Discussion
Hi,
I've wanted one of these for years but life, house, kids etc got in the way and I finally got my hands on one a couple of years ago. If you're on the Corrado forum too (not many on there these days) you'll have seen much of this to date.
I bought the car completely standard and the plan is to keep it that way but with a few choice modifications to make it OEM+
Here she was in the first few months of ownership
Jobs completed during the first half 2018
Mechancials:
1. Full Service
2. ABS front sensor replacement
3. Thermostat, 3 sensors in housing plus rad fan switch.
4. Fuel Pressure Regulator
5. Coil Pack & HT Leads replaced
6. Handbrake adjusted
7. 2 new tyres
Bodywork:
1. 10p rust patch on sunroof fixed and lid resprayed
2. New boot lid fitted and resprayed
3. Both sills and the top treated for rust and repainted
4. All arches treated and protected as rust was starting to creep in.
5. Small scabs forming on leading edge of bonnet sorted
6. Rear towing eye treated for rust and resprayed.
6. Wheels refurbished
Picture from body shop
Then the sunroof broke of course. Being new the scene I bought a replacement from a breaker on the facebook forum for £225. Installed it and it broke a week later. I then investigated and found the Passat B4 moonroof and Mk3 golf mechanism was a lot stronger so replaced with those at a cost of £35 quid for the mechanism and £50 for the passat roof.
Whilst I was there I retrimmed the rooflining too, not a great picture but easy enough to do. I sourced materials from AS Trims (light grey) for around £40.
I had an intermittent ABS warning and on reading the codes it transpired I had a few issues:
1) the front offside sensor
2) the brake poisition sensor (in the master cyclinder)
3) pump faults (more on that later).
I repaired the ABS sensor fairly easily but the brake position sensor is obsolete so required taking apart and fixing as the solder joints dry out:
There were two hard bits to this job:
1. Getting the circlip off the sensor so I could remove it from the car. You'll need a mirror if it's positioned like mine.
2. Taking the sensor apart without wrecking the outer casing.
The procedure:
1. Pump the brake pedal a few times to relieve the vacuum in the master cylinder.
2. Remove bits from engine bay to gain good access to remove the circlip. You'll need a mirror so you can see what you're doing to get it off. I have a set of hook and picks that I used a couple of to get it off.
3. Sensor removed, make sure you have the o-ring too and don't lose the circlip either!
4. Sensor disassembled. I took it apart by picking out the factory sealant and using an electricians screwdriver to pry it apart, without putting too much strain on the outer casing. It was a fiddly job and took a while to free it apart.
5. I've never soldered before. First I cleaned up old solder from the joints by heating it up with the iron and using the solder vacuum sucker thing the extract it. I then re-soldered the circuit board to the points.
6. I then losely put it back together and tested it using my multi meter. I haven't used this before either but googled. I looked for the symbol ".)))" which I googled as meaning continuity. I then hooked the red and black testers to the points on the sensor. I got a reading between 250 to 850 as I slid the plunger thing in and out.
7. I then got some clear sealant from the shed and put it back together.
Bilstein B12 kit fitted. For those interested there is an issue with the rear springs supplied (they sit waay too low compared to front).
Incorrect rear PN EW 851 3002 HA
Correct rear PN 850 2002 HA
I then had the underside treated with DInitrol products. The car was sound as can be seen in the pictures below but I wanted it kept tip top:
Before:
After:
I then refurbished the gear knob and the steering wheel:
Before:
After:
I then found a good website (free - just register) https://cazana.com/ to find out previous car adverts of your car. Found mine and the for sale text - nice read and if you're still about on the forums feel free to chip into this thread or PM me I'd love to know if the timing chains have ever been done.
I'm pretty sure the owner (rog893 ?? ) is on here somewhere, The car was based in Andover and had been serviced at a garage there for around 10 years.
I feel bad about changing the suspension now... but the front shocks were leaking.. .
"N865WJL Volkswagen Corrado
1995 VW Corrado VR6, 2 lady owners from new, full service history from new, completely original down to number plate surrounds, excellent condition viewing absolutely essential to appreciate this car, just had new rear brakes and wheel bearings, also front brake calipers renewed, car will have a new mot upon sale, no expense has been spared looking after this car in our ownership it is our baby, everything works inc sunroof and rear spoiler and the original scorpion alarm, there is slight wear to drivers side seat bolster but this is really normal on Corrado seats, we are members of the Corrado forums so we know quite a bit about them, any questions please ask we are located in Hampshire, we think this is one of the most original looked after corrados out there, there is no rust or dents, it is pretty much immaculate, we are gutted we have to sell but we just dont use it any more, its always been garaged and not been out in the winter for last 9 years."
