Dev's MkIII VR6 IS NOW A 3 LITER!

[VR53KS]

After a brief.. No that's not the right word actually. After a huuuuuuuuge amount of messing around with trying to find the right first car, I laid eyes upon this beaut for the first time in around July.. The owner at the time was an older bloke in Redfern, and I was on my L's until January. I suppose this put him off, and he actually refused to sell it to me because I was an inexperienced driver and would probably torque-steer it into a tree/pole/other hard object. :eek:

So he sold it off to someone up in Drummoyne, and I thought I'd never see her again. Then, apparently due to receiving a company car, the new owner was selling it aswell, and I pounced :icon_twisted: Quite clean and nicely specced, late model with low KM's and leather seats, so I'm chuffed to bits. Had her since the end of August now, practically learnt to perfect my manual driving and apart from the typical Mk3 hassles (heater core, window regs, ABS) she's as good as gold. I passed my driving test a few weeks ago and have been racking up the kays since then, without a single hassle on the way. I love how inconspicuous it is amongst traffic to the regular commuters, but those people that know their stuff give it the occasional double glance :icon_lol:

Fairly stock, and I'll most likely keep it that way for a while, apart from some decent (albeit very harsh, have to get the dampers adjusted a little bit) suspension gear, a panel filter in the stock airbox which I want to swiss-cheese at some point, and as far as I can tell just a tip chucked onto the standard exhaust system - piping looks old, both suitcase mufflers are still there..

I suppose that's it? On with the photos :)

http://img84.imageshack.us/img84/5630/picture039b.jpg

http://img196.imageshack.us/img196/1298/picture045v.jpg

http://img514.imageshack.us/img514/3711/dscn1290n.jpg
(I'm the bloke IN the car, not the tall, African, lad wannabe on the side :icon_lol:)

http://img693.imageshack.us/img693/3599/271220091559.jpg


http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/707/271220091560.jpg

[SUGA]

OH wow! I spotted you and your ride today out the front of your school! Awesome!

[Justin Fox]

Holy shit what an amazing 1st car!!!!!! I'm jealous!

[Frenchie]

Nice MKIII........Better than my first car!!

[Cam]

Nice VR6 mate!
Looks really clean.

[sir_camel]

Super clean car buddy. Looks great

[rayray086]

http://img693.imageshack.us/img693/3599/271220091559.jpg

Getting Mickey to do your dirty work?!

Sweet first car mate.

[SUGA]

PS: Justin just told me this (long) story about when he was a kid and the kids he used to skate with down the road from where he lived had a Dad who was planning to buy a VR6. The kids even showed Justin the glossy dealer VR6 car brochure! They edned up getting that VR6 too, and the Dad in question also has a tool shop in Redfern!

[Aleks.B]

You very lucky boy hopefully this will be my next car one of these.

[TasH]

lad wannabe? im wearing tigers not Tn'z lol >D

[Clifton]

Spotted you going down High St. next to UNSW.

[Paolo]

hey Devin, don't know if this was mentioned before but there is a 1-page letter you sent in the Autosalon magazine. Didn't get to read it but i noticed your name and number plates straight away!

[VR53KS]

Bumpity :) Not much has been happening with my car lately apart from being driven around a lot. She's running kinda badly, very rich and in need of a service, so I might have to hustle the parents to speed up my income flow and get that sorted in the not too distant future.. Other than that, the aforementioned Autosalon article is about all there is to it, although I've got something coming up soon, provided I (once again..) get the money side of things cleared... ;)

http://img43.imageshack.us/img43/1310/img7846l.jpg

Mk4 GTI wheels, which are a direct fit and even at my height I shouldn't have any rubbing problems provided I run 45 profile tyres. The bug has started nibbling :D

[Justin Fox]

Haha nice. PS: I read your letter in Auto Salon Magazine today whilst I was at Top One! Nice read! :)

[schoona]

Looking good Dev :) Can't wait to sus it out on Sunday.

Especially the ride.

[VR53KS]

Tonight I've kind of... Well. Yeah. Mangled it a bit. :lol:

http://img690.imageshack.us/img690/8585/290320101713.jpg

http://img97.imageshack.us/img97/1153/290320101714.jpg

And the other car, a Camry:
http://img534.imageshack.us/img534/3706/290320101715.jpg

She's down, but not out. I think my wheels have to wait for a while :D

[AP]

Sorry to hear that you damaged your car Dev, it doesn't look that bad you can fix pretty easily..

[10d]

Crap!

[Justin Fox]

Ah bugger Dev!!!

[GBJ-R32]

shit go man good luck with the fix

[SUGA]

:(

[Frenchie]

Could be worse Dev. a little love and she'll be back to scratch

[defaultx]

Sorry to hear Dev :( Good luck with the repairs, like others have said, doesn't look too bad

[VR53KS]

Could be much worse yes, I'm glad that it's only the car that copped damage rather than me and the girl in the car. I'm seriously glad she was with me at the time, she was the only one thinking straight, calmed me and the other driver down and pretty much exchanged each others details. Soon as I snapped back out of it, I took photos of the damage and location, for insurance purposes. Story, copied off Facebook because I'm a lazy karnt:

"I had gone to get a slurpee, coming back I was turning left from Avoca into High Street, second in line at the lights behind a Camry. Lights went green, he started taking off and so I did too - just at that moment we hear ambulance sirens and I had no idea where it came from. While I was looking around and creeping off the line, I couldnt see a thing because there was a brick wall to my left blocking the view. Turns out that the ambulance was on High Street facing us, jumped into OUR side of the lane (with our light being green, mind you), forced the Camry driver to slam on his brakes and i didnt see it happen quick enough to slam on mine. Crashity bang boom :( "

Dad said we'll take it to a place he knows to get it looked at and fixed, and we'll have the heater, major service and brake pads done at the same time. A very expensive win :)

[Justin Fox]

me and the girl in the car
:O

[TasH]

:O

i know why he was distracted ;)

[AusScare]

Good opportunity to upgrade to some new design headlights I reckon.

[burgs]

Shame about the prang mate, atleast you were all ok

[schoona]

Bad luck Dev. Get on the buffer ;)

Im sure it will be mint again in no time. Glad you and your girl are ok.

[J.T]

Sorry to hear Deven.. damage doesnt look too bad though. Good to hear you are ok though.

[scotty1991]

ABS issue? ;)

[VR53KS]

Righto - let's get some things outta the way in this update :) I hadn't done anything regarding the servicing OR the crash damage for a while, so on Monday I had enough and was getting ready to take her to Top One based on a good reputation and an itching to find a reliable mechanic. When I told my dad I was leaving, he refused and said 'I've already booked you in at MY mechanic in Woollahra'. So alright, Dedy can wait :lol: Dropped the car off that night and just picked her up again this afternoon. Had a major service done, to my surprise a new headlight was fitted (and the quarter panel bashed back out - which I wanted to do with a hammer :( ) and the biggest job of all, the heater core replaced.

That heater core pissed the guy right off, he told me he was there from 4am til 2pm yesterday working flat out on JUST MY CAR, and when other customers saw what he had to do, to get to the damn thing, they were completely speechless. He even took some photos during the process, just to show my dad what most of the money was going towards. Now, I've always known about the heater core being a big job, but seeing it done to my own car... That made shit get real. When I saw the photos, I was speechless too! So basically, to anybody looking to buy a Mk3, unless you want to take part in sending your mechanic's children to university (or you're enough of a madman/woman to attempt doing it yourself...)

BUY ONE WITH THE HEATER CORE ALREADY REPLACED


http://img532.imageshack.us/img532/8818/img00085201004130915.jpg
Seeing this makes me cringe. F88k getting stuck into that!

http://img121.imageshack.us/img121/2582/img00084201004130914.jpg
Another angle, shows it much clearer

http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/8179/img00086201004130915.jpg
That is the dashboard on the roof :lol:


Anyway, driving it around for a bit.. It feels like a completely different car. I'm chuffed, because that means she's.. well.. Working :) But I'm also kinda upset because she's lost her 'character'. My car was the bodgy Volkswagen with the shit brakes and a heater on long service leave. She blew black smoke out the exhaust any time you tapped the throttle and the gears felt like they were barely connected, if at all. Call me crazy, but I'll miss that :)

Then again, she's a normal car now. Gotta love that! Now that most of the dud maintenance is out of the way, let the mods begin. First up - exhaust! I want a mean, silly, annoying, obnoxious, loud, stupid, retarded, RIDICULOUS exhaust on this car. :>

[Paolo]

FAAAA! that musta been crazy expensive! well atleast its on the road again and yes exhaust time >D

[AP]

Man that looks like a big job!!!

