Talk to meYou can have a go on my sister and my 17" avus wheels for the 18" reps? let me know if your interested. Lol
Frenchmans A3 daily/ track all rounder
- Thread starter frenchman
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Talk to me
Lol I don't have a sister to giveaway lol bro , but if I did I would give her to you in good faith. Like the eastern world does...... But I don't want drugs. I don't want money, I don't want diplomatic power....oh no, I just want your 18" reps Frenchman!
On a serious note though, where do you get them from I can't find them online....?
Cheers, Sean
Apologies are in order guys, I've been a little slack with this thread and updating it. I have just launched my new site and it seems to be taking a fair bit of my time. Check it out: Wedding Photographer Bristol - Pierre Mellows Wedding Photography
When I sorted out the front brakes I knew the rears needed some attention. I always intended on putting some 256 vented rears on it but as a stop gap and to keep costs down I stuck with the solid discs.
I took the car back to my dads workshop, this is starting to become a familiar sight!
As you can see, they weren't much use and this was noticeable under heavy braking.
Thankfully I had this lot to put on/ in.
I decided to go for some serious pads on the rear as I wasn't upping in size. Mintex M1155's, very similar to Ds2500's from what I understand.
So once that lot was on and the brakes bled with ATE Super Blue it was sorted. I can't really say how much of a difference the pads alone have made but it does make for a much more balanced feel. Overall I'm very happy.
When I sorted out the front brakes I knew the rears needed some attention. I always intended on putting some 256 vented rears on it but as a stop gap and to keep costs down I stuck with the solid discs.
I took the car back to my dads workshop, this is starting to become a familiar sight!
As you can see, they weren't much use and this was noticeable under heavy braking.
Thankfully I had this lot to put on/ in.
I decided to go for some serious pads on the rear as I wasn't upping in size. Mintex M1155's, very similar to Ds2500's from what I understand.
So once that lot was on and the brakes bled with ATE Super Blue it was sorted. I can't really say how much of a difference the pads alone have made but it does make for a much more balanced feel. Overall I'm very happy.
This weekend just gone was the Forge Performance Action Day @ Castle Combe.
We started off early at my old mans workshop, re-bled the brakes just incase there was any air that had settled over the past week or so, did a quick fluid and spanner check and off we went to meet up with Prawn and Dan Angel who now owns Sportstractors S3.
I was kindly lent Nicks Rota Forces with Federal RSR's on them for the day so we went about fitting them to the car.
I must admit, I WANT THESE! Badly!
After a nice little tour of the pits drooling over all the shiny things it was time to head out on track. Eeek.
I took Prawn out with me first session which you will find out soon enough, wasn't a good idea.
Some facebook videos from a friend.
****** racer | Facebook
And this is why!!!
Whoops | Facebook
About fourth lap in or so just as I was getting the hang of things, I spring a monster boost leak. I initially assumed a boost hose had popped off.
Nope, the turbo elbow had deteriorated and split. Thankfully it was an easy hose to replace and we were at the right even for a replacement.
A new one was sourced and I went back out for another session with my Dad.
I was so happy with how the car performed and surprised myself with some of the machinery that I was keeping up with.
Back in the pits I just had to share this with you guys.
A peak of 90 degrees AIT!
Oil on the other hand wasn't too bad.
And as this is my chance to pic whore, why not
A front mount and some poly bushes for the wishbones are on the cards next, I'm hoping to get this done before ADI. It's just finding a core that I'm happy with and has 2.5" inlets.
Once again thanks to Prawn for lending me the wheels. I'll have to get my s3's back before ADI, can't wait for it.
We started off early at my old mans workshop, re-bled the brakes just incase there was any air that had settled over the past week or so, did a quick fluid and spanner check and off we went to meet up with Prawn and Dan Angel who now owns Sportstractors S3.
I was kindly lent Nicks Rota Forces with Federal RSR's on them for the day so we went about fitting them to the car.
I must admit, I WANT THESE! Badly!
After a nice little tour of the pits drooling over all the shiny things it was time to head out on track. Eeek.
