James from Donut 2.5t MK3 Build - Start to Finish!

James Pumphrey from Donut Media is long time VW enthusiast. This video follows the start to finish life of the now 2.5 Turbo 5 cylinder MK3 Golf.
This MK3 started out as a very base model Golf CL, which is a European model. This car was imported by Jamie Orr, and was driven to the SEMA show which is where James purchased the car.
James then sent the car from Donut media in California to Eurowise for an overhaul. The guys from Eurowise have done an amazing job on this build and we are so happy to have chronicled it.
Shop VW and Audi Parts HERE!
www.shopdap.com/
Check out Eurowise!
shop.eurowise.com/
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A message from James
Thank you to my sponsors
@eurowise_performance - builder / fabricator
@autohaas - Engine provider
@deutscheauto - OEM replacement parts
@air_lift_performance - air suspension
@vibrant_performance - fabrication hardware
@integrated_engineering - 07k upgrades
@Rotiform - Wheels
@Tdc_Shop - Easy Swap harness
@blackforestindustries - catch can / knob / clutch
@united_motorsport - Custom Engine Tuning
@funktionperformance - Powdercoating
@zealous_mfg - specialty hardware
@garrettmotion - Turbocharger
@dapperlighting - Headlights
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VW AUDI Specialty Repair Cornelius NC
www.daprepair.com/vw-repair-c...
VW AUDI Specialty Repair Kent Ohio
www.daprepair.com/vw-repair-a...
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More info on DAP Reward Credit
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[@Donut]

Love it, dudes!

[@proveyourcrown]

🔥

[@isaac-nm4xz]

W

[@rusty7367]

Hello Donut Media! If you see this comment, just be sure I love your videos!

[@CloudyCub285]

Hut

[@jamieobrien9216]

We need a Bumper to Bumper on this guys

[@JamiesGarage1]

That engine swap went way smoother than the sirocco 😂

[@Deutscheautoparts]

Well it took 1.5 years..... so they had a little less stress than you, Charles and I 😜

[@buddysshop1860]

Shots fired 😆

[@JamiesGarage1]

@@Deutscheautoparts Pssshh, 1.5 years vs 4 days. That’s not too much of a difference.. 😂

[@jamesk3565]

@@JamiesGarage1 🤣

[@leobow3333]

Omg it got wolfsburg numbers :)

[@Bobby_Vang]

Honestly kind of crazy to see how chill and down to earth James is when he's not doing his Donut media persona.

[@buddysshop1860]

Yeah, I thought maybe he was hung over at first 😆

[@brandonmyers5340]

He’s very humble and thankful for his come up and support on the Donut it seems

[@Freedeeism]

I like him more chill.. to many americanos think they need to scream to make good content for some reason

[@slonky821]

he's been pretty chill since his heart issues

[@Coolit2683]

I agree... I actually avoid his videos as I can't stand the persona... I find it Douch-y... But taste is none negociable. If it works for views and brings success to the channel, good for them. Lesson is not to judge a book by it's cover. I like good, down to earth and modest people.

[@S54VR6]

James to Jamie: “I don’t think I Can afford your car” Goes and get a complete 2.5 swap build 😂

[@trapzb3rag1n50]

I’m assuming that when this car got in James hands was when donut had finally got it’s good jump

[@S54VR6]

@@trapzb3rag1n50 certainly possible

[@carlsoto1747]

@@trapzb3rag1n50 Plus when you're prototyping a product on someone else's vehicle you usually do it for really cheap as a professional courtesy.

[@GunnyRaps]

Right...$30k later.

[@trapzb3rag1n50]

@@GunnyRaps it’s possible to not take a dime out, sponsors will send you parts and with James status and donutmedia it wouldn’t be to hard

[@blackericdenice]

The more I watch this channel. The better I feel about putting $9,000 into a $800 police impound auction 2004 Golf 2.0 manual. One day my car will be on Deutsche Auto Parts.

[@Chukijay]

I love MK4s. I miss my 1.8t all the time.

[@danimotomaga17]

@@Chukijay I had turd 01 MK4 1.8T Jetta. Not the fastest of cars and it came with the AWW motor, but I miss it so much.