[10d]

Hot dang! Haha. Now the car got no "character". Like your style, Dev!

[Tim]

Im not looking forward to doing the heater core in my VR6 soon and I have done one before. Youre not exagerating its a prick of a job thats for sure and you can see why i went on a bit of a rant in the mk3 buyers guide thread.

Re: exhaust.
be careful. Whilst loud exhausts are fun on a VR6 if its not done well it can get obnoxiously boomy in the cabin.
Get some induction noise happening. Something like a BMC CDA or if u wanna do it on a budget drill some big holes on the fender side of the lower half of the airbox and you will jizz in ya pants every time you step on the throttle

[MasterKevin]

woah hahaha looks like your stripping your car in those pics haha.

All that for a heater O_o

[schoona]

Yeah the heater core is a known prick of a job. You got some crucial issues sorted though Dev, only have your timing chains to do now :P

x2 Tim, be careful with the exhaust. I need to quieten mine down. It draws way too much attention in day to day driving. I love the rawness though...haha.

Mine is 2 1/4" Mild steel piping, cat-back, 12" resonator and the Magnaflow backbox. You heard how silly that was and it does drone at some loads/speeds inside the cabin pretty bad. Will be getting a second resonator put in to fix this.

GHlad you are all sorted and driving your beast again now mate :)

[SUGA]

Wow that's a huge service Dev, it looked like the car's guts were spilling out! Good to hear she's all fixed up now :)

[Justin Fox]

LOL what a job. $$$$$$$$$$$$!

[Clifton]

Holy shit.. looks like a mammoth task!

BTW how big is a heater core?

[VR53KS]

It is quite a task yep... You see, Mk3s aren't a normal car in that you buy them and they just WORK, we don't have that luxury :lol: VR6s in particular were designed to be as good as they can be.. For just a brief amount of time!

The heater core is a bit larger than a tissue box, and when they inevitably fail most people just 'bypass' them, by re-routing the outlet pipes back into the heater so it constantly re-circulates. Shitty temporary fix, until you can either get the entire thing replaced or offload the car to some desperate P-plater who will spend far too much on fixing it all and will probably keep the car for a huge amount of time just to recoup the costs and make it worth the effort ;)

BTW, driving around late last night after a feed at Maccas, I noticed my fuel economy dip into single digit figures. And that's with my 'slightly exuberant' driving. Either I'm going nuts and the service is having a placebo effect on me, or it's actually improved my economy!

[schoona]

Mine must be weird, i regularly see 9-9.5 and have had low 8s on the freeway?

[VR53KS]

You might have a 4-cylinder VR6 there Mal :D I'm not sure if she's still running rich, haven't checked afterwards for all the signs.. But I can rule out spark plugs as being faulty so I might have a dud O2 sensor.. Either that or injector/s?

Meh, just noticed tonight that my mechanic forgot to plug the auxillary cable back into the headunit when putting my dash back together.. Stupid Kenwood with its rear aux only, now I've gotta go back and get him to find it! :(

[VR53KS]

Right.. Sitrep. Turns out that even after blowing close to 3 grand on the important parts, she's still a fucking shitbox and won't give up the unreliable charade she's playing.. I walked back to my car after today's exam (Ancient History btw.. Surprisingly easy!) to find that some absolute NUMPTY literally ripped apart my P plates and left them on top of the car?? :confused: I only had one spare, which I shoved on the back, and the front one was salvageable enough to put back on. Anyway, no big deal.. Open all four windows and wait a bit - bloody hot day, no shade, black in and black out equals fifty million degrees inside - and then I noticed that the rear right door lock has literally cracked in two and is hanging off the side. :confused:

One bodgy fix later with some leftover scotch tape from holding the indicator in a few weeks back, she's good as gold.. Sort of. Doesn't really bother me, who's gonna use it anyway?! Drive to mechanic, turns out the cable was plugged in all along, but stuck somewhere deep down in the dash. Unplugged the glovebox and airbag, pulled it out with tweezers and all's good. The cable is longer this time around, which is a bonus because I had wanted a longer one for ages, so I guess the dude who installed the headunit didn't pull it out all the way through the wiring. Whatever, drive back towards home with music on, no problemo.

And then, to top it off, some shit news and some great news. Shit news is, my clutch is practically dead right now. Great news is, it lasted just a tick over 100,000KMS - 20-something-k more than the one on dad's old Audi, so he can't blame my driving for killing it :cool: It had been kinda shitty over the last few weeks, feeling jittery and whining a bit on takeoff, but today it randomly crunched 2nd gear leaving Eastgardens, and then it felt like I lost all power after I managed to re-engage the gear properly. At first I thought it was related to the car running a bit shitty, but then it smoothed out again and all was well. Next time I stopped at a set of lights, same thing happened! I literally had to floor the throttle to prevent the car from stalling in the first few seconds of releasing the clutch pedal, after which it would be fine again. At one point I was on full throttle taking off, it hesitated for a few seconds and out of nowhere took off like a gun and pushed me way back into the seat...

So Tendy, looks like it hasn't lost its character just yet and is still a moneypit/bitch/every other insult under the sun. I think it may be time to hit up Golf Loon for a VR6 clutch kit :(

[ml16]

Sell it to another sucker P-plater and upgrade?

Good luck either way whatever you do. I'm pretty sure all of us went through the same things as P-platers, its just a big learning curve really.

[Paolo]

at this rate, you'll be spending more then what Tendy has on his car hahahah i say keep it!

[VR53KS]

Exactly! And the piece of shit is still stock.. By now, if all the maintenance money was poured into mods.. I don't even wanna think about it, it burns me that much :lol: Honestly, I should have done this probably about six months ago when we first figured out this was not gonna be easy. I'm in my darkest hour and I'm considering selling the car of my dreams that I've been wishing for since August of 2008. I can't say I'll quit while I'm ahead - because I've come way too far to be anywhere near 'ahead' - but this madness has to end somewhere.

[Frenchie]

Damn Dev I see what you were talking about the other night....Hard call but if it keeps bleeding your wallet then maybe !?

Rebuild time !

[peedman]

Exactly! And the piece of shit is still stock.. By now, if all the maintenance money was poured into mods.. I don't even wanna think about it, it burns me that much :lol: Honestly, I should have done this probably about six months ago when we first figured out this was not gonna be easy. I'm in my darkest hour and I'm considering selling the car of my dreams that I've been wishing for since August of 2008. I can't say I'll quit while I'm ahead - because I've come way too far to be anywhere near 'ahead' - but this madness has to end somewhere.

Mate mk3 cars are fun and i will prob never sell my project car as ive invested way too much money and time into it and its still not finished! If ur willing to give it a go, diy will save u big dollars.

Ask mickey for a hand as we did his timing chain and it was a gearbox off job and even tho we ran into problems, 99% of them could be fixed with the proper tools.

[schoona]

Aw dear bad luck Dev. You are just coming around the time when everything will break though, at once. Then nothing will break for another 15 years.
Try ECS for the clutch kit, at least a price, and or four season tuning. I know you canm get the sachs (and other kits) from there.

PS. Did I spot you on the M2/M7 today ??

