Last time I was away for work I got a little crazy with ordering stuff...
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There were a few boring housekeeping items such as a new oil cap to stop the weeping, and new fuel lines to fix the HPFP supply line problem once and for all, but there were some exciting things!
First up we have the Braille G20S. The G20S is the G30 internals squeezed into the G20 case. This battery is not publicly for sale, and it is only available (AFAIK) through Mele Design Firm. I spoke to Mitch@Mele through Instagram and he offered me the option when I was inquiring about a battery mount. It is custom made to order for Mele by Braille to go with their battery mount for the Mk7 GTI.
It looks great and it should shave about 30lbs off the nose of the car. I weighed the battery and mount at 8.3 pounds, but I didn't get a chance to weigh the OEM battery.
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Here is the Mele Design Firm 600 Series battery mount. All hand made in America and “Rally Spec”! I found the fit and finish on the mount to be without flaw, and they also included some really nice stainless hardware. Their customer support is great too!
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I grabbed the battery with the associated Braille 1236L trickle charger, as I occasionally leave it for a few weeks at a time. The car should go about two weeks without needing it though.
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Installation was super easy, and I just followed the instruction video on Mele’s website. I used the main battery mount hole (T30 Torx) and the battery bracket mount hole closest to the firewall. Everything bolted up without any drilling.
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Unfortunately during install I noticed a problem with the ground wire. Apparently it appeared to be missing some insulation and I have no idea how that happened. It doesn’t look like it chafed on anything and I don't know how any battery acid could have gotten on it at that point. Honestly I chalked it up to a defective part/damaged when installed. I couldn’t think of a better explanation. I wanted to replace the wire itself (PN 5Q0971235D) but my local VW dealer wanted $137!! #hardpass
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I ended up sealing it using some tightly wrapped electrical tape. Unfortunately it was the best I could do since I couldn’t get any shrink wrap over either end.
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All cozy in there
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It starts just fine, although it does start easier in the cold (sub 40*F) when I leave the lights and stereo on for ~30 seconds to warm the battery a bit. I am super pleased so far.
I also picked up an aFe Magnum Force Stage 2 cold air intake. I have never been on the intake hype train, but I figured I would finish out my “FBO” status. I also ordered an exhaust, but we will get to that later. I ended up with the aFe because I am a fan of their filter technology, and I especially liked this intake because it is partially closed and partially open. I liked that I could put the cover on it and it would effectively become a closed intake again.
The install was a bit of a PITA because I had to get that silicone coupler juussttt right to get everything to fit how I wanted. I also ordered some of those sexy HPS stainless T bolt clamps because I hate worm gear clamps. The used kit I got also came with the blue oil filters, but I switched them up in favor of the Pro Dry S filters because I prefer the dry media. Other than that it’s a nice kit.
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At the suggestion of
@Escape Hatch I took off the aFe power logo, and I have to say it looks mucchhh better. It just pops off with your fingers. Thanks again!
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That's about it for now. I am going to Mac’s custom exhaust tomorrow to get a 3” Borla Pro XS muffler welded in. I am also on the books with EQT to get retuned once the exhaust goes in. I don’t think there is much more to get out of it, especially on this winter mix, but it will be good to have someone to look at the logs again. Between the fresh injectors and exhaust I am tentatively hoping for another ~10whp. Who knows.
I also put the winter setup back on yesterday. I was going to post a photo, but I’m maxed out and y’all have seen them before anyway
I will report back once the exhaust is in. Thanks for reading!