Discussion
Weekend update
Got to working on sorting the interior out a bit, have decided I am not going to run back seats and the boot carpet only goes up to where they would be so I have remade the boot carpet section and a cover to go over the seat area. All made from 6mm MDF and then trimmed in some fake alcantara I had left over from trimming the headlining of my last car. Whole job done for less than £20!
IMG_0516 by lukegodbold, on Flickr
IMG_0517 by lukegodbold, on Flickr
IMG_0526 by lukegodbold, on Flickr
IMG_0523 by lukegodbold, on Flickr
Also found out the wiring issue, the ignition plug isn't always making a good circuit and stops it from starting, so need to take apart and see what can be done, hopefully get away with repining it. (mate makes wiring looms for race teams so job for him!!)
Getting closer to
Got to working on sorting the interior out a bit, have decided I am not going to run back seats and the boot carpet only goes up to where they would be so I have remade the boot carpet section and a cover to go over the seat area. All made from 6mm MDF and then trimmed in some fake alcantara I had left over from trimming the headlining of my last car. Whole job done for less than £20!
IMG_0516 by lukegodbold, on Flickr
IMG_0517 by lukegodbold, on Flickr
IMG_0526 by lukegodbold, on Flickr
IMG_0523 by lukegodbold, on Flickr
Also found out the wiring issue, the ignition plug isn't always making a good circuit and stops it from starting, so need to take apart and see what can be done, hopefully get away with repining it. (mate makes wiring looms for race teams so job for him!!)
Getting closer to
Edited by W4X LG on Monday 28th March 09:52
After a week of using the car for the first time in 6 months, it was time to sort out a couple of bits.
Took it down to The Wheel Specialist in fareham to have a look at the stuck in locking wheel nut dude to the key being knackered! Have to say a big Thanks to them for getting it out without any damage to the wheel at all, saved me a lot of messing about and more than certain damage!
Then it was booked in down at Regal Autosport for the exhaust tip to be changed and an MOT carried out. Dropped the car off in the morning and got sent some pics to check I was happy with the positioning
All done and the standard brackets replaced on the underside of the pipe. Really pleased with how it looks.
Only down side is that it then failed the MOT on a couple of little things such as the brake lights not working, turns out I had knocked the plug out of the switch when trying to sort out another wiring issue!
The other problem is that one of the front brake lines needs replacing, not a major job but has now got me looking at fitting a set of Brembo 4 pots my mate has lying around! So yesterday had a look to see if it was possible to make them work and what i need to do to get them on.
The calipers are from the rear of a Touareg/cayenne and normally run a 330mm disc I currently run a set of TT 312mm brakes, need to have a look at the pad sweep on the smaller discs but will probably go up to mk4 R32 discs which are 330mm and are in the correct 5x100 pcd fitment.
If I decide to fit them i need
- Adaptors to mount the calipers (have found a set that should work just need to double check)
- New custom front brake lines
- Possibly new bigger discs
- Pads still have life in them so will get them on and working then look at new pads.
Hopefully get it sorted in the week either way.
Took it down to The Wheel Specialist in fareham to have a look at the stuck in locking wheel nut dude to the key being knackered! Have to say a big Thanks to them for getting it out without any damage to the wheel at all, saved me a lot of messing about and more than certain damage!
Then it was booked in down at Regal Autosport for the exhaust tip to be changed and an MOT carried out. Dropped the car off in the morning and got sent some pics to check I was happy with the positioning
All done and the standard brackets replaced on the underside of the pipe. Really pleased with how it looks.
Only down side is that it then failed the MOT on a couple of little things such as the brake lights not working, turns out I had knocked the plug out of the switch when trying to sort out another wiring issue!
The other problem is that one of the front brake lines needs replacing, not a major job but has now got me looking at fitting a set of Brembo 4 pots my mate has lying around! So yesterday had a look to see if it was possible to make them work and what i need to do to get them on.
The calipers are from the rear of a Touareg/cayenne and normally run a 330mm disc I currently run a set of TT 312mm brakes, need to have a look at the pad sweep on the smaller discs but will probably go up to mk4 R32 discs which are 330mm and are in the correct 5x100 pcd fitment.