---
Fast forward to current day.... the car is currently awaiting pickup from Stealth Racing after some extensive work.... more on that in the next post
I've wanted one of these for years but life, house, kids etc got in the way and I finally got my hands on one a couple of years ago. If you're on the Corrado forum too (not many on there these days) you'll have seen much of this to date.
I bought the car completely standard and the plan is to keep it that way but with a few choice modifications to make it OEM+
Here she was in the first few months of ownership
Jobs completed during the first half 2018
Mechancials:
1. Full Service
2. ABS front sensor replacement
3. Thermostat, 3 sensors in housing plus rad fan switch.
4. Fuel Pressure Regulator
5. Coil Pack & HT Leads replaced
6. Handbrake adjusted
7. 2 new tyres
Bodywork:
1. 10p rust patch on sunroof fixed and lid resprayed
2. New boot lid fitted and resprayed
3. Both sills and the top treated for rust and repainted
4. All arches treated and protected as rust was starting to creep in.
5. Small scabs forming on leading edge of bonnet sorted
6. Rear towing eye treated for rust and resprayed.
6. Wheels refurbished
Picture from body shop
Then the sunroof broke of course. Being new the scene I bought a replacement from a breaker on the facebook forum for £225. Installed it and it broke a week later. I then investigated and found the Passat B4 moonroof and Mk3 golf mechanism was a lot stronger so replaced with those at a cost of £35 quid for the mechanism and £50 for the passat roof.
Whilst I was there I retrimmed the rooflining too, not a great picture but easy enough to do. I sourced materials from AS Trims (light grey) for around £40.
I had an intermittent ABS warning and on reading the codes it transpired I had a few issues:
1) the front offside sensor
2) the brake poisition sensor (in the master cyclinder)
3) pump faults (more on that later).
I repaired the ABS sensor fairly easily but the brake position sensor is obsolete so required taking apart and fixing as the solder joints dry out:
There were two hard bits to this job:
1. Getting the circlip off the sensor so I could remove it from the car. You'll need a mirror if it's positioned like mine.
2. Taking the sensor apart without wrecking the outer casing.
The procedure:
1. Pump the brake pedal a few times to relieve the vacuum in the master cylinder.
2. Remove bits from engine bay to gain good access to remove the circlip. You'll need a mirror so you can see what you're doing to get it off. I have a set of hook and picks that I used a couple of to get it off.
3. Sensor removed, make sure you have the o-ring too and don't lose the circlip either!
4. Sensor disassembled. I took it apart by picking out the factory sealant and using an electricians screwdriver to pry it apart, without putting too much strain on the outer casing. It was a fiddly job and took a while to free it apart.
5. I've never soldered before. First I cleaned up old solder from the joints by heating it up with the iron and using the solder vacuum sucker thing the extract it. I then re-soldered the circuit board to the points.
6. I then losely put it back together and tested it using my multi meter. I haven't used this before either but googled. I looked for the symbol ".)))" which I googled as meaning continuity. I then hooked the red and black testers to the points on the sensor. I got a reading between 250 to 850 as I slid the plunger thing in and out.
7. I then got some clear sealant from the shed and put it back together.
Bilstein B12 kit fitted. For those interested there is an issue with the rear springs supplied (they sit waay too low compared to front).
Incorrect rear PN EW 851 3002 HA
Correct rear PN 850 2002 HA
I then had the underside treated with DInitrol products. The car was sound as can be seen in the pictures below but I wanted it kept tip top:
Before:
After:
I then refurbished the gear knob and the steering wheel:
Before:
After:
I then found a good website (free - just register) https://cazana.com/ to find out previous car adverts of your car. Found mine and the for sale text - nice read and if you're still about on the forums feel free to chip into this thread or PM me I'd love to know if the timing chains have ever been done.
I'm pretty sure the owner (rog893 ?? ) is on here somewhere, The car was based in Andover and had been serviced at a garage there for around 10 years.
I feel bad about changing the suspension now... but the front shocks were leaking.. .
