New Bora 4Mo owner (finallllly)

[Manaz]

Congrats, and welcome to the fold. We'll teach you the secret handshake soon...

There are even some for $20K

Crazy. For what it's worth, I paid $17k for my 2003 with 80,000km on the clock just over 18 months ago. Those listed for $20k are put there by dreamers or by people who don't really want to sell their cars...

I've heard people talk of 12v Bora V6 4Motions, but have never seen one myself. Thus, ours are 150kW/270Nm stock (the R32 was 175kw/320Nm stock IIRC).

[revhead1016]

Congrats, and welcome to the fold. We'll teach you the secret handshake soon...



Crazy. For what it's worth, I paid $17k for my 2003 with 80,000km on the clock just over 18 months ago. Those listed for $20k are put there by dreamers or by people who don't really want to sell their cars...

I've heard people talk of 12v Bora V6 4Motions, but have never seen one myself. Thus, ours are 150kW/270Nm stock (the R32 was 175kw/320Nm stock IIRC).

i do think they should worth more just becouse they are a bloody good cars, i pick mine up for 13k with 83k on the clock, and i was over the moon.

the R32 has more power but you can have just as much fun with 150Kw

[Dyldo]

Well, after bang-on 500kms i am still pretty happy. Here are some early reports:-
- I have a feeling the bump stops (rubber?) on the fronts are going/gone. What would be a good cost-effective replacement bearing in mind I want KWs/PSS9s in about 6 months?
- Steering really seems to float a lot. The car as a platform doesn't feel as stable or planted as the Mk5, and there is definitely a lot of wollow in the steering. Maybe I do need one of the ECS refresh kits?
- Gearbox throw is massive definitely needs a short shift kit. Dieselgeek S/S ftw!!
- Body and paint wasn't as nice as i thought. Heaps of past-the-paint nicks and stuff. Probably needs a respray as I don't think any sort of buffing would help.
- Brakes could definitely do with more bite. Its not that the pedal is spongey, I just feel there's not enough grab and would love to know what a larger rotor and new pads would do.
- The exhaust sound and road noise is, if anything, too quiet. I won't be ripping out the sound deadening in a hurry, but would love a new zorst that can unleash more of that great sound (without me having to hit 6K rpm).
- Sound system is stock and is awesome. So much more bass and clarity than the stock units out of the Mk5. Impressed.
- Front seats, as nice and plush as they are (and need a proper leather clean/condition) don't feel as supportive or "hard" as the Mk5's. Worse, they aren't as high backed, which would have been nice. Have been thinking about sourcing some higher backed leather seats from somewhere.
- My fuel economy is way better than expected. After the 500kms and doing 80% highway and 20% city, I have averaged 8.9L/100kms. I can also tell you that I haven't babied her.

[mikinoz]

ˆˆˆˆˆˆˆˆˆˆ
Sounds like a MKIV in every way!

[Manaz]

Well, after bang-on 500kms i am still pretty happy. Here are some early reports:-
- I have a feeling the bump stops (rubber?) on the fronts are going/gone. What would be a good cost-effective replacement bearing in mind I want KWs/PSS9s in about 6 months?

ECS have replacement bump stops:

http://www.ecstuning.com/Volkswagen-Golf_IV--1.8T/Suspension/OEM/ES2973/

or

http://www.ecstuning.com/Volkswagen-Golf_IV--1.8T/Suspension/OEM/ES962/

- Steering really seems to float a lot. The car as a platform doesn't feel as stable or planted as the Mk5, and there is definitely a lot of wollow in the steering. Maybe I do need one of the ECS refresh kits?

Yep, with as many kms on the clock as most Mk4s have now, that's a common issue. The Stage 2 refresh kit is excellent.

- Gearbox throw is massive definitely needs a short shift kit. Dieselgeek S/S ftw!!

Yeah, it's a bit long. My Dieselgeek S/S goes in shortly!

- Body and paint wasn't as nice as i thought. Heaps of past-the-paint nicks and stuff. Probably needs a respray as I don't think any sort of buffing would help.

Another symptom of age/km on the clock unfortunately. You'd be surprised just how much a good detail (stage 1 or 2) can bring a paintjob back to life though...

- Brakes could definitely do with more bite. Its not that the pedal is spongey, I just feel there's not enough grab and would love to know what a larger rotor and new pads would do.

Larger rotors don't generally give more braking power - they give longer braking power as they heat up though (for track driving for instance) because they can absorb more heat). New fluid and good pads would probably do wonders for you - check out what GSL RallySport are doing in the QFM pads for your car...

- The exhaust sound and road noise is, if anything, too quiet. I won't be ripping out the sound deadening in a hurry, but would love a new zorst that can unleash more of that great sound (without me having to hit 6K rpm).

Increased induction noise may also be something to add to the aural experience (and is probably cheaper than an exhaust). The big suitcase rear muffler doesn't exactly give the car a fearsome bark though...

- Sound system is stock and is awesome. So much more bass and clarity than the stock units out of the Mk5. Impressed.

