it & wonder what you payed all that money for, but not loud either.
Also some gains can be had from these exhausts, well worth the money.

Remap & milltek is a very good combination for subtle tuning

[synthesis]

Thanks for the replies, all very useful information. Am just looking to make the car more driveable, not looking for massive power gains (probably bought the wrong car for that!) just to make it a bit more fun! cheers