Better Tyres and Suspenion for MkV R32

[Lance B]

I just read the donwloadable pdf file from here and it states that without the controller, the gen 4 is stuck in "Race" mode!

Yeah, you're right! I didn't see that. I can't remember whether I thought I had read or someone told me that the default was "stock". I guess it would be pointless having it default to stock as that is what the car came with!

[G-rig]

Just want o clear something up, if the R36 comes with Gen2 can't you
just add a switch to enable race mode, or is the Gen2 racemode
different to Gen4 racemode?

Also does that mean you can update the R32 to Gen4?

Paul, sports mode on the Gen2 makes a good difference on the r32, not
sure if you need race unless you will be going to the track a lot, as
the wy it was explained to me is that it uses more fuel and rougher
ride. Would be fun though with more power to the rears as long as the
drive train doesn't get warn prematurely.

Perhaps Guy could chime in!

[Lance B]

Just want o clear something up, if the R36 comes with Gen2 can't you
just add a switch to enable race mode, or is the Gen2 racemode
different to Gen4 racemode?

As far as I know, the standard R36 doesn't come with Gen 2 Haldex but a standard Haldex that is tuned to "Sport" mode like the Gen 2 would be but doesn't have a switchable input like the Gen 2.

Also does that mean you can update the R32 to Gen4?

No, the Gen 2 is completely different to the Gen 4 as I tried to put the Gen 2 in my R36 and it would not fit. There would be no reason to update the Gen 2 to the Gen 4, other than if you really wanted to use the remote rather than the wiring loom and switch, but it can't be done, so it is a moot point.

Paul, sports mode on the Gen2 makes a good difference on the r32, not
sure if you need race unless you will be going to the track a lot, as
the wy it was explained to me is that it uses more fuel and rougher
ride. Would be fun though with more power to the rears as long as the
drive train doesn't get warn prematurely.

Perhaps Guy could chime in!

I am running "Race" mode most of the time and it is not rougher, in fact, it is quite smooth. Having said that, the Gen 4 set to "Race" may not make the car run as rough as the Gen 2 set to "Race". Even around town, you can feel the extra kick in the back due to the more rear bias of the Race mode, so it is quite good in that regard.

As for more fuel useage, I do not know. I have been using more fuel lately, but that is more because of the fact I am running the aircon almost all the time lately as it has been quite hot and I have also been giving the car a bit more curry lately due to the extra sportiness of the Haldex.

[G-rig]

I am running "Race" mode most of the time and it is not rougher, in fact, it is quite smooth. Having said that, the Gen 4 set to "Race" may not make the car run as rough as the Gen 2 set to "Race". Even around town, you can feel the extra kick in the back due to the more rear bias of the Race mode, so it is quite good in that regard.

Thanks for the info and clearing that up. My comments were only directed at the Gen 2 Race mode (ie fuel and being quite agressive) just to point that out so people don't assume the Gen4 racemode is the same (not sure).

Anyway it's a great mod & glad you like it.

[thezoneR32]

hmmm.... now I'm confused. Do i get the controller or dont I. Can anyone chime in who actually has the gen 2 with controller on a r32?

Coming from a torsen awd, I prefer that feeling of having more power to the rear, cant understand why it would feel rougher. I would have thought more smooth as less torque is being shoved into just two wheels which need to try and negotiate it to the floor over bumps etc. I suppose it would probably use more fuel as the more links you introduce in the drivetrain the more loss of torque. But the wrx isnt exactly a gas guzzler, not sure. Perhaps different car, wrong example. Just trying to get my head around it.

[Lance B]

hmmm.... now I'm confused. Do i get the controller or dont I. Can anyone chime in who actually has the gen 2 with controller on a r32?

Coming from a torsen awd, I prefer that feeling of having more power to the rear, cant understand why it would feel rougher. I would have thought more smooth as less torque is being shoved into just two wheels which need to try and negotiate it to the floor over bumps etc. I suppose it would probably use more fuel as the more links you introduce in the drivetrain the more loss of torque. But the wrx isnt exactly a gas guzzler, not sure. Perhaps different car, wrong example. Just trying to get my head around it.

I would be surprised if the Gen 2 is rough when set to "Race" mode, mine definitely isn't and I think it is actually a tad smoother. The thing is, you can always switch it back to "Sport" mode for most driving and only use "Race" when you want to. The only thing is that it will cost you about$500 to find out unless someone can assure you otherwise.

If you like to have that slight rear drive bias, then "Race" mode is the way to go.

[chaddy]

hmmm.... now I'm confused. Do i get the controller or dont I. Can anyone chime in who actually has the gen 2 with controller on a r32?

Coming from a torsen awd, I prefer that feeling of having more power to the rear, cant understand why it would feel rougher. I would have thought more smooth as less torque is being shoved into just two wheels which need to try and negotiate it to the floor over bumps etc. I suppose it would probably use more fuel as the more links you introduce in the drivetrain the more loss of torque. But the wrx isnt exactly a gas guzzler, not sure. Perhaps different car, wrong example. Just trying to get my head around it.

It all depends whether you think you will get value out of having the switch. I have mine in Sport mode most of the time but really enjoy throwing it into Race when giving it a bit of stick. I find race mode throws the torque rearwards a lot quicker which some people could call a rougher feel, also as the Race mode doesn't disengage under braking there is a very different feel to it.
As for fuel, I wouldn't know as I don't monitor fuel consumption that closely. Why worry about it if you own a performance car?
All I can say is the upgrade to Sport mode is a worthwhile mod, whether to install the switch depends on how often you will use Race mode. If you are thinking of tracking it, go for it

[G-rig]

As for fuel, I wouldn't know as I don't monitor fuel consumption that closely. Why worry about it if you own a performance car?

I was just considering that becuase it already uses heaps compared to normal 2L turbos (and not mega powerful), but don't really care.

[thezoneR32]

It all depends whether you think you will get value out of having the switch. I have mine in Sport mode most of the time but really enjoy throwing it into Race when giving it a bit of stick. I find race mode throws the torque rearwards a lot quicker which some people could call a rougher feel, also as the Race mode doesn't disengage under braking there is a very different feel to it.

Interesting you say that race mode doesn't disengage under braking. This would definatley feel more like a torsen then. I think thats the thing I didnt like most about the stock haldex, declerating into a tight turn, when you are using the engine speed to slow the car down all four wheels aren't doing the job. Can you explain a bit more chaddy? Is it only when you brake?

As for fuel, I wouldn't know as I don't monitor fuel consumption that closely. Why worry about it if you own a performance car?

I second that. If i cared about fuel consumption I would have bought a ralliart colt! Which flys but also runs on the smell of an oily rag!

Cheers

[chaddy]

http://www.golfmkv.com/forums/showthread.php?t=58161&highlight=haldex

See the above thread for lots of info on the Haldex system.

[thezoneR32]

http://www.golfmkv.com/forums/showth...ghlight=haldex

See the above thread for lots of info on the Haldex system.

That link is awsome! Thanks!

Interesting to hear that the Haldex LSC can transfer torque rearward even when the car is decellerating!!

Knowing what an intricate piece of engineering the Haldex is makes me think that having different tyres front and back could have a big impact on the cars handling. Before I make any suspenion mods I think a new set of tryes is in order. I'm thinking Bridgestone RE050a's.

[thezoneR32]

On Friday I got the Haldex gen II remote switch installed. Wasn't cheap but wow what a difference. Switching from sport to race is like going from stock to sport. The change is fairly significant. The car feels more like a Torsen now when accelerating and decelerating. It is very close to passing the lib in handling now I think purely because of its physical size. In race mode you can really feel the back end tuck in behind you, especially through tight bends, even more so if they are incline or decline, the steeper the better. SO much more control. I also found that it handled much better and provided much more feedback with the ESP OFF. The ultimate test was to punch it mid way through a u-turn, no understeer at all! Fantastic!

Tyres are on order from the tyre rack now. I went for Bridgestone RE050a's. Now I'm just tossing up between HPA KW SHS and either Sachs or Pss10 coilovers.......hmmmmmmmm. Also RNS-510 is in transit from the UK.

Soon will be the perfect ride!

[gregozedobe]

Soon will be the perfect ride!

LOL - once the modding bug bites hard how many modders are able to stop when they say they will ? But as long as you are enjoying yourself and not creating a dangerous vehicle I say go right ahead

[G-rig]

LOL - once the modding bug bites hard how many modders are able to stop when they say they will ? But as long as you are enjoying yourself and not creating a dangerous vehicle I say go right ahead

Yeat that mod bug bites fairly hard . I can't really talk but didn't do everything at once.

Don't see how the mods make it more dangerous -not really that fast but its likely that you push it harder on the corners.

[thezoneR32]

New Tyres Have Arrived

Just got my tyres from the tirerack.com. Incredible. I ordered them on 22/12 and they came today! Thats one week from the US. No customs, no duty just delivered to my door by fed ex. And at 60% of the cost I could get them from here including freight! I went for Bridgestone RE050a's 2254018 RY.

Cant wait to put em on!