Mk 5 Golf R32 - Supercharged
Discussion
Hi All,
Following on from Basil Hume's thread aka Ben, I thought I would keep one going about the wonderful car he has created, and that I now own. For reference, Ben's thread is below, and describes in great detail his journey from purchase through to modifications and sale. I believe he has a final update to come.
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
So, lets rewind back to September this year when the search for my R32 began. I needed to sell my Mk 5 GTI before buying. I've had a strong desire to own a R32 for a very long time and after a good 3 years with the GTI, a job promotion later and a lot less business miles needed, the hunt was on! I was after a late 08 plate onwards car, 5 door if possible, DSG was preferable with around 50-60k miles on the clock. I set myself a budget of £11k-£13k but, there were just no decent cars available.
I had been following Ben's thread since he bought the car, it appealed to me because he had tastefully modified the car without ruining the subtleness and character an R32 is renowned for. He has spent a not inconsiderable amount of money getting it to where it is today. A quick email or to later, I was on my way to Bristol to view the car. Afterall, you get what you pay for right? It was hook line and sinker as soon as I clapped eyes on it, and cemented when I turned the key. Ben took me for a test drive and kindly agreed for me to have a go. We pass through the end of a section of restricted 50mph roadworks and Ben says drop it into second and put your foot down. I left it in third and did as he said...absolutely incredible. Once we turned around to pick up my stomach, I left a deposit and after a long 2 month wait, I picked the car up last weekend. The purchase was a little unorthodox, namely because my GTI was not selling privately, so Ben agreed to take it as part payment with a view to selling it on in the new year (I believe its on autotrader at the moment).
So, it was a case of goodbye GTI
Hello R32
The spec is as follows:
- Manual, 62k miles on the clock
- I'm the 4th owner
- Turner Race Developments (TRD) Stage 1 Supercharger kit fitted April 2015. Based on a swiss, RUF charger
- Larger injectors
- Rolling road print out up to 372 bhp depending on air intake
- Miltek Exhaust
- Ferodo DS2500 front racing break pads
- Mk 6 Golf R front break calipers
- Bilstein B14 adjustable coilover suspension, currently on its highest setting
- Upgraded Mk 6 touchscreen digital radio and 6 disc CD player
- Rear parking sensors
- Upgraded focal front door speakers
- Metallic Steel grey.
Ben also kindly agreed to change all 4 tyres with alignment before sale as the others were nearing the limit, currently on Dunlop Sport Maxx's, and gave it a fresh MOT.
I went for a good drive around the Cotsworlds today and have covered around 400 miles in last week. It's a pleasure to drive on the daily commute - the grip, handling and noise really stir the senses. I have no other plans other than to drive it and keep filling it with super unleaded, a lot of super-unleaded... My Pistonhead smiley arrived today, so that's gone on. It will be my daily driver but I will keep the car mechanically and cosmetically in as good a condition as possible.
There are a couple of things ive noticed in the last week which I will be keeping an eye on. The first is a small oil weep from around the oil filler cap, which seams to leave minute streak of oil on the oil cooler reservoir. Any ideas? The second are squeaky breaks. Ben recently changed the discs and the pads are upgraded, so it could just be a case that the racing pads squeak when warm.
I will be at the Pistonheads Goodwood Sunday Service next Sunday, so feel free to say hello, or give me a friendly toot if you're on the road!
Following on from Basil Hume's thread aka Ben, I thought I would keep one going about the wonderful car he has created, and that I now own. For reference, Ben's thread is below, and describes in great detail his journey from purchase through to modifications and sale. I believe he has a final update to come.
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
So, lets rewind back to September this year when the search for my R32 began. I needed to sell my Mk 5 GTI before buying. I've had a strong desire to own a R32 for a very long time and after a good 3 years with the GTI, a job promotion later and a lot less business miles needed, the hunt was on! I was after a late 08 plate onwards car, 5 door if possible, DSG was preferable with around 50-60k miles on the clock. I set myself a budget of £11k-£13k but, there were just no decent cars available.