[@fat420cracker]

@@Chukijay I used to have a jazz blue 20th mk4. Miss it but now have a mk4 R32 turbo =)

[@DividE546]

Currently building my Leon 1M. Just do it, it's the best feeling in the world. If you can afford it of course.

[@blackericdenice]

I just uploaded a video of me replacing the right front wheel bearing. It is so much quieter on the hwy.

[@JamieOrr]

I’m so glad that this car is still living its best life now with James! The first thing I did after buying it in Germany was drive it flat out on the Autobahn, and it did manage over 100mph IIRC 😅So the old engine wasn’t that bad, but the new one is a work of art. Thanks for sharing the story Deutsche Auto Parts!

[@DanielBertolozi]

I was surprised to see what horsepower it was providing tho, was expecting more lol A quick trivia: you can find tons and tons of that engine in Brazil (as the so-called AP engine, just slightly different that the golf's). It's a favorite for cheap horsepower, people can easily get 200+ HP with a basic turbo setup w/ stock internals. Here's one example with 500+ HP: kzbin.info/www/bejne/iILaZWlne6h-jK8

[@zdrifterboy]

Definitely a good find,u done good and its nice it found a good home with j.p.,cant believe the clock it had next to the speedometer,never seen that before.. pretty cool.. the colours nice too.hope them kw's found a good home.i love mine. Now do me a favour and find me a pontius rear diffuser!! Lol. But seriously please do.😉

[@madhut3042]

@@DanielBertolozi epic video. I didn't understand what they were say but was this with forged internals? I want to turbo my Santana b2 aka passat here in SA. But I want to use stock intermals and abouy 200 wheel hp.

[@DanielBertolozi]

@@madhut3042 yep, for that they're using forget internals - I think pistons and rods. 200whp should be safe with stock internals and trans, btw

[@hephaistosthesmith2069]

@@zdrifterboy the clock was normal for the lower option models, its a base CL (comfort line) so literally just basics no ac, no heated seats you get me

[@Bobby_Vang]

Whoa, didn't know James had such a sick Golf.

[@jameskim1505]

He's a VW boy

[@julianhernandez9351]

He's talked abt it before on donut

[@tomstanden5451]

It’s weird seeing James not have his super hype persona on. He seems like a really chill guy

[@EliaFlowers]

It’s like watching the old Up To Speed episodes where he looks super depressed

[@Anon_Fox]

Love that James decided to go with the VW 5 cylinder over the audi 5 cyl. Hopefully this will bring more attention to this engine and open more possibilities for mods!

[@avrggamer69]

I'm pretty sure they're the same engine that you'll find in an Audi

[@Anon_Fox]

@@avrggamer69 no it’s not.

[@avrggamer69]

@@Anon_Fox yeah it is the 2.5 I5 that is found in Audi's were also being used in VWs it was just developed and designed by Audi but it's definitely the same engine

[@Anon_Fox]

@@avrggamer69 if you want to say it’s the same with different fueling, injectors, manifold, fuel pumps, etc then sure. Obviously the VW model is stripped down compared to the ttrs. I don’t consider that the same.

[@rigozuniga8096]

@@avrggamer69 no, ttrs/rs3 5cyl is way different from 5cyl from 2.5 NA jetta golf

[@8gti9]

See this is what the VW community is all about. Helping each other out, everyone chipping in to make someone's dream car come true 👍

[@Matt-vz5wy]

This is sick. That sound is incredible, and I’m a diehard vr6 nerd.

[@davidavizcaya]

I love this anime cross over with all my favorite people.

[@justinturner4850]

James seems like such a cool dude. He and all the Donut crew deserves their success.

[@skozlozlaurie712]

That exhaust manifold is a work of art, big ups to the fabricator!!!

[@clubsport9334]

Deutsche Autowerks: So James how much torque steer would you like? Pumphrey: Yes

[@KitKitChanIsaac]

here in donut we dont care abot torque steer,we only care about MO POWA BABEH!!

[@papa_pt]

@@KitKitChanIsaac start sending it to the rear wheels then 😂

[@DanielFrost79]

Around 300hp in front is no biggie. I've seen 500+hp on FWD with acceptable take offs though. But nothing compares to a 1100+hp RWD. A whole different story.

