OK so, I realise I haven't updated this thread in a while and there have been some pretty big changes!
So when I last left off we were fitting the cat back exhaust ready for the MOT. Although I would recommend the Gravity Performance exhaust based on the quality of the components individually, placing them together without a ramp was an absolute pain in the a*s. Instead of the straight swap from standard to new, it took a couple hours longer to get everything aligned, but also to sort any blowing that was occurring due to an imperfect exhaust system. Alignment of the tips was also an issue, both in the fact that they both went over to the left side of the vehicle (the hangars dont have stoppers so they free roam) but also that the tips point in toward each other when the clamps are fully tightened. Ive since had this sorted by use of........... DIY solutions lol.
The MOT came and I failed on three things - Rear number plate (knew this), upper rear brake light (didnt know this) and broken rear coil spring. Earlier in the thread I think I mentioned I had a full suspension setup of B4 bilstein shocks and 20mm drop eibach springs to fit, so the garage did this and sorted the other parts. Cue a fully awesome MOT passed car!
The lowered suspension was exactly what I wanted - a lowered car but retaining the ride of the golf, without becoming too crashy or wallowy. granted, i do have to avoid more potholes and steep slopes (My daughters nursery happens to be on the worst gradient ever) but I love the stance.
So it was at this point my cousin texts me mentioning that his partner has a set of alloy wheels for sale. I have a slow puncture and will need a tyre either way, but the temptation to go aftermarket wheels was far too great. I purchased the wheels and got new tyres placed on (Bridgestone Turanza's) and I purchased a set of spacers.
When fitting the wheels, two things were realised. One, we needed spiggot rings as the hub diamater was 57.1mm instead of the 73.1mm accepted by the wheels. Two, the wheel spacers I just spent £160 on with extended bolts would no longer fit - FUUUUUUU!!!
Well, when we fitted the wheels with the spiggot rings, we realised they naturally sit 9mm further out than stock, and therefore I didnt even need the spacers. Win! Im so pleased with the wheels, they set off the FFB (Fun Family Bus) so well.
Since the fitment of the wheels, I had a chap round to do a carbon clean of the engine. Apparently this cleans out deposits in the intake and helps fuel economy and performance. Whilst at it, he did offer to put a stage 1 map on, and for the price I couldn't argue, but it appears it may have done more harm than good.
During shifts above 3.8/4k, being a DSG this was pretty much instant and the power delivery continued through, but there is a 0.5/1 second delay where it hesitates and goes "should I go full throttle? yes I should" then carries on. Bearing in mind my foot is fully down the entire time and the paddle is flicked, this sudden hesitation is unsettling. Thankfully, the chap is coming to revert the map, as I believe it is an issue with the map and not the car.
So we arrive to today, where I have a huge amount of parts to fit to the car which I won't list here to spoil the fun, but here is a quick fit of the carbon fiber rear spoiler to compliment the mirrors and door inserts I have coming
Car without the spoiler for the time being - everything will be fit at the same time :)
