Clean Lazer Red 2.8

[DeathKing]

Hey guys I hope you don't mind another B5 thread but I'm bored and feel like I've been hiding lately. I feel very lucky with this pick up.





It's a 1999.5 V6 that I picked it up with 108k essentially stock. The original owner (older gentleman in Orange County) had it for the majority of its life and took VERY good care of it which makes sense because it seems to be a special order.

- Laser Red
- 30V 2.8 V6
- 5 Speed
- No Sunroof
- Sport Leather Interior

Here are the mods I have done so far...

Engine:
k0mpressed Tune
Apikol Snub Mount
034 Engine Mounts - Street
034 Trans Mounts - Track
Magnaflow 14816

Suspension:
Vogtland GT3 Coilovers
Neuspeed RSB 19mm

Wheels:
BBS RZ
Yokohama s.Drive 225/50-16

TSW Bathurst
Falken FK453 235/40-17

Exterior:
DDM 35w 5000k HIDs with Bixenon Retrofit
Yellow Lamin-X Fogs
Lighty Smoked Lamin-X Headlights
SunTek Carbon 25 Tint

Interior:
Steering wheel re-wrapped with extra padding
Rockford Fosgate Punch P165-S Components/Custom Kick Panel Pods
Rockford Fosgate Prime R1653 Coaxials
Hifonics ZRX1000 4-channel Amplifier
Rockford Fosgate R300-10 Powered Subwoofer



When I first bought it. Wheels, STs, and a Flowmaster muffler was all.









I've put 10k miles on it since May! As you can see the hood has some clear bra residue that will be taken care of soon with a full exterior detail. Over I am very happy with the car. The audio setup is very clean and the best I've ever had. The engine feels strong and is enough power for a DD. The rear suspension clunked since new which is quite rare for those coilovers so I'm going to look into that again soon. The steering wheel is my favorite upgrade of all. Upcoming work includes...


Magnaflow 14816 muffler with 3.5" tips to replace a cheap Flowmaster muffler already on. Should be on within the next few weeks.


How I plan to have it fit (thanks SeanF)


MAF adapter for a simple intake setup. Not sure how I want to go about making a heat shield yet.

Additional maintenance already completed:
- OEM rear upper control arms (bushings were squeaking)
- Febi Bilstein front control arm kit
- ATE rotors front & rear
- Akebono pads front & rear
- All fluids changed
- New MAF (engine was making a metallic type noise and running lean)
- Some vacuum lines replaced
- New floor mats

That's it for now! Here is my old 1.8T B5.

[BaseDrifter]

Wow, looks like a clean pickup. Those seats and steering wheel look mint. How do you like the GT3 coil overs?

That first picture is at The Snake isn't it?

[redline380]

Hey guys I hope you don't mind another B5 thread but I'm bored and feel like I've been hiding lately.

This is the B5 section. Of course we don't mind another b5 thread! Great looking car. Very clean

[ray4624]

everything about that car...i like it.
The steering wheel looks awesome, care to share who did it?
Also, any pictures of the kick panels?
I would love some 6.5s that can handle some base without rattling my door cards off.

Personally, i am a fan of larger wheels and lots of low but i love that stance man. Looks so classy and timeless with the BBS wheels .

There a whole supercharger setup on vwvortex going for cheap btw haha

[crazexr7]

I like this thread, those wheels, and this car

[Halfrican]

Talk about a "meaty" setup. It looks so good.

How is the tune?

[pbcrazy]

That is crazy clean. I feel the wheels make the car look older than it actually is, but when it's this clean it really works. BTW (not to be a hard ass or anything) it's actually laser red.

[adam044]

Wheels aren't my favorite, but the grill is what kills it for me. Need the rings on there man! Other than that clean.

My exhaust tips look very similar. they are custom, should be some pictures of it somewhere around this site if not in my AF update thread, page 1.

[DeathKing]

Wow, looks like a clean pickup. Those seats and steering wheel look mint. How do you like the GT3 coil overs?

That first picture is at The Snake isn't it?

Thanks! It is The Snake yes. I love the GT3 coil overs I think they are absolutely perfect for a daily, and I've had STs in the past as well.

This is the B5 section. Of course we don't mind another b5 thread! Great looking car. Very clean

True :)

everything about that car...i like it.
The steering wheel looks awesome, care to share who did it?
Also, any pictures of the kick panels?
I would love some 6.5s that can handle some base without rattling my door cards off.

Personally, i am a fan of larger wheels and lots of low but i love that stance man. Looks so classy and timeless with the BBS wheels .