"N865WJL Volkswagen Corrado
1995 VW Corrado VR6, 2 lady owners from new, full service history from new, completely original down to number plate surrounds, excellent condition viewing absolutely essential to appreciate this car, just had new rear brakes and wheel bearings, also front brake calipers renewed, car will have a new mot upon sale, no expense has been spared looking after this car in our ownership it is our baby, everything works inc sunroof and rear spoiler and the original scorpion alarm, there is slight wear to drivers side seat bolster but this is really normal on Corrado seats, we are members of the Corrado forums so we know quite a bit about them, any questions please ask we are located in Hampshire, we think this is one of the most original looked after corrados out there, there is no rust or dents, it is pretty much immaculate, we are gutted we have to sell but we just dont use it any more, its always been garaged and not been out in the winter for last 9 years."
---
Fast forward to current day.... the car is currently awaiting pickup from Stealth Racing after some extensive work.... more on that in the next post
So Stealth Racing. The masters when it comes to the VR6 and other VAG products. I've had great service and advice from these guys.
The car sometimes idled a little rough; you could feel it in the cabin but not see it in the tacho. Since it had done a fair few miles and I had no history on the chains ever being replaced I decided to embark on a refresh session at Stealth.
- timing chain replacement + clutch
- head refurb and new head gasket
- 263 cams
- stealth custom remap
- Miltek non res exhaust
- R32/LCR wishbone bush upgrade
- rear axle bushes
- anti roll bar bushes
- track and tie ends
- brake regulator
- Working ABS pump fitted
- brake lines replaced
- brake flexi hoses
- new fuel pump
- injectors refurbished
- discs and pads all round
- new engine and gearbox mounts inc. Vibra Technics front mount
- inner and outer CV joints
and that's it I think. The car made 215BHP on the rolling road, up from c190 stock.
Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_r3Mx1i2-E&li...
Picutres
After and work in progress:
Before
Oh and good job i got this done as the tensioner only had a few miles left in it! The chains were quiet and the car has full service history from new.
The car sometimes idled a little rough; you could feel it in the cabin but not see it in the tacho. Since it had done a fair few miles and I had no history on the chains ever being replaced I decided to embark on a refresh session at Stealth.
- timing chain replacement + clutch
- head refurb and new head gasket
- 263 cams
- stealth custom remap
- Miltek non res exhaust
- R32/LCR wishbone bush upgrade
- rear axle bushes
- anti roll bar bushes
- track and tie ends
- brake regulator
- Working ABS pump fitted
- brake lines replaced
- brake flexi hoses
- new fuel pump
- injectors refurbished
- discs and pads all round
- new engine and gearbox mounts inc. Vibra Technics front mount
- inner and outer CV joints
and that's it I think. The car made 215BHP on the rolling road, up from c190 stock.
Video
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D_r3Mx1i2-E&li...
Picutres
After and work in progress:
Before
Oh and good job i got this done as the tensioner only had a few miles left in it! The chains were quiet and the car has full service history from new.
Thanks all,
Dr G - yes the plus axle cars have a silly stock ride height. The early cars did not seem so bad.
Garemberg - enjoy the car, are you on corrado.net as well? Great archvies of advice although footfall has deminished. The facebook groups are pretty good for sourcing help and parts. The sunroof is not too hard to change, i would receommend a mk3 mech with passat b4 moonroof. It lightens the cabin and much cheaper and than the corrado taxed one.
As for me next jobs will be to 1) not get divorced (ha) 2) source some recaro's and 3) save for a fulll window out respray (4 or so years off)
With regards to the recaro's i will not be paying £2.5k for a genuine set and instaed sourcing some more normally priced Recaro LS's and welding on my existing bases. I don't care for electric adjustment or leather without air-con.
Dr G - yes the plus axle cars have a silly stock ride height. The early cars did not seem so bad.
Garemberg - enjoy the car, are you on corrado.net as well? Great archvies of advice although footfall has deminished. The facebook groups are pretty good for sourcing help and parts. The sunroof is not too hard to change, i would receommend a mk3 mech with passat b4 moonroof. It lightens the cabin and much cheaper and than the corrado taxed one.
As for me next jobs will be to 1) not get divorced (ha) 2) source some recaro's and 3) save for a fulll window out respray (4 or so years off)
With regards to the recaro's i will not be paying £2.5k for a genuine set and instaed sourcing some more normally priced Recaro LS's and welding on my existing bases. I don't care for electric adjustment or leather without air-con.
Woohoo, another Corrado back on the road, sounding good and making nice horsepower to!! I'm also on the ol Corrado forum now an again, haven't updated any of my build threads for quite some time after the whole Photobucket cock up.
Hopefully all of my fleet of Corrados will see some action soon as I've been to quite a few VW /classic car shows and there is a very noticeable drop in the number of Corrados over the last 3-5 years but more importantly I'm seriously missing driving one!!!!!!!
