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GTIR Modifiers Article Database

This area will be updated as and when we find or write new articles that we think will help your understanding of the GTIR.

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Are 5w and 0w oils too thin?

I read on many forums about 0w and 5w oils being too thin. .. 0w-40, 5w-40, 10w-40 and 15w-40 are all the same thickness (14 centistokes) at 100degC. Centistokes (cst) is the measure of a fluid's resistance to flow (viscosity). It is calculated in terms of the time required for a standard quantity of fluid at a certain temperature to flow through a standard orifice. The higher the value, the more viscous the fluid.

 

Oil! You get what you pay for

Costs of synthetics vary considerably. The most expensive are the “Ester” types originally only used in jet engines. These cost 6 to 10 times more than high quality mineral oils.

 

Overview On Car Handling

Handling is about the balance of the car, how it feels to drive. Good handling is a result of compromise, personal preference and what you want from your car... This overview gives you an insight into all aspects of car handling

 

Injector Sizes and BHP limits

As it says above - A nice layout showing the limits of each injector size

 

Piggyback ECU's? WTF?

A little breifing on what it is and what options are available.

 

History of the GTIR

The hot hatch was almost dead by the early 90s, killed off by car crime and insurance companies running scared. Meanwhile, in a land far far away from Taking and Driving Away offences

 

How the GTIR 4wd system works

I have finally figured it out once and for all. Now ill try to explain this as best I can. This actually works in a VERY simple yet sophisticated way.

 

Dump Valves? WTF

They are an area of confusion and one where much hearsay, rumour and mythology have been allowed to mix with the facts

 

Setting your R up for the Track

Here is a chart indicating a problem with your handling, then some solutions to help you get the perfect lap.

 

Brake Pads - Tech & Buying Guide

A very in depth look at break pads and what they are actually made from.

 

Antilag Systems (ALS)

A nice look at what Antilag actually is and how it works.

 

Is synthetic oil better? If so why?

I thought this would be of interest as It's probably the question I get asked the most. Shame the answer isn't simple though!

 

Manifolds & Downpipes

The manifold and turbo downpipes are often parts that fall much further down the wish-list.... But should they be at the top?

 

What is Nitrous Oxide? (NOS)

Want to know about it? Also how it works and why its so popular in the Performance Car scene?

 

What is Pinking & Detonation? (DET)

As it says on the tin - A little guide to help you out.

 

Clutch - Tech

A nice detailed write up from the guys at Japanese Performance.

 

What can go wrong with my Turbo?

What can go wrong - turbo's aren't in the rocket science league but....

 

Spark Plugs - Tech

Indepth look at spark plugs, including a little guide to help you work out how your engine is performing.

 

GTIR Rally History

A brief overview of how the GTIR came about and how it held up in the World Rally Championship.