Turbo VW UP! GTI Conversion - EP4

A bunch of parts have arrived for our VW Up! project, so today we continue our conversion en route to making the first Up! GTI in Australia.
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Something to note around Mighty Car Mods: we are normal guys and are not trained mechanics. We like to make interesting car mods and show you how we've gone about it, but we can't promise that anything we show you will work for your particular car, or that you won't harm yourself, someone else, your car or your warranty doing it. Please be safe, be responsible and unless you know what you're doing, do not fool around with very serious machinery just because you've seen us make it look so easy. Talk to a qualified mechanic if you are in any doubt. Some of the products featured in this video may be supplied by sponsors. For a list of our current sponsors please go to mightycarmods.com

[@mightycarmods]

Grab yourself some Mighty Car Mods stuff, shipped directly from our shed to your shed: mightycarmods.com/collections/

[@DirtySlapper99]

Get frosties help

[@gfiddy5188]

Backing you both to complete by 2025

[@K1989L]

Please do a Nissan Leaf some time! I'd really like to see what you come up with it! Will it be lifted and light build for offroad or something for the track or something completely different?

[@Elektoos]

It will be worth it! @mightycarmods

[@DirtySlapper99]

@@K1989L 😆 how about ied 🤔 oh right that's standard on EVs 😂

[@BaamGames]

Its a weird thing to say, and I know a lot of pain goes on behind the camera on a lot of projects, but sometimes its nice to see and understand the difficulties behind modding cars. I think too many channels portray this sense of "this is what I did to fix it and it was not a big deal" mentality. It is nice to see you come up against issues, be open with them and the time it is taking to resolve, and bring us along with you. Keep it up guys.

[@Elad3000]

Holding the gear shifter up to his shorts killed me haha

[@Devastator0]

Hahaha yep, that one got me real good too lol

[@CrusinVK]

definitely a contender for Fank of the Week.

[@wickswirescaraudioandfabri7730]

Absolutely lost my shit 🤣🤣

[@hirevhoon7474]

Same

[@bandwagon240]

I hope you get better.

[@moe_1886]

Damn... so much promise, yet after all that, she's not even close to being converted... feelin' your pain Moog! Keep your spirits Up! Mate, you'll get there!

[@mightycarmods]

This is how it goes sometimes, taking you with us!

[@blockbertus]

@@mightycarmods Thanks, mate! Heads up and best of luck on getting this thing finished!

[@nik86toy]

“See you next time” at the end Moog you sounded more broken than at any point in your CrossFit video, I bet it will take a long time before you want to do another VAG!!

[@simongoode7812]

​@@mightycarmods Really feel for you guys! Obviously we're thinking the same about how much VAG stuff is normally interchangeable but the sh!t you've had with the UP is unreal mate. To give you an idea Stav Tech has installed a VAG 1.8 20v in an MR2 with nowhere near the issues you've had, bless ya. 🙈

[@simongoode7812]

​@@mightycarmods Really feel for you guys! Obviously we're thinking the same about how much VAG stuff is normally interchangeable but the sh!t you've had with the UP is unreal mate. To give you an idea Stav Tech has installed a VAG 1.8 20v in an MR2 with nowhere near the issues you've had, bless ya. 🙈

[@mikkelr1]

Hey moog Code the clutch function off with vcds and it should work just fine and completely free

[@LearnToRace]

This is gonna be one of those projects where once it's done your gonna love it because you overcame all these problems or you'll resent it because it was so much effort

[@noahmuir8148]

Same with the yellow civic, the reason it’s loved is mostly because of how much of a pain it was I think

[@Omeshan]

My flight leaves in 10 minutes. This was released just in time to keep me company on it! Thanks YT downloads. Can't wait!

[@mightycarmods]

Enjoy the trip!

[@patrickfargie1146]

Have a safe flight!

[@winteronice]

How was the Episode?

[@sebastiend.5335]

Brilliant

[@ikbendusan]

short flight eh?

