ya a stock 1.8t is not impressive power/throtle response wise. Get a chip when you can! "Gap" means you have to adjust the space between the ground and electrode on the end of the plug. You can get the plugs anywhere pretty much like autozone and get a gapper there too. Looks like this:

 

Ok great I will try to pick those up tomorow along with an air filter. Oh yeah, like I asked before do I need to get a special filter at the dealer or will autozone or wherever I pick up my plugs carry a filter that will fit my car?

 

most places carry the filter. If you want a higher flowing filter like a K&N pannelfilter youll probably have to order it, but you might find it locally if youre lucky. I personaly wouldnt recomend a cold air intake or short ram with an exposed cone filter unless you have serious mods done.

 

Do i really want a K&N? From what I read you have to oil them or something and it can muck things up? You don't need to do that to a regular filter correct, just drop it right in?

 

Ya you just have to be carefull to not over oil the k n N and let it dry/saturate a while before installing/running the engine. Youd be fine with a regular filter. I wouldnt worry about a higher flowing filter or any other mods unless you get at least a chip.

 

Awesome, thanks a lot bro! I should be picking these things up tomorow and hopefully be installing them within the next couple of days. I'll keep you guys posted.

 

spark plugs and air filter are easy. A very good way to start getting familiar with the engine and learning about mods and stuff...Thats where it all started for me, and look at my sig now! You are DOOMED! (in a good way)
So i guess the correct word would be DESTINED!

 

picture replaced with the right one[:-]

 

Here's a picture of the engine.

On theright side of the picture shows the throttle body inlet.

Just pull the hose off the throttle body, and clean it with some carb cleaner and a toothbrush.



[IMG]local://upfiles/12448/4527BF2833EA407EB4B1D59F052AA4EA.jpg[/IMG]

 

I would start with the easy things.

Clogged fuel filter wont give bad mileage, however, cold weather and bad gas will. Use 91 or 93 Octane. Winter gas gets lower mileage as does gas that uses ethanol as an octane booster. Try using Shell gas as I consistently get 2-3 mpg more than no-name gas.
Check the oxygen sensor with a vagcom. I didn't run through the whole thread, but if you haven't used a high quality cleaner like techron try some.