How was swapping the speakers over? I’ve got a set of door cards here with Bose speakers and was thinking about swapping them with my bog standard ones which have a slight crackle. Straight swap?
Hibiscus Red TQS - New Car, New Project, cars been here before though.
- Thread starter midas
- Start date
swapping the speakers over wasn’t too bad. I’d already bought the adapters last time to fit aftermarket speakers. It’s just I had to mount the cross overs somewhere on the panel, so I have to dremel a piece of plastic off for that to fit. The tweeters that came with the kids actually fit straight into the standard tweet location which amazes me. But of soldering and it’s all in.
The speakers I bought were decent aftermarket ones, forget the name now, sure there in this thread somewhere. So once I’d got the built in crossover settings correct in the Alpine head unit, it’s sounding really good.
Had the car on stands again today, to try and see if I could resolve the leaking at the fuel filter. I got hold of a full set of aluminium sealing washers, as I’ve seen on the US sites that they suggest using aluminium washers as they are softer than copper, more malleable even. The original washers certainly were silver I noticed, not a copper colour.
Undid everything, got an arm full of petrol again, but I noticed (now it’s light and not pitch black), that I had left an original washer on the bolt head side. what an idiot. I also noticed that there was a load of crud and corrosion on the banjo itself. Horrendously I also noticed a sharp edge on the pipe, on the side facing the fuel filter, which I hadn’t noticed before as it wasn’t in view.
I rubbed down the banjo faces with some emery paper so at least the surface where the washer is seated was smooth, give me half a chance at least. However, on bolting it back together with aluminium washers, and then priming again, it still leaks. Its odd as it almost looks like the fuel saturation rises up from the lower washer location, but I retry sure the corrosion on the banjo has compromised the pipe attached to it. Perfect.
Ive been in contact with 2 people I’ve bought parts from in the last month, and 1 of them has still got the fuel pipes on the car. So hopefully he’s sending me some pictures tomorrow once removed so I can see condition. In fairness, even if they aren’t great, I’ll take them as a sample. I can then take them to a hose place in Bolton and have brand new ones made.
The tribulations of having a 22 year old car.
Undid everything, got an arm full of petrol again, but I noticed (now it’s light and not pitch black), that I had left an original washer on the bolt head side. what an idiot. I also noticed that there was a load of crud and corrosion on the banjo itself. Horrendously I also noticed a sharp edge on the pipe, on the side facing the fuel filter, which I hadn’t noticed before as it wasn’t in view.
I rubbed down the banjo faces with some emery paper so at least the surface where the washer is seated was smooth, give me half a chance at least. However, on bolting it back together with aluminium washers, and then priming again, it still leaks. Its odd as it almost looks like the fuel saturation rises up from the lower washer location, but I retry sure the corrosion on the banjo has compromised the pipe attached to it. Perfect.
Ive been in contact with 2 people I’ve bought parts from in the last month, and 1 of them has still got the fuel pipes on the car. So hopefully he’s sending me some pictures tomorrow once removed so I can see condition. In fairness, even if they aren’t great, I’ll take them as a sample. I can then take them to a hose place in Bolton and have brand new ones made.
The tribulations of having a 22 year old car.
Had a go at another job, of which all the parts arrived last week. I know I’m going to get flamed here, but I’ve seen it done (badly), and I wanted to do it, but do it as well as I possibly could. I believe done correctly it will be an improvement, and maybe I just wanted a little turbo noise too.
The kit is a BSR unit, from Scandinavia. It’s purpose made for this engine in this platform, and I had to wait 12 weeks for it whilst it was made. Understanding heat transfer, I didn’t fit it until some other bits had arrived. I’ve obtained some gold heat insulation from Funk Motorsport. This has been cut to fit on the turbo side of the partition. I also got some rubber edging strips, just to tidy the appearance up a bit. I obtained some 20mmx20mm foam insulation roles as well. Once fitted, I’ve plugged any gaps with the foam insulation. I also attached some foam insulation to the underbonnet area directly inline with the edges of the partition.
After a quick drive out to get some fuel, it sounds great, not too loud, just subtle. It feels like response has improved, but in GSP fairness it felt ore responsive after fitting the fuel filter, so could be this too. On arriving back home, I checked to see if the heat had transferred into the filter area, and it has not. The gold on the turbo side was hot, the back side where it is black was cool, and behind the partition everything was cool to touch. So im quite liking that really.