I took Prawn out with me first session which you will find out soon enough, wasn't a good idea.
Some facebook videos from a friend.
****** racer | Facebook
And this is why!!!
Whoops | Facebook
About fourth lap in or so just as I was getting the hang of things, I spring a monster boost leak. I initially assumed a boost hose had popped off.
Nope, the turbo elbow had deteriorated and split. Thankfully it was an easy hose to replace and we were at the right even for a replacement.
A new one was sourced and I went back out for another session with my Dad.
I was so happy with how the car performed and surprised myself with some of the machinery that I was keeping up with.
Back in the pits I just had to share this with you guys.
A peak of 90 degrees AIT!
Oil on the other hand wasn't too bad.
And as this is my chance to pic whore, why not
A front mount and some poly bushes for the wishbones are on the cards next, I'm hoping to get this done before ADI. It's just finding a core that I'm happy with and has 2.5" inlets.
Once again thanks to Prawn for lending me the wheels. I'll have to get my s3's back before ADI, can't wait for it.
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Looks pretty epic on those wheels! Look better on yours than Prawns (sorry Prawn lol)
Looks like a good day, my mate was there on track in his white S13 with black and blue Unit18 stickers.
Looks like a good day, my mate was there on track in his white S13 with black and blue Unit18 stickers.
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You still running a single side mount? A nice big FMIC will sort you right out. Looking forward to seeing your motor in action at ADI.
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It clearly doesn't
Pierre just takes better pictures because of his profession....
But seeing as they're my wheels, and it was my car before, I'll let you off!
Cracking little write up French, I don't think I was bad luck, you'd have probably got lost without my tuition, we all know what you're like
The car did look fantastic though, the Rotas really suit it down to the ground. So much so infact, that it's inspired me to go back to a more simple look with almost no stickers and silver wheels again.
Uhuh,
Still got the little side mount
If I can sort out the right sized core before ADI I'll try and get one on there. It's just a little tricky finding the size I want with 2.5" hot and cold side aswell.
In an Ideal world I would go for a Wellycooler but It's just too thick to be even remotely hidden and I'm not sure I fancy having the pipework showing.
I desperately need to sort out some wishbone bushes first though!
It clearly doesn't
I think its mainly down to the colours, the grey is awesome and bronze seems to compliment it nicely IMO.
Not a massive update for you guys but I did give the car a bit of TLC in preparation for ADI next weekend.
Seeing as my centrebox had no baffle in it due to it rattling about and driving Prawn mental in his ownership I replaced it with a jetex straight pipe.
Salvaged the important bits.
Chucked the remainder where it belongs
Welded it all back together and I'm really happy with the outcome.
Sounds a little louder but no drone at cruising speed. (I'll get a video of the car with launch control soon)
Next up we have some very tired wishbone bushes
I literally pulled the centres out by hand!
Gave them a little clean up and made sure everything was nice and smooth for the new bushes.
I went for the Super Pro setup with increased Castor.
All bolted back up to the car with some new CV boots, a quick check over of the car and tracking.
I also dropped the gearbox oil and put some Forte conditioner in it for good measure. It has smoothed things up nicely.
I cannot recommend the Super Pro bushes enough. A quality product. Although most things would be better than what was in there
Much better turn in and stability under braking.
Unfortunately I haven't got round to sorting a front mount so there will be some epic AIT's on Saturday. I have however manned up and decided to go for a Wellycooler. Looking into mounting the radiators a little further back with some brackets if possible. I'll only know if it is possible once I get it in bits.
Seeing as my centrebox had no baffle in it due to it rattling about and driving Prawn mental in his ownership I replaced it with a jetex straight pipe.
Salvaged the important bits.
Chucked the remainder where it belongs
Welded it all back together and I'm really happy with the outcome.
Sounds a little louder but no drone at cruising speed. (I'll get a video of the car with launch control soon)
Next up we have some very tired wishbone bushes
I literally pulled the centres out by hand!