[@camandjaiden]

I never had a dad growing up. So I am super grateful for the VAG content.

[@DannyClayton93]

It might not mean much right now, but videos like these are pretty inspirational - it brings the show even closer to earth, and that even super capable guys like you and your other helpies have issues too that are unexpected or beyond your control. So even though your car isn't done yet, we're right there in the pits with you with our little internet pompoms and vuvuzelas cheering for your success.

[@scottrussell3862]

To watch Moog obviously broken at the end was painful. But knowing Martys there he will soon have him laughing and the up will never defeat them. Chin up Moog you are a legend.

[@noremacbeez]

As an OG viewer.... and still working on my driveway.... I feel your pain... and I am consistently amazed by Marty's depth of understanding..... dude you know a million times more than most mechanics I've ever met!!!

[@mediocreman2]

Marty is what keeps everything running.

[@BanzaiYaris]

Knowing the strength Moog has from his crossfit video, seeing him pretty much broken at the end of the video is impactful. C'mon mate! You got this!!!!

[@josephkelly4893]

We have all played V.A.G roulette at times, good luck gents!! Love it

[@Danbo1976]

This is an amazing series, as a UK UP GTi owner with 190bhp which I have had for 5 years I can confirm these are amazing fun.

[@ShanePennicuik]

I just finished my turbo barra swap in my GQ patrol after a long and stressful 11 months in my shed mostly on my own and now back into getting my 180sx running again. MCM always helps me keep motivated. Thanks legends

[@TheSleepyMechanic0524]

Yet here I am losing my mind over getting a turbo kit fabbed for my 2.0 Mazda lol

[@missingpatel7349]

Builds like these are exactly what I love about Mighty Car Mods, ofcourse there are a few disappointments but it will all the more satisfying when it all comes together!

[@MatheusMelo19]

Brazilian speaking here, I don't know if I understood correctly, but he mentioned that in Brazil we had the Up GTi, just a correction in this case, we only had sports versions and not an original factory Up Gti.

[@alanburke76]

When I bought my mk7 Golf, I thought “how hard can it be” to make it a GTI. It’s certainly not as hard as the UP, but still a challenge. So I’ve decided to just do a tune and a few other bolt-ons, and it’s pretty quick. But I have much respect for y’all embarking on this project. Even cooler because you didn’t get the UP GTI in Australia. We didn’t get the UP at all in the USA, and I’m a huge VW fan so I’m really excited seeing how this is coming together.

[@daltonknapton]

So rad to see some of the OG's like Miles still around. Such a cool build!

[@clinty51]

I think what you are trying to say there Moog is....the days of just smashing in a new gearbox and engine into where it is not supposed to be....are closing and becoming more like needing a mate like Miles, a wiring pro like Dave and a wizard like Tuning fork at hand to completed your weird and wonderful dream. Lucky you are a persistent lot, and this will work. 👍👍🙌🙌

[@TheMilanMovies]

Very cool project! Really appreciate the fact that you're showing the difficulties and struggles during the project.

[@Znybar]

Literally one of the coolest builds you've done in a while. Can't wait to see it come together! All the issues are what make this interesting

[@NemesisDestiny]

I think that it's important to see defeats like this. Really captures the true essence of working on a project car. It's far too easy to focus on the victories shown in videos, but this is truer to reality. This is why people abandon projects. This is what makes yard ornaments and garage decorations that sit for a decade.

[@thatplantdude7492]

Since the initial UP build, I must say, I have seen a few more than normal on the road, with modifications. You definitely started a small movement with these little beasts. Well done boys, love your work, always!