[VR53KS]

I love the smell of progress.. A new mod has surfaced :cool:

Righto. Ya'll know my exhaust right? Loud but not obtrusive, noticeable but not overwhelming. Yeah well I've said to hell with that. I haven't gone and bought a Kreissieg or Capristo :lol: but I've done something cheap and EXTREMELY cost effective. Watch the video below for what it was like before, and then allow me to explain.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xAm9a1mMcSo

The VR6's have a large-ass resonator known as the 'suitcase muffler' in the exhaust system. Simply chopping it out and replacing it with a straight pipe is a common thing to do for quick sound at bugger all costs. I've looked into doing it for several weeks but never had the time, spare cash or cojones to try it - until now ;)

When I went into the exhaust shop to take a looksie, the bloke was surprised. He had done the very same car just a few years ago! Sweeet. So it turns out that I have a completely new stainless steel system from the cat back, with 2 inch piping and a smaller resonator here and there. That's why it's louder than a standard VR6 but not TOOOO loud, which is what the previous owner was after. I said no thanks to that, I want some volume - cut out the resonator in place of the standard suitcase, and put a straight piece of stainless there. No problemo was the answer, it'll be about $90.

http://img192.imageshack.us/img192/269/280520101759.jpg

I watched as the exhaust fella did his magic (the same one who did the original system on my car too) and started cutting out the old resonator. Bang. It fell to the ground with a clatter and rolled away :lol:

http://img64.imageshack.us/img64/3220/280520101761.jpg

http://img218.imageshack.us/img218/2705/280520101762.jpg

After some mucking around with a few pipes, we found one that suited. It's 2.25", so it's still slightly bigger than the rest of the piping, but meh good enough for me! Welded it on and sprayed it with black exhaust paint so it looks normal-ish, and brought the car down.

The very second he started it up, my mouth shot from an expression of curiosity to a grin so wide I could barely fit it through the shop's roller doors! And that was when I told him to rev it so I could record it:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DiVqJMk3wTQ&feature=channel

I love it, I can't get enough of it, and it cost me less than a dinner for two. F12k yeah! >D

[M4RK0]

Good stuff Dev!,

Can't wait to see it and heard it on life!,

[M4RK0]

Damn Dev I see what you were talking about the other night....Hard call but if it keeps bleeding your wallet then maybe !?

Rebuild time !

What is the price of a new one?

Maybe you can sell the car and buy another one with the same money,

[schoona]

That sounds mean mate (Y). Congrats!!!

[Tim]

sounds nice. Ive always prefered the noise of a 12V vr6 over the newer 24V engines. Much deeper and less raspy.

I used to run the standard exhaust with the suitcase muffler removed and a remus back box. Man it was loud! Sounded awesome though.
I did eventually get over it as it was a bit boomy under load. The thing I loved was in warm weather it would pop and crackle on the over run as the revs dropped.

I wussed out though and put a modest complete 2.5" jetex catback on my car now. One thing I did find was the 2.5" system really did give a bit of a performance gain. Whereas the mufflerectomy just added noise.

[vdubin]

Wow Dev nice read.
Its really making me think twice now on buying a VR6 again,
Theres just soooo many things that go wrong with them !!!
but so much fun to drive ....
your got a Very neat car too, me like .

[AP]

Good job Devin, Sounds awesome...

[10d]

Lambros :)

Nice tone, Dev!

[nath_mk6]

an excellent spend that one :)

[rayray086]

Good work Devin, I personally can't stand an overly loud exhaust... unless it's from a VR6 :)

I remember on a cruise down to Wollongong, two VR6's were competing for my ears - both went flat out and I could still hear them 500 metres away. So awesome.

[schoona]

Good work Devin, I personally can't stand an overly loud exhaust... unless it's from a VR6 :)

I remember on a cruise down to Wollongong, two VR6's were competing for my ears - both went flat out and I could still hear them 500 metres away. So awesome.

Who were they Ray? lol

[Jig]

worth every penny. Good decision there Dev. Cant wait to hear it in person.

[chewy7]

dang! that sounds surprisingly good!

[J.T]

when are these wheels going to make an appearance?? I want to see them on :D

[MasterKevin]

Sounds very very nice indeed :)

Good mod imo :)

[VR53KS]

Thanks for the sound compliments lads :) I've got some shit news, some good news and some f88king GREAT NEWS!!!1!!1.

Shit news first, because that's how it always starts with a Mk3. My clutch let go in SPECTACULAR fashion today, on the way to get some tyres put on the 16s. Full had them loaded up in my car and everything, there was no space whatsoever for my ulehs to sit in so we couldn't cruise around at lunch :(

Good news, babied it home immediately and dad did not object to baby it some more to the mechanic in Woollahra. A full proper clutch job is being done, I wouldn't know the details but it's probably gonna end up being the same cost as that bloody heater core several pages back.

And the GREAT NEWS!!!1!!1. is that he's going to try get it done before Thursday evening, along with sourcing some tyres and putting them (and thus the Montreal wheels) on.

This does mean, however, that I probably won't have much time left to clean the chariot when she gets back. We'll see what happens as the day comes closer though :) For now I've gotta figure out how I'm getting to school tomorrow!?!?

[Tim]

Not sure if you have had them done before. But dont let him put the gearbox back in without at least inspecting the upper timing chain guides. Its even best to do a full timing chain service whilst the gearbox is out. Might cost you a bit extra but if you end up having to do it in the not too distant future it will cost you the gearbox removal labour all over again.

Only a few minutes to do a new rear main seal as well whilst youre in there as well.

[VR53KS]

Just recently had the tensioner replaced and I'm only at 102,000kms, the chain isn't due to cark it for a looooooong time. In several years time I am thinking strengthen the internals in preparation for forced induction (and that's when I'll probably get around to doing more of this headache maintenance), but we'll see how big my balls, patience level and most importantly WALLET are closer to that time :lol:

[Tim]

ahh cool. so long as the upper tensioner and tensioner guide have been done thats the important part.

I have 2 engines sitting here that have slipped a timing chain. Not pretty! :D

[kaoticice]

sounds great Dev. Something that I really envy with the vr6's

[Justin Fox]

Great news on the new clutch dev! Car is worth it in my opinion!

[AP]

Good to hear Dev!

[Clifton]

If you're not paying for the clutch, niceee!

[10d]

Nice, young one! >D

[rayray086]

Who were they Ray? lol

Dom's Oettinger and Mickey's Magnaflow!

So much money going in towards maintenance Devin! But not to worry, once the car's all running sweet, you'll be able to have your way with her!

[VR53KS]

Faaaark, made it! Wheels look alright for an OEM+ option, but I now need less arch gap in the front, that's for sure. For some reason her ass end is lower, not sure if it's old age sagging or if that's just how it's meant to be! Clear indicators and a badgeless grille will be coming soon, shoved into one of the containers we're sending out here every ten weeks or so.

He shoved all the old wheels onto the backseat, upright rather than stacking them.. So every time I braked slightly hard enough, the wheels jolted forward, hit the back of the seats, scared the shit out of me and made me brake even harder! :lol: I'm kinda spewing, mechanic went ahead and sourced some generic-meh tyres and put em on, when I was hoping for RE001s! :( But at least the clutch feels... Like new? >D

Sooooooooooooooo CBF giving her a clean, but I'll see if I can get myself up and into the driveway to sort something out...

[schoona]

Dude, RE001s are 200+ a corner for 15sw he wasnt gonna just give them to ya! lol.

But yes, good to hear the car is back on the road, you better clean that sucker and rep the mk3s, there wont be any/many of us there!!!! Have a good night mate :)

[VR53KS]

Right, thoroughly annoyed today and I need to get this off my chest. Massive rant ahead, most of which is a backstory. The important bit is the last three paragraphs, skip ahead if you like :) The mechanic that I take my car to isn't really MY mechanic, rather my dad's. For some reason he's gone there for a long time and when it came time to have my car looked at, we went there straight away. I had never known him, never met him, never had a reason to like or trust him, but because dad is the one paying for most of the maintenance work done to this car, out of respect I let him decide on where this maintenance is done.

Since the end of August when I got my car, it has constantly been at the mechanics. ABS, coolant sensor, heater core, major service, timing chain tensioner/guide, and most recently the clutch. It's a labour of love and we've learned to deal with it, my dad is a true champ and just wants me to be happy without going overboard. I think I've achieved this perfectly fine, I love my car and it's great, but I'm not cocky or holier-than-thou about it and I still appreciate any and every car I see. Anyway, beside the point, this is a rant.

It's been almost a year and I still didn't really trust or like the bloke. When I had my accident (and hit the 100k mark, major service time...) I wanted to go ANYWHERE ELSE, because I didn't think this guy was 'good enough'. I saw his little workshop with almost no signage, no advertising, nothing interesting being worked on, and it looked like just another trying-but-failing mechanic to me. If my dad had never suggested it, I wouldn't have gone - ever. I'd have ignored it every time I drove past to go to Bondi Beach/Junction. But once again, dad said "I'm good with this guy and he takes care of us without bullshitting us around, it's okay". I trusted his opinion again and let him work on the car, still uneasy about the entire thing. Got it back like a week later, and was kinda relieved. He had done a shitload of stuff, I had a working heater (godsend), my brakes were fine and the car felt... Good.

So why is it then, that over the next few days I noticed that the car had progressively turned back to shit again? The brakes became crap after two or three hard-ish stops, the interior was rattling all over the place, the heater was blowing air at me when it was off (and this got worse as speed increased, I noticed going back from the KK's meet a while ago), one of the air vents was stuck halfway down and couldn't be moved any further.. The car was still running rough, rich and every other shocking adjective you could find. It was like he had bandaided the entire thing, claimed it's been healed, charged 11ty billion for it and when the bandaid peeled off, I saw the same bloody wounds that were there just a week ago!

Whatever, I thought, nobody is perfect and even though he is a mechanic by trade and should be able to remove and replace a dashboard perfectly. Things went on, more stuff broke. Engine started becoming rattly and I feared the worst, timing chain. After taking a look he diagnosed it as being the chain tensioner, which was supposed to be "much cheaper and easier" than the actual chain job. Still cost $800. Never mind, it's done and it won't rattle anymore. Right? Yeah, right... I got it back and it was still rattly as shit. He attempted to convince me that it was the injectors, and perfectly normal. I've been driving this car since August of 2009 and it had never done this until recently, yet here he was telling me this was perfectly normal - I couldn't possibly be right! Started getting suspicious again, but I left it alone.

Then the clutch broke. It was a gradual grinding noise, which disappeared every time you put your foot down on the clutch pedal. At first it could barely be heard from inside the car and then it slowly worked it's way up to slamming the clutch pedal back and forth so rigorously it could probably do some damage to your foot. This progression started on Friday, and became near undriveable by Tuesday afternoon. Went straight to him, to get it done before the warehouse meet last Thursday. At this point I was getting so frustrated with the car, I literally said "we're going to sell it". I don't think dad heard me though, and now I'm glad he didn't. Car back, clutch new, wheels on, yay. He sourced some Maxxis tyres for it - never heard of them before, and after feeling what they gripped like, I don't ever want to again. Coming from BF Goodrich g-Force Sports, it was a biiiiiiiiiiiig downgrade. I still can't see why he did that though, I told him to call me when the clutch is done so I can tell him to put RE001s on it!

Oh well, I'll live. Drive the car around, it's great again, I love it. The engine feels like shit though, it still sounds rattly and bad, I wanna get that looked at soon. Before I get the chance though, I noticed something. A strange grinding noise. It could barely be heard from inside the car. Strangely enough, every time my foot was on the clutch, it disappeared. This isn't... I wonder.... Could it be?! It started yesterday, Tuesday afternoon. By logic, and if it is what I think it is, it'll be undriveable by Saturday, so I decided to head straight back there today and get him to listen. He claimed he couldn't hear it, and said 'let me drive it'. I said alright, moved over and let him start her up.

Out of nowhere, and to my disbelief, he's slamming gears like it's an arcade game. First gear, 6000rpm, chuck it into second, somewhere close to 6000rpm, doing 90+ in a 60 by now, brake hard hard hard hard and turn the wheel sharp to make a hairpin corner to go back. By now I wanted to scream 'WHAT THE FUCK ARE YOU DOING?!?!?' at the top of my lungs. Who the fuck gave him the right to treat my car like that, especially while I was in it?! I asked him to diagnose a clutch noise, not to see how close to redline he could get without bouncing off it! And then he said 'Nope, can't hear it' obviously f**king not, you won't hear a murder scene over the sound of this thing at full song, how are you expecting to hear a little bearing-like rattle?!

'Bring it back on Friday and I'll inspect it again closely'. I'm sure you'll inspect it to within an inch of its life. It's acceptable to floor it, but I didn't ask him to do that. All the conditions were fine, it was warmed up, hell I probably would have done the same leaving the garage's driveway. But I don't see how it's a presentable image to just punch the throttle like that. Am I being unreasonable in saying that this has added on to my list of points against this guy?

[gmc]

I feel for you mate. I had a friend of mine do the exact same thing, but 10 times worse with a couple of huge burnouts and handbrake jobs in front of all his mates in an industrial estate with my Pulsar while I was in it. When he finally stopped, the radiator boiled over and spat coolant all over the ground.

After going off at him, he simply stated that he'd fix it or pay for it if he broke it...

I didn't talk to him for over 6 years after that incident.

[stephen8512]

Hm dev...i know u dont like to disrespect the elders and your old man but sometimes they're wrong. No matter how "good" ur old man reckons this bloke is, fact is, if u didnt like him, u should have told him so and that u were uncomfortable with the car being taken there. Ur his son and im sure you piping up about your concerns wouldn't have just gone through one ear and out the other.

Can I ask something though? How does your dad know this guy? Did he work on a family car or something? Because there are mechanics and then there are mechanics. You have guys like this bloke here who, like yousaid, is a trying-but-failing type, only in it for the cash (or one would assume anyway from the description u gave) and then theres guys like Dedy at TOP ONE, Indy from IS Motorracing (Justin's mech), Josh from Pro Concept or Derek at European Autotech. These guys are mechanics but at the same time share the same passion we do. Im sure this is why you have chosen YOUR mechanic. Was just unfortunate that he was away when ur car needed work done

Hope it all comes together for u mate. thoroughly enjoyed reading this thread with all its foibles and niggles but once u sort this out, it'll be peaches and cream from there on! just a few tweaks here and there and she'll be fine

just dont take it to this guy again. hahahaha >D

[kaoticice]

Damn man... not a good news. Hope it'll goes well soon. x2 on Dedy from Top1, the only problem is that he's constantly busy and you gotta book in advance.

[DubSteve]

Dev mate if I was you take it to Wolfsburg motors in St Peters, awesome people to deal with and there pricing is very good!

[Water Boy]

Dude I understand this is your car and your Dad is paying for it.

But for fucks sake mate, he has treated you like shit, driving your car like he has stolen it and seems like he doesnt give ten fucks.

Dont get reemed the a-hole all night by him.

Take it to someone else. Please...

[Jig]

Trust what your guts tell you Dev!

[VR53KS]

I haven't made progress in a while, my car has been much the same since my last clutch and wheels vendetta.. I have however, started doing some minor engine stuff :) My car was running a K&N high flow panel filter in the standard airbox, put in by the previous owner and presumably to keep things legal. This is a slight improvement over stock (I think? No idea...) but some more can be had. I have heard of "swiss-cheese" modifying the airbox, which basically involves cutting a series of small holes into it to improve the amount of airflow that rushes in, bettering throttle response and adding a bit of induction noise. When looking at rayray086's guide, he cut one big hole into the box rather than a few small ones, I figured this would be an easier option so I followed suit. Some troubles were had, the engine was farking hot when we did this so reaching deep into the bay to unclip the airbox resulted in a lot of burns... With a big dirty giant donk taking up about 95% of the bay, cramped doesn't even minutely describe it. Taking the airbox off was a PITA, so on top of burning our hands we also squashed our hands. After the jigsaw jammed on a few times mid-cut, the blade gave way completely and snapped off (lol). The hole was cut, remaining particles sanded off a bit and the entire assembly mounted back on. More squashed fingers, more burnt skin :)

Seat in the pants says response has definitely improved, but the biggest change had to be the induction noise. OMG. After extensive testing over the last few days I burnt an easy three quarters of a tank of petrol, (Shell V-Power 98... Ahhh the smell of money burning away) and I cannot get enough of flooring it, any chance I get. Pics and probably videos coming soon, it sounds so beasty now and makes me smile that much more! And I've already planned what's next, the money is ready and I'm waiting til I finish trials.. GIAC chip time :D 8-12 Extra horsepower, possibly more with mine since I have intake and exhaust mods now, and the rev limiter is raised from 6500 to 7200rpm. FUCK. YES.