I had been following Ben's thread since he bought the car, it appealed to me because he had tastefully modified the car without ruining the subtleness and character an R32 is renowned for. He has spent a not inconsiderable amount of money getting it to where it is today. A quick email or to later, I was on my way to Bristol to view the car. Afterall, you get what you pay for right? It was hook line and sinker as soon as I clapped eyes on it, and cemented when I turned the key. Ben took me for a test drive and kindly agreed for me to have a go. We pass through the end of a section of restricted 50mph roadworks and Ben says drop it into second and put your foot down. I left it in third and did as he said...absolutely incredible. Once we turned around to pick up my stomach, I left a deposit and after a long 2 month wait, I picked the car up last weekend. The purchase was a little unorthodox, namely because my GTI was not selling privately, so Ben agreed to take it as part payment with a view to selling it on in the new year (I believe its on autotrader at the moment).
So, it was a case of goodbye GTI
Hello R32
The spec is as follows:
- Manual, 62k miles on the clock
- I'm the 4th owner
- Turner Race Developments (TRD) Stage 1 Supercharger kit fitted April 2015. Based on a swiss, RUF charger
- Larger injectors
- Rolling road print out up to 372 bhp depending on air intake
- Miltek Exhaust
- Ferodo DS2500 front racing break pads
- Mk 6 Golf R front break calipers
- Bilstein B14 adjustable coilover suspension, currently on its highest setting
- Upgraded Mk 6 touchscreen digital radio and 6 disc CD player
- Rear parking sensors
- Upgraded focal front door speakers
- Metallic Steel grey.
Ben also kindly agreed to change all 4 tyres with alignment before sale as the others were nearing the limit, currently on Dunlop Sport Maxx's, and gave it a fresh MOT.
I went for a good drive around the Cotsworlds today and have covered around 400 miles in last week. It's a pleasure to drive on the daily commute - the grip, handling and noise really stir the senses. I have no other plans other than to drive it and keep filling it with super unleaded, a lot of super-unleaded... My Pistonhead smiley arrived today, so that's gone on. It will be my daily driver but I will keep the car mechanically and cosmetically in as good a condition as possible.
There are a couple of things ive noticed in the last week which I will be keeping an eye on. The first is a small oil weep from around the oil filler cap, which seams to leave minute streak of oil on the oil cooler reservoir. Any ideas? The second are squeaky breaks. Ben recently changed the discs and the pads are upgraded, so it could just be a case that the racing pads squeak when warm.
I will be at the Pistonheads Goodwood Sunday Service next Sunday, so feel free to say hello, or give me a friendly toot if you're on the road!
Edited by si_xsi on Sunday 6th December 19:15
Lovely car and nice to see it's moved between PHers.
RE: the squeaky brakes, see below - nothing to worry about and seems a common thing, unfortunately, on the larger VAG brake setups.
http://www.vwroc.com/forums/topic/2576-brake-noise...
RE: the squeaky brakes, see below - nothing to worry about and seems a common thing, unfortunately, on the larger VAG brake setups.
http://www.vwroc.com/forums/topic/2576-brake-noise...
Thanks for the positive comments and info / tips above ^^, seems the breaks are normal and I will get TRD to look at the slight oil weap when its next in for a service. Having driven the car for 3 weeks now and covered 1,000 miles, I'm absolutely over the moon with it, every drive has a sense of occasion. Having come from a 3 door mark 5 GTI, aside from the obvious power and noise gains, the following has stood out since I picked it up:
1. Grip - its so sure footed when pulling out of wet, greasy junctions
2. The uprated brake pads are brilliant
3. Improved sound proofing - quieter at motorway speeds even with a Miltek, although I think some of the noise on the GTI was down to tyre choice, the Michelins were not as quiet as the Dunlop SP Max.
4. Smaller boot on the R32 due to the Haldex gubbins, but fine for my purposes.
5. A few more interior rattles from the dash in the R32, presumably the thrumming of a big VR6 and possibly a head unit change might of caused something to not sit tight.
A few pictures from the recent PH Sunday Service at Goodwood
Love a shark-nose
We came back via the Hindhead tunnel, I have a video which I think people might enjoy, once ive worked out how to upload it!
Its not been without its dramas though, annoyingly I picked up a puncture this week on a tyre which has travelled less than 1,000 miles. Thankfully I noticed when it was parked at one of the sites I manage, it held enough air for me to go the mile to Merityre. The nail was on the edge of the tyre and couldn't be fixed, so a new one was required. Not too bad at £113 fitted and balanced.
I've got a trip from Oxfordshire down to my family in Dorset over Christmas and then up to Bath for a night away, so looking forward to covering more miles in the R32
1. Grip - its so sure footed when pulling out of wet, greasy junctions
2. The uprated brake pads are brilliant
3. Improved sound proofing - quieter at motorway speeds even with a Miltek, although I think some of the noise on the GTI was down to tyre choice, the Michelins were not as quiet as the Dunlop SP Max.
4. Smaller boot on the R32 due to the Haldex gubbins, but fine for my purposes.
5. A few more interior rattles from the dash in the R32, presumably the thrumming of a big VR6 and possibly a head unit change might of caused something to not sit tight.
A few pictures from the recent PH Sunday Service at Goodwood
Love a shark-nose
We came back via the Hindhead tunnel, I have a video which I think people might enjoy, once ive worked out how to upload it!
Its not been without its dramas though, annoyingly I picked up a puncture this week on a tyre which has travelled less than 1,000 miles. Thankfully I noticed when it was parked at one of the sites I manage, it held enough air for me to go the mile to Merityre. The nail was on the edge of the tyre and couldn't be fixed, so a new one was required. Not too bad at £113 fitted and balanced.
I've got a trip from Oxfordshire down to my family in Dorset over Christmas and then up to Bath for a night away, so looking forward to covering more miles in the R32
Not the best sound quality but you get the idea, a little video of it going through the Hindhead Tunnel. Skip to 1 min as I was a bit keen to record.
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=wDJ89NHXbYg
https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=wDJ89NHXbYg
The supercharger was only fitted at 55k miles (now on 63k) and a full health check was done by TRD before carrying out the work. I was concerned about running the standard clutch, but the gearbox and clutch feel fine, they are pretty robust. The beauty with this car is even though it's modified, you can drive it 'normally' with ease, it doesn't jerk or judder around at low speeds for example. The tourque curve is so linear - there are no sudden power spikes, except after 5000 rpm, where it noticeably picks up even more. But im not a boy racer and don't drive like this day to day, however for the occasions when you want to open her up, the noise is sublime.
I love how the Miltek exhaust produces such a range of sound as you explore the revs. 1-2.5k revs has a deep burble akin to a V8, 2.5k to 4k revs is its gargling gravel scratchy throat phase, 4k to 5k is a wonderful higher pitched howl and above 5k is like a jet with the induction from the supercharger. It lets off the occasional pop between 1st, 2nd and 3rd when warm too
The tax is a bit hard to swallow, especially when you consider the state of some of the roads in this country, but ultimately that's what you have to pay to enjoy a large n/a V6 in a hot hatch - and considering the likes of these engines will never be seen again, is it worth it, in my opinion, yes!
I love how the Miltek exhaust produces such a range of sound as you explore the revs. 1-2.5k revs has a deep burble akin to a V8, 2.5k to 4k revs is its gargling gravel scratchy throat phase, 4k to 5k is a wonderful higher pitched howl and above 5k is like a jet with the induction from the supercharger. It lets off the occasional pop between 1st, 2nd and 3rd when warm too
The tax is a bit hard to swallow, especially when you consider the state of some of the roads in this country, but ultimately that's what you have to pay to enjoy a large n/a V6 in a hot hatch - and considering the likes of these engines will never be seen again, is it worth it, in my opinion, yes!
