Clean and shiny Golf R32

David Conway    Personal, VW Golf R32 (MkV)     r32 photo collection, vw golf r32

Gave the car a much needed clean on Saturday. I think I’m becoming addicted to ‘shineyness’… I still find it boring but the end result seems to make it worth while.

VW Golf R32 (MkV) – Entry 017

David Conway    Personal, VW Golf R32 (MkV)     official r32 entry, vw golf r32

Another entry, another mod! They seem to be alarmingly frequent at the moment. My bank balance doesn’t like it but I’m having too much fun to care. Surprisingly it’s an audio mod, something I hadn’t planned…

About a week ago, I was alerted to a set of fairly rare speakers (Focal 165 VR3’s) and decided to take the plunge. I’ve been happy with the stock setup but admittedly, if you go above 50% volume (fairly loud) they do start to distort.

Sunday morning, my brother and I set off at 7:30am for a two hour drive up the M5/M6 to Chorley Car Audio (CCA) to meet the owner Chris and a few fellow forum members. I arrived to see four MkIV R32’s parked in a line (splendid sight). I have to say, the MkIV’s do have a mean, muscular look that the MkV is somewhat lacking. I prefer the front lights and rear end (except exhaust placement) on my car but it’s crying out for 19” alloys and a drop. Anyway, a little later than planned, we all set off to Tesco for breakfast. Good food at a good price (Every little helps?) and then back to CCA HQ feeling energised and ready for my new speakers!

Chris is a likeable guy, very knowledgeable, experienced and clearly has a passion for all things audio. It was a little unsettling to see the interior trim being stripped from the doors but I had every faith it would be ok. The six stock speakers were taken out and new brackets put in with Dynamat to avoid unwanted vibration, followed by careful installation of six brand new speakers. Three hours later, it was time for me to sample the new set up.

Wow! It’s a LOT better than stock. Several people took it in turn to have a listen, all seemed equally impressed. Considering there’s no amp and I’m still using the stock head unit, the speakers are simply awesome! You can really feel the base rather than just hearing it, even literally feeling it through the seat when really loud! The treble is also excellent, far crisper drum sounds and you notice more distinctive detail in the vocals.

One thing that is very noticeable now is the difference in track quality. The Focal speakers allow good quality tracks to remain undistorted at an ear bashing level but highly compressed MP3’s (e.g. 4mb 128kbps) limit their potential significantly. Before, there was a less of a difference as the stock setup was obviously stifling potential.

I’m actually only getting around 55-60% performance from the speakers as I still have the standard VW head unit. Apparently changing this would take them to around 80% and adding an amp would see them hit full potential! Despite this, I’m quite happy to stay with the current setup as the sound is far superior to stock. If I do upgrade again in the future, I shall certainly return to CCA. Highly recommended!

So, is it worth £450 installed? Well, like the Haldex mod, it depends on the individual. I’m not an audio nut but I’m glad I did it. If you only drive to music on occasion, or never feel the need to turn the volume above 50% then I’d say there are better ways to spend money on your car. If however you listen to music almost every journey and like to “crank it up” now and again then go for it! You won’t be disappointed!

In other news, it seems my painted grill attempt has backfired. During my motorway drive on Sunday, I unfortunately collected a few stone chips. This proves that simply painting the grill isn’t good enough. I’m going to have to remove the paint, sand down the chrome to get a rough surface, spray with primer, re-paint and protect with a clear lacquer. Disappointing but at least I know now and it’ll be a lot less time consuming the second time!

I also have two carbon fibre products from OSIR on order. A rear valance to replace the black plastic section and a front splitter. They should arrive in 4-5 weeks. My new private plate is being made tomorrow. All the paperwork is complete so hopefully I can get it fitted this Saturday.And finally, the cheapest mod so far… My R32OC sticker, mounted discreetly underneath the central break light.

Thanks for reading!