VR6 Cooling system - to go metal, or not to go metal?

[mb1907953]

Hi all,

broke the crack pipe today.... It's fairly screwed though so probably good that I did it at home and not out somewhere in the middle of nowhere. So a few questions:

1) Metal or plastic crack pipe?

The plastic has lasted this long but in saying that I love the idea of upgrading to a proper aluminium one that wont cark it if i bump it...

2) Normal or low temp thermostat?

I've heard low temp thermostats can cause issues with the ECU etc? Thinking I might just stick with the OEM temp...

3) SHould I do the waterpump at the same time? And if so, should I go metal or plastic?

I have the money to do it but have heard some issues with the metal ones? Like they have failed after 2 months?

Appreciate the input!

Oh also, where would you all buy it? ECS or somewhere local?

[Umai Naa!!]

Nothing wrong with the plastic water pumps if you treat them as a consumable.

As for where to get everything, shop around.

Ring Tooley Imports in Sydney to start off with.

ECS isn't always the cheapest option, moreso when you factor in the shipping.

[mb1907953]

Nothing wrong with the plastic water pumps if you treat them as a consumable.

As for where to get everything, shop around.

Ring Tooley Imports in Sydney to start off with.

ECS isn't always the cheapest option, moreso when you factor in the shipping.

Fair enough on the waterpumps. I mean they last 160xxx + so I figure thats a fair few ks anyway!

Will try all the options and yeh agreed on ECS with the shipping plus AUD vs USD atm!

[Tubbs76]

seeing as you ned to do the crach pipe and are thinkin thermostat, you are better off changing everything in one process. I got all the bits and pieces in need such as pipe, thermostat housing, ront rear flange, all new o rigs, etc.. from tooleys for $165. all up about 12 odd pieces in all.
I ordered a water pump on ebay with metal impeller delivered for like $40. If interested, i can give you all the part numbers from tooleys if u want to order?

[mb1907953]

seeing as you ned to do the crach pipe and are thinkin thermostat, you are better off changing everything in one process. I got all the bits and pieces in need such as pipe, thermostat housing, ront rear flange, all new o rigs, etc.. from tooleys for $165. all up about 12 odd pieces in all.
I ordered a water pump on ebay with metal impeller delivered for like $40. If interested, i can give you all the part numbers from tooleys if u want to order?

Cheers man but seb from euro revolution is helping me out. Really appreciate your input though

If it doesnt work out with seb ill definitely give tooleys a call

[Tubbs76]

too easy..hes a good bloke

[AtlasMk2]

seeing as you ned to do the crach pipe and are thinkin thermostat, you are better off changing everything in one process. I got all the bits and pieces in need such as pipe, thermostat housing, ront rear flange, all new o rigs, etc.. from tooleys for $165. all up about 12 odd pieces in all.
I ordered a water pump on ebay with metal impeller delivered for like $40. If interested, i can give you all the part numbers from tooleys if u want to order?

Yes please : )

[Tubbs76]

Yes please : )

Water pipe Vr6 021121050cx $19.00
Hose oil cooler 021121058a $18.00
Radiator Cap 257 121 321c $18.
Housing to thermostat VR6 021121133dx $25.00
O ring thermo housing n10139201 $9.00 x1
Thermostat housing VR6 021121117ax $26.00
O ring thrmo housing n10139201 $4.50
O ring thermo 021121119a $9.00
O ring thermo 035121119 $2.70
Thermostat housing adaptor 021121121ax $17.00
O ring thermo housing n90316802 $7.50 (U need 3 - $7.50 in total

Hope this helps

[werd_103]

Id recommend sticking with the standard thermostat. i went with a cooler one and she uses more fuel because it doesn't get up to temp and pumps more fuel in to compensate.

[AtlasMk2]

Thanks for the info much appreciated

[Umai Naa!!]

Water pipe Vr6 021121050cx $19.00
Hose oil cooler 021121058a $18.00
Radiator Cap 257 121 321c $18.
Housing to thermostat VR6 021121133dx $25.00
O ring thermo housing n10139201 $9.00 x1
Thermostat housing VR6 021121117ax $26.00
O ring thrmo housing n10139201 $4.50
O ring thermo 021121119a $9.00
O ring thermo 035121119 $2.70
Thermostat housing adaptor 021121121ax $17.00
O ring thermo housing n90316802 $7.50 (U need 3 - $7.50 in total

Hope this helps

Do those prices include GST?

[Golf Loon]

I don't see the point of the metal part if it has to connect to the plastic bits anyway.
Also the parts you list there all end in x which mean they are cheap aftermarket parts. I have had several of those that are so badly made that they don't fit together and leak. As a result of this, I always buy those bits genuine as you then only have to do the job once.

[Tubbs76]

I don't see the point of the metal part if it has to connect to the plastic bits anyway.
Also the parts you list there all end in x which mean they are cheap aftermarket parts. I have had several of those that are so badly made that they don't fit together and leak. As a result of this, I always buy those bits genuine as you then only have to do the job once.

Agree, posiibility that this can always happen with aftermarket parts but as always, the chance you take when you pay a 1/3 of the price. I can only comment on my behalf but i must say that i installed all the above about 8 months ago and no probs to date from day dot.

[mb1907953]

Agree, posiibility that this can always happen with aftermarket parts but as always, the chance you take when you pay a 1/3 of the price. I can only comment on my behalf but i must say that i installed all the above about 8 months ago and no probs to date from day dot.

Pretty good prices man and realistically its not a massive job to do. Risky but you got the good prices, I can definitely relate. 8/10 times the parts will be fine but those 2 that it todesnt work out cost you a bit in time and money...

Finished the job today. New waterpump and all the ABS plastic in the coolant systems was replaced. Looks like the thermostate cover is fairly new but eh, kept as a spare. Everything else just fell to bits as I pulled it out so good decision I feel. Went with Meyle parts from seb at euro revolution..

Cheers man,

[Tubbs76]

exaxctly. I know when I did mine, I had the whole thing apart , out / in in about 2hrs and that was taking my time and not taking the front bar off. took me a couple of attempts ot seat the thermostat housing properly but was a piece of piss really. Cant say ive had any issues, no leaks, etc.. Meyle make some good stuff, use to use alot of meyle stuff on my M3.. good to hear all went well