Some questions about a mk4 1.8T

[Tuna]

Wondering if I can answer some questions I have about a car I recently bought. With Vortex being down and my search here not returning what I want I thought I'd just create a new thread.

It's a 2000 Golf GLS 1.8T

1. I want Vag-com. sounds like s/w is free but need the cable. Which cable do I need for my particular car?

2. Spark plugs - Want to replace them, Type and gap would be really helpful I'm fine with NGK's I've used them lots, BK7RE is what I want?

3. Thermostat - I may need to replace it, is this impossible for me to get to? Or can I replace it myself without too much trouble.

4. I really want coilovers as there's some used sets for a really good price can anyone give some opinions on a high quality coilover vs. cupkit? I know this has been re-hashed a million times but if I convince the wife that coilovers won't be too harsh and they are I'll never hear the end of it!.

There's more but this is all I can think about at the moment.

[Disturbo]

Re: Some questions about a mk4 1.8T

Is the car chipped? if yes, you can run the Ngks gap them down too. .028. thermostat you can swap out your self, its a little job. Coilover are the way to go, how much are you willing to spend. send me a Pm

[J-hop]

Re: Some questions about a mk4 1.8T

not sure what you can access with the cheaper VAG cables, the real cable setups are $400, someone might be able to pipe in and answer this (would like to know as well), but from what i've heard it isn't that much better than a generic scanner from PA

[danosaur]

Re: Some questions about a mk4 1.8T

Wondering if I can answer some questions I have about a car I recently bought. With Vortex being down and my search here not returning what I want I thought I'd just create a new thread.

It's a 2000 Golf GLS 1.8T

1. I want Vag-com. sounds like s/w is free but need the cable. Which cable do I need for my particular car?

2. Spark plugs - Want to replace them, Type and gap would be really helpful I'm fine with NGK's I've used them lots, BK7RE is what I want?

3. Thermostat - I may need to replace it, is this impossible for me to get to? Or can I replace it myself without too much trouble.

4. I really want coilovers as there's some used sets for a really good price can anyone give some opinions on a high quality coilover vs. cupkit? I know this has been re-hashed a million times but if I convince the wife that coilovers won't be too harsh and they are I'll never hear the end of it!.

There's more but this is all I can think about at the moment.

Most of the questions have been answered already, but pm if you're looking for coilovers. My teins will be sale for cheap shortly.

[Kor]

Re: Some questions about a mk4 1.8T

Jason I thought you were all into domestic cars or something now!

[Tuna]

Re: Some questions about a mk4 1.8T

Jason I thought you were all into domestic cars or something now!

Not specifically, not sure why you thought that? But I do have a domestic which I'll likely be selling for another domestic.

We didn't really like the echo for commuting other than the gas mileage. Older MK4's are so cheap now so I couldn't resist.

Edit: unless you are referring to my recent praise of Ford on the forum. I'm not going to lie, there's a couple fords I like, and I've been casually shopping for one. We'll see what the future holds.

[Kor]

Re: Some questions about a mk4 1.8T

I was just teasing you, glad to hear about the Mk4.

I think the Mk4 is a little rough on coils in general but I would do it anyway.

You can pick up the spark plugs at auto value and they actually will have a book that tells you which plugs are your best options and they carry NGK.

Not sure about VAG-COM I have heard you can get clones for $20 now that work with the genuine software.

[onceover]

Re: Some questions about a mk4 1.8T

BKR6E's are what you want to run for a stock engine. Stock gap at .032" is good.

VAG COM cables off ebay work, but have limited features. Unless you feel like cracking it, you wont be able to know what the engine codes you pull mean. That being said, ive been using an ebay cable for the past few years and i have no complaints.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/USB-C...motiveQ5fTools

thats the cable i use

[Stonewall]

Re: Some questions about a mk4 1.8T

http://www.dealextreme.com/details.dx/sku.35936
Cheap ebay type cable. Davey also sells some cheap cables I believe.

[Tuna]

Re: Some questions about a mk4 1.8T

I picked up BKR6EGP's I think, they didn't have just regular copper so these were the irridium.

I'll have to figure out if I want a cheap cable or spend the cash on a rosstech cable, their site is just terrible for figuring out which cable you need.

And I know you were teasing

[J-hop]

Re: Some questions about a mk4 1.8T

BKR6E's are what you want to run for a stock engine. Stock gap at .032" is good.

VAG COM cables off ebay work, but have limited features. Unless you feel like cracking it, you wont be able to know what the engine codes you pull mean. That being said, ive been using an ebay cable for the past few years and i have no complaints.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/USB-C...motiveQ5fTools

thats the cable i use

will it give you a code you can google to find out what it means? Also do you have access to everything like maf, 02 (specifically can you use it to run an aging test), etc.


OP you want the hex-can cable (you can choose between serial or usb)

[onceover]

Re: Some questions about a mk4 1.8T

Yes, it will give you the code, and with the crack, it will tell you everything. Im not sure about your second question though.

The cable is only compatible with vagcom 409, you can check rosstechs website for its available features

[mtaylor]

Re: Some questions about a mk4 1.8T

I have a KII-USB cable from ross tech for my mk4. You don't need CAN.

[J-hop]

Re: Some questions about a mk4 1.8T

I have a KII-USB cable from ross tech for my mk4. You don't need CAN.

i guess your right since the OPs is a 2000, but seems like a waste not to spend an extra $150 for the can and be able to use it on a much wider range of cars.

[danosaur]

Re: Some questions about a mk4 1.8T

i guess your right since the OPs is a 2000, but seems like a waste not to spend an extra $150 for the can and be able to use it on a much wider range of cars.

But if he only has this car to use it on, why not save the extra 150$ for something else?