Project GTI

Volkswagen Driver's Editor, Neil Birkitt, is a long-time member of Club GTI and a regular contributor to the uk-mkivs.net forum. His daily driver, for over six years now, is this 2000 (T-reg) Mk 4 Golf GTI 1.8T which has had numerous modifications carried out for Project GTI features in the magazine.

Despite now having over 245,000 miles on the clock, it is often seen lapping it up at track days and sprints. Recently fitted with a replacement engine, upgraded by VAGtech with a K04 turbo conversion and re-mapped by Motech Performance, with a Forge Motorsport front-mounted intercooler and cold-side DV plus Milltek Sports exhaust, it now produces around 250 bhp.

Also fitted recently is a 6-speed gearbox from a SEAT Ibiza Cupra R, a Sachs HD clutch and a Peloquin ATB diff to help put the power down...

KW Clubsport suspension, adjustable top mounts, Eibach anti-roll bars, TT wishbones and balljoints, DEFCONS + Powerflex poly bushes, a new ZF steering rack, R32 brakes/EBC Yellow pads front & rear, and 7.5 x 17-inch RS4 replica alloys with 225/45 tyres and a Tyresure TPMS also help out on the daily 120-mile round-trip to work and back ( OZ alloys and Toyo R888 / Goodyear F1 tyres are used for track days)

Amazingly, while capable of 0-60 in 6 secs, it still averages 32-35 mpg and can return 40+ mpg on a long steady motorway run!

Index of features

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Project GTI