There a whole supercharger setup on vwvortex going for cheap btw haha

Thank you for the kind words! DCT Motorsports offers custom steering wheels for various applications and were the ones that did mine. Well worth the money and my favorite mod as previously mentioned.



Here is the best photo I have of the kick panels. Excuse the dirtiness. I bought them second hand but they were custom made for the B5. The speakers in the door cards are disconnected and the result is pure quality :)

As for the supercharger...well who knows maybe one day!

I like this thread, those wheels, and this car

Thanks!

Talk about a "meaty" setup. It looks so good.

How is the tune?

Meaty setups are my favorite and I haven't seen them done enough with B5s. The tune is only slightly noticeable but for the $80 or whatever it costs it was worth it. Much better than the $300 others are charging for the same result.

That is crazy clean. I feel the wheels make the car look older than it actually is, but when it's this clean it really works. BTW (not to be a hard ass or anything) it's actually laser red.

Thanks! I've thought about other wheels but I don't know for now I like them and it's cool knowing I'll never see another B5 with the same wheels. Good call on the laser red! I have no clue why I spelled it the way I did.

Wheels aren't my favorite, but the grill is what kills it for me. Need the rings on there man! Other than that clean.

My exhaust tips look very similar. they are custom, should be some pictures of it somewhere around this site if not in my AF update thread, page 1.

Thanks! I did it with the thought of going from full chrome to full "black optic" if you will. But looking at the picture of my hibiscus makes me want to go back to the stock grill. We'll see!

Here is my favorite picture of the wheel setup



And I added another photo to the original post.

I'll go check out your thread because I love that exhaust tip look.

[adam044]

Here you are.

IMG_2068 by adam_044, on Flickr

IMG_2070 by adam_044, on Flickr

[Johns]

So. Clean.

That looks like it's straight out of a 2000 magazine (aside from the s5 in the background).

I'm really jealous of your kick panels, that audio setup sounds ideal.

[ray4624]

damn i remember seeing those kick panels for sale. They went pretty cheap. I was broke at the time.
I wonder what it would cost to get something like that made.

[DeathKing]

Here you are.

Those are 3" tips but looks amazing regardless! That's how the B5 should have came.

So. Clean.

That looks like it's straight out of a 2000 magazine (aside from the s5 in the background).

I'm really jealous of your kick panels, that audio setup sounds ideal.

Thanks! It has a classic feel that I love.

damn i remember seeing those kick panels for sale. They went pretty cheap. I was broke at the time.
I wonder what it would cost to get something like that made.

The speaker pods are my second favorite mod now that I think about it. I've had experience with 3 different door panel setups, none of which left me satisfied. So when those pods came up for sale I jumped on them without even knowing how well they'd fit down the line and I'm happy I did. I bet it wouldn't cost much. The hardest part is moving the wiring out of the way.

[Johns]

The tune is only slightly noticeable but for the $80 or whatever it costs it was worth it. Much better than the $300 others are charging for the same result.

Where'd you get a k0mpressed tune for $80??

[R490]

Love that steering wheel. Very clean looking interior also!

[DeathKing]

Where'd you get a k0mpressed tune for $80??

Sorry. $100 shipped! Can't compare it to a turbo tune because there isn't as much to it.

Love that steering wheel. Very clean looking interior also!

Thank you!

[GrapeBandit]

im sure you remember me saying a few months back that I never saw 16" wheels pulled off so well on a b5. a tad lower and you would be spot on. looos good, keep it clean

I have my 16"s picked out that im going to mess with, I just need to find them somewhere.

[DeathKing]

Thanks Grape! You know what you're right. The hibiscus B5 was at least 1/4" lower all around that made all the difference in looks. But since I've owned the V6 I've had to deal with speed bumps both at my apartment and work so I decided to raise the coils. There's a possibility I'll be moving to NoVa soon and commuting via metro in which case I'll be lowering it, adding stiffer mounts and generally making it more fun to drive and less luxurious.

I'm stalking your started threads now that I noticed you own a 30V too ;)

[GrapeBandit]

Thanks Grape! You know what you're right. The hibiscus B5 was at least 1/4" lower all around that made all the difference in looks. But since I've owned the V6 I've had to deal with speed bumps both at my apartment and work so I decided to raise the coils. There's a possibility I'll be moving to NoVa soon and commuting via metro in which case I'll be lowering it, adding stiffer mounts and generally making it more fun to drive and less luxurious.

I'm stalking your started threads now that I noticed you own a 30V too ;)

I dont go nesr speed bumps, im abkut 22.5"gtf in the front and 23"gtf in the rears. Iive in fl now so I dont have to worry about shitty roads with potholes that look like the gaza strip.