Gave them a little clean up and made sure everything was nice and smooth for the new bushes.
I went for the Super Pro setup with increased Castor.
All bolted back up to the car with some new CV boots, a quick check over of the car and tracking.
I also dropped the gearbox oil and put some Forte conditioner in it for good measure. It has smoothed things up nicely.
I cannot recommend the Super Pro bushes enough. A quality product. Although most things would be better than what was in there
Much better turn in and stability under braking.
Unfortunately I haven't got round to sorting a front mount so there will be some epic AIT's on Saturday. I have however manned up and decided to go for a Wellycooler. Looking into mounting the radiators a little further back with some brackets if possible. I'll only know if it is possible once I get it in bits.
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Cheers buddy.
Forte make a lot of additives such as engine flushes etc. They gearbox conditioner is meant to condition seals and generally improve lubricity in the box. Less friction means less heat which can't be a bad thing.
My old man swears by the stuff and uses it on all his customers cars. The before and afters on some of these things are pretty impressive.
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hmmm thinking about it i've used their engine flush.
sounds good. before last years ADI i changed all my transmission fluids with oem stuff and tbh it was hard to tell any difference, i have wondered since if there is anything that could be considered an 'upgrade'
sounds good. before last years ADI i changed all my transmission fluids with oem stuff and tbh it was hard to tell any difference, i have wondered since if there is anything that could be considered an 'upgrade'
Not bad big P.
You so better be about tomorrow for a final epic clean and seal before ADI. And we can have a race where I will kick your ****.
x
You so better be about tomorrow for a final epic clean and seal before ADI. And we can have a race where I will kick your ****.
x
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this car is so beautiful, every time I see those pics of it at Castle Combe it makes me sad that I don't own it any more.
Built properly, it just 'works', it's not stupidly quick, but it's never let anyone down, and could be made to get from point to point stupidly fast.
Miss it muchly when I'm driving around the M25 in my dci megane
Built properly, it just 'works', it's not stupidly quick, but it's never let anyone down, and could be made to get from point to point stupidly fast.
Miss it muchly when I'm driving around the M25 in my dci megane
RobinJI
Registered User
Nice to see a little more info on this, it's been a cool car to see evolve in the background of everything. Each time I see you/it it's just looking that little more awesome.
A couple of my shots from the Forge action day:
A couple of my shots from the Forge action day:
Not really an update, just more of a check in
Car is still doing me proud but does need some tlc after the winter. It needs a little bit of paint, which I'll do myself, an array of bushes etc and that ****** front mount I've been meaning to buy for months now! I'll take a week off work in a month or so and get it all done then.
It's not the quickest car out there but what it does do is make me smile every time I get in it.
I've got a few things in the pipeline for it but as always money dictates everything.
Car is still doing me proud but does need some tlc after the winter. It needs a little bit of paint, which I'll do myself, an array of bushes etc and that ****** front mount I've been meaning to buy for months now! I'll take a week off work in a month or so and get it all done then.
It's not the quickest car out there but what it does do is make me smile every time I get in it.
I've got a few things in the pipeline for it but as always money dictates everything.
Wow, it's been a loooong time since I posted in here.
Only minor improvements to the car this time.
I've replaced the subframe bushes for some 034 Motorsport items to tighten the steering up a touch.
They have made quite a significant improvement, how much over standard ones I won't know but still great.
I also popped a Poly steering rack bush in for good measure.
Oh and just before I put the S4 wheels back on I went out to take some pictures.
Some sad news to follow....
Only minor improvements to the car this time.
I've replaced the subframe bushes for some 034 Motorsport items to tighten the steering up a touch.
They have made quite a significant improvement, how much over standard ones I won't know but still great.
I also popped a Poly steering rack bush in for good measure.
Oh and just before I put the S4 wheels back on I went out to take some pictures.
Some sad news to follow....
Great looking car mate, read through the whole thread with much interest... Hope the sad news isn't too awful!
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I agree. Time for me to loose my centre caps and get some spacers.
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MINE!
