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Hello all,
After a few frustrating months of looking to purchase I finally picked up my R32 this Friday night just gone and thought I'd share some of my initial thoughts, first impressions and feedback (probably boring, but oh well I finally have something to relate about as there weren't many other mk2 16v's around).
Euro Number plates are on their way
Details of the car:
Modifications/Additions (as I picked it up):
Initial thoughts on performance:
Additional comments:
Future plans/wants not needs
:
Anyway thats all I can think of for now, except I hope I can hold onto my licence for a little while longer
Hope my spiel hasn't bored anyone reading.
Would be interested to hear any feedback on the tiny ESP and 2nd gear performance gripes I have mentioned.
Cheers!
After a few frustrating months of looking to purchase I finally picked up my R32 this Friday night just gone and thought I'd share some of my initial thoughts, first impressions and feedback (probably boring, but oh well I finally have something to relate about as there weren't many other mk2 16v's around).
Euro Number plates are on their way
Details of the car:
- 064/200
- Reflex Silver
- FVWSH (yay)
- 71,800kms (when picked up by me) (75K service due soon)
- Single owner (therefore I am the second owner)
- Car is fairly well immaculate (has the best leather/bolsters I have seen in a Mk4 R32 so far)
Modifications/Additions (as I picked it up):
- Bilstein shocks, H&R springs (Sounds like it could be the Euro set up but yet to confirm, it's quite stiff!)
- Was told when picking it up it has had the resonator removed and possibly the kink over the axle gone for straight through exhaust (haven't looked under yet). Still has the flapper system seemingly working well and I do enjoy this feature, opening it up at 3.5-5k RPM depending on which gear you're in, it gets quite loud when it is open so I am glad I have the ability for it to be closed.
- VW front light protectors (have since removed)
- Dorky chunky anodised blue tyre valve caps (swaped for some small neat silver ones)
- Standard radio/cd player!! Thank god! I actually really like it and love the matching red/blue display.
Initial thoughts on performance:
- Straight line, flat out it isn't much quicker than my old 16v(std engine) or my mates VR6(std engine). BUT has LOADS more torque and I suspect over 100km/hr the R32 would be a LOT quicker than both of the cars just mentioned. Also I think the 4motion has a lot to do with the small initial speed advantage it does have over the 16v/VR6.
- Gearbox ratios are very close!
- The H&R springs and Bilstein set up are very stiff, handles very well (I think I'll use up front tyres quickly). Obviously it pushes at the front end when on the gas but it is vey progressive which is nice.
- Doesn't like to be dumped into 2nd gear (when done aggressively it seems to momentarily cut power/lurches??)
- ESP seems to be fairly intrusive (does everyone get this?). I threw it through a big off cambered 2 lane round about, got the rear end sliding a fraction but I guess the ESP cut in as the power seemed to go and it was pulled back into line. (haven't tried turning off the ESP yet)
Additional comments:
- Even though it's not "super" quick, I'm wrapped! I love it!
- Quality is fantastic! As stiff as it is, no squeaks or rattles.
- Torque GALORE! This makes for a very quick point to point car! In this respect is loads quicker than the other cars I have mentioned.
- Exhaust! The way it is it really barks! (Little too raspy for my liking but still amazing)
- Never had so many people look at a car I've been driving (I think the/my mk2 is still better looking). Combination of tough and classy looks and that sound just turns heads, even at low speed.
- I DO love the way it looks despite me thinking the(my) mk2 is better looking, and no real body modifications are in the pipe works for me apart from the one mentioned below in the future plans section.
- I am going to be using a lot of fuel!!!! At this stage it's not possible for me to drive it economically
- I am definately going to be using it a lot, and using it as it should be used. I am not one to boast about how few kms my car has done, I'd much rather use and enjoy it.
Future plans/wants not needs
:- Needs an pod filter/cold air intake ASAP. I actually prefer the intake sound of an R32/VR6 to the exhaust.
- Headlining/pillar trims/sunvisors/rear view mirror...this is an odd one I am sure you're all thinking. I want the ones out of a GTi Anniversary as they're the only mk4 that came with black! All other mk4s are grey as per all Aussie cars.
- Would like some strut braces and upgraded ARBs (not that I think it needs them but was just the most worthwhile modification I did to my 16v so makes sense)
- Could probably use a Haldex controller, but still getting used to it, so can wait.
- LSD Differential upgrade, not in the budget yet but IMO would be a very worthwhile mod in terms of both traction and handling.
- I have always wanted a White mk4 R32 so there has and always will be the idea of changing the colour of the car completely to a more individual White. Have seen pictures of them done elsewhere as well as photoshops and they look stunning IMO. BUT the silver is growing on me and this plan may be on the back burner or may never happen. But just to give an idea.... could look like this (less like the second pic as it would be more standard)
- Might tint the windows, bit undecided.
- Might upgrade the rear wiper to aero spec.
- Would like a short shifter.
- R36 motor (this is a big want) would be ideal with some nice extractors. Would choose to go this route before fitting a turbo at this stage for drivability reasons, and if a turbo was the plan in future 'bigger is better' with the base engine. (still just a dream)
Anyway thats all I can think of for now, except I hope I can hold onto my licence for a little while longer
Hope my spiel hasn't bored anyone reading.
Would be interested to hear any feedback on the tiny ESP and 2nd gear performance gripes I have mentioned.
Cheers!
loving it as is and can't wait to make it better!
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