I did this a few years back in UK and struggled to start my car one day,removed filter and was totally blocked with flys .. this happens very often in my experience now back on stock setup with panel filter and no holes no fly issues
Thats what you get, debris & water coming in they say. Theres a reason the stock one looks like it does. The things that does the most differance they say is removing the snow guard in airbox & install an inlet pipe on the turbo 👍 (and most of gains will obviosly be seen on a tuned car)
@@JDDD33 Thats an interesting idea, though ud still have issues with water may enter. Some people have "solved it" by drilling holes abit further up than the middle. My assumption is rain shod still be able to enter a windy day.
@@tredfxman Rain is absolutely no concern. Even if it somehow manages to get past the air filter, all it's going to do is enter the turbo inlet and be instantly vaporized.
I did the same thing by removing the plastic on the intake and adding a K&N drop in filter with an intake hose. After that I purchased the ECS inlet scoop kit to direct more air into the intake. FYI, I have taken my car to the car wash and never had an issue with water going inside the intake box.
The snorkel feeds air down under the filter. At the bottom of the airbox there's a drain hole so any water that might end up in there won't stay for long.
From an experienced GTI owner: I highly recommend NOT using a block off plate (or anything) to block the left side of the intake system. this is designed to let air flow inside of the engine bay and it's intended to keep temperatures low and circulate hot air out, which technically increases the longevity of the engine in general. just something to think about
Maybe a late reply, wouldn't hood louvers be the answer like Verus? If louvers clear the engine temps then you could block off the intake for only cool air coming in.
I don't buy this for one second. That negligible amount of airflow isn't doing anything to keep the engine cool, and your assumption that keeping the engine slightly cooler will extend the life of it is factually incorrect. I'd be more concerned with doing regular oil changes with quality oil than blocking off a tiny bit of additional airflow (because air is already entering the engine bay through the lower grille).
I know an old video.. but bought a 40 year about 8 months ago.. I’m about to do this mod.. would the original open inlet section also help cool engine down of leaving it open?
Problem is - when you shut the hood it blocks the airflow into the right hand side you just opened up. The cut outs on top of the grille are required to feed air to these new holes you created. That’s why I was also wondering if the 7.5 part (grille) would fit - even if you need to mod the way it clips with the bumper cover, as I’ve read it no longer pushes down into it on the facelift models.
Also air pressure from the front area will be higher as the car is moving forward faster. So hot air is less likely to be sucked by the intake. Except when the car is in stationary or moving in low speed which we won't need that much cold air.
I have this mod for three years now and am very satisfied with it. However, I unblocked the right part again since I noticed that it was hard to get cold air into the cabine (also during summer I drive mostly with the roof open en vents closed, but even then I there was a lot of hot air coming in thru the vents..). I also have have a stage 2 tune and I think I'll prefer the extra airflow over the engine (this is based on my feeling tho, don't know if airflow over the engine helps anyway).
Thanks for the feedback. Interesting that it would impact cabin air. I always drive with air-con on so haven’t noticed anything. I’ve also had a track session with it on and didn’t notice any extra (above expected) increase in oil temps. May be a different story for a tuned car. Luckily pulling of the plate is a 2sec job if needed.
Have this on my list of things to do, thanks for demo-ing it. Not sure I will close off the other side as at a reasonably low speed the air speed coming through will exceed the air speed demand from the airbox so you should rarelydraw in hot engine air....however awesome that you tracked down an OEM blanking plate from VW!! I have seen some people also open up the 3rd small and angled section however I haven't looked to see if this would help at all. Good vid.
Instead of blocking off the right side, why not leave it open and block the space in between the openings? Outside air would still flow into the engine and separately into the air box, with no hot air coming from the engine compartment.
If I understand correctly, I don't think it's that simple do to so. The beauty of this mod is that it uses a factory part to block off the rear opening. But in theory what you suggest sounds like a good idea.
@@trackhackau Could be done using a piece of a foam pool noodle placed in the center section. Cut it a little thick, then close the top cover and it should be 99% sealed. It would be cheap, discreet and completely removable.
There has been some measurings on higher engingbay and oil temperature with the GTE-plate in place. Also said, that the part you cut out is NOT a good idea when driving in snow, I filled up my airbox with snow/ice this winter in Norway.
Nah, no issues with snow or rain with this fix. You can actually leave the snow guard in place and just pull out 1/2 of the plastic fins (if you look at it you'll see what I mean). All the aftermarket intakes have a direct route into the filter area. Also you can just leave the original setup and just dremmel out that drivers side area.
Yes perhaps some climate considerations. No snow here in Australia. Do you have a link to the increased temperatures source? I’d be interested to read. I haven’t noticed any increase in oil temp since fitting.
I remember seeing one of the guys on the 'mk7 golf gti owner'-group on facebook sharing some numbers. I've noticed the oil temp droping a couple of degrees on my gti pp 245 after removing bth hoodliner and weatherstrip.
