IWent for the MOT today and it passed!!! woop woop.
Driving it on the roads and getting it tested did highlight a few problems but theres nothing major to be fair.
The brake light switch is a bit temperamental. It worked fine when i tested the lights but typically it was being a bit dodgy at the test centre. I got it working again but it showed up as a fault code so may be an issue. What it might be as it is working now is just the fact that its been standing unused for 18 months so it may just be a bit sticky. Ill keep an eye on it anyway.
The drivers seat backrest adjusting button doesnt work. This isnt the worst situation as i adjusted the seat to my preference when i first got the car, so again, maybe an issue from it standing for a while. Ill keep trying it and will most probably have a dig around when i get some time.
Biggest issue though is that a code for low signal from number 1 knock sensor keeps popping up. They were definately torqued up correctly so ill have a look into that probably on the weekend and look to replace before going any further. Both knock sensors were second hand anyways, i had to change them when upgrading the engine loom as the later sensors are different.
But apart from that the car was great. It flew through the MOT which was a relief, but to be honest i couldnt see there being any major problems as its obvious that the cars been looked after. It came with all new genuine brakes/ball joints and had brand fire new michelin pilot tyres all round so i didnt really have any doubt about any of the mechanics. When stripping and assembling for the suspension upgrades everything looked fine aswell.
So how does it drive? Quite well to be fair. Low down is quite gutless but thats obviously to be expected. The car isnt mapped for the correct timing/airflow/capacity etc so im quite happy with it. Theres no boost being made and the difference in capacity isnt dialled in yet so its bound to be a bit down. It does go very well though with no clunks/rattles and the engine is still quite smooth. I remember when i bolted up the k04 to my AUQ lump in my mk2, as that felt quite similar, in the sense that the setup wasnt correct for the ECU but it still went well. Its not as smooth as it should be but the adaptions are only starting to take shape so im not worried. The car still drives nicely low down and then when 3-3.5k comes along the boost creeps and the power starts to feed through. The turbo boost control is still only running on wastegate spring pressure so boost rises nicely and settles at about 0.6bar which considering there is the 0.7bar spring fitted, is pretty good. Best bit is that theres been no issues with the engine or turbo setup. Thats where all the money and effort is and thats going fine with no nasty noises or leaks.
One thing thats a big difference is clutch control. Being a Helix single plate flywheel and cerametallic clutch its certainly bitey. You can retain control and do it quite smoothly, but it just involves a bit of thought and foresight. Not that this bothers me as, id rather a setup man enough to take the stick it will certainly receive in the future! My girlfriend wasnt to impressed but thats most probably more down to the fact that she cant get insured on it....
Shes only been driving for just over a year now though so i politely reminded her that most newish drivers wouldnt get the opportunity to drive an S3 then either (never mind a highly modded example...
)
So i capped today off with getting the car taxed so its now fully road legal. Got robbed for December but i dont mind as i couldnt wait to get some miles on it. I covered 20 miles today which isnt a great deal but ill get the 4 wheel alignment adjusted before carrying on as the front is both toe out a little bit and the rears, even though they look good by my "eye adjustment" will still need attention after the coilover and S3dave tie bars installation.
So overall im pretty damn happy, and cant wait to crack on with the next chapter which will be...
-Sort the knock sensor issue
-Wheel alignment
-Drop the oil and replace (Engine/box/Haldex)
-Get some more miles on it....