[@user-oq5rp2ki8c]

I respect the patience you guys have during this process.. makes my conversion which I thought was a daunting process look like child’s play.. keep on going, the end goal will speak volumes 🫡

[@johncamplin3557]

Big project there and as we know nothing is easy with cars. I am a massive UP! Fan and have one as a daily. One of the best cars I have owned and I have had a lot of cars. Wish the GTI was available here in Australia, the car market here is pretty $hiTe compared to the UK. Recently found out the the UP! GTI is available from Japan but not sure if you can easily import one. Only easy way is to live in the UK for a year and then bring one over as a personal import. Believe me I have considered that! Keep UP! The good work and it will soon all fall into place. Can’t wait to see it finished.

[@niels12321]

Isn't it possible to just import one directly from the UK ?

[@johncamplin3557]

@@niels12321 I’m looking into it but very difficult due to Australian BS laws and also a car that was never sold here.

[@6point5by55]

Your pain and disappointment is something we can all relate to. It also shows there is no bs and behind the scenes trickery which keeps it all real.

[@rosscarter4309]

Keep your heads up boys, some conversions are an absolute nightmare but you still made progress and when its done you will love it.

[@Hybrid2436]

The rush of dopamine when I see a new mcm video is unreal

[@OldManAzeban]

The best part of a project like this is the uniqueness and the love that goes into it.

[@Shane_O.5158]

Moog, get the 2 wires for the clutch, wire them to a momentary switch from jaycar, press the switch and hold it while starting the engine.

[@ToomasTelling]

its a volkswagen its probably looking for the correct switch signal thru the can bus system.

[@Shane_O.5158]

yeah, sorry, i was thinking it would be a normal, sensible car. @@ToomasTelling

[@jagharingenyoutube]

@@Shane_O.5158 Remember they said that Miles is the smartest one in the room? Don´t make comments like this :D

[@Shane_O.5158]

i just LOL ed, @@jagharingenyoutube

[@hilarybragg6886]

At 77 years old, I say keep on with the project. I had Renault 5 turbos and Peugeot 205 Gti's and loved them both. Compared to the Up Gti the Renaults were like tractors, fast, yes but no comfort at all. On country roads I still get a kick out of driving the up!

[@wowdogeful]

I love to see how passionate you're about this. The upExclamationpoint GTI is already quite rare in Europe (it was a hard sell given how close it was in price to the Fiesta ST or Hyundai i20 N), but in Australia it will be completely unique. I know the haters will be like "why didn't you just go to the dealer and buy a Fiesta ST it's cheaper and objectively better yada yada yada" but this isn't about making a car that's objectively good for the price, it's about making something unique that no one else has.

[@megasoctopuslegionofcake6248]

It was cheap as chips when it first came out, ~£15k with options, it was pretty much on back order for all of it's production, the price was increased post emissions update but still was back ordered for months.

[@iantownsend500]

I’ve driven an UP! before, really good fun, the UP! GTI has always been on my list of cars a want to own, this series is making me want one even more, can’t wait for you guys to start it & take it around a track

[@blitzeazy]

Perfect place for the VW is the bin

[@zeljanavdic]

That fact that you’re talking about VAG followed by the chopped (scissors) sight. Epic! 😂

[@Doullzie]

Bring back 180 content 😊

[@spaghetti5038]

Do they even still have it? I don't even remember the last time I saw it or what's happening with it.

[@jackverna339]

We've had 8 years of rwd nissan content, small fwd cars are where it's truly at

[@Doullzie]

@@spaghetti5038 that is a forever car for Moog, he'll never let it go

[@Doullzie]

@@jackverna339 8 years not long enough

[@jackverna339]

@@Doullzie man judging by the profile pic you own one, if you want 180 content walk outside 😅 yours is nicer to look at anyway

[@glennarnold3970]

on a serious note Moog if your steering colomn is 47mm where the plastic sleeve slides on to for your blinkers /wipers a mk5 golf/jetta one will fit i just went out and measured a mk5 jetta one hope this helps

[@koncretekicks3981]

Feel like I've been waiting ages for this to drop🙌

[@afella29]

You can code out clutch down start. They do it on the manual stage 3 mk7r to stop the thrust bearing falling into the sump on cold starts. Otherwise you get crank walk

[@likethewords]

I so appreciate the persistence of you to see this through!