I was surprised how good the stock unit is. the 6-CD in-dash stacker is nice too.

- Front seats, as nice and plush as they are (and need a proper leather clean/condition) don't feel as supportive or "hard" as the Mk5's. Worse, they aren't as high backed, which would have been nice. Have been thinking about sourcing some higher backed leather seats from somewhere.

Yeah, the seats are a little short in the back - not good when you're over 6' tall! The softness will again be due to age, the foam inside them gradually softens/compresses with age/usage. R32 front seats sell occasionally, but they're not cheap ($1800 was the price for the last set I saw).

- My fuel economy is way better than expected. After the 500kms and doing 80% highway and 20% city, I have averaged 8.9L/100kms. I can also tell you that I haven't babied her.

Mine's somewhere between 12L/100km and 15L/100km. I'm seriously considering the economy pack from ECS (new MAF, new sparkplugs, etc). And/or an ECU remap.

[Dyldo]

ECS have replacement bump stops

These don't come in the refresh kits? If not, thats a bit silly. Although they seem cheap enough.

The Stage 2 refresh kit is excellent.

When are you placing your order?

check out what GSL RallySport are doing in the QFM pads for your car...

These look good - especially the whole "virtually dust-free" comment

Increased induction noise may also be something to add to the aural experience (and is probably cheaper than an exhaust).

So you talking BMC CDA or just move my VTDA across?

The big suitcase rear muffler doesn't exactly give the car a fearsome bark though...

I've seen some people just delete it and weld in some piping... I'd want to do it a little bit better if possible, but also happy to delete it if it saves weight and increaes noise.

I was surprised how good the stock unit is. the 6-CD in-dash stacker is nice too.

yeah i have the stacker and the climatronic too. Just such a great stereo for stock. It vibrates the bejesus out of the mirrors, and that always used to be the test back in my high school carpark

Mine's somewhere between 12L/100km and 15L/100km.

Jeeebus!!! dude, is your foot constantly planted to the firewall? 15L average is insane, although if we're talking 100% city peak hour and mini-runs and stuff then i can believe it.

I'm seriously considering the economy pack from ECS (new MAF, new sparkplugs, etc)

I haven't worked out yet if that pack is worth it or not. as it is in a pack surely it would be though.

[goodfella]

Well, after bang-on 500kms i am still pretty happy. Here are some early reports:-
- I have a feeling the bump stops (rubber?) on the fronts are going/gone. What would be a good cost-effective replacement bearing in mind I want KWs/PSS9s in about 6 months?
- Steering really seems to float a lot. The car as a platform doesn't feel as stable or planted as the Mk5, and there is definitely a lot of wollow in the steering. Maybe I do need one of the ECS refresh kits?
- Gearbox throw is massive definitely needs a short shift kit. Dieselgeek S/S ftw!!
- Body and paint wasn't as nice as i thought. Heaps of past-the-paint nicks and stuff. Probably needs a respray as I don't think any sort of buffing would help.
- Brakes could definitely do with more bite. Its not that the pedal is spongey, I just feel there's not enough grab and would love to know what a larger rotor and new pads would do.
- The exhaust sound and road noise is, if anything, too quiet. I won't be ripping out the sound deadening in a hurry, but would love a new zorst that can unleash more of that great sound (without me having to hit 6K rpm).
- Sound system is stock and is awesome. So much more bass and clarity than the stock units out of the Mk5. Impressed.
- Front seats, as nice and plush as they are (and need a proper leather clean/condition) don't feel as supportive or "hard" as the Mk5's. Worse, they aren't as high backed, which would have been nice. Have been thinking about sourcing some higher backed leather seats from somewhere.
- My fuel economy is way better than expected. After the 500kms and doing 80% highway and 20% city, I have averaged 8.9L/100kms. I can also tell you that I haven't babied her.

+1 for Manaz Post..

I have done the Bilstein B8 Shock replacement, and soon to fit Euro Spec R32 springs (thanks Peter). In addition, I have also uprated the F & R sways with Neuspeed units, and Stage 2 Refresh... all of which has firmed up the ride with more direct feel.

Brakes wise, I recently replaced the fronts with DBA 4000 rotors and QFM HPX pads. The braking is still a little progressive, not a hard jarring stop, but following many spirited runs, I find the combination resists fade much better than the OEM. Yesterdays cruise was testament given the ambient temps.

Exhaust definitely can do with some improving! There are some guys getting around with customed Mk4 R32 units. I went round to a place and we quoted up a complete custom unit around 1300 fitted. Makes off the shelf euro kits almost worth it.

Rozelle is almost under a flightpath, so dumped jetfuel would work wonders on the paint, given it was prob a streetparker. I would speak to CCP or Dan before a respray!

WRT Fuel economy, after yesterdays drive from home to Stanwell Park, I then went to Hills District, Manly, Pyrmont then home, easily over 300km mixed "Competitive and Transport stages" and end average of 12.6l/100...

[Manaz]

These don't come in the refresh kits? If not, thats a bit silly. Although they seem cheap enough.

Nope, they're a separate thing - the refresh kits do the components around the struts/springs, but don't touch them.

When are you placing your order?

I've asked ECS for some pricing. As soon as I have that, I'll start locking down the converted pricing, taking money and will place the order.

These look good - especially the whole "virtually dust-free" comment

goodfella has a set of the the HPX pads, I've got A1RMs to go onto my car. The A1RMs are a harder, more track-focused compound, I may yet grab a set of the HPX pads for day-to-day use.

So you talking BMC CDA or just move my VTDA across?

If you have one that's compatible, I'd be using that. I'm going a slightly different route...

I've seen some people just delete it and weld in some piping... I'd want to do it a little bit better if possible, but also happy to delete it if it saves weight and increaes noise.

Yeah, I'd rather avoid that too. Seriously considering a full cat-back system designed specifically for the Bora, the alternative is a butchered R32 setup.

yeah i have the stacker and the climatronic too. Just such a great stereo for stock. It vibrates the bejesus out of the mirrors, and that always used to be the test back in my high school carpark

I never drive it that hard.

Jeeebus!!! dude, is your foot constantly planted to the firewall? 15L average is insane, although if we're talking 100% city peak hour and mini-runs and stuff then i can believe it.

I drive ~5km twice a day through stop/start traffic, with some hills. And yeah, my foot's not light.

I haven't worked out yet if that pack is worth it or not. as it is in a pack surely it would be though.

Given the local cost for a MAF or coilpacks, I reckon it's a steal.

[Dyldo]

[QUOTE=goodfella;442477]

I have done the Bilstein B8 Shock replacement, and soon to fit Euro Spec R32 springs

This seems to always be the case, you either go springs and shocks combo or go the other way with coilovers. I am hoping to land some coilovers in the next 6 months.

In addition, I have also uprated the F & R sways with Neuspeed units

A lot of people have told me that as i am going coilovers I should hold off on buying any sway bar or strut braces because of the amount of combos i can dial in with the adjustables. true?

Exhaust definitely can do with some improving! There are some guys getting around with customed Mk4 R32 units. I went round to a place and we quoted up a complete custom unit around 1300 fitted. Makes off the shelf euro kits almost worth it.

Was this $1300 quote for a R32 exhaust or for a full custom cat-back system?

Rozelle is almost under a flightpath, so dumped jetfuel would work wonders on the paint, given it was prob a streetparker.

Actually, i have HEAPS of these ugly white dots that look like white lumpy paint overspray, but are actually pitted into the paint. Reckon this is dumped fuel?

[Manaz]

This seems to always be the case, you either go springs and shocks combo or go the other way with coilovers. I am hoping to land some coilovers in the next 6 months.

Yep, it's a compromise. Shocks and springs are cheaper and generally have a more compliant ride, but you generally lose adjustability (certainly of height, some shocks can have bump/rebound control). And while you get better control (generally) with coilovers, they (again, generally) don't ride as nicely on public roads, and they're (generally, *again), more expensive. For a given price up to say, $2k, a shock/spring combo would almost certainly be better in terms of quality than a coilover setup.

A lot of people have told me that as i am going coilovers I should hold off on buying any sway bar or strut braces because of the amount of combos i can dial in with the adjustables. true?

I disagree with this statement. Coilovers can be higher or lower, and they can be harder or softer, but that's always as an individual assembly, not across the car. Certainly with strut braces it's not the case, as you use them to keep the chassis stiffer and let the suspension do its work without changes in alignment.

Was this $1300 quote for a R32 exhaust or for a full custom cat-back system?

Full cat-back exhaust (I've discussed this with goodfella in the past).

Actually, i have HEAPS of these ugly white dots that look like white lumpy paint overspray, but are actually pitted into the paint. Reckon this is dumped fuel?

That sounds like oxidation in the clearcoat. A stage 2 or stage 3 detail may remove a lot of them - you need to get to them before they go right down to the coloured paint though - definitely get the car looked at by a good detailer (there are a few around here).

[goodfella]

This seems to always be the case, you either go springs and shocks combo or go the other way with coilovers. I am hoping to land some coilovers in the next 6 months.

This also depends on your intentions to track or not. I dont plan to, so the spring/shock combo is sufficient for me.

A lot of people have told me that as i am going coilovers I should hold off on buying any sway bar or strut braces because of the amount of combos i can dial in with the adjustables. true?

Cant comment, but they sure make a difference in cornering...

Was this $1300 quote for a R32 exhaust or for a full custom cat-back system?

It was a very rough quote for a resonator-back. The standard pipe is 69mm IIRC before reducing to 61 at the "pancake" section under the rear diff assembly, which should be ok, or so I was told. Drone is a huge hate of mine, so we were looking at the best trade off for increase flow/rumble without excess internal drone.

Actually, i have HEAPS of these ugly white dots that look like white lumpy paint overspray, but are actually pitted into the paint. Reckon this is dumped fuel?

Quiet possible... take some photos and start a new thread in the detailing section. Theres more experienced paint/polishing guys out there than my limited knowledge.