Unfortunately I had to call the rac out this afternoon to recover the r32. After a long drive this morning, I stopped for a coffee for an hour or so and the car had developed a misfire. The rac plugged in their laptop and it showed no fault codes, but suspect ignition or coil pack related. I now have to wait until Monday to find out the diagnosis, once the garage has had a look
I hope it's simple and not too expensive. If anyone has had a similar problem I'd be grateful to hear your experiences. The car is running larger injectors. I think its time for an update since the last post. It has been a costly few months for me and the R32. After recovering the car to a local garage and replacing no 1 coilpack, the fault code was cleared but it made no difference to the rough running. I decided to get the car recovered to TRD in Stroud, who carried out the supercharger conversion and who know the car well.
They were able to throw a camera into the head which confirmed my worst fears, piston no 1 had detonated, resulting in the need for 6 new pistons. The cause...well this sparked much debate, as can be read further here.
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Ultimately, TRD maintain this was down to the single tank of Tesco momentum 99ron fuel I put in 2 days prior to the incident, so from now on im sticking to Shell V power, or if unavailable BP ultimate / Esso Premium im told is ok.
So, the car was with TRD for nearly 2 months. Why so long, well, aside from their busy schedule, after taking the head off and fitting new pistons and plumbing the supercharger back in, I asked Dan at TRD to drive it around for a few days to make sure all was well. After all, this is my daily and I couldn't afford for it to be off the road any longer. All was going well until driving it from Dans home into TRD one morning, when the dreaded fault light came up indicating cam chain stretch... We had a long discussion on the phone which highlighted several important points.
1. It was unusual for a car of my age and mileage to throw this code.
2. One of his customers has had the fault on for 18 months and still driven around. A big risk I wasn't prepared to take.
3. We both agreed the chain was disturbed whilst taking the head off to replace the pistons.
4. To replace the chains is listed as a 24 hr job, because the gearbox has to come off.
5. If you take the gearbox off, its false economy not to replace the clutch and flywheel.
So I obtained another quote, and I agreed to all of the above work. Dan agreed to a not inconsiderate amount of labour discount and I picked the car up about a month ago. Whilst I didn't notice any wear in the clutch department, the old one was apparently not in the best of shape - not a reflection of Ben, the previous owners driving, more the 2 owners before him!
Some photos of the work below.
Ive got the old pistons in my boot, will try and get a photo up shortly showing the damage to piston 1.
Ive now driven about 1000 miles since the work has been completed, the car is running sweeter than ever. Obviously im on a strict running in regime so keeping it below 4000rpm, checking the oil every week and going back shortly to for an oil change. The only thing which needs looking at is the windscreen and headlight washer. Since the front bumper was removed, I don't think the head-light washer pipe was connected properly because there is a leak and low warning light permanently on.
As you can imagine, the bill was £££££ and I almost thought about selling, but I now have a car which has had most major components replaced, and whilst my wallet has taken a complete battering, it still brings a smile to my face whenever im driving and the obligatory look back, when parked up!
A trip to Bath over Christmas.
More recently
All being well over the next few months, a roadtrip to the South of France in June is still on the cards. The car will go into TRD for a full health check before the trip.
So that's the journey so far, I was at MBW Sunday Service last weekend and will be at Santa Pod Sunday service next weekend, but safe to say I won't be going on the strip!
They were able to throw a camera into the head which confirmed my worst fears, piston no 1 had detonated, resulting in the need for 6 new pistons. The cause...well this sparked much debate, as can be read further here.
http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?h=0&a...
Ultimately, TRD maintain this was down to the single tank of Tesco momentum 99ron fuel I put in 2 days prior to the incident, so from now on im sticking to Shell V power, or if unavailable BP ultimate / Esso Premium im told is ok.
So, the car was with TRD for nearly 2 months. Why so long, well, aside from their busy schedule, after taking the head off and fitting new pistons and plumbing the supercharger back in, I asked Dan at TRD to drive it around for a few days to make sure all was well. After all, this is my daily and I couldn't afford for it to be off the road any longer. All was going well until driving it from Dans home into TRD one morning, when the dreaded fault light came up indicating cam chain stretch... We had a long discussion on the phone which highlighted several important points.