[@GamerGabbar]

Being a Audi 4.0T guy. I see many things that are so similar to this little Up GTi setup. Extremely amazing. Love the video guys!

[@eppyz]

You can really see MOOG's frustration with this project. These newer cars running a CAN BUS system have so many modules for this and that, its crazy. Before people begin to rip on VW for all this or that, MOST if not ALL new cars are like this. Its what happens when Technology hits the streets in a modern way. If ANYONE can do this project its MCM, so turn that frown upside down MOOG and keep moving FORWARD👍

[@h15ean]

Hey guys. If you get vagcom, you can program out the press clutch to start. That way you will not need the switch. Loving the program Sean from Scotland 😊

[@kiwijonowilson]

It seems extremely common for projects to grind to a halt with these sort of compatibility problems. The fact that MCM has overcome the issues so well on previous builds speaks volumes on how well you execute them! I'm sure you will prevail (even if it means changing direction a bit)!

[@fedor5664]

As a VW mechanic this sometimes hurts to watch… but the determination these guys have is unmatchable

[@ThatRcThing]

Stay strong Moog! It will be worth it in the end

[@haikorudigr3818]

That is the most inspiring video I’ve seen from you guys. No matter what gets in your way, how big the obstacles might be, or hard that car hits you in the face, you want it so do it. That’s the way everyone should live their life.

[@PKpapa-kd1lb]

😊 hold ur head up boys its a easy fix to send the switch signal back haltec ecu pin pals for the win mount it and send the signal and u should be good its a 2 wire sensor at most if not a break switch that goes to ground so when u press it the switch opens and the signal completes can't waite to see it running next vid for sure

[@YOEL_44]

Cars are pain, I'm slowly learning that too, but keep it Up, it'll eventually work and it will be incredibly rewarding!!

[@alexzviagin3648]

I love golf gti, now I use MK8 anniversary 40, adaptive suspension, very soft with 19 wheels, very convenient for the city

[@The_Absolute_Dog]

The ups and downs, loving the journey. Can't wait for the destination!

[@MrHaggibear]

Crazy to see the amount of tinkering you have to do to make modern cars work with parts they weren't really meant to use... Good luck with the project though! It's always cool to see you guys working hard to figure it out!

[@gwynn1104]

I love this build - it’s all real world troubleshooting.

[@althafazh304]

Hang in there moog! You’ve already committed to this point . Only a small amount left . Make tons of videos with it and make your money and smile back!

[@bgee461]

VWs used to be an enthusiast car back in the 80s 90s... little bit in the 2000s. Now im not so sure anymore. You guys are pretty advanced wrenchers and have resources available, and still it fights you at every step. The subaru, the honda... those conversions went super smoothly.

[@jpstrim]

Chin UP! It's all coming together, tackling one problem at a time takes all the extra effort but its worth it.

[@Atem_S.]

That is crazy... Full blown project! no choice now!!! Seats, Alcantara steering & knob, whiteline sway bars, spring, tire, rims.. and it will be one sexy GTI for the street and a hell of a fun ride for the track!

[@dennisnijholt3046]

love the UP GTI , upgraded it to 140hp 5 doors, so much fun to drive

[@yeahboiproductions7065]

Fair play for tackling this lads. VW are like the Apple of the car world. Maybe put Haltec on speed dial for when the car realises it's not fitted with the factory ecu/bcm etc etc. Keep up the good work lads this is interesting! You'll get there in the end! ✌🏼

[@PsychoStreak]

Really interesting seeing the difficulties in adapting parts between model years on newer cars. Seems much harder now in terms of mapping out what works with what and what won't, then having to adjust based on what you can actually buy.