If I decide to fit them i need
- Adaptors to mount the calipers (have found a set that should work just need to double check)
- New custom front brake lines
- Possibly new bigger discs
- Pads still have life in them so will get them on and working then look at new pads.
Hopefully get it sorted in the week either way.
My new Goodridge hoses turned up today!
DSC03176 by lukegodbold, on Flickr
DSC03178 by lukegodbold, on Flickr
So now just need to find some time to fit them, bleed the system and get it MOT'd! Then look at making the brembos work on the car!
May have to steel the girl friends new car and go out for a quick blast to get my fix this weekend!
DSC03153 by lukegodbold, on Flickr
DSC03149 by lukegodbold, on Flickr
DSC03148 by lukegodbold, on Flickr
Got a few little bits in mind for that as well!
DSC03176 by lukegodbold, on Flickr
DSC03178 by lukegodbold, on Flickr
So now just need to find some time to fit them, bleed the system and get it MOT'd! Then look at making the brembos work on the car!
May have to steel the girl friends new car and go out for a quick blast to get my fix this weekend!
DSC03153 by lukegodbold, on Flickr
DSC03149 by lukegodbold, on Flickr
DSC03148 by lukegodbold, on Flickr
Got a few little bits in mind for that as well!
Little update!
Been enjoying the car for the most part over the last month and also made a couple of little changes.
First of was the front end after having a little incident, I have changed the front lights back to a standard set all be it with the insides tinted these give a much better light coverage than the old lights even with HIDs in them! I will be ordering some of the correct fitment HID bulbs to use in these lights in the next few weeks. I have also changed back to a debadged grill.
DSC03466 by lukegodbold, on Flickr
At the rear I put the standard tinted rear lights back in for the MOT but have left them in as I can't decide which I prefer. The all reds look more modern, and having standard front and rear lights seems to age the car but I think the darker lights tie in better apart from the orange indicator section. If i could get hold of a set of the Hella all blacks for decent money I think I would be happy!
DSC03479 by lukegodbold, on Flickr
the lights look darker in the flesh for some reason?
I remembered I had a bit of ducting lying around from an air filter and with a rolling road day coming up I decided to try and make it fit, so wedged it in behind the front duct and run it up to the filter, not sure if it will make much difference but didn't cost anything!
DSC03475 by lukegodbold, on Flickr
Last weekend I had organised a Rolling Road day down at Regal Autosport in Southampton and took the opportunity to run the VR to see how she was doing! Last time out it made about 194bhp and since all I have done is change the exhaust system and this time it made 200.1bhp on a much hotter day and with very smooth curves, so was pretty happy with that considering its about 20bhp up on standard and also made 8bhp more than a 2.9 VR6 Corrado with just an exhaust system fitted also. Not crazy numbers but proved the old girl has plenty of fight still in her!
DSC03444 by lukegodbold, on Flickr
DSC03445 by lukegodbold, on Flickr
DSC03447 by lukegodbold, on Flickr
Short iphone video on the rollers
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0mvSzOoom_I&fea...
Been enjoying the car for the most part over the last month and also made a couple of little changes.
First of was the front end after having a little incident, I have changed the front lights back to a standard set all be it with the insides tinted these give a much better light coverage than the old lights even with HIDs in them! I will be ordering some of the correct fitment HID bulbs to use in these lights in the next few weeks. I have also changed back to a debadged grill.
DSC03466 by lukegodbold, on Flickr
At the rear I put the standard tinted rear lights back in for the MOT but have left them in as I can't decide which I prefer. The all reds look more modern, and having standard front and rear lights seems to age the car but I think the darker lights tie in better apart from the orange indicator section. If i could get hold of a set of the Hella all blacks for decent money I think I would be happy!
DSC03479 by lukegodbold, on Flickr
the lights look darker in the flesh for some reason?
I remembered I had a bit of ducting lying around from an air filter and with a rolling road day coming up I decided to try and make it fit, so wedged it in behind the front duct and run it up to the filter, not sure if it will make much difference but didn't cost anything!
DSC03475 by lukegodbold, on Flickr
Last weekend I had organised a Rolling Road day down at Regal Autosport in Southampton and took the opportunity to run the VR to see how she was doing! Last time out it made about 194bhp and since all I have done is change the exhaust system and this time it made 200.1bhp on a much hotter day and with very smooth curves, so was pretty happy with that considering its about 20bhp up on standard and also made 8bhp more than a 2.9 VR6 Corrado with just an exhaust system fitted also. Not crazy numbers but proved the old girl has plenty of fight still in her!