The kit is a BSR unit, from Scandinavia. It’s purpose made for this engine in this platform, and I had to wait 12 weeks for it whilst it was made. Understanding heat transfer, I didn’t fit it until some other bits had arrived. I’ve obtained some gold heat insulation from Funk Motorsport. This has been cut to fit on the turbo side of the partition. I also got some rubber edging strips, just to tidy the appearance up a bit. I obtained some 20mmx20mm foam insulation roles as well. Once fitted, I’ve plugged any gaps with the foam insulation. I also attached some foam insulation to the underbonnet area directly inline with the edges of the partition.
After a quick drive out to get some fuel, it sounds great, not too loud, just subtle. It feels like response has improved, but in GSP fairness it felt ore responsive after fitting the fuel filter, so could be this too. On arriving back home, I checked to see if the heat had transferred into the filter area, and it has not. The gold on the turbo side was hot, the back side where it is black was cool, and behind the partition everything was cool to touch. So im quite liking that really.
Just read through the whole of this thread. Lovely car. My first Audi was a B5 1.6 I bought in 2001. It was on a R plate. I remember it felt so solid, even when compared to some modern day cars. But then again anything would feel solid after driving a R5GTT. Did you ever sort out the heater matrix? I had to do this. Absolute pig of a job. Entire dash out.
No, at this point I’ve not done the heater matrix. Think out if the deadly 3 Ive done 2 now. The oil sump/pickup pipe and the fuel filter.
In fairness this Audi still feels solid for a 22 year old car.
Thank you for the positive comments.
Good weather this weekend, so thought I’d choose not to waste it. Could have gone a bike ride, or a walk i the country Etc, but nooooo, I thought I’d refit the entire braking system.
Began with the rears. New calipers installed and then bled through completely with new fluid. I’m amazed how the brake dust has eaten into the paint on the hangars already, so doesn’t look look quite as good on the rear as I’d hoped. But job was completed on the back without issue.
The fronts were always going to be an unknown, with a few niggles to sort. Upgrading from 312mm setup to 350mm setup. After stripping the old off one side, it was soon apparent that even though I had ground the corner off the hangar to clear the adapters, it wasn’t enough. Out with the angle grinder again. Id expected the inner brake hose connection to be a pita to remove, but it actually came off nice and easy. Getting the hangar bolts on whilst trying to hold the disc in position turned into a bit of a moment, not easy as they weigh ‘a lot‘ these new discs. But once the caliper was on it was all relatively easy. The only trouble at this point was getting the outer caliper spring installed, wow, what an absolute pain in the rear. The brakes bled up just fine though at this stage, so took some pics, installed the wheel, took some more pics. I’m actually amazed how small they look behind the 18’s though.
Putting the passenger side on was a breeze, until the dreaded outer caliper spring again, gaaaaawd what a bi**ch. On this side the spring wouldn’t go in, because the caliper is from a really poor casting. Meaning that the centre hole where the square part of the spring should fit, wouldn’t fit. Had to remove the caliper and get the Dremel out to reshape, multiple times. And the spring clip still wouldn’t fit. Running out of time here before a family dinner, I’ve had to put it together without the spring fitted. I’ll remove it all on Tuesday this week, and make it fit properly.
Quick test drive, and oooooh dear, we’ve got a looooooong pedal. After pumping it’s ok, but leave it a while and it’s long again. I think we have a lot of air in the system, which is odd when I’ve used a pressure bleeder. Back on the drive, and I’ve got fluid all round the inside of the drivers wheel. So, the niggles have surfaced. I’ll have the car back on stands on Tuesday, tighten every single union there is, everything rechecked, and fix the spring on the passenger side. I kind of expected this, but I’ll fix it. Looks like I’m walking to work until Wednesday.
Began with the rears. New calipers installed and then bled through completely with new fluid. I’m amazed how the brake dust has eaten into the paint on the hangars already, so doesn’t look look quite as good on the rear as I’d hoped. But job was completed on the back without issue.
The fronts were always going to be an unknown, with a few niggles to sort. Upgrading from 312mm setup to 350mm setup. After stripping the old off one side, it was soon apparent that even though I had ground the corner off the hangar to clear the adapters, it wasn’t enough. Out with the angle grinder again. Id expected the inner brake hose connection to be a pita to remove, but it actually came off nice and easy. Getting the hangar bolts on whilst trying to hold the disc in position turned into a bit of a moment, not easy as they weigh ‘a lot‘ these new discs. But once the caliper was on it was all relatively easy. The only trouble at this point was getting the outer caliper spring installed, wow, what an absolute pain in the rear. The brakes bled up just fine though at this stage, so took some pics, installed the wheel, took some more pics. I’m actually amazed how small they look behind the 18’s though.
Putting the passenger side on was a breeze, until the dreaded outer caliper spring again, gaaaaawd what a bi**ch. On this side the spring wouldn’t go in, because the caliper is from a really poor casting. Meaning that the centre hole where the square part of the spring should fit, wouldn’t fit. Had to remove the caliper and get the Dremel out to reshape, multiple times. And the spring clip still wouldn’t fit. Running out of time here before a family dinner, I’ve had to put it together without the spring fitted. I’ll remove it all on Tuesday this week, and make it fit properly.
Quick test drive, and oooooh dear, we’ve got a looooooong pedal. After pumping it’s ok, but leave it a while and it’s long again. I think we have a lot of air in the system, which is odd when I’ve used a pressure bleeder. Back on the drive, and I’ve got fluid all round the inside of the drivers wheel. So, the niggles have surfaced. I’ll have the car back on stands on Tuesday, tighten every single union there is, everything rechecked, and fix the spring on the passenger side. I kind of expected this, but I’ll fix it. Looks like I’m walking to work until Wednesday.
I have to say, I’ve actually been fuming today whilst fitting the brakes. The guy who I got the intercooler off, I knew he was breaking a full car. So I messaged him in regards to purchasing the fuel hoses off that car. And after a couple messages back and forth, I was stunned, when he messages back, saying that for the effort of removing the parts and the little amount he can charge me it’s not worth it. I said in fairness, money doesn’t matter, I’ll pay decent money as I know it’s a rubbish job (I wouldn’t mind but the cars going for scrap). But now unresponsive. I have to say, circumstances like this are what wind me up. There isn’t many of these cars left, and if that was me, I’d be happy to help keep another B5 on the road. But to this guy, it’s all about the most he can make, with minimal effort, sod the fact we’re trying to keep the good ones rolling. Really miffed, really dismayed, really annoyed.
So at some point, I’ll be removing the pipe off my car, and I’ll see if I can have one made locally. And I’ll be walking to work during that phase too.
So at some point, I’ll be removing the pipe off my car, and I’ll see if I can have one made locally. And I’ll be walking to work during that phase too.
****** me off when people are like that, if you can't be ***** just say so from the outset!
When I was rebuilding my S4 I needed a portion of the front offside wiring loom as mine was destroyed, the number of people I spoke to that wouldn't even bother trying look if they had one to cut one off a scrapped car was bonkers even when I was offering £100+ for it. Then in the end one chap cut it out and sent it to me and wouldn't take a penny.
When I was rebuilding my S4 I needed a portion of the front offside wiring loom as mine was destroyed, the number of people I spoke to that wouldn't even bother trying look if they had one to cut one off a scrapped car was bonkers even when I was offering £100+ for it. Then in the end one chap cut it out and sent it to me and wouldn't take a penny.
It is truly annoying. You’d think people ‘in’ the community, would help people out who are struggling with important parts which can’t be bought anymore. But no, there this ‘can’t-be-bothered-itis’ that stretches far and wide, coupled with the ‘what’s-in-it-for-me-itis’ Maybe it’s just me, but if I could help a fellow B5 owner out, I would.
But never mind, I’ll wip it off end of this week maybe, and see about getting it made.
Quite a few weeks ago now, I got bored sick of not being able to see properly at night, plus the misting up was driving me mad since the flood expedition. So had these on order for quite a while now, one of the last ones I could find which do LHD and RHD. Think these may be a marmite thing, but I quite like them, lots of modern cars have the headlamps setup like this now. I found a pic of a Hibicus B5 with these fitted and I liked them.
So, see if I can get these fitted in the next few days.
So, see if I can get these fitted in the next few days.
Okkaayyy……………with the nice weather I got busy again today. Most importantly, due to being let down ‘again’ on a replacement fuel pipe assembly, I’m going to be making my own replacement. Maybe I’ll try and get the old one copied when I have removed it and the cars fixed again. But we’ll see. Doing the fuel filter job is bad enough a single time, without having to keep going back under and doing it again to replace a pipe. Tomorrow morning I’ll nip to a fuel specialist and get a new banjo bolt and union, and get some hose from work te correct side (now I’ve measured the outlet on the fuel pump cap). It will do temporarily, or maybe even permanently.
In other news, I’ve fitted my new headlamps, and S4 mirrors………………….
………….errrrmmmmmm. Well. Through my eyes, the jury is still out. I’m really not sure at all if I like the cars new look. Maybe it’s because it’s dirty as hell, maybe it’s because it needs lowering. I’m not sure, but I’m just seeing chav-mobile through my eyes at the moment, which I’m not happy with. Have to see if i warm to it in the coming weeks.
In other news, I’ve fitted my new headlamps, and S4 mirrors………………….
………….errrrmmmmmm. Well. Through my eyes, the jury is still out. I’m really not sure at all if I like the cars new look. Maybe it’s because it’s dirty as hell, maybe it’s because it needs lowering. I’m not sure, but I’m just seeing chav-mobile through my eyes at the moment, which I’m not happy with. Have to see if i warm to it in the coming weeks.
I tell you something, it’s annoying having a full Bilstein/Eibach kit in the shed, and not having the time to fit it. Lol.
Managed to clean the car properly for the first time in months, so thought I’d take some decent photos, see if I feel better about the headlights and mirrors. Headlamps I’m liking more. But mirrors, think I’m going to put the old ones back on.
Todys Job, fix the fuel leak by making a new fuel line. My fuel line will be rubber all the way to the tank for the moment. If I can take the Genuine one to a hose company and have an identical one made, then I will. I’ve tried 3 times to buy a hose from people braking RS4 and TQS cars, but not one of them could be bothered to help. What a world this is.
Managed it, what a f#$%+n job that is. That’s 2 times I’ve had to have the tank down now, and I really hope I don’t have to do it again in a hurry. Managed to thread the rubber hose down the side of the chassis trail, and then pull it up through the fuel pump cap with a flexible grabber. I’ve double clamped it just to be sure. After priming the pump 3 times, there was no sign of a leak, so I started the car and ran it for a few mins. Still no leaking, so all good, thank god I’m not dropping fuel all over the floor anymore. This week was 82 miles to £30, not good.
All this nice weather we’re due to have this week……….I might, might, see if I can fit the suspension!
All this nice weather we’re due to have this week……….I might, might, see if I can fit the suspension!
Well, it’s been a couple of weeks……and the silver mirrors are coming off. It seems they are like marmite, some people have made really good compliment on them, and some, really bad. Much like myself. So the originals are now back on.
Another addition though, some new B-Pillar black covers. These covers have been professionally covered with real carbon fibre. And so….this might be a clue as to where I’m going to go with the door mirror covers in the next few weeks.
Another addition though, some new B-Pillar black covers. These covers have been professionally covered with real carbon fibre. And so….this might be a clue as to where I’m going to go with the door mirror covers in the next few weeks.
Leave them as they are. And if it was me I’d have covered the b pillar trims in satin or Matt black. But it’s not my car!
it still looks good though
it still looks good though
Not much happening this week, been on holiday for the last week. So apart from on Wednesday nearly being involved in a multi-car pile up on the A14 near Cambridge, an extreme near miss, not much has happened really.
The car now has its original colour door mirrors back on, for the moment. Silver ones are for sale.
The bigger front brakes have been causing upset with my wife. There is a small catching issue, which acts like a fork through the front axle. I’ll sort that this week.
And as luck (or no luck) would have it, my downpipe is now blowing. So the upgrade front pipe I’ve been looking to buy is now justified.
Took apart the shocks and springs today. Degreased everything as best I could. The springs I think are going to be sprayed with a suitable black paint I think after being rubbed down. The rear turrets are also going to get some corrosion resistant paint. These turrets have already had corrosion removed and a reinforced backplate welded on. Internally they are full of black waxoyl. The front top mount bushes were all cracked, and the bump stops looked a bit sorry as well. So I’m ordering new ones this week, and I’ll hopefully fit the whole lot shortly after.
Oh…..and my lower door trims have finally bitten the bullet. I suspect the passenger one will fall off this week. Does anybody have any trusted sellers of these trims?
The car now has its original colour door mirrors back on, for the moment. Silver ones are for sale.
The bigger front brakes have been causing upset with my wife. There is a small catching issue, which acts like a fork through the front axle. I’ll sort that this week.
And as luck (or no luck) would have it, my downpipe is now blowing. So the upgrade front pipe I’ve been looking to buy is now justified.
Took apart the shocks and springs today. Degreased everything as best I could. The springs I think are going to be sprayed with a suitable black paint I think after being rubbed down. The rear turrets are also going to get some corrosion resistant paint. These turrets have already had corrosion removed and a reinforced backplate welded on. Internally they are full of black waxoyl. The front top mount bushes were all cracked, and the bump stops looked a bit sorry as well. So I’m ordering new ones this week, and I’ll hopefully fit the whole lot shortly after.
Oh…..and my lower door trims have finally bitten the bullet. I suspect the passenger one will fall off this week. Does anybody have any trusted sellers of these trims?
started to get my suspension components blasted this week. I’d already degreased the turrets and springs. But thought I’d get rid of all the bits of corrosion I could see, and then spray them. Going to spray the wishbones and uprights with underseal, and I’ve got some plasticoat for the springs themselves.
my friend who ‘s blasting them had no issues on the arms and uprights, I was really impressed with how they have turned out. But the springs, he couldn’t get the factory finish off, so he’s ordering some more coarse shot and will try again shortly.
I’ve also ordered some new SKF top mounts and spring plates for the front, as well as new bump stops and boots. Called in at Audi today as well to pick up some parts. Some metal collars that were missing when I took the front shocks apart, plus the bungs from earlier in the thread. I now have a Genuine VAG temp sender as well, so I fit this and we’ll see if this changes the warm starting issue. At least it will eliminate the sensor itself.
So, I’ll await all the parts back from blasting, get them painted, and then hopefully get the suspension kit all fitted up. Looking forward to it.
my friend who ‘s blasting them had no issues on the arms and uprights, I was really impressed with how they have turned out. But the springs, he couldn’t get the factory finish off, so he’s ordering some more coarse shot and will try again shortly.
I’ve also ordered some new SKF top mounts and spring plates for the front, as well as new bump stops and boots. Called in at Audi today as well to pick up some parts. Some metal collars that were missing when I took the front shocks apart, plus the bungs from earlier in the thread. I now have a Genuine VAG temp sender as well, so I fit this and we’ll see if this changes the warm starting issue. At least it will eliminate the sensor itself.
So, I’ll await all the parts back from blasting, get them painted, and then hopefully get the suspension kit all fitted up. Looking forward to it.
Genuine Water Temp Switch fitted today, so see how that goes on. Although………..I believe the wiring going to the plug is definatly suspect. I can see some bare wire, which going off what I’ve seen in the past may mean broken wires. Not good.
i also fitted the grommet that a member gave me the number to, and it fits, excellent. So I’ll pick another one up from Audi this week.
My passenger door trim has actually fallen off this week as well. Was in a bad way. I’ve made a purchase on eBay, and DPD have cocked it up. So no trim now until some get delivered.
More good news from ECS Tuning though, my front pipe is being dispatched this week. So I’ll look to get my prop shaft completed this week, and then I can get the prop and complete exhaust system fitted.
As M used to say to bond……lots to do 007, lots to do.
i also fitted the grommet that a member gave me the number to, and it fits, excellent. So I’ll pick another one up from Audi this week.
My passenger door trim has actually fallen off this week as well. Was in a bad way. I’ve made a purchase on eBay, and DPD have cocked it up. So no trim now until some get delivered.
More good news from ECS Tuning though, my front pipe is being dispatched this week. So I’ll look to get my prop shaft completed this week, and then I can get the prop and complete exhaust system fitted.
As M used to say to bond……lots to do 007, lots to do.
The lower door rubber trim hides all manner of sins. Replaced them on my old B5 Amtrak. Once they corrode inside they warp. Good opportunity to check the door for rust, and give it a good detail before refitting. The little Philips grub screw tends to seize too.
Thank you, yeah definatly a time to detail all the grime off and make sure there is no corrosion to the door. Having had a decent look at the passenger side there doesn’t appear to be any rust to the main door really. Ive got all brand new white clips too.
The trims I ordered off eBay, from Latvia of all places, failed to arrive. I’ve ordered from elsewhere, but that’s another month from now. So as I want it to be looking it’s best when I go to the BTCC at Oulton Park at the beginning of June, I’ve been busy with the Kwik-Weld. Did a bit at a time, and taped it into place whilst it dried. So now I’ve got my door trim back on, and it actually looks ok temporarily. Certainly not a complete mess. Figured I had nothing to lose really.
Also replaced the temp sender with a Genuine Audi sensor. And in all honesty, the car has started a lot better in the hot weather these last 2 days. So I’m not saying it’s fixed just yet, but certainly better. I’ve got a new plug on order with some wiring too. So when that arrives, I’ll get rid of the broken wires I have at the moment.
Been having a bit of difficulty with my front brake conversion a bit recently. And I’m putting it down to the brand new calipers I bought. So I’m thinking I’m going to get the original VAG ones rubbed down and painted. It also appears I’ve had something stuck in the brake pad, which has scored the disc annoyingly. The current problem is that when the brakes are up to temps, and I’m turning round a right hand bend, you can here a catching noise. Clearance on the disc is all ok, o key damage is on the pad and the disc face. I’m thinking at this point that the caliper is sticking. I’m certainly chewing enough fuel for a caliper to be binding, and at traffic lights when you let the car roll slightly, you can feel the car come to a stop mechanically, with no foot on the brake.
I’ve also plugged my new VDO code reader into the OBD port. And have now got a code out. Code 00561, which is mixture adaptation. Wondering if this could be caused by either a leak somewhere in the inlet hoses, or even because my flexi-pipe is now leaking.
Well there’s a matching gouge in the pad surface as well, all across it, like something has been lodged in the pad and then dragged over the surface of the disc. It’s odd. What I was expecting when I saw the disc, was some part of the caliper or hangar catching the disc face. But there is more than enough clearance all over. the pads are not running true to the disc either, which is caused by the crap casting of the caliper. Which is another reason why I’m going to look at refinishing the original calipers I bought in the first place.
Hi Midas, just had a catch up on the last few pages - still plenty of good work going on here. Shame about the brake issue, but i suppose if you were happy with the performance of the original system refurbing those callipers with new discs pads should at least give you confidence that the system will perform as expected. The only thing i would say it that i too experienced brake 'grinding'when cornering - turned out to that the disc would deflect slightly - possibly play in wheel bearing ( but noting i could feel/hear) and catch the rust build up on the back plate. Wire brushed back plate as it was generally sound and no more noise. Quick question - i see you get a few parts from ECS - does it take a few weeks for parts to get here and do you get hammered for import tax? I only ask as i've bought myself a little rolling restoration project too - a 2003 A6 Quattro, 6 speed V6 petrol Avant and some parts arent that easy to come by in the UK. Cheers Andy
Thank you very much.
When I say fit the older calipers, what I meant was the calipers that came with the hangers I using. Instead of refurbing and painting old calipers, I bought brand new calipers from where I work. Which is the mistake I made, as they aren’t genuine, and te castings are rubbish basically. I’ve got genuine 973/974 calipers, so I’ll get busy removing the rust and paint those instead. I think this will eliminate a lot of my catching issues. Possibly going to need new front discs again, so might go drilled. I know it isn’t the back plate as it’s a brand new back plate, and it’s far enough away for the flex in the disc to clear. I thought it might have been the hanger or bolts, mt mate said ball joint, but I’ve checked all this, and the clearance is ample. It’s the fact the pads also got a great big gouge through it which makes me think it’s a foreign object. In all honesty, I don’t think the caliper piston is retracting when you lift off the brakes, which means it’s then binding. Combined with the pads not sitting correctly as the caliper casting won’t allow the spring clips to sit where they should, means I have a lip on the pad now which will catch the disc if the piston isn’t retracting. So frustrating.
I have bought a bit from ECS tuning yeah. I’ve got a parcel on the way from them now actually, arriving on the 23rd. So I’ll know the import costs of that shortly. I won’t lie, yes import costs are steep. But, if you can’t buy it in this country, then you have to but from overseas. With Brexit, stuff from Europe is also charged now as well.
Had a decent parcel come this week from USA. Really glad this is here now. It means all I have to do is get my propshaft completed and the job of changing the prop, and putting the new exhaust system can be done together. This pipe is a Tectonics item, which is made with a 2.5” bore. Some of these are reduced to fit on the standard system, this one is not, so I can hopefully mate it to my Jetex system with minimal reducing Etc. Got to take it to my mates this week where the Jetex is, and do some mocking up.
The other content of the parcel…………carbon mirror covers. I’d been playing with getting these for 6 months, so when I ordered the frontpipe I just went for it and ordered these too.
The other content of the parcel…………carbon mirror covers. I’d been playing with getting these for 6 months, so when I ordered the frontpipe I just went for it and ordered these too.
Hi there. I understand what you're saying about the callipers now - yes get the originals refurbed - you could send them to big red or at least see what they'd charge to recon the pair. That down pipe looks well made and i reckon those carbon covers will be a nice edition to the other carbon touches on the car. I'm toying with getting a stainless steel cat back system on mine but cant make up my mind to spend £730 on a Jetex system that i need to fit or i've been quoted £600 for a fully fitted hand built system. I'm going to go and have a look at the welding and stainless quality (been told its T304) at the hand built place before committing - but i recognize that Jetex will have spent some time designing a performance system rather than someone just welding pipes and boxes together that fits and does the job - hmmm decisions decisions,
Mirror covers are on. I quite like them if I’m honest, ties the carbon B pillar trims, plus the carbon inside, all together.
Spent about 5 hours today doing some polishing. I haven’t polished the car since I bought it, not properly. So got the rotary polisher out, and Ive claye, then 3 stage polished the bonnet, bumper, front wings and all the passenger side. I have to do this one panel at a time, it just so time consuming. Highly rewarding though. Had a couple of nasty scratches thanks to some nice people, but these are out now. Going to need a front and rear bumper respray in the future though, not happy with those.
Im off to Cars n Coffee in Liverpool tomorrow, not sure if anybody from this forum goes, but I’ll be there tomorrow, my first time so I’ll take the camera and hopefully get some decent pictures.
Spent about 5 hours today doing some polishing. I haven’t polished the car since I bought it, not properly. So got the rotary polisher out, and Ive claye, then 3 stage polished the bonnet, bumper, front wings and all the passenger side. I have to do this one panel at a time, it just so time consuming. Highly rewarding though. Had a couple of nasty scratches thanks to some nice people, but these are out now. Going to need a front and rear bumper respray in the future though, not happy with those.
Im off to Cars n Coffee in Liverpool tomorrow, not sure if anybody from this forum goes, but I’ll be there tomorrow, my first time so I’ll take the camera and hopefully get some decent pictures.
Got a few more packages this week as well. My horrendous wpfront and rear windscreen top strips were corroded when I bought it, and continue to get worse. It’s one of those things I always wanted to fix, but couldn’t find the stops. So now I’ve found them, 1 from Latvia for the front, and the rear from Aodhan off Facebook. Ill try and for the rear this week. But the front I’m going to leave until I get the windscreen done.
Ive also felt some distinct vibrations coming from under my foot, not all the time, just on bumps and going over speed humps. I just know it’s the engine mounts, I’ve experienced it before on other cars I’ve had. Maybe this explains why my front pipe has failed. So I’ll look to put these on before I get my new exhaust fitted.
Ive also felt some distinct vibrations coming from under my foot, not all the time, just on bumps and going over speed humps. I just know it’s the engine mounts, I’ve experienced it before on other cars I’ve had. Maybe this explains why my front pipe has failed. So I’ll look to put these on before I get my new exhaust fitted.
Made the trip to Liverpool for Cars N Coffee as well. Felt a bit in the shadow as far as my own car is concerned, but some great machinery there. I’ve never been before, and it’s just such eclectic mix of cars. For me it’s all about the old school really. Modern machinery is ok and all, but anything from the 90’s backwards I love. Some lovely German motors, but the Supra was pretty awesome I have to say. Had a good catch up with Richard from Venom Motorsport as well, always some good automotive based conversation.
Apologies for the photo bombs.
Apologies for the photo bombs.
So must say thank you to the Queen for the 4 day weekend, it’s allowed me enough time to get to the stage of finally getting the suspension on the car. So tomorrows the day. Hoping to get my brand new top arms from AudiTradition tomorrow, so they can go straight on. If they don’t arrive, I’ll have to use my refurbed ones with power flex bushes.
The springs have been completely blasted clean, and then resprayed with Plasticote. The rear turrets were reinforced anyway, but they’ve also been bead blasted and then sprayed in undersea and top coated. I’ve used Brand new rubber spring mounts on the rear, and brand new mounting bolts. The front has had brand new bumpstops and stone guards, brand new SKF upper spring plates and top mount. I’ve also got brand new upper wishbone mounting bolts, and brand new turret mounting bolts. If I get time, I’ve also got brand new lower control arms for the front. So……what else can go wrong. Lol.
The springs have been completely blasted clean, and then resprayed with Plasticote. The rear turrets were reinforced anyway, but they’ve also been bead blasted and then sprayed in undersea and top coated. I’ve used Brand new rubber spring mounts on the rear, and brand new mounting bolts. The front has had brand new bumpstops and stone guards, brand new SKF upper spring plates and top mount. I’ve also got brand new upper wishbone mounting bolts, and brand new turret mounting bolts. If I get time, I’ve also got brand new lower control arms for the front. So……what else can go wrong. Lol.
Busy day for me for a bank holiday weekend. Up early to get to the local Parcelforce depot to retrieve my Genuine brand new upper rear arms.
Began the suspension change at 9.45. Thought I’d do the rears first as these haven’t been off before and I was unsure which bolts would come off and which would sheer. As it happens I drenched the bolts in this new aerosol chemical a friend gave me, haven’t seen it before but he uses it in his job. They all came loose without any sheering off. I do have to admit though, with out my Milwaukee gun it would have taken twice as long. I was absolutely aghast at the state of my upper turrets, just goes to show, I bet they are all like this that have never been removed. I’m lucky I have the others that have been welded up and reinforced. I was also dumbfounded to see that the whole shock was askew in the turret, possibly the upper shock bushes are toast. I have to say, it’s really great that you can assemble the strut up on a bench, and then just slot the whole unit into place and bolt it up.
The fronts were thankfully more easy than the rears. The struts have been off before about 12ish months ago, and I went to town on coating the bolt and top ball joints in grease as I knew I’d have to take them off again. Preassembled strut straight in, no problems. My only big issue today was loosing my 17” touch hardened socket, not impressed.
I did try to replace all the bolts I removed with replacements I’d preordered. Even though the bolt on the front upper ball joints was new last time round, I replaced this again as I know they bend.
Im thinking it will take a few days for the full drop to become apparent. On test drive, really happy with the ride quality. A little bit stiffer but its actually supple over the bumps which is how I wanted it to be. If it drops another 5-7mm that would be great too. My tracking is now way out as well, which I was a little surprised by. Thinking I may have to loosen off the top mounting bolts, move to level ground and retighten.
So now I’m just going to chill out for the evening, have some beers, and revel in the fact I’m now redder than a beetroot with this sun all day! Lol.
Began the suspension change at 9.45. Thought I’d do the rears first as these haven’t been off before and I was unsure which bolts would come off and which would sheer. As it happens I drenched the bolts in this new aerosol chemical a friend gave me, haven’t seen it before but he uses it in his job. They all came loose without any sheering off. I do have to admit though, with out my Milwaukee gun it would have taken twice as long. I was absolutely aghast at the state of my upper turrets, just goes to show, I bet they are all like this that have never been removed. I’m lucky I have the others that have been welded up and reinforced. I was also dumbfounded to see that the whole shock was askew in the turret, possibly the upper shock bushes are toast. I have to say, it’s really great that you can assemble the strut up on a bench, and then just slot the whole unit into place and bolt it up.
The fronts were thankfully more easy than the rears. The struts have been off before about 12ish months ago, and I went to town on coating the bolt and top ball joints in grease as I knew I’d have to take them off again. Preassembled strut straight in, no problems. My only big issue today was loosing my 17” touch hardened socket, not impressed.
I did try to replace all the bolts I removed with replacements I’d preordered. Even though the bolt on the front upper ball joints was new last time round, I replaced this again as I know they bend.
Im thinking it will take a few days for the full drop to become apparent. On test drive, really happy with the ride quality. A little bit stiffer but its actually supple over the bumps which is how I wanted it to be. If it drops another 5-7mm that would be great too. My tracking is now way out as well, which I was a little surprised by. Thinking I may have to loosen off the top mounting bolts, move to level ground and retighten.
So now I’m just going to chill out for the evening, have some beers, and revel in the fact I’m now redder than a beetroot with this sun all day! Lol.
Cheers, yeah I think it may well drop more also. They usually do don’t they. Could fit to fingers between the tyre and the arch yesterday evening, this morning it appears I no longer can, so I’ll probably see a difference again next time I’m on level ground.