Pleased to announce that thanks to the help of Prawn and Frenchman I am proud new owner of this fine machine
Just got back from my travels early Tuesday morning and was straight down to see frenchman yesterday afternoon... Off to a little a little shaky start what with it failing the MOT that morning on brake pedal switch and a dodgy damper. Luckily Prawn had given Frenchman a spare set of coilovers from when he had his Nurburg "incident" and bent a rear damper, so frenchman had the front coilovers and the brake switch swapped out before I'd even arrived.
All seemed well and good so paperwork was completed, monies transferred and off I went... Happy days! As i thought, although that was short lived and the shaky start continued. Joined the M5 and almost instantly, coil pack went
just one of those things! We all know how common a problem it is and how impossible it is to predict. By this time is was about 5:45 so no motor factor's open, just had to "limp" her the 150 miles home. . . I say limp, it's surprising how well she cruised at 85/90 on only 3 cylinders without even trashing the MPG's too much.
Got her home, found the guilty culprit and swapped it out with one from my mums TT (thanks mum) so all was well and good again! . . Just as well as I had to get up for work 6:30 this morning. So got in her this morning, went to start her up.......... NOTHING! The shaky start continues. . . At this point I was starting to get rather worried but I then realised I'd left the interior light on the night before when I was playing around with the parrot bluetooth
MASSIVE FAIL!.. We'll blame it on the jet-lag.
Anyway, with that all sorted been out for a little drive and I must give Prawn and Frenchman credit where it's due, what a car they've put together! . . My only complaint being an occasional exhaust knock when cornering, Frenchman did mention this and it's no biggie, should be an easy fix.
Apart from that I don't really have any major plans for the car. Deffo wanna get the FMIC done as a priority (MUST KEEP FOGS!) followed by a little trip to nikki @ R-tech to get that stage 2 map fully operative and also, the most overlooked and underrated mod for the A3, the B&M short shift kit... Seriously guys, if anyone is stuck for something else to blow some cash on, this is the one. Makes SUCH a transformation to the overall feel!.. Just make sure you get a black one otherwise looks a little tacky IMO
Also sooner or later the rear half of the interior will be coming out: A. For obvious weight loss advantages B. So I can get my bike in there easier and C. Cos passengers are overrated anyway!?
Other than that just aiming to preserve and maintain this piece of audi-sport history the best I can and looking to do some track-days over the summer.
I'll try and keep you guys updated as best I can but I'm sooooo busy a the moment it's MENTAL and as you can imagine after 6 months of travelling funds are a little low... So don't expect anything to happen too soon!
Again, my credit and thanks to Prawn and Frenchman for helping make this happen... Thanks guys!
Pleased to announce that thanks to the help of Prawn and Frenchman I am proud new owner of this fine machine
Just got back from my travels early Tuesday morning and was straight down to see frenchman yesterday afternoon... Off to a little a little shaky start what with it failing the MOT that morning on brake pedal switch and a dodgy damper. Luckily Prawn had given Frenchman a spare set of coilovers from when he had his Nurburg "incident" and bent a rear damper, so frenchman had the front coilovers and the brake switch swapped out before I'd even arrived.
All seemed well and good so paperwork was completed, monies transferred and off I went... Happy days! As i thought, although that was short lived and the shaky start continued. Joined the M5 and almost instantly, coil pack went
just one of those things! We all know how common a problem it is and how impossible it is to predict. By this time is was about 5:45 so no motor factor's open, just had to "limp" her the 150 miles home. . . I say limp, it's surprising how well she cruised at 85/90 on only 3 cylinders without even trashing the MPG's too much.Got her home, found the guilty culprit and swapped it out with one from my mums TT (thanks mum) so all was well and good again! . . Just as well as I had to get up for work 6:30 this morning. So got in her this morning, went to start her up.......... NOTHING! The shaky start continues. . . At this point I was starting to get rather worried but I then realised I'd left the interior light on the night before when I was playing around with the parrot bluetooth
MASSIVE FAIL!.. We'll blame it on the jet-lag.Anyway, with that all sorted been out for a little drive and I must give Prawn and Frenchman credit where it's due, what a car they've put together! . . My only complaint being an occasional exhaust knock when cornering, Frenchman did mention this and it's no biggie, should be an easy fix.
