Gavin's cheapy but getting more expensive GTI ;)

[Stuwey]

I'm on H&R springs so around 35mm drop over stock and OEM calipers. The reason I'm looking at the 16s is that I assumed the 17x8s with the minimum width tyre (215mm) would scrub. Do you think I would be safe with the 17x8 with a 215/40 tyre?

I used to run 17x8 ET35 with RE003s in 215/40.. Rubbed a little when (very) low, but otherwise the car was all the better for it.

[h100vw]

A couple of dyno charts for you. This is the Squib after some minor changes before Christmas. I ran it with the 034 style big bore manifold. There's always been talk that they dont flow so well even with the big runners.

Between Christmas and New Year I fitted a self ported stock VW manifold and retuned the ECU to take advantage of the new increased flow.

The lower number being the big bore and the higher the ported stocker.

I did crack 180kw atw on one run. I have measured more power from a Littco 280 in the dead of winter, proving what a great turbo that is. Not having to build the bottom end is a real bonus.

[sambb]

man thats a solid jump Gav. Bet you're glad after the considerable effort to do it, that it worked so well. You just wouldnt think by looking at the two that the ported stocker could be superior to the huge fat runner manifold. Do you think it all comes down to that gas guide in the collector, the ramps that project the gas downwards into the turbo throat. Without that the empty collectors are just a collision zone for the gases I guess.
I've seen you guys mentioned a few times on the Coolrunnings engineering facebook page. Have you considered maybe some aquamist action for the Squib?

[h100vw]

I had an Aquamist kit in my S3 but sold it. It's not really on my radar. A better intercooler would be a more worthwhile project I reckon.

I had already done one to another Polo, so I knew there would be something to be had from the time and effort. Removing that fatty manifold is a **** job.

Tbh I reckon I could take more metal out.

I think the issue is that the runners are so big, the gas speed drops right down. Like have too much intercooler and creating lag.

[h100vw]

Made a bit of a change to the Squib last year, bought a new Brake master cylinder from Germany. I have always thought the brakes to be ok and even with 312mm fronts and vented 256mm rears, they weren't that good.
The new larger bore MC was fitted and the brakes bled.

Outstanding improvement in feel. This complimented by the new discs and forza FP3 pads gave me the brakes that had have finished the package.

[sambb]

consider my finger pulled out. I'll do mine shortly.

[h100vw]

consider my finger pulled out. I'll do mine shortly.

A year is plenty to wait Sam.

[h100vw]

I haven't Mike, Although I have sprung a radiator leak, which will need addressing one day. I have an 8L radiator in the shed but it's about 10mm too wide. FML.

I will run some Water Wetter in it though. I found that works well in the past.

The engine builder told me to trim back the shielding around the oil pump pick up, which about the only undocumented thing I have.

Gavin

So just reading through this and the radiator is still leaking. I'm going to change it at the weekend if all goes well. I'll post some pictures as proof that I'm not making it up. haha

[h100vw]

So Been a long while since I put pen to paper. The Squib rolled past 300k in January last year and I thought it time I did something with the engine. I Got a BAM for $100, the crank was shagged so I binned the block and kept the head.
I bought a set of exhaust valves and a full set of IE springs from Tim at Dubaddiction. these got fitted into the BAM head along with a pair of NA cams from Imlachs before they closed. The head also got new guides and a good check over.
I had an AUM block hanging around the workshop. This got bored out to take some 83mm pistons and 20mm rods. The bottom end got balanced too.
I got it all assembled in the office at the workshop and it sat on a stand for 6 months. Meanwhile the car racked up 309k just before Christmas/ That's when I got around to doing the swap over.

With the help of Jan the old engine got pulled out. The forge sump was swapped over and an ECS cutch that I had sat on a shelf was fitted. The BBT K300 was swapped over and the LSD gearbox. An 034 inlet manifold went on too.

Once in, I pressure tested the cooling system, had a leak in the brand new waterpump. 70$ part ruined a 6k build. Fitted a new one and did a couple of laps. The clutch gave up at 10PSI, wastegate pressure. FFS

So the next day, box off and the other clutch was fitted. Now he's all good. Done about 250km running in now. So time for an oil change.

Next job will be a bigger turbo back and then a retune. not looking to make massive increases but with the worn engine and probably a little to restrictive exhaust. If it were to make 220kw atw that would be a good result I think.

A couple of pictures for interest.