@@thomaspedersennorway There's no way that blocking off that little amount of airflow into the engine bay will affect oil temperature. If it does, then you have some serious problems with your cooling system. "I've noticed the oil temp droping a couple of degrees on my gti pp 245 after removing bth hoodliner and weatherstrip." That's really odd, considering the weatherstripping is blocking off a low-pressure zone, meaning that by removing it, you're screwing up the airflow within the engine bay because of air trying to enter at the cowl area. Consider me skeptical of claims that make no logical sense.
I recently bought a intake hose with a K n N filter from ECS after I got that part out I noticed that the previous owner drilled holes in it nd I have absolutely no idea what it was until I saw this video.
add a scoop on the right side from one of the forum members (there's a few that sell them) or the one from ECS for more directed airflow. does it help much, not sure but i'd figure it has to direct a bit more air to your intake, especially when you're on the track at higher speeds.
Yes I think that’s the next step here. I’m actually wondering if the 7.5 part will fit instead as it already has the cutouts. I have a feeling it doesn’t though.
Hi Eddie, does the intake look the same as mine in the video? The part is available for purchase on the site track-hack-parts.myshopify.com/products/cover-for-rear-of-oem-air-intake-from-gte
This will not void your warranty nor present issues with snow or rain. I've had the front dremmeled out of my R for 2 years up here in Canada and no issues!
No snow here in Australia. I resisted cutting it up for a while. But figured it’s a cheap part to replace anyway. Unless you look up close you can’t even tell it wasn’t meant to be there.
I have absolutely no idea why anyone would think that WATER entering the airbox would be any kind of problem. I guess some people just don't understand how engines work.
I did this a few years back in UK and struggled to start my car one day,removed filter and was totally blocked with flys .. this happens very often in my experience now back on stock setup with panel filter and no holes no fly issues
Couldn't a fix to this be to add some strong mesh backing plate to the back of newly cut out holes ? I.e. a filter for big bugs
Thats what you get, debris & water coming in they say. Theres a reason the stock one looks like it does. The things that does the most differance they say is removing the snow guard in airbox & install an inlet pipe on the turbo 👍 (and most of gains will obviosly be seen on a tuned car)
@@JDDD33 Thats an interesting idea, though ud still have issues with water may enter. Some people have "solved it" by drilling holes abit further up than the middle. My assumption is rain shod still be able to enter a windy day.
@@tredfxman Rain is absolutely no concern. Even if it somehow manages to get past the air filter, all it's going to do is enter the turbo inlet and be instantly vaporized.
I did the same thing by removing the plastic on the intake and adding a K&N drop in filter with an intake hose. After that I purchased the ECS inlet scoop kit to direct more air into the intake. FYI, I have taken my car to the car wash and never had an issue with water going inside the intake box.
Eventuri for gti/r makes the same thing...
Great so now rain can go right in an hit your air filter and make it a soggy mess.
The snorkel feeds air down under the filter. At the bottom of the airbox there's a drain hole so any water that might end up in there won't stay for long.
I did it to my car drove through a few downpours when I got home checked and filter and air box bone dry
Idiot 🤦♂️
From an experienced GTI owner: I highly recommend NOT using a block off plate (or anything) to block the left side of the intake system. this is designed to let air flow inside of the engine bay and it's intended to keep temperatures low and circulate hot air out, which technically increases the longevity of the engine in general. just something to think about
Maybe a late reply, wouldn't hood louvers be the answer like Verus? If louvers clear the engine temps then you could block off the intake for only cool air coming in.
Just add louvers or a carbon hood with a scoop.
I don't buy this for one second. That negligible amount of airflow isn't doing anything to keep the engine cool, and your assumption that keeping the engine slightly cooler will extend the life of it is factually incorrect. I'd be more concerned with doing regular oil changes with quality oil than blocking off a tiny bit of additional airflow (because air is already entering the engine bay through the lower grille).
Nonsense
I know an old video.. but bought a 40 year about 8 months ago..
I’m about to do this mod.. would the original open inlet section also help cool engine down of leaving it open?
Problem is - when you shut the hood it blocks the airflow into the right hand side you just opened up. The cut outs on top of the grille are required to feed air to these new holes you created. That’s why I was also wondering if the 7.5 part (grille) would fit - even if you need to mod the way it clips with the bumper cover, as I’ve read it no longer pushes down into it on the facelift models.
I was planning on making a cutout. But after I saw how crap I was at doing it I hesitated. Maybe if I can get a spare one and hack that up instead.
Also when you block the left side you risk getting less airflow than needed into the engine compartment.
Also air pressure from the front area will be higher as the car is moving forward faster. So hot air is less likely to be sucked by the intake. Except when the car is in stationary or moving in low speed which we won't need that much cold air.
What about your car insurance? Does this mod make it uninsurable? They are getting really rigid with mods lately 😢
I have this mod for three years now and am very satisfied with it. However, I unblocked the right part again since I noticed that it was hard to get cold air into the cabine (also during summer I drive mostly with the roof open en vents closed, but even then I there was a lot of hot air coming in thru the vents..). I also have have a stage 2 tune and I think I'll prefer the extra airflow over the engine (this is based on my feeling tho, don't know if airflow over the engine helps anyway).
Thanks for the feedback. Interesting that it would impact cabin air. I always drive with air-con on so haven’t noticed anything. I’ve also had a track session with it on and didn’t notice any extra (above expected) increase in oil temps. May be a different story for a tuned car.
Luckily pulling of the plate is a 2sec job if needed.
Have this on my list of things to do, thanks for demo-ing it. Not sure I will close off the other side as at a reasonably low speed the air speed coming through will exceed the air speed demand from the airbox so you should rarelydraw in hot engine air....however awesome that you tracked down an OEM blanking plate from VW!! I have seen some people also open up the 3rd small and angled section however I haven't looked to see if this would help at all. Good vid.
To be honest I don’t know how much of a difference it will make. Luckily it’s easy to reverse and is worth trying for the low cost of the part.
So you didn't cut holes into top of grill on right side?
No not yet. May do that later
Instead of blocking off the right side, why not leave it open and block the space in between the openings?
Outside air would still flow into the engine and separately into the air box, with no hot air coming from the engine compartment.
If I understand correctly, I don't think it's that simple do to so. The beauty of this mod is that it uses a factory part to block off the rear opening. But in theory what you suggest sounds like a good idea.
@@trackhackau Could be done using a piece of a foam pool noodle placed in the center section. Cut it a little thick, then close the top cover and it should be 99% sealed.
It would be cheap, discreet and completely removable.
@@muznick The pickey pool noodle mod sounds better, best of both. Just hope engine wont suck in rain.
@@johan9574 Stupid me forgot all about the pool noodle idea and ordered a block off plate two months ago. Doh!
At least it was cheap.
Hi, is the mod noticeable performance gain etc..
There has been some measurings on higher engingbay and oil temperature with the GTE-plate in place.
Also said, that the part you cut out is NOT a good idea when driving in snow, I filled up my airbox with snow/ice this winter in Norway.
Good to know, so without snow I'll be fine
Nah, no issues with snow or rain with this fix. You can actually leave the snow guard in place and just pull out 1/2 of the plastic fins (if you look at it you'll see what I mean). All the aftermarket intakes have a direct route into the filter area. Also you can just leave the original setup and just dremmel out that drivers side area.
Yes perhaps some climate considerations. No snow here in Australia.
Do you have a link to the increased temperatures source? I’d be interested to read. I haven’t noticed any increase in oil temp since fitting.
I remember seeing one of the guys on the 'mk7 golf gti owner'-group on facebook sharing some numbers.
I've noticed the oil temp droping a couple of degrees on my gti pp 245 after removing bth hoodliner and weatherstrip.
@@thomaspedersennorway There's no way that blocking off that little amount of airflow into the engine bay will affect oil temperature. If it does, then you have some serious problems with your cooling system.
"I've noticed the oil temp droping a couple of degrees on my gti pp 245 after removing bth hoodliner and weatherstrip."
That's really odd, considering the weatherstripping is blocking off a low-pressure zone, meaning that by removing it, you're screwing up the airflow within the engine bay because of air trying to enter at the cowl area. Consider me skeptical of claims that make no logical sense.
Great mod!, i was planning to do this, now i know how to do it, thanks bro!
I recently bought a intake hose with a K n N filter from ECS after I got that part out I noticed that the previous owner drilled holes in it nd I have absolutely no idea what it was until I saw this video.
add a scoop on the right side from one of the forum members (there's a few that sell them) or the one from ECS for more directed airflow. does it help much, not sure but i'd figure it has to direct a bit more air to your intake, especially when you're on the track at higher speeds.
Yes I think that’s the next step here.
I’m actually wondering if the 7.5 part will fit instead as it already has the cutouts. I have a feeling it doesn’t though.
Hi mate, can I get the blocking late for the Audi 8V S3 ??
Hi Eddie, does the intake look the same as mine in the video? The part is available for purchase on the site track-hack-parts.myshopify.com/products/cover-for-rear-of-oem-air-intake-from-gte
@@trackhackau How long will it take to ship to California?
@@moochiezpitt I have them in stock and I ship via Fedex. So I would imagine within a week.
What drop in did you end up going with?
Just a k&n that I already had from my previous GTI.
Nice Pikey 600 mod first mod to do on my GTI :D
I did the same thing used a hot knife for the plastic easy mod
Blocking the air going into the engine is a bad idea.
Wy? The whole front is open for the radiator
not worth voiding warranty or getting water or snow in your air box.
This will not void your warranty nor present issues with snow or rain. I've had the front dremmeled out of my R for 2 years up here in Canada and no issues!
No snow here in Australia. I resisted cutting it up for a while. But figured it’s a cheap part to replace anyway. Unless you look up close you can’t even tell it wasn’t meant to be there.
This wont void warranty Haha wow
I have absolutely no idea why anyone would think that WATER entering the airbox would be any kind of problem. I guess some people just don't understand how engines work.