Apart from that I don't really have any major plans for the car. Deffo wanna get the FMIC done as a priority (MUST KEEP FOGS!) followed by a little trip to nikki @ R-tech to get that stage 2 map fully operative and also, the most overlooked and underrated mod for the A3, the B&M short shift kit... Seriously guys, if anyone is stuck for something else to blow some cash on, this is the one. Makes SUCH a transformation to the overall feel!.. Just make sure you get a black one otherwise looks a little tacky IMO
Also sooner or later the rear half of the interior will be coming out: A. For obvious weight loss advantages B. So I can get my bike in there easier and C. Cos passengers are overrated anyway!?
Other than that just aiming to preserve and maintain this piece of audi-sport history the best I can and looking to do some track-days over the summer.
I'll try and keep you guys updated as best I can but I'm sooooo busy a the moment it's MENTAL and as you can imagine after 6 months of travelling funds are a little low... So don't expect anything to happen too soon!
Again, my credit and thanks to Prawn and Frenchman for helping make this happen... Thanks guys!
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And Jason, you're right... Feeling the need to go lower! My old A3 was a bit lower I think would like to be around the same sort of height however I feel the rear may be a little too spaced out ATM to safely go any lower, also something that will be looked at in the future when I get the ****** time!
Pawn, I'll need to come and get those adjuster cups for the weithecs off you sooner or later if that's ok?
Here's a quick snap of my uncannily similar old A3:
Also, forgot to mention! . . I also have concerns for the high intake temps (as did Frenchman), will be taking out the sound deadening and rubber seal along the scuttle panel this weekend to aid air flow over the engine and try help combat that a little... Will let you know how I get on!
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Frenchman didn't keep it long did he?
Your AITs will be sorted with a decent FMIC, forget removing the sound deadening and rubber strip. Or at least to them back once you have a FMIC as it does a good job of keepi the engine noise out the cabin.
Your AITs will be sorted with a decent FMIC, forget removing the sound deadening and rubber strip. Or at least to them back once you have a FMIC as it does a good job of keepi the engine noise out the cabin.
Paradox1
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Na, unfortunately for him he had to sell up due to his expanding business... Needs must tho ey!
Yea, me and frenchman had this conversation. We weren't sure if AIT's were taken from the MAF or after the cooler... I take it reads from after the cooler then? . . My main concern was that those numbers where straight from the induction!?
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Yohan on here is selling a wellycooler!
you know it makes sense!
car is sexy btw
Wellycooler looses the fogs tho no? . . I barely want to see the thing! Keen to keep the OEM + look thing going there
And thanks, she don't look too bad ey? Pretty chuffed my self to be fair
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The AIT sensor sits in te inlet manifold after the throttle body so after the cooler. Would be a bit of a pointless reading at the MAF just before the turbo adds some heat to the air
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Wellycooler and retain fogs would be possible if you ditched the aircon condensor Lewis, By removing the aircon condensor you can trim the slam panel and sink the core back into the front a bit, thus saving the fogs.
French also looked into thinner cores and found a few, might be worth looking into, somthing wellycooler sized, 600x300, but at 60mm thick could be ideal.
IAT's were fairly high due to the car running very impressive power on a st1 map, yet on track it was always strong and ultra reliable despite the high inlets.
Given an FMIC and a few tweaks to the map I think it'll really fly.
I look forward to seeing what you do with it mate I still miss this one every day!
French also looked into thinner cores and found a few, might be worth looking into, somthing wellycooler sized, 600x300, but at 60mm thick could be ideal.
IAT's were fairly high due to the car running very impressive power on a st1 map, yet on track it was always strong and ultra reliable despite the high inlets.
Given an FMIC and a few tweaks to the map I think it'll really fly.
I look forward to seeing what you do with it mate
I still miss this one every day!