[@mokateer]

Oh please keep going! Have my GTI for about a year now and I tell you it’s worth any amount of trouble to get it working! You will enjoy it!! Greetings from germany 🍀🍀🍀🍀

[@emil3672]

This project hits home in a different way I was changing an engine in an old golf tdi, as the original threw a rod at almost 600.000km's, and I had to give up on that project as I had issues with finding the correct combination of of clucth/box and hubs I ended up with more than 20 combinations of product numbers over 5 different products, from 3 different brands of vw, Skoda, and seat And that was just for standard tdi, no special version or anything

[@wtmf80]

I completely understand what you're going through, Moog. I have been there several times myself. Glad to see you continuing to push through to the end. The result will be worth the struggle.

[@NoDayz0ff]

you can bypass the clutch switch by sticking a pin into both pin holes to close the loop, works everytime

[@osobuki]

Nice work guys. As a tip,on the VAG group the VW polo/Golf 1.0 tsi 110-115hp/ Seat Ibiza & Leon 1.0 tsi 115hp share the same gearbox with the Up gti. Not sure if the Audi A1 share it too,but can check specs if the engine is also the 1.0 tsi 110/115hp it will work for sure.

[@simonlb24]

I love watching these guys smooshing VAG parts together! 🤣

[@adammurdoch1708]

Man that difference in model year is kicking your butt

[@Ceen328]

Shout out to you for the fact, that your shop always looks clean and organized. I never understood, how some youtubers could work in their swamp pits.

[@lepermessiyah5823]

Hang in there lads, you will get it sorted. It will be that much sweeter when youre driving it. Also love the voice overs poking fun at things like getting hit in the shin. Sort of thing you guys do best.

[@ASBO_LUTELY]

Because you can is sometimes all the reason you need!

[@nukedathlonman]

I wish to answer a question (rapid fire): 1. it's a cool adventure 2. It'll be unique & 3. Many car people do things that simply don't make financial "cents". I think this is a cool project - it's a car we didn't get in anyway shape or form.

[@Nordspets]

Must feel so good to finally finish up some ongoing projects!

[@johnbeer4963]

Nice. Been wondering how You were getting along with this. It used to be that way with scrap yards in the UK. You'd have to get the Yellow Pages out and call 47 of them to get a part even for a common car. Then you'd turn up and have to remove what turned out to be a worn out part yourself. Most of those old school yards have either gone or evolved into the big professional outfits we have now.

[@YeMadAzza]

The comment about how long it's taken for the project - and the bolt bucket - really resonates with me. I think a lot of people in the online car community these days forget how long these kinds of things really take

[@MrZX1206]

I love how your program unites people all over the world. Someone in the UK recognizes your voice on the phone and contributes. Someone else gets you in touch with a German who can get you what you need. Imagine what humanity could accomplish if everyone on the planet would just work together to solve problems.

[@edwardfairbanks5758]

This is the unfortunate reality of being the first to do a conversion in any given region. A lot of the time you guys have into this build is waiting on the parts to be shipped. Keep your heads up. This WILL get done, and it will be AWESOME!

[@5alm0n]

Keep your head up guys, looks like it’s going to take time but it’s a great project!

[@alman6581]

Aww shucks lads - put the clutch switch on a bypass and push it when turning the key. Swap it out when you get the parts. Yes Cowboy is my middle name, well my mother said it was Herman, but I think I earned Cowboy.

[@KidMeatball]

I feel your pain. Sometimes when you're looking for a win, some little success, you find nothing but failure after failure. It sucks. It is so demoralizing. I know you guys though, and I know your strength. I've seen your resilience. One of my art professors told me to not be afraid of failure. It's hard when you are hit with this kind of adversity. Again, I know you guys and I know you will figure this out. Thanks for keeping us inspired! Looking forward to seeing the Up! on the track!

[@xarups]

MOOG, from Brazil, there are Up TSI's here. The turbo version. There are a lot of engine blowups with these engines when you increase the factory power so... Be aware of that. Maybe run the 5w40 oil to prevent heat damage. Specially since it's a 3 cylinder.