[@mintgoldheart6126]

@@DanielFrost79 I love not being able to use 90% of my power in corners.

[@jah_b]

james sounds like he's about to break into tears when he talks

[@aygwm]

I’m glad James is keeping the Mk3 love alive. The best part about the mk3 is that it looks like a total pile to most people so it’s not a target to get pulled over.

[@ernstjonas]

That’s where you are wrong, in Germany I get pulled over twice a week with my mk3

[@randylahey3988]

@@ernstjonas And even more if it's a VR6 lol

[@MoooseBlood]

@@ernstjonas Get a camo wrap bro.

[@gpubenchmarks7905]

@@ernstjonas what engine

[@ernstjonas]

@@gpubenchmarks7905 1.8l ABS 90hp Syncro

[@ThisIsJesus]

Never seen James be so normal.

[@speedracer2please]

He was like that in some early videos, and yeah it's unnerving now lol

[@shorozk6998]

Schön so etwas in den USA zu sehen ! You are doing really well , i love it !

[@GTAIVenjoyer]

I remember seeing a post on James' ig about this swap last year and didnt hear anything about it until now, so glad it's done and turned out even better than i thought.

[@SpecialFX99]

Glad this went better than the last time DAP had a MKV engine on the dyno!

[@darianistead2239]

Look at the dyno though.. About the only thing those are good for is checking peak figures on an already tuned car..

[@ghassenellafi8478]

I grew up with a golf 3 2.0l 16 v GTI putting out 150 HP and a whopping 180 n.m of torque , seeing James's car brings back memories 😌🥲

[@calumward1192]

I have a 94 mk3 golf estate, been in my family since new, it was my mums ex husbands car and she acquired it after he had passed from a brain tumour. I’m so happy these cars are getting featured in builds now and people like them. I went to school in my golf since I was 4, That car was my childhood and I still somehow have it, it’s in a sorry state in my back yard but it’s going to get fixed and engine swapped soon, I’m going to keep the exterior stock just for nostalgia! 🙂 My mum now happily drives her Forester STi instead and I now have an Abarth 500 in two tone blue

[@fireplaceninja]

bought a mk4 golf (thats a lie, bought a golf city) back in december and it was not my first choice at the time at all, but the car is super clean and low km’s so I went with it. I’ve grown to absolutely love the car and now that im moving to a warmer climate for college I can’t wait to start throwing some facebook marketplace parts at it and have some fun with it. Really glad I get to be a part of the vw scene

[@JohnnyGetsCash]

That was awesome! All this talk of period correct 90's accessories on a mk3 takes me back to the edition38 forum glory days!

[@GarnerNest]

Love the idea of a hopped up 2.5 in a Mk3

[@EnviousGenome]

This is legit my favorite car build I've seen now thank you keep up the great work and videos guys!

[@brakc644]

My god ! James I follow you on donut since the beginning of up to speed. And then you bought the exact same car that my aunt give me as first car. I literally learn to drive on it. My aunt bought it new in 93 in France 🇫🇷. And 15 years later, give it to me. So many good memories behind its wheels. Exact same model but the color. Same watch instead of RPM (Stick shifting only by feeling 🤩), same interior , same bumpers, same engine (1.8l), same original wheels (13") . Damn i've never been so emotional watch videos on KZbin. Nice job guys. Greetings from France 👌.

[@sayeedalsifat1308]

Now do a 2.5 turbo swap in yours too, gon be sick

[@AVGarage_]

This thing is the same color as my V70R and they both have 5 cylinders! Sweet ride!

[@zero-twentysix]

Hey, you're the DIM hacker guy!

[@josephmacpherson584]

Awesome build! I love seeing the love people put into the older models.

[@evilpig247]

I love VW 2.5s they're so unique and sound awesome. Glad to see more aftermarket happening for them!

[@danmay3464]

All this collaboration between everyone is so fn good for us all. I'm especially partial to all the NC guys pulling out these great projects together having lived there for 20 years (Now in FL). Keep up the awesomeness guys.

[@bhickey2012]

This is so sick on so many levels! More love for the 2.5 , yes!

[@blech71]

Just found the channel. Not a VW guy but when there’s a quality channel that delves into their respective profession it’s def worth the SUB! Great work! Good vid. SUBBED!

