allroad V6 TDI slow build

[gldgti]

After about a month of ownership, its about time I started a thread for the Octavia replacement.

Its a 2.5L V6 TDI electronically controlled VE pump diesel engine. Stock 132kW and 380Nm. 5 speed 'sports auto', which has a sport mode, tiptronic shift and also up/downshift rocker buttons on the steering wheel.

Factory Audi air suspension, 4 levels, 'sport', 'normal', 'high 1' and 'high 2'. High 2 is really for offroading, as the car will automatically change to high1 from high 2 over 35km/h. Likewise it will automatically change from high 1 to normal above 70km/h, and from normal to sport above about 150km/h.

Factory tilt and slide electric sunroof, Bose amped stereo with hidden sub, leather, tints etc. Ming blue is the colour.

I picked her up with 222,000km on the clock, but with an immaculate service history. Its been a bit neglected in terms of the exterior - not what I would call well kept, but the mechanical condition of the car was what sold it to me.

Since I got her, I have done the following:

> Polished out funny etchings on the bonnet and rear spoiler
> Light polish of scratches from washing etc (swirl marks) - still a long way to go here
> Carbon wrapped headlight switch
> Carbon wrap rear bumper upper surface (original finish has been damaged by general wear and tear)
> A bit of bumper black here and there
> Lots of wax
> Fixed a couple of minor interior trim things up.
> Adjusted suspension height calibration using VCDS 15mm lower at the front and 10mm lower at the back (for all height settings)

Plans:

> 18x8.5 S5 rims
> Downpipe back exhaust/decat. All in stainless of course and 2x2.5"
> Replace head unit with something more modern
> ECU tune

After that I'm not sure. I am hugley in love with this car though. Its like finally I have found a car that ticks all the right boxes for me - diesel, wagon, AWD, good noise, decent economy, fast enough, lots of space, plenty of grip, quiet, comfortable, and ofcourse, VAG.

The air suspension really makes this car. Without it.... well its an A6 Avant, but more than that, it just gives it such flexibility. The envelope of operations is waaay larger than most cars. Already I have taken this down some seriously steep and undulating 4wd tracks - nothing to compete with hardcore 4wd's ofcourse, but its more capable than most softroaders by a long way. Then with the press of a button, its transformed into a family sports wagon that corners seriously well considering its bulk and the (current) 225/55/17 tyres.

Anyway, some pics:

Carbon film on the bumper:


Test fit S5 rim on high 1


and on 'sport':




and the whole car whilst we were having lunch a few weekends ago:

[Jarred]

Oh. You don't even understand how jelly I am right now!

I was looking at these a few months back, but got a bit scared off by a few of their problems, and well, Audi tax. Can't wait to see this progress

[gldgti]

audi tax?

They do have some horror stories around the net, but I reckon the TDI's are basically bulletproof as long as you look after them properly. All the stories of soft cams and stuff are nonsense as long as you use hte correct oil and change it at 15,000km like you are supposed to.

The air suspension isn't scary to people like you or I either.

[Jarred]

yea, sometimes you can pay stupid money for seemingly normal items (don't even buy an 80 cabriolet :O ). Probably the ones that are allroad specific I'd fear. This is just for those few random bits which you have to get from a dealer. Hopefully the aftermarket is good for service and normal maintenance items.

The engine would be the least of my concerns I think. Older design, but robust.

heard shockin things about the air ride. I was looking for ways to just replace it with a conventional aftermarket system, but I don't think there were any kits, and heard of a few struggles - after that, I stopped reading, and decided it wasn't what I was after in a new (to me) car.

So how long till you upgrade to a bigger VNT turbo

[drad81]

Looking good! How high does the car get with High 2???

[Lucas_R]

Really liking the new project gldgti. Nice to see something a little different too - you certainly don't see too many of these around. Would love to see some more pics of it (engine/interior etc) when you get to it.

[gldgti]

Actually I've been pleasantly surprised with mow much is available from the aftermarket.

I can get a full service filter kit for $160 (oil/air/pollen/fuel). Aftermarket airbag kits with lifetime warranty are around $1500 US for the full front and rear kit. A pair of yellow bilsteins for the front is $500. OEM timing belt kit about $300. Brake pads and rotors cost the same as every other car. Complete front end suspension kit (control arms, balljoints, bolts etc) for about $600.

I don't really see me paying much above what I would already have paid for maintenance things on the Skoda, for instance. I reckon if you can't find a part anywhere but the dealer, you aren't looking hard enough

Plus any VAG part you can get from any VAG dealer if you ask the right questions. I always visit the dealer parts store (for weird stuff like engine bolts etc) with a part number. I have bought all kinds of vag parts, VW, audi and skoda, through a vw dealer parts desk that was friendly to me .

You're right though, there are probably some things I don't know about yet.... haha. We shall see.

drad81 - the car goes another 15mm above high 1 on high 2.

I realise the pictures are a bit limited, sorry will get some more up for you soon

[gldgti]

Dirty beast

I got some new tyres on the S5 rims today... for those interested, the rims are 18x8.5 ET29, and the tyres are MOMO 245/45's. The S5 wheels fit just nicely without any spacers or anything. Any more offset (ie ET30 and over) would result in fouling on the suspension on the inside, so these are as far in as you can go with an 8.5" rim.

high 2...


mmm Sopporo 650ml bullet cans....











does my butt look big in these?






Inside shots as requested... apologies the whole car is looking rather 'used' and is quite dirty.

[Fatherless One]

Looks great low, very good look for this car

[Mysticality]

Loving it. Can't wait to see the finished project!

[gldgti]

Thanks guys.

Got some material stock in at work for the new exhaust..... 3" downpipe will then split into 2x 2.5" pipes to go out the back. Should be more than free flowing

[benough]

Looking good.

Also good to see a silver bullet being drunk and used for scale

[gldgti]

Yeah the old silver bullet.... lovely. I thought given the 'offroad' nature of the vehicle the taller can might be more useful

Rat bastard:


Luckily he (or she) didnt get through any copper, so some silicone tape and its all fixed. I am now running without the engine cover on, as I think the rat was attracted to the (what must be) tasty sound isolating foam glued onto the underside of the engine cover.


Actually benough, now you have given me an idea for exhaust tips..... as I had previously been at a loss as to what I will do for tips with the new exhaust.

Dad helped me change the ATF on the weekend, which is quite an involved job (need to have the car running and selecting between gears while you fill it!) but the trans feels much smoother now in the lower gears. I think I'll leave it till the next service and drop/refill it again as I only change 5.5L of the total 9L capacity (impossible to drop it all out, even with removing the sump and changing the trans oil filter inside).

[littlegldgti]

Can't wait to go for a drive (convoy style) with you along a nice windy road and see how composed it looks cornering.

IMHO, this is why you bought it: http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=LyyFi4puQ7s

[Skooter]

Howdy GLDGTI. Nice to see the Allroad taking shape! Being a 4wd owner, wondered if you or any other readers of the threads can advise me on some good options in tyres for the Octavia Scout (4x4). Size 225 50 17s. Has 25k on the four that were fitted just before we bought it (called 'something' rock or Rock-something - probably fitted cos they were not too pricey before selling the car), and they look to have another 5k in them at least - they look good and handle well, but are nothing spesh in the grip dep't (wet in particular). Unfortunately my knowledge of moto tyres doesn't help me at all with these babies; so many variations, such huge price diffs.

Obviously I don't need over-the-top track day rubber. At the end of the day it's a family beast, but I have always invested in good tyres (and I like to give it plenty of stick when noone's looking!) ... needing good rubber comes from trusting your life to that small contact patch on motos for 30 or 40 years, it being the last link between you and eternity.

Some of the tyres I thought might be good are selling at $350 ea! Goodyear Potenzas look the goods. Dunlop? Conti? Michelin? Pirelli? Any advice (from anyone) most welcome. I've tried to scour the threads to avoid asking a question that's maybe been asked many times before!