I have a 30v, and I hate the engine. im going to be swapping a 1.8t into it soon. working on the 30v is such a pain in the ass. I had to take apart half the top of the engine to get the top trans bolts when I did the clutch in it a few months ago. I dont think I ever cursed so much before

[pbcrazy]

There's a possibility I'll be moving to NoVa soon and commuting via metro in which case I'll be lowering it,

Come on down! We need some more good looking cars in Va. Though I will warn you, roads around NoVa generally suck real bad except for Fairfax so I wouldn't go too much lower even for around town.

[DeathKing]

I dont go nesr speed bumps, im abkut 22.5"gtf in the front and 23"gtf in the rears. Iive in fl now so I dont have to worry about shitty roads with potholes that look like the gaza strip.

I have a 30v, and I hate the engine. im going to be swapping a 1.8t into it soon. working on the 30v is such a pain in the ass. I had to take apart half the top of the engine to get the top trans bolts when I did the clutch in it a few months ago. I dont think I ever cursed so much before

Oh wow. I was thinking more like 24" front and rear but we'll see. Can't say I blame you for wanting to swap to the 1.8t. For now I am enjoying it though.

Come on down! We need some more good looking cars in Va. Though I will warn you, roads around NoVa generally suck real bad except for Fairfax so I wouldn't go too much lower even for around town.

How about Arlington - Tysons area?

Not a serious question...what do you guys think a single turbo kit would realistically cost (hardware, fueling, tune, and supporting mods)? $5k?

[slunky]

Very nice. I thought the first pic was from an ad. Any chance you still have the Avus wheels and want to sell?


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[fR3ZNO]

Clean, indeed.



How much do you hate the 2.8 over your old 1.8?

[DeathKing]

I sold the Avus wheels sorry!

Honestly I prefer the 2.8 at this point. The way I see it they are both relatively slow with basic mods (fast enough for most daily usage). If you really want to be fast you'll need to spend a few dollars. Yes the 1.8t will be cheaper to build but it also won't be as unique.


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[crazexr7]

Changing the oil on a 2.8 is so much easier. First time I changed the oil in a 1.8t I dropped the oil filter

[pbcrazy]

How about Arlington - Tysons area?

Really depends where, though generally Arlington roads arn't known for being horrid, but not great by any means.

Changing the oil on a 2.8 is so much easier. First time I changed the oil in a 1.8t I dropped the oil filter

The oil filter just sucks, if I didn't have such long arms to reach around the subframe I don't know what I would do. I still don't understand how people pull it from the top, it's like trying to fit a brick through a razor-blade lined, pen-sized cylinder that was designed for little german dude hands.

[Articus]

Changing the oil on a 2.8 is so much easier. First time I changed the oil in a 1.8t I dropped the oil filter

. Same! You'd think I was running without a valve cover after all was said and done. Still cleaning up that mess to this day. Want to find my car in the parking lot? Just follow the smell of burning Castrol.

[Articus]

Really depends where, though generally Arlington roads arn't known for being horrid, but not great by any means.

The oil filter just sucks, if I didn't have such long arms to reach around the subframe I don't know what I would do. I still don't understand how people pull it from the top, it's like trying to fit a brick through a razor-blade lined, pen-sized cylinder that was designed for little german dude hands.

hahaha you just have to unscrew the coolant reservoir. Then it's easy to get out from the top.

[BaseDrifter]

I always pull the filter out from the top. I spin it loose and then hook a finger inside the filter hole and pull it straight up. Easy deal. Hardest part is making sure not to drop it as it gets covered in oil while spinning it off.

And yeah, coolant tank has to be unbolted.

[pbcrazy]

I always pull the filter out from the top. I spin it loose and then hook a finger inside the filter hole and pull it straight up. Easy deal. Hardest part is making sure not to drop it as it gets covered in oil while spinning it off.

And yeah, coolant tank has to be unbolted.

Are you guys using the big Mann 940/25? I've unbolted the coolant tank and it literally would not come out, and that is with my evap, and random vacuum lines, in that area deleted. Made my car is just weird, or I just have too large of hands.

[fR3ZNO]

I sold the Avus wheels sorry!

Honestly I prefer the 2.8 at this point. The way I see it they are both relatively slow with basic mods (fast enough for most daily usage). If you really want to be fast you'll need to spend a few dollars. Yes the 1.8t will be cheaper to build but it also won't be as unique.


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That's true. I just hate the gas mileage with my 2.8. It's terrible. Like 18 if I baby it.

On the topic of oil filters, I don't find the 1.8 that hard to change. Definitely takes a little bit of finesse to pull it out from the top.

[BaseDrifter]

Yeah, using the large filters. Would never run a small one.

[DeathKing]

Got the Magnaflow 14816 muffler installed today at King Muffler in Van Nuys. Very easy people to deal with.


Cheap cheap cheap. Happy to have it off.







I love the sound. Very nice tone but extremely quiet with the windows up and cruising. I don't know if the car is just dirty or if it needs some new wheels hmm.

[BaseDrifter]

Nice, give us a sound clip!

[cclarkb5]

Have a weakness for red b5s. Very well done.

[DeathKing]

Nice, give us a sound clip!

I haven't forgotten about you! I'm on it!

Have a weakness for red b5s. Very well done.

Thank you!

Since my lost post I moved and started a new job. Time to update!

I had the car detailed by Mitch at EcoShine Auto Reconditioning in Van Nuys. He really took his time with it and it came out awesome. I've posted in other sections of the forums about it so I'll keep it to that here.




Nothing against the 16inch BBS wheels but I was itching for something new and 17inch. I went with 17x9 TSW Bathurst wheels that weigh in at around 19lbs and are a very friendly fit on the B5 with an offset of +35. They are wrapped in 235-40/17 Falken FK453s. There is a noticeable increase in wandering over grooved roads but that could be more from the overall setup change than the tire itself. The tires are sticky and quiet. Next time around I'll go with 245s and raise the car a bit. Here is how she currently sits.



Right now I'm doing a little prep for Big SoCal Euro. I purposely haven't taken many pictures because I know there will be much better photographers there that will do the car justice.

First up is cleaning the fog surrounds and grills, and replacing the yellow LaminX.

Fogs before. Pitted and faded.


This is the template LaminX uses for the fogs. Seems logical but is not exactly ideal as you'll notice.


Best way to align them is with the plastic surround connected to the fog light. Press down on the middle, remove the surround, then work your way out from the middle.


Still pitted. But no more bubbles or fading.


After. As you can see it's a bit awkward looking. On the car most people wont notice.


Additionally, I replaced the high beams with yellow bulbs for a slight change in hue with the lights off. Then switched to the "all red tails" look using red LaminX.

I hope to lower the front end about 10mm to close the wheel gap, and paint the calipers black now that they are so exposed. Not a lot of time left so we'll see!

[Nollywood]

One of my favourite B5's. I'm not usually a fan of red cars, but this Lazer Red is just so damn clean. The subtle mods make an already awesome car looks just PERFECT.

[19birel]

I'm so jealous of that interior, factory electric sport leathers and that custom sport wheel... Such a clean car, keep it up!

[bikerbob951]

You sir, have spectacular taste. Bravo, car looks very nice! Looking forward to more pictures!

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[Murph_129]

I haven't forgotten about you! I'm on it!



Thank you!

Since my lost post I moved and started a new job. Time to update!

I had the car detailed by Mitch at EcoShine Auto Reconditioning in Van Nuys. He really took his time with it and it came out awesome. I've posted in other sections of the forums about it so I'll keep it to that here.




Nothing against the 16inch BBS wheels but I was itching for something new and 17inch. I went with 17x9 TSW Bathurst wheels that weigh in at around 19lbs and are a very friendly fit on the B5 with an offset of +30. They are wrapped in 235-40/17 Falken FK453s. There is a noticeable increase in wandering over grooved roads but that could be more from the overall setup change than the tire itself. The tires are sticky and quiet. Next time around I'll go with 245s and raise the car a bit. Here is how she currently sits.



Right now I'm doing a little prep for Big SoCal Euro. I purposely haven't taken many pictures because I know there will be much better photographers there that will do the car justice.

First up is cleaning the fog surrounds and grills, and replacing the yellow LaminX.

Fogs before. Pitted and faded.


This is the template LaminX uses for the fogs. Seems logical but is not exactly ideal as you'll notice.


Best way to align them is with the plastic surround connected to the fog light. Press down on the middle, remove the surround, then work your way out from the middle.


Still pitted. But no more bubbles or fading.


After. As you can see it's a bit awkward looking. On the car most people wont notice.


Additionally, I replaced the high beams with yellow bulbs for a slight change in hue with the lights off. Then switched to the "all red tails" look using red LaminX.

I hope to lower the front end about 10mm to close the wheel gap, and paint the calipers black now that they are so exposed. Not a lot of time left so we'll see!

Moar pictures!!! I wanna see more shots with these new wheels!

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