[@joeygregory410]

You guys are like hoonigan except you guys actually appreciate a2/3 ; mk2/3 vws and known what a wide potential they have. LOVE IT BRAHHH.

[@alb5753]

This car is gorgeous, definitely unique, I already love the 2.5 sound and the turbo just makes it better.

[@MERCEDES190e]

when i heard that beautiful sound from the golf on the dyno, i already knew what engine it was 😍😍

[@gersongtrz]

Dang it! That 5 cyl sounds so cool, I’ve got a V70 T5 and an 850R and 5 cylinders have such a delightful sound! Good choice

[@paddyjsheridan]

On your computer maybe

[@kottarainen665]

Pure gold ❤️ Its awesome to see what kind of power our VAG culture holds. Greetings from Finland 🇫🇮

[@andia6865]

I liver in Gernarnia and everytime i hear these engines... this build sounds insainly good. James, enjoy!

[@katzehvh]

I absolutely love VW Golf, especially the mk4. Not a really big fan of the mk3 but this build looks amazing. Good job!

[@freshwhiteteee]

love this. well done everyone.

[@chrisjones7281]

Been waiting for this since he bought the car from Jamie. Fantastic Build!!!

[@scottegolf2509]

This content is right up my alley! I'm currently looking into doing a vr6 swap in my mk2 golf! Keep it up, you guys rock!! Easily my favorite channel on KZbin!!!

[@justinoliveira1365]

Great video I have a 2.5 u should do more with it it's a great engine thanks glad to know u guys have parts

[@adamthompson4072]

Man, 5 cylinders sounds so good under load

[@86superselica]

This is exactly the kind of content I am looking for for entertainment. Technical information, cool background, and detail. Please keep this coming Paul!

[@radekpresents]

One of the best conversion I’ve ever seen!

[@rudymwaurah]

For the Mo Powa Baby ambassador to be rolling around in a 60hp econobox was *UNACCEPTABLLLLLEEE*

[@carlsoto1747]

I'm a Subaru guy first and foremost, and I will admit that I normally hate VWs for no rational reason, but this is absolutely fire. The thought of running a 2.5L I5 never occurred to me before, but after seeing this swap I really want to see more like it.

[@veedubcrew7292]

Bro I'm more of a Volkswagen guy but my entire goal is to take my slow GTI 1.8 t and try and make it beat my Brothers VR6 nitrous Jetta

[@idealist420]

Welp I respect your opinion but to hate a brand out of no rational reason is pure stupidity.

[@carlsoto1747]

@@idealist420 I hated them because of the douchebags in high school rolling coal with their diesel Jettas thinking they were cool. After the emissions scandal my dislike for VW is justified.

[@MiguelGarcia-vj7oo]

O7k sounds better then any Subaru engine while making power more reliably..... The vw groups only reliable motor........

[@infadelakainf]

After having a MK2 in high school I always wanted a MK3. Great build

[@marcusgent]

That is cool AF congratulations to james nothing like having the car you always wanted, bring back all 90s mods!!!

[@EmberOfYourFaith]

7:51 How do you expect anyone to pay attention to axels with all that Ginster in their face?

[@RadostinVelchev]

The original 1.8 port injected engine was known for going close to 1M kilometers without a rebuild.

[@papa_pt]

not surprising with how understressed /little power it makes

[@RadostinVelchev]

@@papa_pt it was produced until 1997 so it had to meet Euro 2 emissions. Like most port injected engines from this time they couldn't make more and still meet emissions.

[@papa_pt]

@@RadostinVelchev ahh gotcha. Nothing wrong with a long lasting motor , I've noticed that engines generally have a shorter life with high specific output

[@faviodezi9553]

That's good news, my mom has same engine in her MK3 and it has 210K now.

[@ac3tate909]

Wow I never knew this was related to Orr He’s a legend in the PVW world Super dope build guys Looks absolutely amazing

[@joshcaldro6169]

Just saw this car in person yesterday. Beautiful machine

[@justaguy6100]

Awesome project and results, but I heard "donated" quite a bit during the video. SO, in reality, how much would this have cost totally out of pocket?