1. It was unusual for a car of my age and mileage to throw this code.
2. One of his customers has had the fault on for 18 months and still driven around. A big risk I wasn't prepared to take.
3. We both agreed the chain was disturbed whilst taking the head off to replace the pistons.
4. To replace the chains is listed as a 24 hr job, because the gearbox has to come off.
5. If you take the gearbox off, its false economy not to replace the clutch and flywheel.
So I obtained another quote, and I agreed to all of the above work. Dan agreed to a not inconsiderate amount of labour discount and I picked the car up about a month ago. Whilst I didn't notice any wear in the clutch department, the old one was apparently not in the best of shape - not a reflection of Ben, the previous owners driving, more the 2 owners before him!
Some photos of the work below.
Ive got the old pistons in my boot, will try and get a photo up shortly showing the damage to piston 1.
Ive now driven about 1000 miles since the work has been completed, the car is running sweeter than ever. Obviously im on a strict running in regime so keeping it below 4000rpm, checking the oil every week and going back shortly to for an oil change. The only thing which needs looking at is the windscreen and headlight washer. Since the front bumper was removed, I don't think the head-light washer pipe was connected properly because there is a leak and low warning light permanently on.
As you can imagine, the bill was £££££ and I almost thought about selling, but I now have a car which has had most major components replaced, and whilst my wallet has taken a complete battering, it still brings a smile to my face whenever im driving and the obligatory look back, when parked up!
A trip to Bath over Christmas.
More recently
All being well over the next few months, a roadtrip to the South of France in June is still on the cards. The car will go into TRD for a full health check before the trip.
So that's the journey so far, I was at MBW Sunday Service last weekend and will be at Santa Pod Sunday service next weekend, but safe to say I won't be going on the strip!
Been there when I had my GTA converted the old "While you're doing this, you may as well do X, Y and Z". Turns a "Ouch" bill into a "WTF!" bill...
Did they offer any further explanation for this? I've heard this before by other garages, but it's usually a response to "We have no idea why, but lets just blame the petrol".
I just find it hard to believe any petrol could cause damage like this. But I'm not mechanic, just a massive skeptic when it comes to talking to 'genuine' mechanics over the years
the old "While you're doing this, you may as well do X, Y and Z". Turns a "Ouch" bill into a "WTF!" bill...si_xsi said:
Ultimately, TRD maintain this was down to the single tank of Tesco momentum 99ron fuel I put in 2 days prior to the incident, so from now on im sticking to Shell V power, or if unavailable BP ultimate / Esso Premium im told is ok.
Hmm.Did they offer any further explanation for this? I've heard this before by other garages, but it's usually a response to "We have no idea why, but lets just blame the petrol".
I just find it hard to believe any petrol could cause damage like this. But I'm not mechanic, just a massive skeptic when it comes to talking to 'genuine' mechanics over the years
MattyB_ said:
Been there when I had my GTA converted the old "While you're doing this, you may as well do X, Y and Z". Turns a "Ouch" bill into a "WTF!" bill...
Did they offer any further explanation for this? I've heard this before by other garages, but it's usually a response to "We have no idea why, but lets just blame the petrol".
I just find it hard to believe any petrol could cause damage like this. But I'm not mechanic, just a massive skeptic when it comes to talking to 'genuine' mechanics over the years
Unlikely in the extreme. the old "While you're doing this, you may as well do X, Y and Z". Turns a "Ouch" bill into a "WTF!" bill...si_xsi said:
Ultimately, TRD maintain this was down to the single tank of Tesco momentum 99ron fuel I put in 2 days prior to the incident, so from now on im sticking to Shell V power, or if unavailable BP ultimate / Esso Premium im told is ok.
Hmm.Did they offer any further explanation for this? I've heard this before by other garages, but it's usually a response to "We have no idea why, but lets just blame the petrol".
I just find it hard to believe any petrol could cause damage like this. But I'm not mechanic, just a massive skeptic when it comes to talking to 'genuine' mechanics over the years
More likely that with the wick turned up by 50% something let go, assuming the internals are standard?
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