[rayray086]

Hahaha full of win Devin. Nice to hear through all the I pain you managed to get it done! I've found that modifying the stock airbox like what we've done give the most induction noise gain, moreso than just an exposed pod. I'd reckon even better performance too, as what remains of the airbox can still act as a heat shield. Good value too :)

I had no idea there were still people looking through my old blog. I kind've abandoned it a while back and spammers seem to have taken over...

[DubSteve]

Good stuff Dev, nice to see some progress being made mate :)

Once mine is completed I will have to show you what a fully clapped out VR feels like :D

[Justin Fox]

Ah crap Dev I just read your vent on your Dad's mechanic. Nasty stuff man nasty!

[MarcsGTI]

While dad pays. You gotta deal with it. Until you get some dosh of your own and take it where you want...
Otherwise... Spit the dummy and just see what happens...

I was the same when I had my RX7 on my L's.
Dad kept taking it to a place 'that shall remain nameless' - and I just didnt like them. I told my dad but he said...
When you got the money to take it where you want... So be it... But until then... Ill let you know where it goes...
So I bit my tongue until I started making good dosh and did everything myself...

Goodluck in the meantime though...

[VR53KS]

Blast from the past, yes I'm still here! Albeit rarely now, thx to my computer suddenly deciding it doesn't want to co-operate with the router, so I'm using dads iMac whenever he's not at home. And coincidentally, he's overseas in Germany right now :) This means parts!

Immediate (as in, in the next week or two; 1-year anniversary is on the 24th, I'd like to get this all done by then) plans are:
- VR6 style 2-slat badgeless grille
- VR6 front emblem which clips into the grille
- VR6 front lip
- Clear front indicators

Minor cosmetic stuff really :) In addition to all of this will be the GIAC chip which I should be sorting out this coming weekend. Apart from this, I've also been toying with the idea of taking the performance up a notch when Year 12 finishes and I have some extra disposable income. I'm thinking...

- Buy a daily, possibly another 5-door Mk3, automatic and bog stock?
- Strip the living shaiitt out of the VR, remove backseats, stereo, trim, heater and A/C, and the non-functioning ABS unit... For whatever it's worth!
- Moar engine mods? Headwork, cams, Schrick intake?
- Something intriguing: supercharger. I am a P-plater, yes, BUT. My car is registered to a company, of which I am an employee. Apparently (with a bit of messing around) it can be legally done. I could just run it anyway and I'm guessing I would never be picked on, but I am definitely not a fan of doing shit half-arsed and sloppy. There was a supercharger kit for sale some time ago on Watercooled for like $4500, that guy's VR6 made 170kW at the wheels and something like 480Nm of torque. Picture that in a stripped Mk3. Yess pliss.

Anyway, most of this is currently worthless text and just figments of my fanaticism; thinking out loud :) I do know one thing though, I'm quite determined to achieving my goals if I really put my mind to it. One day I WILL run a turbocharged VR6 with polished Meisters on it. What I do inbetween now and then is just temporary ;)


PS; Don't ask about the timestamp... No school for this week and I've been really owling it up! Nocturnalism FTW...

[stephen8512]

lookin good dev!

not to sound like an old fart, but the extra disposable income you have, dont blow it all on the car. i mean its up to you, but if you can, spend some on the car and invest the rest somewhere...even in something like a term deposit or something. Or you can learn about shares and buy some and who knows? you might just buy the right shares and sell them at an inflated price, thus more $$$, thus one step closer to you realising the turbo VR6 with meisters :)

now that thats out of the way, for a daily, you'd want something cheap, reliable and easy to fix. i'd get something like a honda EG civic or something. Pretty good daily and cheap on petrol, engines are pretty bulletproof and for me its a personal thing...got a small soft spot for hondas but bias aside, it really does make for a pretty good daily. or so ive heard from about 4 of my mates who use to run one as theirs...2 had autos, 2 had manuals. both no problems. and spare parts are abundant and I also know of a bloke (mate of a mate) who works as a mech for rick damelian hondas. i'd use to get my car serviced from him at his place instead of getting it done at the honda service workshop....and he charged me 1/3 of what it'd cost me normally and was VERY particular with his work which was awesome. Id rather him do it than some no nothing 1st year apprentice. Can refer you on to him if you ever decide to get a Honda.

What's your plans for the car long term? Track? Sort that out first and then work your way from there as to what you want to do with it.

Personally, id love to see a daily driven VR6 with nice mods both on the inside and the outside and engine mods to boot...not many I've seen that caught my eye

[saad]

Hey Dev

good work on the car. Personally, I wouldn't strip out the car unless your gonna track it, and even then, the VR6 is a relatively rare car, with an awesome interior. I dont think stripping it is the way to go, as it doesn't fit with the ethos of the car, Keep the interior, maybe get a retrim, some nice buckets, but do the turbo conversion. Get some nice forged wheels, that will make a big difference, and some carbon fibre goodies. Also, shaved/wire tucked engine bay.

Looking at the momney youve had to spend on the VR6, I wouldn't get something else as a daily, and the recommendation of a civic is good. However if your not stripping it, theres no reason why yours couldn't be a daily for you.

Also, agree with stephen, dont spend all your money on the car - speaking from expereience!

[schoona]

Ha, you serious? My plan has always been boosted on Meisters!

I wish you all the best, I'd budget 25-30k to do EVERYTHING properly, no it doesnt cost that much for a set of wheels and the C2/Kinetic etc turbo kit.
And as the others said, there is plenty more to life then cars,if your previous posts are anything to go by (as are mine) there is a long road ahead to chas the dream. I hope you get there though :)

[Justin Fox]

Miss you Dev! We need more catch-ups guys!

[saad]

HSC must be soon though, no?

[J.T]

Miss you Dev! We need more catch-ups guys!

I agree... need to organise something!

[VR53KS]

Miss you Dev! We need more catch-ups guys!

Awwww shucks :lol: Couldn't come to the August MM because of trial HSC's, and the next one's so far away! Who's up for something inbetween? :)

[Clifton]

Spotted you AGAIN today lol.

Plans for the car sound good! and the car sounds good too without the resonator :)

[Andym]

Who's up for something inbetween? :)

there is always the JDMST end of MM which is on the 29th this month ;)

[J.T]

^^ Sounds like a good idea.. maybe we could do a pre-meet somewhere.. I havnt been to a JDM meet in ages.. I'd love to see some new cars also

[Justin Fox]

Dev came around today (and caught me in my uggies lol) and we took my GTI for a spin and then his VR6. I have to admit that I expected Dev's car to be a little sloppy but it wasn't at all. Love the interior, the old skool dash is all black, clean, very retro, very nice. The sound is spot on. It's not offensive, it's not too quiet and best of all it's right in the middle. IE: The engine sound is balanced perfectly with the exhaust sound and that's a very hard balance to achieve.

The car is a little boggy down low but once it gets going it sure gets going and it sounds better and better as the revs rise. Suspension felt great, tight, not bump at all and not sloppy at all. Lovely! :)

[schoona]

Pretty cool thoe ol' VR's hey Justin :)
They love coming on cam about 3500, as you said, a little doughy below that.
Not too much slower than a standard manual MkV GTI either.

Glad you enjoyed it :)

[AKs-R32]

Hey Dev, seeing that you are a fellow P plater i believe we should meet up for some VW fun! Name's Asim, But everyone knows me as AK. We met at the warehouse meet i was the one who asked about your plates... well anyways seeing as HSC is rising its ugly head, wish all the best!

[saad]

Dev you sould take your car out to the track soon too :)

[Paul]

dev hows the study going maynee,
should meet up before the hsc,
the study's killing me ha

[VR53KS]

We have a slight situation here..


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SM37SaZWeF8

It went from running fine, to running shitty, to not running at all in the space of about three minutes. If I may quote the great Clarksonius, that's not gone well :(

[nath_mk6]

not good Dev, didnt sound too healthy...

[stephen8512]

doesnt sound good dev...

just curiously though...are MK3's THIS bad? I mean, every single MK3 owner ive come across has had shitloads of issues on their MK3.....

I'd love to own a MK3 VR6 and may have a chance to own one end of next year as my friend is moving overseas and may need to sell the car, either that or he may let me mind it for him till he comes back in 2 years time....but still, back to my original question. Are they THIS tempermental?! It sorta puts me off from actually buying one

[VR53KS]

Basically, the problem is that their insides are only meant to last around 15 years tops. That timeframe has expired, so Mk3's are all pretty much deteriorating simultaneously. Replace everything that there is to replace and you should be sweet for another 15 years, it's a costly and time consuming exercise but that's what needs to be done to keep em going... Unfortunately, I bought my car BEFORE everything had turned to shit, so it threw everything it could at me in one go. Depending on what's been done to the car already maintenance wise, that's how it'll treat you. That's why Mk3's with higher KMs are actually preferred to lower KMs, because that means more driving = more of a chance of shit breaking = more of a chance of shit getting fixed.

I'm not educated on the matter or anything, but I'm willing to say that this lifespan is probably reduced as newer cars are released, and I'm guessing that the Mk5s and 6s will start falling to pieces before they hit the 15 year mark.

[schoona]

Basically, the problem is that their insides are only meant to last around 15 years tops. That timeframe has expired, so Mk3's are all pretty much deteriorating simultaneously. Replace everything that there is to replace and you should be sweet for another 15 years, it's a costly and time consuming exercise but that's what needs to be done to keep em going... Unfortunately, I bought my car BEFORE everything had turned to shit, so it threw everything it could at me in one go. Depending on what's been done to the car already maintenance wise, that's how it'll treat you. That's why Mk3's with higher KMs are actually preferred to lower KMs, because that means more driving = more of a chance of shit breaking = more of a chance of shit getting fixed.

I'm not educated on the matter or anything, but I'm willing to say that this lifespan is probably reduced as newer cars are released, and I'm guessing that the Mk5s and 6s will start falling to pieces before they hit the 15 year mark.

Pretty much got in in one. A well maintained higher km VR6 is a more attractive propostion then one with low kms and inconsistancies in its maintenance. Yes a lot of parts do break. The major things are really power windows, heater/air con and ABS.

VR6s aren't that bad at all. When big things do go wrong, it can be pretty expensive (timing chains + bent valves anyone?) but certainly for the amount of cars I am familiar with there certainly hasn't been as many problems as it seems to be. There has been a few lemons in the mix that just never seemed to go right, but on the whole they are an awesome car to own.

[kaoticice]

ohh. noo.. not again Dev.. Hope it'll turn out well in the end.. Dont put too much worry on it man, concentrate on ur studies first.

[DubSteve]

Dev sounds like the crank angle sensor bro, get it changed ASAP!

[VR53KS]

The car stopped breathing on Saturday night and I just brought it to a mechanic today. Was supposed to do it yesterday, but that kinda failed.. Anyway, upon arrival back to where it was stranded, I was greeted first with this:

http://img408.imageshack.us/img408/512/061020101878.jpg
FFFFFFFFFFUU-

aswell as a very patient tow truck driver who had to be in Liverpool 10 minutes earlier. Yeah not gonna happen :lol: Loaded it onto the tilt tray, what a fail that was. The front lip was on the ground before the wheels even began hitting the tray! Whatever. The view I had behind me, the entire way from Kingsford to Alexandria:

http://img825.imageshack.us/img825/8307/061020101873.jpg

Rolled her into Autohaus Strecker and gave my contact details to the receptionist. I decided to go there instead of VW Village, because the previous owner of my car (who they also knew quite well) serviced his car there, and gave me all of the invoices with the car. The prices seemed fair, the work seemed good, so the choice was made :)

Now the waiting game begins... Pleeeeeeaaase tell me it's nothing major, I cbf dealing with that any more!

[VR53KS]

Got a call from le mechanic today saying my car was all ready to go. The reason for its coma?



It ran out of petrol.



No, seriously. The bottom of the tank was covered in crummy leftovers (so that's why the needle was not quite at empty) but there was no actual petrol to pump through the engine. No petrol, no combustion, no powahhh, death. Fuck. What a waste! :lol:

[Paolo]

good to hear the conumdrum wasn't the worse case scenario\
now wheres that GIAC reflash?

[stephen8512]

so all is good then?

[VR53KS]

All is definitely good, I've been driving my dad's car every now and then for the last few days since he's overseas (Z4 convertible) and it's SO EXTREMELY WEIRD stepping back into my car and actually preferring it :D

GIAC chipped ECU is lying around, props to DubSteve for being lenient enough to let me test it out no charge.. Only problem is, we tried to fit it a few weeks ago and got down to one of the final steps of removing the old ECU. The freakin harness connector just would not come out! So we left it at that and said we'd get back to it once the HSC finishes.

The way it looks, I've got a few plans immediately to occur come November 2nd:

-Fit GIAC ECU
-Huuuuuuuuuuge cleanout of car to prepare for DOVW roadtrip
-Re-do some quick and bodgy touch-up paint sections, properly


For 2011, I do have a few ideas in mind :D and I would like to have them completed by the Nationals, and debut it there. We'll see how things turn out though :)

And yes, I am soooooo glad it was nothing major... But I'm still kicking myself for it being something as simple as lack of fuel!

[Justin Fox]

LOL!

[schoona]

Well how are you to know?

Congrats on the good fortun man!

[schoona]

PS you haven't got to try Steve's ECU yet, is that correct?

[VR53KS]

Correct, it's currently lying in the boot next to the sub and some clothes, doing SFA.. How's the north treatin ya Mal, pick your caRRRR up yet?

[schoona]

Lol, best place to keep it.

Give me about 14 hours and yes I will have....just need OEM tails back in it and it'll be mint :)

You gonna do SEDF next year when you aren't bound by school? I'll go to that one instead of DOVW....would be cool to have more cruising down

[DubSteve]

Good to hear all is well Dev! Definately road trip it down to DOVW mate:)

[vdubin]

You'll come past me on your way down Dev.
Im in Albury-Wodonga Ill be in! 2 black Vr6s !

[VR53KS]

You'll come past me on your way down Dev.
Im in Albury-Wodonga Ill be in! 2 black Vr6s !

Awesome, from the looks of things I'm gonna be staying overnight somewhere in Albury before making the final stretch to Melbourne in the morning.. Would be sweet to have 2 black VR6's catch up together ;)

Just one simple photo to show off my latest addition, this arrived from Germany today along with a grille.. Unfortunately due to my family in Germany buying parts completely OEM for the car, it wasn't a badgeless grille like I intended it to be.. Thinking either gonna knuckle up and combine the two to create a ghetto-badgeless grille (just like Ray did!) or just buy some random one that's already here.. But at least the lip went on alright!

http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/2562/64961156643265497716602.jpg

CBF reconnecting my phone and grabbing a better res version at the moment, Facebook size will have to do... But WOW I love this thing so much, adds so much more presence to the front end of the car which I've always felt lacked character in comparison to the rear! Just needs those new Mei... err.. wheels :)

[DubSteve]

Dev, I still have that badgeless grille if you want mate let me know :)

[schoona]

Been too quiet Devin! :P

[VR53KS]

Had no progress Mal! Just more shit breaking and more shit getting fixed. Nobody wants to hear about that anymore.. :lol:

Gonna get a few DIY mods going soon though. I've said that for AGES now but I think I may actually manage to do it this time :D

[luke]

Your VR6 makes me nostalgic!

[schoona]

^ Another previous VR6 owner?

Yaya!!

[luke]

^ Yes, '96 Mk3 VR6, Black with mustard leather trim. Manual box (tore it to shreds...)
My old man won it in a horse bet. Best first car i could have ever wanted.

[schoona]

Thats an awesome story! put some pics up of it somewhere ;)

[VR53KS]

Hells yeah, I wanna see this! Sounds awesome :D

[VR53KS]

This is the part where everybody on the forum convinces me that buying

http://www.mini-madness.com/ProductImages/suspension/KWsuspension.jpg

and

http://www.ravspeconline.com/images/wheels/work/s12p/S12P_20_BBF_01.jpg

is a complete waste of money and that I shouldn't do it because it's such a big waste of money and that money could be wasted much more maturely and constructively, or saved up for an even wiser reason.



Trollface.jpg >D

[schoona]

We have discussed this combination before. Combination works. discussion is over. Parts are bought?

Decided what sizes bro?

[VR53KS]

Definitely doing 17s, I dig 17s on Mk3s cause I wont have to slam it to the absolute deck for them to work. Also love the look of a staggered setup, so while you said you wanted 9" all around I'm thinking 8" front and 9" rear. From my readings, ET20 should be fairly spot on.. But if not, I'll make em fit :>

Coils I'll be ordering from Lorenz & Robin, no idea on ETA cause I only just emailed them today and have no reply yet.

Wheels on the other hand, I have pricing and ETA (8 weeks) but that's a big step which I'm still ahh and umming about.

[stephen8512]

thats gonna look goood!!!

Cant wait till I get mine sorted!

[VR53KS]

Combination works. discussion is over. Parts are bought?

Discussion is over, parts are bought indeed. Fuck it. Only live life the one time. :>

[richie32]

good stuff dev its guna look sik

[Justin Fox]

Meisters?!?!?!?!?!

[sir_camel]

Nice one Dev. Can't wait to see what it looks like

[MasterKevin]

DAMNNN NICE WHEELS !!!!!!!!!!!

[Pmk]

Finally finished reading your thread ! lol.

What coils are you planning to get?

And FUUU the wheels i wanna get for my car !!! SP1 GOODNESS

[VR53KS]

Today's work consisted of cleaning up my car's arse... w8wut?

http://img862.imageshack.us/img862/2289/16052011709.jpg
Before version- my mate's car on the right, he did the wiper delete on his whip and finally convinced me to do it to mine aswell :)

http://img688.imageshack.us/img688/4595/16052011716.jpg
After version- also removed the VW badge while I was at it, hadn't cleaned all the gunk before taking this photo though. Still undecided whether I wanna leave it like this or spray the badge matte black and put it back on. Time will tell :)


Next weekend at the Nationals (which I'm attending, but not entering) I'm finally gonna buy a badgeless grille and fit it, in all its unpainted glory. Then come the coils in a week or two, the front end will get dropped and if nothing happens to hinder my progress, the wheels will also arrive within two months. Heh. :)

[Frenchie]

Good stuff devin the dude..
I think a little smooth shaving is where its at..

[VR53KS]

So, update time. Long story short I slammed the car across a median strip after coming out of a roundabout way too hot, and it's cracked the sump quite badly. One 3am tow truck job to the mechanics garage later and I'm quite gutted :(

[AusScare]

So, update time. Long story short I slammed the car across a median strip after coming out of a roundabout way too hot, and it's cracked the sump quite badly. One 3am tow truck job to the mechanics garage later and I'm quite gutted :(

Ah shit! Lucky it was only that and not the whole car into a wall!

[Justin Fox]

LOL Devin maybe learn how to drive? :lol: :p

[stephen8512]

LOL Devin maybe learn how to drive? :lol: :p

hence, still on P's >D>D

[schoona]

Ouch, no good man. Good you didnt get hurt or cause any other mahhjor damage.
Jump on gap for new sump, gasket and plug (or spare funds get an R32/24V sump + pickup. Its only aluminium not steel but its shallower and mounts higher than your subframe, not lower like ours are).

[VR53KS]

Got my car back and as it turned out, it was nowhere near as serious as anybody first imagined... Connection/wiring issue with the fuel pump, it had loosened itself upon impact and had basically just shut the pump off - nothing else. I seem to have a lot of these moments where an initial shitstorm ends up being insignificant and minor :lol:

Anyway, this also arrived:

http://img824.imageshack.us/img824/9066/25581619533527277371660.jpg
Part 1 of 2 "Hektik Stance" complete :>

[Clifton]

is it low yet?!

[VR53KS]

http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/6331/26062011822.jpg


As she currently stands :) wanna drop it a little bit more cause I'm still after less wheelgap, especially in the front. Other than that it's all systems go for the arrival of the wheels! No current ETA but I'm waiting patiently..

BTW yes, some more biffo on the front. Some kent parked stupidly so I picked a fight with another concrete pillar to try and avoid the other side. Shoulda hit the car, fkn numpty.

[mrVR6exy]

So how do they ride Dev ?

[Clifton]

looks good nice and low :)

[Mr Scruff]

Like you said fron needs to come down more, but other than that it looks good. Current wheels suit the car really well. Install the coilovers yourself?

[Jig]

Good drop Dev.

[Water Boy]

Updates?

[schoona]

Updates?

This. Surely they are here now!

[VR53KS]

I thought they would be, but indeed they are not :( Spoke to Budi from Autotechnik today and they have been made and packed onto the ship, so they are at least en route... An additional 4 week ETA has been given to me - which I'm taking with a grain of salt considering we're soon to pass the original 6-8 week ETA by another month :D

[VR53KS]

http://img849.imageshack.us/img849/4760/vr6bg.jpg

Neat little photo session with the whip yesterday, fulfilling the itch to do something with my car while I still wait for the wheels :lol:

[VR53KS]

What the car looks like these days:

http://img715.imageshack.us/img715/2889/img1680c.jpg

http://img717.imageshack.us/img717/28/img3034z.jpg

We also have a possible new development in the way of a replacement engine... Debating whether I should post a teaser photo yet or not :)

[schoona]

Do eeeet

[Tarmac]

Loving the wheels. I just got a chubba

[drewr]

What the car looks like these days:

http://img715.imageshack.us/img715/2889/img1680c.jpg

http://img717.imageshack.us/img717/28/img3034z.jpg

We also have a possible new development in the way of a replacement engine... Debating whether I should post a teaser photo yet or not :)

Looks amazing! Done righttt.

Replacement engine needs to be this:
http://i240.photobucket.com/albums/ff253/VWJ37/9676e934.jpg- Complete worked 3L VR6 engine. 9K, but so worth it!

[Rob32R]

Is it a MKIV R32 or MKV R32 engine Dev?

Do ittt.... :)

[VR53KS]

Funnily enough, replacement engine will actually be that ;) Specs on the worked VR:

"Head specs are:
Schrick variable intake manifold
Supertech stainless nitrided over sized valves +1.3mm exhaust and +2mm intake
ported and polished to match the bigger valves
port and gasket matched intake manifold and throttle body
Manley Viton valve stem seals
Supertech dual valve springs
Supertech titanium nitrided retainers
a pair of Cat Cams 290's sounds yumm huh!
ARP hardware

Bottom end specs are:
bored out to 83.5mm = 3L
Wossner 83.5 forged 11.0:1 pistons
polished and shot peened rods
new oem bearings throughout
fully balanced
ARP hardware throughout"

I'm also shotgunning these off him, 330mm Brembo 4-pots:
http://img213.imageshack.us/img213/2458/7fc7b9fc.jpg

Shit's getting hektik!

[schoona]

You are getting Alex's motor??

Hectic indeed!!!

[drewr]

Awesome move.

[rayray086]

Holy fuck??

[Cam]

I concur with Ray!!
:D

[AusScare]

Are you buying it for the full $9k?

Comparatively, how much to boost the current engine?

And 290 cams on the street?

[ikprojekt]

get the engine do it!!!!

[MasterKevin]

F me. Porn

[sxcR32]

FAAAAARRRRKKKKKK!!!!!!

[dylan8]

going to be insane!!!
while that engine sounds expensive, fair old bit of work, coin, blood, sweat and tears has gone into it!

[cookie28]

Will definitely have to see this when it's done!!!

[schoona]

going to be insane!!!
while that engine sounds expensive, fair old bit of work, coin, blood, sweat and tears has gone into it!

Sounds like thats a 25% off already...going to be insane.

Better get to the track Dev, that's what it was built for!

[Pmk]

This shit gone.. be .. GOOSE

[thestu]

Nice VR dude!

[VR53KS]

This 'ere is now in my possession:

http://img831.imageshack.us/img831/9919/20120131002.jpg

[AusScare]

Nice dude. What ecu will you be running?

I hear they are race cams, interested to hear how they go on the street!

[J.T]

nice one dev...
so when does the vr get the transplant?

[GBJ-R32]

awww shit this is sweet man when does it go in?

[AP]

Sick... Dev what size turbo?

[M4RK0]

Awesome Dev!!! massive update!!! :)

[VR53KS]

No turbo Anthony :( Still on P's and massively restricted, thought the next best thing would be an intense N/A build. Bored to 3 litres, fat cams, oversized valves, thicker headgasket... Same old drill. Looking around for ECU ideas still, been asking C2 and so on about recommended paths. Probably ask CPC aswell :)

[scotty1991]

What sort of power does your new motor make? I seem to recall my VR6 was pretty quick stock lol (but i had really really dodgey tyres and brakes)

[Jig]

Bring it Dev.

[Tim]

No turbo Anthony :( Still on P's and massively restricted, thought the next best thing would be an intense N/A build. Bored to 3 litres, fat cams, oversized valves, thicker headgasket... Same old drill. Looking around for ECU ideas still, been asking C2 and so on about recommended paths. Probably ask CPC aswell :)

Dont mess about with ECU tuners overseas for this motor. It will need something custom. Id speak to Mark at recode maybe to see if he can do anything with the older Motronic stuff or go something along the lines of an Autronic stand alone ECU.

Should be a real screamer but take a bit to wind up with those cams!

[GBJ-R32]

Dont mess about with ECU tuners overseas for this motor. It will need something custom. Id speak to Mark at recode maybe to see if he can do anything with the older Motronic stuff or go something along the lines of an Autronic stand alone ECU.

Should be a real screamer but take a bit to wind up with those cams!

agree best option. any idea on upgrading brakes as well for the new found power

[Water Boy]

N/A for the win!

[VR53KS]

agree best option. any idea on upgrading brakes as well for the new found power

Upgraded brakes purchased from the same dood, 288 stockies > 330mm Brembo 4-pots :D

[schoona]

Give United Motorsports an email man, Jeff Atwood seems to be getting massively positive reviews for his VRT tunes, Im sure he has done NA tunes as well.
Vortex Killacoupe and see what management he is running? Pretty sure similar engine package although decat + semis + quick ratios and stripped he is low 12s? though havent looked in ages.

Considered Vipec ECU's? they seem to be getting good reviews and although its on a 2J, a mate has had some pretty good experience with his running a high comp/big cam NA 6 cylinder. Plenty of workshops around Sydney that can handle that for you.

You going to do a lairy exhaust for it too Dev? It deserves it! Envious/proud/jealous! lol Good luck man

[AusScare]

Upgraded brakes purchased from the same dood, 288 stockies > 330mm Brembo 4-pots :D

What wheels for the Brembos?

[AP]

Awesome Devin.. When is this beast being installed?

[blacker]

Just read the whole thread from the start! Love what you've done, wheels are awesome too! Can't wait to see what happens next

[harryboy_1]

Bring it Dev.

I would like to watch this race. Thanks. :)

[VR53KS]

The car, new engine and new brakes are all in the workshop as of yesterday Morning and the transplant process is well underway. I just finished my last College class for the day and I'm chilling on the computers for a bit before heading over and having a geeze at what the lowdown is so far :) Decided to go with JC Racing in Botany who several of my immediate mates and a few other acquaintances know - this is great cause they have a mad reputation (built 'MR ROTA' drag car, things fkn nuts) and it keeps it all fairly close rather than travelling a million miles away to the Hills or whatever.

Also told them I'd spring for an upgraded Heavy Duty clutch (stock clutch and box were replaced with brand newies 15,000kms ago, albeit OEM) and whatever ECU option is necessary to make the most out of this beasty engine's available power.

Finally, I leave you with this Youtube clip; this is a built 12v VR6 with 288 cams and is ROUGHLY what my car should sound like, save for minor exhaust note differences maybe. Has me frothing!


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2_9RVetfIDE

[drewr]

So COOL- So you brought that engine?

Man, can't wait to see this!

[DubSteve]

Let me know what tune you go mate. also do you want a MSD unit or have you purchased one.

[VR53KS]

The swaparoo is so close to completion - the engine is in and has already been started, but we need an adapter plate made up to run the throttle body to the Schrick manifold with the stock Motronic ECU - I need to do this for the moment cause I can't currently afford to run standalone management, so priority #1 is getting it to drive and then running it in!

I've got a few photos and videos of the lot, I'll whack that all up later :)

Also the calipers rub just a teeny tiny little bit in one specific spot (can't be more than a millimetre) so I'm thinking of sourcing spacers for the front and flaring the front guards. I'll finally be able to take corners aggressively without scrubbadubbin!

[schoona]

Can't wait to hear and see it! Dyno day?\

Congrats mate :)

[Sammy]

Lugtronic dude... nothing less.

[rayray086]

Beast, Devin!


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[Tim]

Lugtronic dude... nothing less.

Has anyone actually confirmed the lugtronic ECUs work with euro spec cars? Curious to know as theyre an interesting stealthy stand alone option

[AKs-R32]

Was dying for pics and a update.... then ran into this http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qmhw9y3AW1A&feature=g-all-u&context=G285edb7FAAAAAAAAAAA at 2.18.... stalker much? lol

[schoona]

^ he's one of the cool kids now lol

man its mint

[Footguy]

Saw and heard this at Bondi this arvo. Beast!

[schoona]

Pics and vids Dev come on. I know you have them!

[hebe]

Pics and vids Dev come on. I know you have them!

^ what he said!!!

[AP]

I heard this baby is coming out.

[AusScare]

Surely it can be sorted with a proper tune? Guys in the states and EU have done all sorts of crazy everything to their VRs.

[AP]

Yes there would have to be someone here that could do it..
What about Lucas Giac Melbourne?

[VR53KS]

1,000 run-in KMs are over, gonna get her back to the workshop later this week for oil change + dyno run.

From what I can report, low to mid range pull is f**king sensational at the moment, but dies out after 4,000rpm. I'm assuming the Schrick intake manifold isn't doing its task so far, because that's when it's supposed to kick in - and instead I'm greeted with nothing. Shift, though, to put it back into the currently available powerband and BOOM. The pace change is very dramatic and sudden. So far so good :) Also not as ridiculous to daily as I had once imagined, the bad idle is currently the only thing that's bothering me (mostly on slow takeoffs though, which doesn't happen too often regardless) but other than that it's very manageable. I once thought it might be a world of doughiness in the bottom end, but to be honest the standard VR6 has no power until 3,500 anyway so I couldn't see it getting any worse... and it didn't!

Pictures:

JDMST February EOMM
http://img40.imageshack.us/img40/7018/43159910150587919158160.jpg

New plates also, a week old...
http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/697/20120301001.jpg

Video of startup and a bit of revving is uploading onto Youtube now, have a longer video of some driving but haven't got the time to try and upload 300MB worth at the moment - I'll give it a toot later! Besides, nothing that I've recorded so far sees the car exceeding normal throttle and load, so it's rather uninteresting... Wait til there's more progress :cool:

EDIT

http://youtu.be/7_pnnjxL3H8


Ta for the support everyone!

[schoona]

Long shot, any chance you can trick a Mk4 ECU?

what's holding you up now man?

[VR53KS]

I took up Sammy's suggestion and spoke to Lugtronic, I need to get them some pictures of my ECU mounting area so we can work something out.. Standalone ftw. That way we can run the 2.9 Corrado VR6 throttle body (which the intake manifold was port matched to) that's also been converted to cable (insta-throttle response) and have all that extra tuning capability. The only thing is, after all the purchases and installation costs, I have no spare $1500 to spend on an ECU left.. I need someone to buy all my old gear lmao!

[AP]

Car sounds hot Dev..

[hebe]

Car definitely sounds hot!!

[Sammy]

So are lugtronic going to help you?

Id get the shop to check the cam timing if you're experiencing the issues you are describing. An R32 came to exoticars with incorrectly installed cam pulleys and did exactly as you described.

[DubSteve]

I would check the schrick! In saying that I got rid of the butterfly for the schrick so I could have as much air rushing in as possible.

[Geo]

New plates? Damn man they were so awesome.


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