[@MitchGadberry13]

Factoring man hour costs to fab all the custom parts and such that's probably a $100k golf

[@SeanWithaFada]

@@MitchGadberry13 hoooly shit that’s way more than i expected. to be fair though, i didn’t know what to expect.

[@blakebrockhaus347]

@@SeanWithaFada well, that was fully custom built. Which costs a hell of a lot more than normal

[@samvhell9104]

@@MitchGadberry13 Not at all, probably 15k including price of the car

[@paul5683]

100k isn't all that much money when it comes to prototyping. I have to say that I miss my mk3 gti 2.0. Yes, the infamous 2 point slow.

[@bbkg1979]

Such a dope story. Pound and a bear hug to all.

[@EmoNemoNinja]

Love James, love Donut, love you guys for this sick swap. That's one ice cold wooshy-boi.

[@keithcee6378]

Got a 98 vr6 Gti, with a vortech supercharger on it….have it under a car cover for the past 10 yrs. The car is like a time capsule at the moment. Seeing this clip just brought a whole new motivational kick in the ass to me lol

[@Krishilbun]

This video had me in my feelers, such a cool colab!

[@blindskt89]

Sounds amazing!

[@thelockenessmonsta]

Love seeing more and more 2.5L swaps, they are honestly under rated and people are finally figuring that out thanks to Audi and their RS3 and TTRS’s

[@johnwanamaker358]

GREAT EPISODE!!!! Hell yes!

[@EzMatt90]

as a mechanic, this is mesmerizing. i love my job.

[@silasmacon1565]

By far one of my favorite builds! 😎👍❤️

[@bbuny10]

I can’t believe I didn’t know about this till now. I just saw a short on the build, I got so much respect for how it is in that I had to see the process

[@tuckejev]

Wow! I'm glad your channel got the build-bio. Congrats...

[@StanleyKubick1]

Sick. Jame's seems like a great guy who really deserves this.

[@knight838_]

Loved my Rabbit, 260kmiles and still ran strong. They are my favorite platform

[@eddiemichael4333]

It took a looooooong ass waiting for this clip, love it.

[@tombosixer7342]

You’re so lucky to be able to do what you do man. Super jelly of this build

[@zdrifterboy]

Been waiting to see more about this car..not disappointed at all!🙂

[@88ights]

Good to hear my man James is a fellow 2.5 brother

[@KARR]

2.5 sounds amazing

[@RetrocarStyle]

Man....those wheels.....I'm effin drooling!!!

[@toddwilliams9681]

It's about time 2.5's Getting Love!!!

[@DenisKapic]

wow, the only person this video is missing is charles! well done guys

[@JaredSVX]

That thing sounds sick!

[@MrZebtoog]

These dudes are good , mad props

[@ONESONENT]

Mike is a genius....Great work and good looking VW

[@fitkid1163]

This build is beautiful!!!

[@jeremiahfeliciano8525]

Let’s gooooo!!! James came along way and now got to do an engine swap on his car👏🏼 keep the content coming on donut media

[@brickson98m]

Over 300 horse in something that small is moving! That’s where I’m trying to get with my MK7. Glad I found this video, because I was always curious about his build.

[@69bock69]

Man what a cool story! James you are the man.

[@mrb8584]

James is such a kind guy . greetings from Germany

[@IanLConnors]

VW for life!!! Love the build James!!

[@j0sh707]

Super clean!

[@danielmiller6983]

Absolutely amazing mk3. Congratulations James

[@KRISTOOF16]

Excellent project. I like the update.

[@dogman_]

These is a very clean build. I'm a huge fan of the 2.5L!

[@LastHumansGarage]

sounded insane.

[@pnwdad1261]

Awesome build and great story

[@mikeb013]

great job guys and congrats James !

[@welborns23]

Just a little test drive on Old Pineville Rd, love hearing those from Yancey.

[@KRAMPUS_G60_16V]

Great sound! ❤️

[@dan_6915]

Had one and sold it. Now i want it back. This is my 90s only tru love

[@silver911100]

So glad I’m done doing this stuff. Much more fun watching you guys spend your money and time to look cool. No hate what so ever….. getting old sucks lol. car looks good I must admit

[@theodorsonfors1391]

That exhaust pipe was a work of art 11:08

[@Exentity]

Can never go wrong with james