Hopefully all of my fleet of Corrados will see some action soon as I've been to quite a few VW /classic car shows and there is a very noticeable drop in the number of Corrados over the last 3-5 years but more importantly I'm seriously missing driving one!!!!!!!
pfnsht said:
Thanks all,
Dr G - yes the plus axle cars have a silly stock ride height. The early cars did not seem so bad.
Garemberg - enjoy the car, are you on corrado.net as well? Great archvies of advice although footfall has deminished. The facebook groups are pretty good for sourcing help and parts. The sunroof is not too hard to change, i would receommend a mk3 mech with passat b4 moonroof. It lightens the cabin and much cheaper and than the corrado taxed one.
As for me next jobs will be to 1) not get divorced (ha) 2) source some recaro's and 3) save for a fulll window out respray (4 or so years off)
With regards to the recaro's i will not be paying £2.5k for a genuine set and instaed sourcing some more normally priced Recaro LS's and welding on my existing bases. I don't care for electric adjustment or leather without air-con.
Thanks I am really enjoying it, it still feels properly rapid with a sound track to match.Dr G - yes the plus axle cars have a silly stock ride height. The early cars did not seem so bad.
Garemberg - enjoy the car, are you on corrado.net as well? Great archvies of advice although footfall has deminished. The facebook groups are pretty good for sourcing help and parts. The sunroof is not too hard to change, i would receommend a mk3 mech with passat b4 moonroof. It lightens the cabin and much cheaper and than the corrado taxed one.
As for me next jobs will be to 1) not get divorced (ha) 2) source some recaro's and 3) save for a fulll window out respray (4 or so years off)
With regards to the recaro's i will not be paying £2.5k for a genuine set and instaed sourcing some more normally priced Recaro LS's and welding on my existing bases. I don't care for electric adjustment or leather without air-con.
I am a Corrado club member now, really need to participate more on the forum however I have found the facebook group useful but it's no good for build threads etc.
I've just fitted a full leather (non recaro) interior and a period correct sony mini disc head unit complete with my 20 year old library of dubious tunes.
Lovely car. I've had two, or three, I forget.
Silly money now, I paid £1,200 for my first (which I think I bought back) and £1,800 for my second (81k miles, too!) and this was probably only 6 or 7 years ago. Should have kept one but you can't keep them all. Just happy I had the opportunity to own and drive them.
Silly money now, I paid £1,200 for my first (which I think I bought back) and £1,800 for my second (81k miles, too!) and this was probably only 6 or 7 years ago. Should have kept one but you can't keep them all. Just happy I had the opportunity to own and drive them.
Thanks for the kind words and stories all. The appreciation makes it worth the effort 
Garemberg lovely example you've got there. There is a yearly road trip, next year is North Wales and I am hoping to join them. Well done on finding leathers. I bulk at the price of the full leather interior but have probably spent 8 times as much at Stealth!
I'm looking for some Recaro (c£250-350 I've seen) and will have the rears trimmed to match the fronts. I plan on going for leather outers and houndstooh for the centres (sorry huge picture don't know how to shrink it)
But not in a rush, picking up some great condition cloth front seats at the weekend and plan to drive the car and enjoy it. Since owning it I've been fixing something or other and it would be nice to get it to the shows.
Garemberg lovely example you've got there. There is a yearly road trip, next year is North Wales and I am hoping to join them. Well done on finding leathers. I bulk at the price of the full leather interior but have probably spent 8 times as much at Stealth!
I'm looking for some Recaro (c£250-350 I've seen) and will have the rears trimmed to match the fronts. I plan on going for leather outers and houndstooh for the centres (sorry huge picture don't know how to shrink it)
But not in a rush, picking up some great condition cloth front seats at the weekend and plan to drive the car and enjoy it. Since owning it I've been fixing something or other and it would be nice to get it to the shows.
Edited by pfnsht on Wednesday 11th December 17:34
Chimune said:
You sorted the power to the headlights yet?
No I haven't yet but I don't find the lights too bad... I don't tend to drive it much at night to be honest. Garemberg - I'm pickup on a couple of seats up on Saturday, thanks for the offer though.
Edited by pfnsht on Friday 26th July 10:15
pfnsht said:
Chimune said:
You sorted the power to the headlights yet?
No I haven't yet but I don't find the lights too bad... I don't tend to drive it much at night to be honest. Garemberg - I'm pickup on a couple of seats up on Saturday, thanks for the offer though.
Edited by pfnsht on Friday 26th July 10:15
Worth it.
Gassing Station | Readers' Cars | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff