Worthwhile Modifications

[Si_GTi]

Hi guys!

I'm about to recieve a couple of parts for my Polo that should help it's performance and road-handling, namely (a) some Eibach pro-kit lowering springs [about a 30-40mm drop] and (b) a B&M short-shifter.

However, having spoken to my insurers earlier this week, it seems my plans will be put on hold for a few months as they have told me that "any changes to the bodywork, engine, wheels or suspension will invalidate your insurance policy"

Bugger. So the plan is to stock-pile some parts under the bed until September, when I will swap insurers and get the parts fitted up!

So the question was... what other items should be on my shopping list in the meantime? I don't want to go nuts with the external appearance of the car as IMHO it looks damn smart already but maybe an induction kit/zorst combo or something like that?

Opinions? Tried and tested recommendations? Fire away!

Cheers

[Moschops]

Si,

Are the Eibach springs and kit for the Polo or the Bed....

[Ritey]

Have you asked your insures how much each mod is going to affect, unless its major power, or you plan to do a load at once, things like springs don't make a major difference at all, admin fees mainly of £20 max for me.

If you are planning a lot of mods from standard that should be declared you need to find an insurer that will cover them all as some limit the amount of mods you can do, worth doing that before you buy them all otherwise you may find you've spent a lot of money you needent have.

Anyway to the question. Springs a must as standard ride height IMO for the enthusiastic driver is a must so well done there.

Short shifter I've heard mixed reviews and with regards to the clutch / gearbox issue I'd say your a brave man but well done there too, sure it will be nice when installed.

Personally I'd go with a cat back supersprint twin exhaust (if only I had the money at the moment)

and, depending on how much money you want to throw at it, either an induction kit (I don't quiet see how its going to improve much other than the sound TBH) or the K&N panel air filter.

The induction kit will only produce significant gains if you have cool airer being pumped in from outside the engine compartment otherwise it will be just sound benefit for a lot of money over the K&N panel which increases normal air flow.

Wheels or NOS kit are the only other considerations IMO, slightly bigger RXII's would be nice, I know they are available in 4 stud 16" but finding a set is hard and NOS for that instant power delivery. But insurances may not like that so much

[Si_GTi]

Cheers guys.

NOS is out of the question for insurance reasons, and to be honest the car is plenty quick enough for me at this time, it has enough poke for overtaking and can hold its own on the motorway, so thats good enough for me!

Ritey, I did ask my insurers straight out how much the new springs would affect my policy, which is when they said I couldn't make any changes, but come September it shouldn't affect my new policy too much, bigger concerns are if I were to put a bodykit and/or wheels on as they increase the chance of my car being targetted by vandals, and of course they both cost a fair amount to replace, hence larger insurance policies... I'm only planning a small number of mods, the other items I may consider are light tints (50% sides, 35% rear) and the aforementioned K&N panel filter. Zorst would be nice in the future though

[Si_GTi]

Had a thought last night whilst browsing the latest Demon Tweeks catalogue... once the car is lowered a little on the Eibachs, would it be worthwhile fitting a strut brace across the suspension turrets...?Would I get much benefit from this?

[Ritey]

I've thought about these, and to be honest, you can get them cheap or could off ebay for the Polo GTI, haven't a clue how it would handle after, or whether it makes a noticeable difference, probably just make it look nice, its not like the car is going to be rallied or driven down sets of stairs !

[shao_khan]

For advice on mods affecting your policy speak to Insurance jon on here, he should be able to giev you an idea of what modifications will cost you a lot.