[@RMFA5]

honestamente eu nunca vi casos de problemas com os motores tsi nem com mapa + downpipe e até com troca da turbina. Lembro de uma leva de ups quebrando pelo mapa de uma preparadora e claro podem ocorrer casos, mas “a lot” é no mínimo exageiro. Conheço diversos com mapa/dp e até turbinas trocadas rodando há muito tempo…

[@Neukom720]

You will get it, so many steps closer! Get the gti clutch pedal and switch and all the gti column bits to fit the gti column and while your at it grab those knuckles so you can do the big brakes and your in business! Can't wait to see your smile when your driving the ONLY UP GTI in Australia!!!!!!

[@ruudmeulenberg4448]

Guys, in the Netherlands there are some many specialist who, without any doubt, can help you with these parts including shipping to Australia

[@GB-kp6hf]

Good to see the more realistic side of rebuilds. A battler from start to eventual finish!

[@ddraidex6842]

So sad you didn’t get to start it but I wish you luck in the future. Thanks for another great video.

[@jakep1481]

The rock music in the first minute or so is one of my favorite background music they do in their videos. Always gets me pumped.

[@gearheadgarage3429]

It will be GREA once completed....Keep your spirits up and head down.........Can't wait to here the little thing roar to life.

[@BenHut69]

Such cool content. I know this project is kicking yall in your arses, but I love hearing the thinking of the project out loud. Feels like we are in the garage with you guys!Can’t wait to see more progress, good luck fellas!

[@malhayes4725]

Be strong. Hang tough. So many of the mods come down to, get both units put them on the ground next to each other, see what's different.

[@zaink7037]

Im an up enthusiast and own a custom modified up. With the steering column and stalks you need newer stalks i believe after 2013 as these should fit. The way to know if they are the newer stalks is they are square in shape not rounded like your current stalks are

[@KuroRyuu86]

ahhhhhhhh the cars are two years apart. Thats why there are few changes in the parts!!!! VW should have done a comparison between the AU model and the EU model to determine what you guys needed. SOOO frustrating to make the ONLY VW UP gti in aussie land lol. Im sure you have fixed this problem. Can't wait to see it.

[@ELISHANESFUSIONWORX]

Looking forward to seeing this little up run. It's going to be awesome❤

[@mpwr321bhp]

Keep the faith boys you will get here, and epic content on the way as always...

[@livelyjay]

I highly recommend y'all check out Paul and The Humble Mechanic. They swapped a newer Golf GTI drivetrain and had an absolute nightmare of a time due to all the computer nonsense going on with modules and security features. You would have been better off buying a full wrecked Up GTI for the swap. Best of luck to you and the crew if you stick with the project.

[@TheGorillaBiker]

This is actually really cool to see, keep the chin up!

[@shaunqueale282]

Keep after guys, you’ll get there👍👍. Worthwhile projects always throw you one...or 10 curveballs.🙂

[@golfmk2]

I'd no idea that an engine swap into this little Up would be such a mammoth task. Yes, acquiring parts was always going to be tough, but not all the additional work too, with incompatible components. Crazy that such a small, often considered 'simple' car is the one closest to I've seen breaking you guys.

[@Frankenslide]

when this build first came to the channel i honestly thought i wasnt going to care about it too much, but after the content ran dry for so long i always found myself looking for MCM video releases and praying they were UP GTI videos! this has become one of my favorites lol. cant wait to see it run and im glad you guys arent just cutting corners like a clutch pedal depress bypass or something, and you want it all done like factory. this is super cool and im dying to see more content for this car!

[@HSVR383SC]

Great video! For all the reasons you mentioned I have always had a dual sport bike. Just upgraded my DR650 to a Gas Gas ES700. Laughed out loud at the Google maps bit. Exactly what I do! Thanks from South Australia for the great content👍

[@Wingspan_5]

The dedication is inspiring.