DSC03444 by lukegodbold, on Flickr
DSC03445 by lukegodbold, on Flickr
DSC03447 by lukegodbold, on Flickr
Short iphone video on the rollers
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0mvSzOoom_I&fea...
Popped out last night with the camera and got a few pics (car is dirty!)
DSC03526 by lukegodbold, on Flickr
DSC03518 by lukegodbold, on Flickr
DSC03502 by lukegodbold, on Flickr
DSC03497 by lukegodbold, on Flickr
DSC03554 by lukegodbold, on Flickr
DSC03531 by lukegodbold, on Flickr
DSC03526 by lukegodbold, on Flickr
DSC03518 by lukegodbold, on Flickr
DSC03502 by lukegodbold, on Flickr
DSC03497 by lukegodbold, on Flickr
DSC03554 by lukegodbold, on Flickr
DSC03531 by lukegodbold, on Flickr
Time to start doing some updating of this tread as its now off the road again, used for a grand total of 6 months this year and massive 1781 miles!!
Manages to pick up a set of poly rear bushes off one of the other forums pretty cheap and thought I would take on changing them myself, did a bit of research and the general consensus was that it was a pain in the arse to do! Oh well never learn if you don't have a go!
Jacket up the rear and wipped the wheels off
IMG_0897 by lukegodbold, on Flickr
Then undid the front mounting bolts and lowered the beam in the hope I could leave it in place - but no!
IMG_0900 by lukegodbold, on Flickr
In the end took the beam of completely.
IMG_0906 by lukegodbold, on Flickr
Next job was to try and get the old bushes out, the rubber inserts weren't really any issue but had definately seen better days
IMG_0907 by lukegodbold, on Flickr
IMG_0908 by lukegodbold, on Flickr
Getting the metal sleave out turned into a right pain in the arse but got them out in the end. Once out I slapped a quick coat of hammerite on the beam.
IMG_0904 by lukegodbold, on Flickr
Refitted the beam with the new poly bushes in was a bit of a struggle on my own but with the help of my brother who had just happened to pop round got it back on and bolted up.
IMG_0925 by lukegodbold, on Flickr
Next I thought as i am doing the bushes I may aswell replace the rear top mounts quick trip to TPS and new upper mounts ordered but the lower top mounts are now discontinued, a sign its is actually getting an old car! Managed to pick up a set from GSF for next to no money in the end.
IMG_0919 by lukegodbold, on Flickr
IMG_0918 by lukegodbold, on Flickr
New on the right.
Other jobs I hope to get done over the winter (time and money allowing) include:
Polybush wishbones
New top mounts
New track rod ends
New Ball joints
Uprated antiroll bars
Rose jointed drop links
Uprated engine mounts
Larger 2.5” decat pipe
Brembo 4 pots
330/340mm front disks depending if I can get the Brembos to work on the current 312mm disks
Move battery to boot/Fit battery cut off switch
Front lower brace
Manages to pick up a set of poly rear bushes off one of the other forums pretty cheap and thought I would take on changing them myself, did a bit of research and the general consensus was that it was a pain in the arse to do! Oh well never learn if you don't have a go!
Jacket up the rear and wipped the wheels off
IMG_0897 by lukegodbold, on Flickr
Then undid the front mounting bolts and lowered the beam in the hope I could leave it in place - but no!
IMG_0900 by lukegodbold, on Flickr
In the end took the beam of completely.
IMG_0906 by lukegodbold, on Flickr
Next job was to try and get the old bushes out, the rubber inserts weren't really any issue but had definately seen better days
IMG_0907 by lukegodbold, on Flickr
IMG_0908 by lukegodbold, on Flickr
Getting the metal sleave out turned into a right pain in the arse but got them out in the end. Once out I slapped a quick coat of hammerite on the beam.
IMG_0904 by lukegodbold, on Flickr
Refitted the beam with the new poly bushes in was a bit of a struggle on my own but with the help of my brother who had just happened to pop round got it back on and bolted up.
IMG_0925 by lukegodbold, on Flickr
Next I thought as i am doing the bushes I may aswell replace the rear top mounts quick trip to TPS and new upper mounts ordered but the lower top mounts are now discontinued, a sign its is actually getting an old car! Managed to pick up a set from GSF for next to no money in the end.
IMG_0919 by lukegodbold, on Flickr
IMG_0918 by lukegodbold, on Flickr
New on the right.
Other jobs I hope to get done over the winter (time and money allowing) include:
Polybush wishbones
New top mounts
New track rod ends
New Ball joints
Uprated antiroll bars
Rose jointed drop links
Uprated engine mounts
Larger 2.5” decat pipe
Brembo 4 pots
330/340mm front disks depending if I can get the Brembos to work on the current 312mm disks
Move battery to boot/Fit battery cut off switch
Front lower brace
Been doing a couple of small bits and bobs over the last few weeks. I had spotted on another VR6 build thread that the guy had made his own rose jointed drop links and thought I would steal the idea and have a go myself, as I needed to replace one anyway.
Got the old one off and ordered some high performance joints from these guys.
http://www.mcgillmotorsports.co.uk/index.php?act=v...
The two next to each other
DSC04240 by lukegodbold, on Flickr
I had to trim the male end down in order to get them the same length as the stand ones.
DSC04244 by lukegodbold, on Flickr
Then trial fit one on the car to see how it would work,
DSC04249 by lukegodbold, on Flickr
When I fitted again i used some spring washers to give me a bit more clearance.
I also managed to pick up a second hand custom made lower brace for less than it would have cost me to make one. It fits between the wishbone mounting points and joins to the subframe, they are said to make a big difference on the mk3 but we will see. Once it arrived I sanded off the old paint/surface rust and gave it a quick coat of paint and lacquer. Will probably end up getting it powdered coated next time i drop some bits off to be done.
DSC04330 by lukegodbold, on Flickr
Will get some poly wishbone bushes ordered this week and start getting all the bits i need to do the rest of the front end in one go.
Polybush wishbones
New top mounts front
New top mounts rear
New track rod ends
New Ball joints
Uprated antiroll bars
Rose jointed drop links
Uprated engine mounts
Larger 2.5” decat pipe
Brembo 4 pots
330/340mm front disks depending if I can get the Brembos to work on the current 312mm disks
Move battery to boot/Fit battery cut off switch
Front lower brace
Got the old one off and ordered some high performance joints from these guys.
http://www.mcgillmotorsports.co.uk/index.php?act=v...
The two next to each other
DSC04240 by lukegodbold, on Flickr
I had to trim the male end down in order to get them the same length as the stand ones.
DSC04244 by lukegodbold, on Flickr
Then trial fit one on the car to see how it would work,
DSC04249 by lukegodbold, on Flickr
When I fitted again i used some spring washers to give me a bit more clearance.
I also managed to pick up a second hand custom made lower brace for less than it would have cost me to make one. It fits between the wishbone mounting points and joins to the subframe, they are said to make a big difference on the mk3 but we will see. Once it arrived I sanded off the old paint/surface rust and gave it a quick coat of paint and lacquer. Will probably end up getting it powdered coated next time i drop some bits off to be done.
DSC04330 by lukegodbold, on Flickr
Will get some poly wishbone bushes ordered this week and start getting all the bits i need to do the rest of the front end in one go.
Polybush wishbones
New top mounts front
New track rod ends
New Ball joints
Uprated antiroll bars
Uprated engine mounts
Larger 2.5” decat pipe
Brembo 4 pots
330/340mm front disks depending if I can get the Brembos to work on the current 312mm disks
Move battery to boot/Fit battery cut off switch
melvster said:
Wow, hats off to you sir, only just stumbled across this thread, just something about a tastefully modified mark 3 that looks so right. Quick question about the wrap, how do you clean it and keep the best finish? Also can you wax the wrap?
Mine isn't wrapped now its painted blue, but look after some wrapped cars and they can be washed the same way as a painted car unless its matt then you need a shampoo without and gloss enhancers/wax in it. I also wax them the same as a painted car adds some protect and makes cleaning easier.I am now really considering doing the wheels orange!
Not sure if it maybe a step to far or strangely cool??!!
Gassing Station | Readers' Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff