Tinto's magical world of automobiles and the like.

[Tinto]

Hello dubbers,
Thought I'd share some pics of my VWs (and more recently, my Nissan)

I really liked the look of the MK5, but it wasn't until the GT TSI was launched that I became fascinated with the tech behind them.
So I ended up picking up an 08 GT Sport TSI with DSG.
Candy white was for me - I needed some panda face.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2068/2352108806_d6e3d61b47.jpg
Stock Ride Height with some Tempe tyres RS4 reps (notice the fat spokes and flat face)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3192/2811317538_59661f72c3.jpg
lowered on the KW V3 with my (ex) 17" track wheels - TR Motorsport MT1 and Toyo Proxes R888

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3409/3300566734_1bf8e56042.jpg
in its final guise, GTI skirts (to hide the fact that i'm a dumb shit with jack stands) and 18" VMR V708 wheels.
By far the nicest RS4 rep if I do say so... plenty of curve in the face and thin blades for spokes.

The APR flash for the 1.4TSI was launched the day I traded this in :(
Great car, supercharger sounded awesome, and I think I could actually handle this car better than I can my GTI.

Mid last year I moved into this due to some nicely timed government tax breaks:
09 Pirelli GTI / Graphite Blue / DSG

Stock (except KW V3)
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2476/3780174985_aee68ec03c.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2445/3780988484_9c7a4be64c.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2484/3780984992_96038fbc61.jpg

Now with the Work Wheels, and some performance gear from APR, BFI and 42 Draft Designs (downpipe).
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2519/4063383421_6346460252.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2677/4064131680_aba3dbf368.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2469/4063381877_c678111f7e.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3504/4063384179_5e0f8515c8.jpg


In the last month or so, I've bought an S15 200SX, Aussie delivered to have a bit of guilt-free motorsport fun.
The Golf is great on the track but I want (and love) using it every day, and the harder track mods don't align with that.
I needed a car that I didn't have to worry about putting the baby seat in the back, nor whether my wife would bump her head on a rollcage :P

Tomei 2.2, 6boost manifold, bigger front brakes, tein coilovers, there's a horrendously long list of mods on this, but most of it is top shelf brand name stuff. I could write more, but I'd rather use it than talk about it :P
Expected horsepower is 400 (it is in getting a few things sorted out and a retune today).

http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4048/4375172665_9b1eee4f0d.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2738/4375175631_fa2c408c76.jpg

I'll add some of the Golf shots to the flickr group.

Cheers,
Martin

[bigwill]

AWESOME! love your passion tinto!!

[zz2]

awesome thread Martin! im still amazed your wife is so lax when it comes to your automotive splurging.

lol i still find it ironic that your jap car as krout rims and your krout car has jap rims

[nath_mk6]

That perilli looks sweet, nice to have a passion and thanks for sharing it with those of us with no room for such a passion.. :)

[Frenchie]

Martin you are a champ !! You have fine taste and passion...Love the Work wheels!!

Great thread...

[Paolo]

great example of a tastefully modified Pirelli =)
always loved s15s as well
nice choice of cars

[Tinto]

Thanks guys. I'll be a bit more explicit on the specs soon :)

[chewy7]

Thats one sweet stable Tinto!! Snap-on Tools too :)

[Tinto]

Hahhaa the stool is the only snap on tool I own.
Not sure if that actually counts ;)

everything else is repco-spec, matches my mechanical abilities.

[zz2]

Hahhaa the stool is the only snap on tool I own.
Not sure if that actually counts ;)

everything else is repco-spec, matches my mechanical abilities.

now now dont talk yourself down yet!

couldnt help notice we have same the super shit mini trolly jack... you get yours during that sale too? cant go wrong for $29.95

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2738/4375175631_fa2c408c76.jpg

[Justin Fox]

I'm a fan of both cars, and your style too :cool:

[Tinto]

Thanks guys :)

OK quick specs on the Pirelli for those who haven't seen already...
Suspension:
KW Variant 3 - installed and setup by Wheels World in Osborne Park (WA).
These guys are awesome and work with you to get your car handling the way you want.
The dealer once gave me a factory alignment as part of a service, and I felt like I was driving a different car - one made of wood - until i went to see them and they dialed everything back in for me.
It is super responsive if setup correctly. I've got a bit more toe-out up front, so the car changes direction very nicely at the expense of some top end speed.

Engine/intake/cooling/fuelling:
Stock K04 turbo (as are all Pirellis)
Stock intake
APR High Pressure Fuel Pump
APR Intercooler

Exhaust:
Ceramic Coated 3" street series (catted) downpipe from 42 Draft Designs mated to the stock cat back.
Reading some theory on hot gas flow from the guys at AWE tuning made me want to go down this path (and save a few bucks along the way).

Software:
APR Stage 2+ 'test pipe' program (stock + secure lockout on there too)

Rolling Stock
Work Emotion 18 x 8.5 ET 46
Pirelli P Zero 225/40/18
Some scuffing on big hits round corners - rarely at any other time.
I wouldn't use these wheels on the track without a bit of a suspension lift.

Exciting Notes
The downpipe has released a nice amount of sound into the cabin thanks to the more free flowing cat.
I'd definitely recommend a downpipe matched to the stock exhaust if you want to look OEM but go like a complete nutter once tuned. I bought mine from NA Motorsports and paid a small premium for the ceramic coating. It isn't stainless steel and the price reflects this, but then again we don't live in a climate where the roads are salted so ceramic coated mild steel is fine in my book.

The higher price of an APR tune is nicely offset with the fact that you don't *have* to get a $700 intake to go to stage 2. This means my engine bay looks stock despite there being an aftermarket intercooler and fuel pump stuffed in there. It also means I've got no intake sounds, just sweet spool and exhaust :)

As a side note, you can rapidly piss away the savings on not having to buy an intake.... on an intercooler.
Which was a bit of an indulgence, but worth it considering how stupidly hot it has been in Perth this summer.

[burgs]

Hot car, love everything about it. I really love the works on your car :D

[Justin Fox]

18 x 8.5 ET 46 just sounds so conservative to me but it's what I'm reading a lot of in regards to MKV Golfs. I assume you just can't get away with much more? I had 8 wide and +25's on my Civic ED but I did have to modify the guards to fit. I'll have to look into more aggressive offsets and the consequences of them ASAP.

[Tinto]

After looking at JDM fitments for the S15 and seeing the range of tolerances there, I know what you mean.
But there's not a lot of room unless you're keen on tyre ripping camber or having your fenders pulled... or rolling mexican.
Plenty of guys in the states are OK with that, but I like to be able to drive it :)

At these widths I personally couldn't push it further without fender work or stretching the hell out of a skinny tyre.. which would be quickly overcome when driving hard.
It is rare to see a lot of concave in the spokes with these dimensions, but I got mid-face (or whatever the name is as opposed to Flat and Deep) on my Works.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2443/4064134020_e6f55b4eb0.jpg

[Justin Fox]

Ah that looks pretty damn concave to me, nice move. A TE37 would have looked dead flat at those offsets so you made a killer move right there. :cool:

[bwen]

Martin could you shed some light on your downpipe? I'm looking at getting a custom one also but is there anything in particular I should be looking for so I don't get thrown CELs?

I'm in a huge conundrum at the moment, get some goodies for my Pirelli or pick an engine for my track spec civic.

[bigwill]

do u mind explaining to me how easy it is to adjust the rebound and compression please? are there specific knobs that u turn easily accessible once the coilover goes in or do u need to have them off the vehicle before u can adjust it?

[Tinto]

Martin could you shed some light on your downpipe? I'm looking at getting a custom one also but is there anything in particular I should be looking for so I don't get thrown CELs?

I'm in a huge conundrum at the moment, get some goodies for my Pirelli or pick an engine for my track spec civic.
I say go for what you'll get the most enjoyment from everyday - thats your Golf more than the track car, which is a bit more of a slow burrrn :)

This is the pipe I got - http://www.42draftdesigns.com/categories/products/mk5dp.html Resonated Street series.
From NA Motorsports. http://www.namotorsports.net/detail.cfm/part_cd/DDEX-05-021
I ticked the Ceramic coated option as we're in a pretty warm climate and I wanted to keep temps under control.
It will also protect the mild steel from rusting quickly. Matches up to the stock exhaust no problem according to the guys who put it on for me.

You won't get a CEL with an APR tune as they take into account the downpipe's different characteristics over stock.
For other tunes if a CEL pops up then you can get hold of a Wayne Angle Block - that will pull the sensor out of the path a little and not make it freak out about cat efficiency (or lack of).
It is like a tiny L-bend with a mount for your sensor :) I believe they come from one guy (Wayne, would you believe) over on vwvortex.
Someone on golfmkv used one of these angle blocks on their 100cel Cat (custom downpipe) and hasn't thrown CELs on their tune (GIAC).


do u mind explaining to me how easy it is to adjust the rebound and compression please? are there specific knobs that u turn easily accessible once the coilover goes in or do u need to have them off the vehicle before u can adjust it?
Pretty difficult really - moreso when you compare it to Sachs or Bilstein with nice notchy dials with numbers. It is definitely more of a 'workshop' adjustment than what others offer.
Rebound is set and forget - from memory that is the one at the top of the struts, and I'm not prepared to drop my rear wheels or rip up the scuttle panel(?) when I want it adjusted. But their default settings are very good.

The main function you want to be able to adjust for 'performance driving' is the low speed compression (which is what controls body roll) for performance driving, and that has a small adjuster on the bottom of the strut.
They give you a couple of small tools (like a tiny allen key) to stick in there and rotate the adjuster.
High speed compression is a set amount from the factory, but on the KW it is separate to the low speed, so the car is still very compliant over bumps, but the body won't roll.
I hope that makes sense - I believe on the KW clubsports you can alter the high speed compression... but on the garden variety coilovers it is one of the key items that define ride quality, so they set it for you at the factory.
No complaints here, and worth noting most coilovers adjust compression (both high and low) together, so when you wind them up they become harsh as well as stopping body roll.
KW Variant 3 keeps the ride comfortable/compliant(factory set high speed compression) while reducing body roll (user adjustable low speed compression).

Once mine was setup, I haven't wanted to have it altered. I like the car flat but comfortable.
If they had a Tein style EDFC - I'd be messing about with it everyday, but that isn't an option yet.

[M4RK0]

Tinto,

Really nice taste, can I ask where did you get your Works wheels?,

Cheers!

[G-rig]

Love what you've done with the Pirelli Tinto, must be an absolute weapon.

Graphite Blue seems pretty rare but is such a nice colour.. Quite original matching the bronze Work wheels too, really suit it.

[10d]

Martin, never actually met you or see your car personally, but been hearing good things about both.
Maybe one day.

Kudos to you and your ride.

[Jig]

I love everything about this car. It is not overly done and very classy all the way Tinto. You know I'm a fan of Work Wheels and that just tops it up. Looking forward for you documenting the mods you have invested into your Sylvia. That is a great colour Sylvia there.

[Tinto]

Thanks for the kind words guys.
I agree.. need a new photoshoot soon.

Thor - wheels came in via importmonster.com.au

[Tinto]

Wheels and tyres went on the Silvia this afternoon.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2748/4459791200_35b5d589c7.jpg

225/40 front(8.5) 265/35 rear(9.5) both ET38
very happy with the fitment.

They had some wax/lube on the tread when I exited the tyre shop, and the back end stepped out quite nicely.
Surprised myself by instinctively controlling it! Thankyou, video games. :P
Wasn't all smooth sailing though - the rears had bbs-fitted centering rings that were too small so had to be removed (with some delicate force).
Proper sizes are being machined for me and will be fitted on Monday.
I feel so different about this thing now that it doesn't have 205 section tyres on it.

Drive home in peak hour was hell though. Give me the GTI and DSG anyday :)

[zz2]

hell yeah Martin! looks 'mintox'

[10d]

Martin, I had the same problem. My wheels didn't come with center rings so I have a set made up. The tyre shop won't even let me put the wheels on without them. Haha.

[kaoticice]

I'm liking the stance on that silvia. Looks clean too.

[Frenchie]

Very Nice mr T !

[R32Perth]

Very nice Tinto........

[Capercat]

I'm thinking of putting these WORK wheels on my future R, I take it you had these made as a custom order? I would like to swap OEM 18" tyres on the rims. How are things rolling to date?





Now with the Work Wheels, and some performance gear from APR, BFI and 42 Draft Designs (downpipe).
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2519/4063383421_6346460252.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2677/4064131680_aba3dbf368.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2469/4063381877_c678111f7e.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3504/4063384179_5e0f8515c8.jpg

[stephen8512]

wow! those work wheels look the goods!

[Tinto]

I'm thinking of putting these WORK wheels on my future R, I take it you had these made as a custom order? I would like to swap OEM 18" tyres on the rims. How are things rolling to date?

It is going really well - you're right in assuming they were a custom order. Let them know (I used Aaron @ Import Monster) the centre bore (57.1), PCD(5x112) and the bolt seat (ball seat so you can use your stock VW lugbolts), and then wait :)
The wheel suitable for the MK5 (assume the same applies to the MK6) is a Subaru-friendly offset of 46.
Those are my OEM 225/40/18 Pirelli P Zero tyres on there.

Not sure if I said before, but these are an OEM weight wheel not a lightweight like you'd get from an Advan (priced accordingly too). They are fractionally heavier than the 18" OEM Pirelli wheels, but are an inch wider.
The 8.5" width does cause some scuffing at my ride height, but I'm pondering having the fender lip rolled a bit to make that go away altogether.
It only happens when I hit a meaty bump mid corner.

No regrets here, and nothing bad to report!

[Frenchie]

How s this little beast going M ?

[Tinto]

I haven't touched the Golf for a while - so happy with how it is!

A few shots of the S15:
KW clusports in and had the front BBS LM centre mounted from the rear to lower the offset.
Currently 4 degrees camber up front, 2.8 at the rear. gripppp!

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5207/5233979631_f6732c37d1.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5088/5234571818_cd9036a86f.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5081/5233980299_c061e18923.jpg

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5129/5233978737_867366529d.jpg

[Mr Scruff]

Damn that looks nice. So clean and simple

[Frenchie]

mmmm agreed simple and great stance !
4 degrees up front !! that's what I'm talking about..

[Jig]

Looks great Tinto. Gold wheels looks good. Rear Spoiler perhaps?

[10d]

Love those LMs!!

Bet the car handles well on the twisties.
2.8 degrees rear, does the tail slides controllably now, Mart?

[AP]

Very clean S15!! I've always loved the LM's but could pay the money..
Nice car!

[stephen8512]

Mmmm that S15 is cleaaaaaaan!! Love the smoothed bootlid.

keeping the looks of it stocker? i reckon Vertex Ridge widebody would look hot on the blue. Or Vertex Lang with CF canards on the front. yum!

BBS LM's look on point too. what are you lowered on just out of curiosity? Teins?

[bwen]

BBS LM's look on point too. what are you lowered on just out of curiosity? Teins?

I think he mentioned they were KW clubsports. Once again I love the S15! Makes me miss my 180sx even though it didn't have the mean 2.2L donk :(

[stephen8512]

I think he mentioned they were KW clubsports. Once again I love the S15! Makes me miss my 180sx even though it didn't have the mean 2.2L donk :(

ahhh cool thanks brendan. nice....KW clubsports. i didnt know KW made coilovers for the S15...wow, learnt something today

[burgs]

Looks hot mate, love gold lm's on blue cars :)

[Tinto]

Thanks guys :)

I'm not sure how the rear camber will play out - it may need to be pulled back a little, but I was very happy with how it handled on a recent country (read: twisty!) drive.
The KW Clubsports - while definitely stiffer than the tein SS that were in there - respond to bumps waaaay better - the car doesn't get upset at all. Stiff but compliant if that makes sense.
KW don't specifically make ClubSports for the S15 - but the S14 suspension is effectively the same - just some minor differences with brake line connectors (nothing a new set of braided and hard lines didn't fix).

Now that the LM have had the face flipped (mounted from the rear of the barrel), they have a much more aggressive profile up front. the front wheel more or less matches the rear.
I didn't buy the LMs new (and wouldn't - the pricing is naaasty), but I'll let you guys think I did :)

As it is my track car, I'm likely going to go for some lower skirts and a front lip without going over the top - they are relatively subtle.
I have an M-Sports kit sitting in my garage, but I'm not too keen on the rear end of it - too 'skirty' if you know what I mean :) And the mouth gapes like a breathless fish.
I predict those changes will make it a bit tail happy, so I'll be getting a second bootlid I can run a GT wing at the track and take it off for the drive home.

My current bootlid is too nicely done to drill new holes into, and have managed to find a 2nd hand one very cheap that I'll get vinyl wrapped.
Hopefully a 1710mm wide wing will fit in the cabin with me :)